About the Book
Bridget “Biddie” Davidson finally receives word from her older sister who disappeared with their brother and pa eighteen years prior, but the news is not good. Determined to help her family, Biddie sets out for a remote desert ranch with her adopted father and best friend. Nothing she finds there is as she expected, including the man who came to cook for the shambles of a ranch.
When tragedy strikes, the danger threatens not only her plans to help her sister, but her own dreams for the future—with the man who’s stolen her heart.
My Thoughts
About the Author
Sunny California, a favorite setting in her stories, is also her home. She lives there with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories.
When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, she spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
Kathleen is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the award-winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series.
Always happy to hear from her readers, you can direct message or email Kathleen and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
About the Book
Author: Kathleen Denly
Series: Chaparral Hearts, Book 3
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: January 4, 2022
Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.
On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.
After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.
As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts
I absolutely love historical romances and I have enjoyed this series so much. This is the third book in the series and it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel but why would you want to? I mean this whole series has been so enjoyable to read that you don't want to miss out! In this story we meet Margaret who is a school teacher looking for a position and we meet Everett who is willing to give her a position in the upcoming city of San Diego. I loved Margaret. She is a strong female character that doesn't back down. She is definitely very passionate not only about her teaching but most of all she is very passionate about her ideals and her beliefs and I really enjoyed that about this character.
Typically the female character tend to get on my nerves but this time it was the reverse. Everett was the one that I wanted to just pop him upside the head at times. It felt like sometimes he lacked a backbone especially with the people of the town. He also just focused so much on what people thought of him and his status that it made for a great downfall for him.
Because I have read the previous books I was so happy to see the previous characters in this book and how everything just tied together. I was especially glad to see the story between Katie and Fletcher. I absolutely love their story and how Fletcher came to know the Lord. and how Katie just basically "rose up from the ashes" so to speak and made something more out of herself.
I really enjoyed this book and I refuse to believe this is the last one! I think there is more we can read about. More of Katie and Fletcher? a Chistmas novella perhaps?! Just throwing ideas out there since I don't want to let these characters go. (Hint hint)
I definitely recommend this if you love historical fiction. If you have never read any of Kathleen Denly's book I suggest you add her to your to-be-read authors list. Her writing is amazing and captivating to read and her characters are not only believable but enjoyable to read.
My Rating: 4 Stars/Really Liked it
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
More from Kathleen
Who Invented Romance?
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but romance novels are sometimes viewed as the black sheep of the fiction industry. For various reasons, some people view romance stories with a disdainful eye. Knowing this, I still choose to write romance stories and some may wonder why.
First and foremost, I’ve had a passion for romance for as long as I can remember. I was absolutely one of those typical little girls who played dress-up in her mother’s clothes (or in my case, her lingerie. Eek! I had no idea. LOL) and planned my future wedding day. For reasons I can’t explain, the idea of a man and woman falling in love and pledging their life to one another has always enthralled me.
Or perhaps I can explain.
You see, I was raised in a Christian family and have always been exposed to the Bible. Have you ever looked at your Bible from a romantic perspective? When you stop to consider it, there is more than enough romance in God’s Word to justify placing it on the Romance Novel shelf in a bookstore. At least there would be if novels weren’t inherently fiction and the Bible wasn’t entirely true. (And aren’t we grateful that the Bible is completely true?)
So, in a way, one could say that God is the first romance author. After all, what is more romantic than a groom sacrificing his life for his bride? It even has the requisite happy ending, because He rose from the dead and will return for His bride.
The thing is, God isn’t just a romance author, He’s the inventor of romance. He was the first to demonstrate what love truly is. He is the one who defines it and describes its fruits so that we can recognize it when we see it. It’s His love that gives us life.
And the thing about romantic love is that it has a unique power to change people, to break down their emotional walls in ways that might not happen otherwise. There is a reason God designed man and woman to be together. Many reasons, in fact. But I am convinced that one of them is His ability to use that beautiful relationship to draw His children closer to His own heart.
So yes, some may look down on romance novels and those who read or write them, but I stand tall and proud, because I know that true romance–the kind God authors–is something to cherish and honor. I am blessed to be able to share God’s truths through the wondrous stories of two hearts joining together as one.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 6
Bizwings Blog, January 7
Austen’s Angle: Jane Austen’s Influence in Modern America, January 7
Texas Book-aholic, January 8
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 9
The Christian Fiction Girl, January 9
Inklings and notions, January 10
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 11
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 11
deb’s Book Review, January 12
For Him and My Family, January 13
Mary Hake, January 13
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 14
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16
Blossoms and Blessings, January 16
Connie’s History Classroom, January 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, January 19
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Fire HD8 Plus, a custom Harmony on the Horizon Kindle case, a Harmony on the Horizon altered notebook, a Chaparral Hearts pen, a pair of earrings, a pin, and a scripture keychain!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/17190/harmony-on-the-horizon-celebration-tour-giveaway
About the Book
Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.
On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.
After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.
As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.
My Thoughts
About the Author
Kathleen Denly writes historical romance to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. She enjoys finding the lesser known pockets of history and bringing them to life through the joys and struggles of her characters.
Sunny California, a favorite setting in her stories, is also her home. She lives there with her loving husband, four young children, and three cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories.
When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, she spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
Kathleen is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the award-winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series.
Always happy to hear from her readers, you can email Kathleen and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
About the Book
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: March 2, 2021
Richard Stevens isn’t who he thinks he is. Neither is the woman who now claims his last name.
Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.
Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.
Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts
About the Author
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
More from Kathleen
Hiding our Flaws
We all have things we’d like to change about our physical appearance. Personally, I’ve yet to lose the weight I gained with my last pregnancy and sitting behind a desk all day hasn’t helped things any. Despite this, I know that my husband, kids, family, friends, and most importantly, God, loves me just as much now as when I was my healthiest self. I want to lose the weight not because I need to earn someone’s approval but because I know I’ll feel better and be able to do more without tiring as quickly if I do. In the meantime, I’m okay with where I am because it’s the best I’ve been able to do so far.
This level of self-acceptance has come with maturity and the love of a godly man. When I was younger, I’d spend hours in front of the mirror trying to disguise my flaws beneath layers of makeup and stomach smoothers. In fact, one of the most memorable moments of my courtship with my now husband was the day I returned from a women’s retreat. I hadn’t gotten much sleep all weekend and we’d had to pack up and leave early, so I’d made the unusual decision to skip my makeup that morning. I was going to carpool back to the church, grab my car, and head home for a nap. What was the point in painting my face when the only people who’d see it were the women who’d seen me wake up bare-faced that morning anyway? Well, it turns out my now husband had missed me. So he was waiting in the church parking lot when we arrived, just to say hi before I went home. Sweet, right? Um yeah. At the time, part of me thought it was sweet, but more of me wanted to melt into the floor’s carpet and vanish from sight. I had ZERO makeup on, people! And I had bags under my eyes! *gasp* *shudder*
Needless to say, after almost nineteen years of marriage, he’s seen me a few times without my makeup on. Actually, these days, I only wear makeup for videos, photographs I intend to share online, special events, and (if the kids are nice to me that morning) church. Not that I don’t have my insecure moments or those photographs that friends share but I really wish they wouldn’t. (You know who you are.) But overall, I am okay with how I look because I know that I am loved and accepted.
However, in Sing in the Sunlight, my character, Clarinda, feels unloved, and unwanted by those closest to her. She describes parts of herself with words like hideous. She uses long sleeves, high necks, gloves, and veils to hide herself from a world that has rejected her. And she keeps almost everyone at arm’s length—especially God. So when she finally lets someone in, only to be betrayed, it sets off a series of desperate decisions that tangle her in a web from which she cannot find an escape. It’s my prayer that her story will touch readers’ hearts and show them how much they are loved—flaws and all.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2
Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Texas Book-aholic, March 3
lakesidelivingsite, March 3
Inklings and notions, March 4
Genesis 5020, March 4
For Him and My Family, March 5
A Novel Pursuit, March 5
Betti Mace, March 6
deb’s Book Review, March 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 7
Labor Not in Vain, March 7
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 8
Connie’s History Classroom, March 9
The Meaderings of a Bookworm, March 9
Older & Smarter?, March 10
Adventures Of a Travelers Wife, March 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 11
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 12 (Author Interview)
KarenSueHadley, March 13
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 13
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 14
Blossoms and Blessings, March 14
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 15
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Paperwhite, one bookish scarf, one pair of bookish socks, one bookish necklace, one Chaparral Hearts Pen, and one custom bookmark made and signed by Kathleen Denly!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/1089f/sing-in-the-sunlight-celebration-tour-giveaway
She's desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help.
Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother's death, so she'll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend's unexpected assistance is a blessing she can't refuse.
Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it's been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancée is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.
When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?
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