Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter

After Brady Collins’ ex-wife dies, he receives devastating news—his nine-month-old son Sam isn’t his son at all. And Sam’s wealthy maternal grandparents want custody of the child. Brady knows he’s in for the fight of his life. But regardless of what any blood test says, Sam is his son, and Brady will go to any lengths to keep him.

Brady’s attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiance.

Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and after a happy accident she’s finally offered her dream job. But if the truth comes out about her arrangement with Brady, she may miss the chance of a lifetime and stand in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.

As Brady and Hope make sacrifices to help each other in their times of need, they risk uncovering a truth neither of them expects to find.

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (Harper Collins), 2018

Genre: contemporary romance

My Review

Once again, Ms. Hunter has written a deep, satisfying romance that pierces the heart. The gripping cover is just a glimpse of what’s inside. Brady and Hope are two loveable characters with complex thoughts and raw emotions. Though they’re thrust into a romance they didn’t expect, their journey is sweet and organic and sticks with you long after the last page. Honeysuckle Dreams is a standalone novel, however, readers of Blue Ridge Sunrise will get a glimpse of past characters. I look forward to what Ms.  Hunter will bring readers next. 

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys marriage-of-convenience romances with a twist. I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars!

Heart on the Line by Karen Witemeyer

When danger arrives, it's more than just her heart on the line.

Grace Mallory is tired of running, of hiding. But when an old friend sends an after-hours telegraph transmission warning Grace that the man who has hunted her for nearly a year has discovered her location, she fears she has no choice. She can't let the villain she believes responsible for her father's death release his wrath in Harper's Station, the town that has sheltered her and blessed her with the dearest friends she's ever known. 

Amos Bledsoe prefers bicycles to horses and private conversations over the telegraph wire to social gatherings with young ladies who see him as nothing more than an oddity. His telegraph companion, the mysterious Miss G, listens eagerly to his ramblings every night and delights him with tales all her own. For months, their friendship--dare he believe, courtship?--has fed his hope that he has finally found the woman God intended for him. Yet when he takes the next step to meet her in person, he discovers her life is in peril, and Amos must decide if he can shed the cocoon of his quiet nature to become the hero Grace requires.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Series: Ladies of Harper Station, book #2

My Review

Solid writing from Karen Witemeyer. Heart on the Line is book two of her Ladies of Harper Station series. Grace Mallory is gentle yet tough, and her affinity for the telegraph leads her to Amos Bledsoe, a telegrapher in another town. Through secret messages, elusive code names, and a little flirting over the line, the two end up working together to save Grace from a dangerous man. The characters in this book are realistic and likable, and the town of Harper Station is intriguing. Full of heart and fun, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys clean, entertaining historical plots and/or westerns. I give this book 4.5 stars!

Book Bees

I'm looking for influencers for my upcoming release How To Charm A Beekeeper's Heart, a contemporary romance from Pelican Book Group. If you're interested in a FREE digital copy of the novel, apply here. Details are in the application form. Space is limited.
https://goo.gl/forms/LKitarUuY4QrVZqU2


*Must apply by September 1, 2016

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships.

When Lyndie James, Jake’s childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion’s reluctance to run.

Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake’s will, Lyndie’s sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he’s built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he’d thought he’d lost returns, but fears and regrets still plague him. Will Jake ever be able to love Lyndie like she deserves, or is his heart too shattered to mend?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Jennifer Parker
Cover Photography: Mike Habermann Photography, LLC


My Review
An inspiring journey of beauty from ashes. These characters had my heart from the first chapter and proved how God can take our fragile lives and repair us to reflect His glory. 

Jake Porter is one beautiful disaster. For eight years he's suffered from PTSD, after an IED explosion took the lives of three of his men in Iraq. His thoroughbred racehorses and Whispering Creek Ranch are the only things motivating his dark days and even darker nights. Then Lyndie, his childhood best friend, returns to Holley, Texas, and forces Jake to see the world under a new light. As they pass their days working together to solve the mystery of Silver Leaf's apprehension to race, Jake catches a glimpse of all the things he's missing out on, the life he could lead--if he deserved it.  Though Lyndie's specialty is nursing wounded things back to health, Jake's wounds are seemingly irreparable. But God....

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fresh author who's gifted with insight into the human heart. A Love Like Ours will appeal to horse lovers, as well as readers who're searching for a strong, yet clean, romance. 

I gave this book 5 stars!

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Becky's a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She's the Carol Award and Inspirational Reader's Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, Undeniably Yours, Meant to Be Mine, and A Love Like Ours. Visit Becky at www.beckywade.com.

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

Abigail Stuart thought she was Jeremiah Calhoun’s widow. 

But Jeremiah Calhoun is very handsome, very alive, and very perplexed. 

Most inconvenient indeed.

With few options of her own, nurse Abigail Stuart agrees to marry her patient, a gravely wounded soldier calling himself Jeremiah Calhoun. They arrange a quick ceremony before he dies, giving Abigail the rights to his Ozark farm and giving Jeremiah the peace of knowing someone will care for his ailing sister after he’s gone—a practical solution for both of them.

After the war, Abigail fulfills her side of the bargain—until the real Jeremiah Calhoun shows up, injured but definitely alive, and wastes no time in challenging Abigail’s story. Abigail is flummoxed. After months of claiming to be his widow, how can she explain that she’s never seen this Jeremiah Calhoun before? How can she convince him that she isn’t trying to steal his farm? And will she find a way to stay, even though this practical arrangement has turned into a most inconvenient marriage?

Author: Regina Jennings

Publisher: Bethany House, 2014

Cover by John Hamilton Design

My Review

I’m a sucker for marriage of convenience stories—or inconvenience in this case. I love how this author put a fresh spin on an old concept. As with all of Regina’s stories, I was hooked from the first page. “First, you’re going to write a good-bye letter to my sweetheart, and then you’re going to marry me.” 

Abigail thought she was marrying Jeremiah Calhoun, until months later, after moving in with his ma and sister and claiming her land, the real Jeremiah shows up, exhausted from fighting a war, weakened from an injury that didn't heal properly, and determined to marry Laurel, his only love, and the woman whose memory coaxed him to survive. But returning to home to find himself already married ruins Jeremiah’s plans, and the fact that he’s not dead ruins all of Abigail’s. An inconvenience on both sides.

This story is well-paced, full of emotion and humor, and a swoon-worthy romance. Regina has easily made her way to my list of favorite historical romance authors. I give this books 5 stars!

*A free copy of this book was given to me in exchange for my honest review. 

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Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English. She is the author of Sixty Acres and a Bride, Love in the Balance, Caught in the Middle, and she contributed a novella to A Match Made in Texas. She and her family make their home in Oklahoma City. Regina can be found online at www.reginajennings.com.

New Book Announcement!

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freedigitalphotos.net

I'm excited to announce my next Christmas novella Silver White Winters will release with White Rose Publishing later this year as part of Pelican Book Group's Christmas Extravaganza!








Here's a sneak peak into the story.

She thought she had it all. Until she discovered the treasures in the snow. 

          Country music singer/songwriter Raelynn Rivers is a has-been. According to the latest gossip magazines, that is. Her last number-one hit was six years ago, and her songwriting ability has vanished. Her foundering career is all she has left, and she’s determined to once again hold the title of “Country Music Queen.” But Raelynn’s dreams are derailed when a coal mine collapses in her home town of Eve Hollow, West Virginia, trapping her daddy and brother inside.

Image courtest of
digidreamgrafix/
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            The man in charge of the mine rescue is Lane Ryan, her childhood best friend and the former fiancé she abandoned twelve years ago for her career. In the snow-covered mountains of Appalachia, Raelynn reconnects with family and rediscovers her musical abilities—and her faith. And no one has inspired her more than Lane. She’s finally ready for a relationship, but the secret Lane carries around is as big as Coal Mountain.

            Will Raelynn sacrifice her title, or say goodbye to Lane forever? 



*I hope you'll join Raelynn and Lane this holiday season in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. 
More details to come. 

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

After his departure from New York two years ago to meet up with his almost-fiancee, Zayne Beckett is the last person Agatha Watson wanted to stumble upon in her travels as a reporter with the New York Tribune. Quite pathetically bedraggled, he clearly needs to be taken in hand and sent back East to his family. Although she no longer has feelings for him, Agatha realizes--by hook or by crook--she'll have to be the one to get the obstinate man home.

Zayne has no desire to be taken anywhere and is prepared to drag his heels all the way home . . . until he finds himself slipping back into the familiar banter of his former friendship with Agatha. Once they arrive in New York, Zayne realizes Agatha's determined nose for news has earned her a few enemies, and he hopes to repay her help with some help of his own. When she rebuffs all his attempts to prove himself a knight in shining armor, the lengths to which they'll go to win this battle of wills lead to some memorable antics.

Everyone else may think them a match, but nothing could be further from the truth--until Agatha finds herself in real trouble. Have these two stubborn, too-smart-for-their-own-good people been meant for each other all along?


Publisher: Bethany House, 2014


My Review
This book was 345 pages of pure fun! In fact, if you're not hooked by the conclusion of the first chapter, you don't have a pulse. Agatha, a strong heroine with a beautiful heart and a destiny for trouble (Anne Shirley on steroids), gets tangled in a wild west adventure with childhood friend, Zayne Beckett--turned reclusive mountain man, a surly bodyguard protecting Agatha from a hitman, a sassy, match-making chaperone, and a pig named Matilda. When disaster strikes--and it usually does when Agatha is involved--the group travels home to New York where more mayhem, and romance, awaits.

I chose this book after reading Gentleman of Her Dreams, a delightful and free ebook introducing this series. The great cover caught my attention but most of all the title. It promised conflict and humor, and, boy, did it deliver!

I gave this book 5 stars!

Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

Blake Hunziker has played nomad for five years and landed in his fair share of trouble too. But now he's finally returning to his hometown--the Lake Michigan tourist town of Whisper Shore. Counting on a not-so-warm welcome, he's surprised at not only a positive reception but also a job offer. Determined to settle down and prove himself responsible, he agrees to the catch that comes with the job offer--coordinating the annual Christmas festival--even though he has no idea how he'll pull it off. 

Autumn Kingsley, inn owner and experienced organizer of the Christmas festival, has always dreamed of traveling the world. Now she has a job opportunity in Paris and a surprise potential investor coming to town who just might take on her family's inn and finally leave her free to go. The only problem is that she has just two weeks to whip the inn into shape.

Their families have a long history of not getting along, but when Blake comes to Autumn for help with the festival, she actually agrees...in exchange for his help with the repairs to her inn. They may have struck a simple deal, but complications are quick to pile on when the guy who's had enough of running away and the woman who can't wait to leave join forces.


Author: Melissa Tagg
Publisher: Bethany House, 2014
Cover Design: Jennifer Parker


My Review
Have you ever sat in a movie theater after watching a great love story and stared at the credits as they rolled up the big screen, sighing, unable to move because even though the ending was satisfying, you didn't want the story to end--it was just that good? That's what this book was for me. 

Here to Stay is Blake Hunziker's story, a hilarious character from Melissa's debut novel Made to Last. He returns home to Whisper Shore for a fresh start but can't shake the guilt of his brother's death from five years earlier. The townsfolk can't forget his recent marriage ruse to a big-name celebrity. And Autumn Kingsley has never forgotten Blake. 

Witty dialogue, haphazard events, and the charming setting on Michigan's shoreline propel the story. The romance has a pure, classic movie-feel that will have you smiling as you close the back cover. 

I look forward to reading more from Melissa. I gave this book 5 stars!

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Melissa Tagg, author of Made to Last and Here to Stay, is a former reporter and total Iowa girl. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, she is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next book. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers at www.melissatagg.com.

Unforgettable Heroes with Becky Wade

Today, I'm talking cowboys and unforgettable heroes with author Becky Wade.
                               _______

Becky, the all-American cowboy--rancher, horse trainer, bull rider--has been drawing romance readers for years and continues to do so. What do you think it is about men like Bo Porter (Undeniably Yours) and Ty Porter (Meant to Be Mine) that readers can't get enough of? 

I think readers can't get enough of the cowboy's masculinity.  These guys are MEN.  They're independent, strong, capable, brave.  The cowboy makes a great hero type for a romance novel, in particular, because the idea of a rugged man developing a soft spot as big as Texas for one particular woman makes all of us sigh.


Agreed. Cowboy romances are my favorite. 
What captivated me most about Meant to Be Mine--and everyone else according to the reviews--is how charming and lovable Ty was even though his actions were irredeemable. How did you create this balance to make him an unforgettable hero?

Excellent question.  I'll confess that finding the right balance between Ty's flaws and virtues was tricky.  I knew before I even started writing Meant to Be Mine that I wanted forgiveness to be the novel's theme.  Thus, right at the beginning of the story, I had Ty make a big mistake. 

When I first turned in the manuscript to my agent and editors, they all let me know that I hadn't made Ty's mistake grave enough in that initial version of the book.  He'd seemed too kind and reasonable to them.  Thus, Celia had become unlikable because my editors couldn't relate to her inability to forgive him. 

So... I actually made Ty even MORE irredeemable at the beginning. 

I truly did worry that some readers might read the first two chapters, hate my hero, and throw the book against the wall.  (There may well be some readers who are doing exactly that as I type.) 

But again, this is a story about forgiveness.  If Ty's actions had been easy to forgive my conflict would have been weak and God's message of grace would have been lessened.  In the final version of the book, Ty's actions give Celia valid reasons not to forgive him and they give God room to work in a mighty way. 
How did I make Ty charming and lovable despite his flaws?  
1) He was sorry for what he'd done.  As the book unfolds, we (and Celia) gradually learn just how sorry.  Most of us are tender-hearted enough to feel compassion toward someone who's hounded by regret.  
2) I gave him several wonderful qualities.  He's funny, he loves his child, he's over-the-top generous.  
3) Just like all my heroes, he really, truly deeply loves his heroine.  
4) I gave him a genuine desire to be a better man. 


Thanks for talking with me today, Becky!



Becky is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas. For more information on Becky and her books, please visit her website at www.beckywade.com

________________________________

If you're not familiar with Meant to Be Mine, see my book review by clicking here!

Meant to Be Mine can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local Christian bookstore. 

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake up to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?



Author Becky Wade, Bethany House Publishers, 2014


My Review
First of all, you can judge this book by its great cover. Kudos to cover designer Jennifer Parker and photographer Mike Habermann. Secondly, I can't say enough about this book. The story begins right in the middle of the action at a Las Vegas casino where Ty convinces Celia to get married. The next chapter rips your heart out when Ty changes his mind and they go their separate ways. Then the plot twists even further when Ty returns five years later to apologize to Celia and discovers a daughter he never knew he had. I don't want to reveal too much, but the rest of the story is their journey of working together for the good of their daughter.

What amazed me most about this story is how Becky took a guy with irredeemable actions and made him so irresistible (Celia's not the only one who feels that way) that I melted into a puddle of goo every time Ty graced the page. I loved Celia's strong character. She's a lover, but she's a fighter too. Especially when it comes to her daughter. Ty and Celia's banter and bickering had me laughing out loud. And I love the quirky secondary characters that Becky always puts into her stories.

If this book isn't on your "to read" list, PUT IT THERE! You won't be disappointed. I read and review several books a year, and I've been an avid reader of romance for years now. I can safely say that Meant to Be Mine is my favorite Christian romance novel EVER. I read this book over a week ago, and it's still with me. Meant to Be Mine will hold a permanent spot on my bookshelf so I can read it over and over again.

If you're a writer, you need to read this book to see how beautifully Becky transitioned these characters from beginning to end.

Becky is currently working on Jake Porter's story (the wounded war veteran). I can't wait to see what she brings her readers next.

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Meant to Be Mine can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and your local Christian bookstore.

For more Porter family fun, don't miss the first book in the Porter family series Undeniably Yours.

Becky is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas. For more information on Becky and her books, please visit her website at www.beckywade.com