Never Leave Me by Jody Hedlund

In the last stages of a genetic disease, Ellen Creighton has decided to live out her remaining days at the estate of her longtime friend Harrison Burlington. Harrison cares deeply for Ellen, but as a wheelchair-bound paraplegic, he's never allowed himself to get serious in a relationship. However, he's desperately trying to save her by finding the holy water that is believed to heal any disease.

When he locates two flasks, Ellen refuses to drink one of them because she believes the holy water killed her sister and father. In an effort to convince her to take it, Harrison ingests the contents first, and when Ellen witnesses the effects, she can no longer deny the power of the substance in the bottles. Dangerous criminals are also seeking the holy water, and Ellen soon learns they will go to any lengths to get the powerful drug--including sending her back into the past to find it for them.

Bestselling and award-winning author Jody Hedlund plunges you into the swiftly flowing river of history in a race against the clock in this breathtaking, emotional second Waters of Time story.

Publisher: Revell, 2022

Series: Water of Time, book 2

Genre: Time travel, romance

Setting: England

My Review

I started my 2021 reading challenge with a Jody Hedlund title, and I ended it with a Jody Hedlund title. Time-travel is not a genre I typically read but the premise of Come Back to Me sounded so fascinating I had to give it a try. I loved it. Never Leave Me instantly went to the top of my 2022 reading list. Thanks to Revell, I received my copy right before Christmas. It was great to revisit Chesterfield Park and all the characters. I was instantly drawn into the story by Ellen’s compromised health issues and Harrison’s tender care and love for her. There were parts regarding the romance in the first quarter of the book that made me question where the story was going but transitioned nicely into the rest of the story. If you’re looking for book that’s entertaining, will sweep you into another world, and be a great escape this series is one to read. I’m hoping the author is planning a third book for this series but Never Leave Me ended with everything tied up nicely so if not, the series feels complete and satisfying. Though each book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading them in order to better understand the complex plot and fine details.
 

At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer

HE'S FOUGHT THROUGH RUTHLESS OUTLAWS AND INJURY,

BUT WITH HER, HE'S TEMPTED TO SURRENDER

Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2020
Genre: Historical Romance
Setting: Texas, 1893
Series: Hanger's Horsemen, book one



My Review
At Love’s Command is a smashing start to a great new series. The book opens with gripping action and solidifies the relationships between Hanger’s Horsemen. The hero and heroine are lovable, noble, and flawed, and their attraction sizzles from the moment they meet. A gripping plot drives the story forward, blending perfectly with the setting. The last two chapters made this romantic’s heart sing! I cannot wait for book two in this series.

Sweet On You by Becky Wade

Sweet on You 

by Becky Wade

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Sweet on You

(Bradford Sisters #3)

By Becky Wade

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 368 Pages

April 30th 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

Britt Bradford and Zander Ford have been the best of friends since they met thirteen years ago. Unbeknown to Britt, Zander has been in love with her for just as long.

Independent and adventurous Britt channels her talent into creating chocolates at her hometown shop. Zander is a bestselling author who's spent the past 18 months traveling the world. He's achieved a great deal but still lacks the only thing that ever truly mattered to him--Britt's heart.

When Zander's uncle dies of mysterious causes, he returns to Merryweather, Washington, to investigate, and Britt is immediately there to help. Although this throws them into close proximity, both understand that an attempt at romance could jeopardize their once-in-a-lifetime friendship. But while Britt is determined to resist any change in their relationship, Zander finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings hidden.

As they work together to uncover his uncle's tangled past, will the truth of what lies between them also, finally, come to light?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Book Depostiory│ChristianBook│BAM│iBooks│Kobo

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

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 Christy Award and Carol Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

• Tote bag highlighting Britt’s chocolate shop, Sweet Art
• Paperback copy of Sweet on You
• $100 Visa gift card
• 1 pound box of See’s chocolate truffles
• Set of chocolate scented soap
• Box of colored pencils
• “Tattoo” coloring book

Enter on Becky's website HERE

MY REVIEW

I've been anticipating Sweet on You for a long time now. It's book three in Becky's Bradford Sisters Romance series. The first two books were wonderful, but the teaser with Britt and Zander in book one (True to You) was so great, it had me waiting patiently--okay, I'll be honest, impatiently--for Sweet on You. 

The cover is sensational with the Washington state skyline in the background. The first chapter, Britt and Zander's reunion, hooked me. But it was the second chapter that had me spellbound and knowing it would be nearly impossible to put the book down, no matter how loudly my everyday responsibilities called my name. 

I'll start with Britt. She's casual, trendy, witty, adventurous, and comfortable in her own skin. Exactly the kind of friend to have in real life. However, beneath her fun layers lies insecurity. That insecurity is keeping her from the one thing she needs most. 

Now to Zander. He's handsome, strong, reserved, one-hundred-percent loyal and devoted, and everything he does has a purpose. His rough childhood is still evident in places yet buffed smooth by the love and care he found later in life. He's intelligent and moody and--let's face it--NO ONE writes a sexy and moody hero like Becky Wade. 

I enjoyed the element of mystery in this book. There were some choices the characters made that I wish they hadn't, but that goes to show the characters were written realistically, with both attributes and flaws. 

As always, I love the way Becky Wade strings words together to make such powerful yet simplistic sentences, her great supporting characters, and a swoony ending. 

I'm really looking forward to Becky's next series. 

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

She's the only witness to a wagon train attack. Keeping her safe, though, means his world is about to be turned upside down.

When Trace Riley finds the smoldering ruins of a small wagon train, he recognizes an attack by the same group who left him as sole survivor years ago. Living off the wilderness since then, he's finally carved out a home and started a herd--while serving as a self-appointed guardian of the trail. He'd hoped the days of driving off dangerous men were over, but the latest attack shows otherwise.

Deborah Harkness saved her younger sister and two toddlers during the attack, and now finds herself at the mercy of her rescuer. Trace becomes an accidental guardian when he offers the only shelter for miles around and agrees to take them in until they can safely continue their journey. His simple bachelor existence never anticipated kids and women in the picture and their arrival is unsettling--yet enticing.

Trace and Deborah find themselves drawing ever closer as they work together to bring justice to the trail and help the group survive the winter--but every day closer to spring means a day closer to leaving the mountains forever.

Publisher: Bethany House, 2017
Genre: historical romance


My Review

Mary Connealy brings readers another sweet, action-filled romance! As always, Ms. Connealy opens the novel right in the middle of the action. Readers are instantly grounded in the plot, rooting for the hero's and heroine's escape. Trace Riley's unique backstory makes him LOVABLE, and his journey intertwines perfectly with the novel's theme. Deborah Harkness's past makes her hesitance toward Trace understandable and makes her character journey all the more sweet. The ending is satisfying and had me looking forward to the next book in this series.


This story holds a more serious undertone than most of Ms. Connealy's stories, but I found this refreshing after her last spunky, fast-paced series (The Cimarron Legacy). I give this book four stars.

A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

A teacher on the run. 

A bounty hunter in pursuit. 

Can two enemies learn to trust each other before they both lose what they hold most dear?

Stone Hammond is the best tracker in Texas. He never comes home empty-handed. So when a wealthy railroad investor hires him to find his abducted granddaughter, Stone eagerly accepts.

Charlotte Atherton, former headmistress of Sullivan’s Academy for Exceptional Youths, will do anything to keep her charges safe, especially the little girl entrusted to her care after her mother’s death. Charlotte promised Lily’s mother she’d keep the girl away from her unscrupulous grandfather, and nothing will stop Charlotte from fulfilling that pledge. Not even the handsome bounty hunter with surprisingly honest eyes who comes looking for them.

When the teacher he’s after produces documentation that shows she’s the little girl’s legal guardian, Stone must reevaluate everything he’s been led to believe. Is Miss Atherton villain or victim? She acts more like a loving mother than an abductress, and the children in her care clearly adore her. Should Stone break his perfect record?

Then a new danger threatens, and Charlotte is forced to trust the man sent to destroy her. Stone becomes determined to protect what he once sought to tear apart. Besides, he’s ready to start a new pursuit: winning Charlotte’s heart.


Publisher: Bethany House, 2015
Cover Design: Dan Thornberg, Design Source Creative Services
Author is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency

My Review

A fun, high-stakes adventure in life and love. Karen Witemeyer never disappoints with her unique plots, spunky characters, and witty dialogue. 

Charlotte Atherton flees the Sullivan Academy in the middle of the night with the child Stone Hammond has been hired to retrieve. She outwits him, but not for long. He finds the schoolmarm, along with the child, on a secluded Texas farm. His presence is less than welcoming, especially when Charlotte proves she's the child's legal guardian. Will Stone finish the job he came to do? Will Charlotte trust his help when an even larger issue presents itself?

I recommend this book to those who love historical romance and fast-paced stories. I gave this book 5 stars!

Together With You by Victoria Bylin

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...

When a Lost Child warning blasts over the mall's PA system, toy store manager Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about five-year-old Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that Penny suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's own past suddenly confronts her. Never again will Carly become involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart. Before she has time to think it through, she agrees to a much-needed job as a nanny. 

Dr. Ryan Tremaine knows he messed up his life. But this summer he will redeem himself. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan is dedicated to his sink-or-swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruiting Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny. 

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

Publisher: Bethany House, 2015

Cover Design: Paul Higdon

Author is represented by the Steele-Perkins Literary Agency

My Review

A tender journey of faith, forgiveness, and redemption. Bylin's characters are captivating, and her writing engaging. Romance readers will enjoy this unique story line. 

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is scrambling to pick up the pieces of his life. His broken marriage has not only jeopardized his relationship with his sons but has also affected his daughter's health. One night of bad judgement caused Penny to be born with FASD--a disorder that makes everyday tasks difficult for Penny. 

A chance encounter brings Carly Mason into the Tremaine household. Ryan is grateful for a nanny, but as the summer passes, he discovers there's more to Carly than meets the eye. 

I recommend this book to anyone who believes in second chances and fresh beginnings. I gave this book 4 stars!

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Victoria Bylin is a romance writer known for her realistic and relatable characters. Her books have finaled in multiple contests, including the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine's Reviewers' Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky, where their family and their crazy Jack Russell terrier keep them on the go. Learn more at her website: www.victoriabylin.com.

My Top Book Picks for 2014

January first, I set a Goodreads goal of reading 30 books in 2014. I surpassed my goal by 235% by reading 73 books. (If you're wondering how I did this, I don't really watch TV. I'm able to block out surrounding noises, which enables me to read in the evenings in the same room with my family while they're watching TV.) So, without further ado, here are my top book pics for 2014.

Novels

These ten romances received 5 stars from me because once I started I couldn't put them down, the swoon factor was astronomical, and the story stuck with me for days afterward. 

                  Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck                  

  

Walker's Wedding by Lori Copeland

                                                                                                             

                                         Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade                                     

Love In the Balance by Regina Jennings

          

                                          

                                                Dancing With Fireflies by Denise Hunter                                                 

 Fair Play by Deeanne Gist

The Wedding Game by Amy Matayo

A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

Series

These romance series are my top pics because once I read the first book, I devoured them all. Each individual book received 5 stars from me. 

*The Witness Protection Program Series is not deemed Christian Fiction. However, these romance stories are clean, though the characters' actions and choices are riskier than Christian Fiction. 

*This series absolutely blew me away. I read all three books in a week. Deep emotional, soul-stirring content. Pair with a box of tissues. 

Novellas

These romance novellas were short yet satisfying. All received 5 stars from me. 

Waiting for Lily Bloom by Jericha Kingston

Appalachian Serenade by Sarah Loudin Thomas

Devotionals

These books challenged me with the Word of God and deepened my knowledge of the scriptures. 

Jesus, the One and Only by Beth Moore

To Live is Christ by Beth Moore

*A study of the apostle Paul

Non-Fiction

These books both taught and challenged me.

Here is Where by Andrew Carroll

*Discovering America's forgotten history

Romance-ology 101 by Julie Lessman

*How to write captivating romance scenes

That's my list! What were your favorite books of 2014?

Silver White Winters--Early Release!

Silver White Winters released on Amazon today! I'm so excited to share this story with you. Stay tuned...I've got some great giveaways planned!

Raelynn Rivers dreams of reviving her floundering career. The “Country Music Queen” hasn’t had a number one hit in six years, and her song-writing ability has vanished. But Raelynn’s hopes are derailed when tragedy strikes. Returning to her home town forces her to confront her past—Lane Ryan, the childhood best friend and former fiancé she abandoned in order to pursue her music career. 

In the snow-covered mountains of Appalachia, Raelynn reconnects with family and rediscovers her musical abilities—and her faith. And no one inspires her more than Lane. She’s finally ready for a relationship, but the secret Lane carries is as big as Coal Mountain and threatens any future they may have together. 

Second chances don't come around every day. Will Raelynn sacrifice her career this time or say goodbye to Lane forever?

_______________________________________

*Silver White Winters is available now on Amazon!

*Pre-order Silver White Winters at Pelican Book Group and Christianbook.com. (Barnes & Noble coming soon)

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson

He felt his face flushing as Cara opened the door. Wearing a garnet-colored knit dress and with her dark hair pinned up, she looked even prettier than he remembered. Suddenly he wished he'd thought to bring a hostess gift. Like a cat. 

After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay. 

Author: Melody Carlson

Publisher: Revell, 2014

Cover Jacket Design: Smartt Guys Design

My Review

As a cat lover, the cover art and title immediately caught my attention. The story begins with Garrison Brown receiving tragic news about his grandmother's death, followed by a strange request--to find homes for all six of her cats per a list of requirements she left behind. Garrison, despite his feline allergies and phobia, is determined to carry out his grandmother's last wishes and sets out to find her furry children the perfect families.

I enjoyed Garrison's adventure and how each cat had its own distinct personality. I recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a clean, light-hearted Christmas story and, of course, to cat lovers everywhere! I give this book 3.5 stars!

____________________________________________________________________

Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, including Christmas at

Harrington's, The Christmas Pony, and A Simple Christmas Wish. Melody recently received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books. She and her husband live in central Oregon. For more information about Melody, visit her website at www.melodycarlson.com

Finding Mr. Write--An Interview with Author Carol Moncado

Today, I’d like to introduce you to author Carol Moncado and her debut novel Finding Mr. Write.

Jeremiah Jacobs moved to the Ozarks for a fresh start. He knows no one and has no plans to get romantically involved with anyone. Ever. He’s already had his heart ripped out once and once is enough. Besides he has contractual obligations that prevent him from talking about work - and what woman would want to be involved with a man who has to keep his job a secret? When he attends his first local writers’ group meeting, he finds the leader so intriguing, his instant attraction to her threatens to complicate his currently uncomplicated life.

Dorrie Miller has never been good enough. Not for her father or any of the guys she’s dated in the past. She’s pushed beyond her father’s disapproval to have a good career while pursuing her dream of becoming a published novelist. The Christian Authors Network – Dedicated to Inspirational Distinction, or CANDID, is hosting their annual conference in Indianapolis and who’s rumored to be in attendance? The super reclusive, super-star author, Mya Elizabeth Linscott.

The hunky new member of her local CANDID group, Jeremiah, wants to carpool to Indy. Dorrie can handle not making a fool of herself for eight hours each way. Right? But she never imagined doing a favor for someone during the conference would leave her accidentally married to the gorgeous guy she barely knows. How will she get out of this mess, married to a near stranger? Does she want to? Will her insecurities and Jeremiah’s secrets tear them apart? Or can she trust that, all along, God’s been helping her with Finding Mr. Write?

Thanks for joining me today, Carol. I’ve heard the characters in Finding Mr. Write are based on fellow authors. What fun, real-life, stories about writers ended up in Finding Mr. Write?

CM- When Jeremiah talks about worshiping in a room with several hundred other people who “get it,” that’s very much a real experience for me and many others. I cry during the first worship session at the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference—Every. Year.

But my favorite story is about Dorrie and the writer she was talking to in the elevator. At ACFW 2012 in Dallas, a woman walked into the elevator. We greeted each other like long lost friends. About halfway through the elevator ride, we realized we didn’t know each other, but neither of us wanted to admit it. To this day, I can’t tell you who I thought she was. And vice-versa. We ran into each other constantly that year. In Indianapolis in 2013, we hung out a lot on purpose and she joined my critique group [though she fails to see the wisdom in adding dinosaurs to a WWII epic - sigh]. This year, in St. Louis, we were roommates with plans for Dallas again next year. I thank God for the best “oops you’re not who I thought you were” ever! Jen Cvelbar is a true blessing!

Your book is loosely based on the ACFW Conference? How fun! I attended the conference in Indianapolis last year where we met in orientation. I love how you’ve incorporated that conference into this story. Tell us, how do ACFW and CANDID compare?

CM- The ACFW conferences are only 3.5 days long, though many of us wish they could last all month! You never get to see all of the people you’d hoped to, much less actually spend time with them! There’s lots of other differences between CANDID and ACFW, but some are the same. The appointments, for instance. The coordinators really do pray over every appointment as they make them and others spend those appointment times walking up and down the halls praying over them.

What are you working on next?

CM- This is the beginning of my “grand opening” as an author! Six books are releasing this year and I’m working to finish them up right now.
* Finally Mr. Write: CANDID Romance book 2; November 24, 2014
* Falling for Mr. Write: CANDID Romance book 3; December 2014
*Good Enough for a Princess: The Montevaro Monarchy book 1; November 17, 2014
*Along Came a Prince: The Montevaro Monarchy book 2; December 2014
*More Than a Princess: The Montevaro Monarchy book 3; December 2014

Spring 2014 will see the release of the next series - The Brides of Bellas Montagnes. When I have the time, I’m working on book 3 in that series, Prince from her Past. The first two are mostly done - Hand-me-down Princess and Queen of His Heart [working title].

Wow! You’ve been busy. So, why indie publishing? Why now?

CM- I’ve been doing this for a long time and most of my books are just a bit too outside “the box” for traditional publishers to take a chance on. I completely get that. Plus the number of fiction slots available each year with a traditional publisher has shrunk several times through the closure of fiction lines in the last couple of years.

Why now? I have 13 manuscripts under my belt, many of which were a polish or two away from being ready. Plus, I really, truly, believed God gave me the go-ahead when I prayed about it.

Congratulations on Finding Mr. Write. It’s getting great reviews. Thanks for joining me today. I look forward to reading your book!

CM- Thanks for having me!

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When she's not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her

husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids - and the dog - race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she's teaching American Government at a local community college. She's a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.

At Bluebonnet Lake by Amanda Cabot

Her life is set to warp speed. His is slowing to a crawl.

But love has its own timing.

Marketing maven Kate Sherwood's world is fast-paced, challenging, and always changing. The last thing she wants to do is slow down to a crawl at Rainbow's End, a dilapidated resort in the Texas Hill Country. But she cannot deny her ailing grandmother's request to visit the place where she and her deceased husband spent one glorious week (albeit fifty years ago). There Kate meets Greg Vange, the resort's handyman. But there's more to Greg than meets the eye--billions more, in fact, as he recently sold his successful software company and is at the resort in search of what's next for his life.

Kate isn't looking for romance, but she can't deny the sparks of attraction that fly every time she and Greg are together. She even starts to see potential in the rundown resort. Could there be a future there? Or will Kate's long-sought promotion take her back to the big city?

Amanda Cabot invites readers to step away from the pressures of the daily grind. They might be surprised by what they find at Rainbow's End.


Author: Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell, 2014
Cover Design: Peter Gloege, LOOK Design Studio
Cover Photo: Aimee Christenson


My Review
A cabin retreat away from the daily grind and demand of technology, a warm fireplace on a chilly evening--this was the scene as I read At Bluebonnet Lake on our fall break trip to Tennessee, the first book I've read by Amanda Cabot. So I was delighted to discover that getting away and rediscovering God and nature was exactly what this story was about. How fitting.

This book is the journey of two love stories from different generations, yet, despite the age gap, they all arrive at the same destination, in both life and love. Set in the Texas Hill Country, this slower pace of living will refresh and invigorate the reader while entertaining with satisfying romance. I gave this book 4 stars!

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With both parents avid readers, it's no surprise that Amanda Cabot learned to read at an early age.
From there it was only a small step to deciding to become a writer. Of course, deciding and becoming are two different things, as she soon discovered. Fortunately for the world, her first attempts at fiction, which included a play for her fifth grade class entitled "All About Thermometers," were not published, but she did meet her goal of selling a novel by her thirtieth birthday. Since then she's sold more than thirty novels under a variety of pseudonyms. When she's not writing, Amanda enjoys sewing, cooking and - of course - reading.

Learn more at amandacabot.com