The Soldier's Lady: 4 Stories of Frontier Adventures
by Susanne Dietze, Janette Foreman, Gabrielle Meyer and Lorna Seilstad
Publisher: Barbour Books
Releasing: August 1st
Summary:
Join four adventurous women making their home at Old West forts. Faced with daily challenges—and stubborn men—they bring civility to the frontier.
Minnesota, 1828—Fort Snelling
Major Nathaniel Ward is tasked with guarding his commanding officer’s daughter, Ally Benson, from the amorous soldiers at Fort Snelling, but he finds the hardest person to keep in line is himself.
Frontier of Her Heart by Susanne Dietze
California, 1854—Fort Humboldt
All is fair in love and war, but the contest of wills between fort cook Emily Sweet and Assistant Surgeon Boyd Braxton is all about pride, not romance. . .until they must work together to stop an epidemic.
Save the Last Word for Me by Lorna Seilstad
Kansas, 1864—Fort Riley
Determined schoolteacher Adelina Dante believes every man, woman, and child deserves the chance to read and write, but when she approaches Colonel Isaac Scott about why he should allow his illiterate soldiers to attend special classes, she’s the one who gets educated in matters of the heart.
Forever Fort Garland by Janette Foreman
Colorado, 1879—Fort Garland
Annie Moreau arrives at Fort Garland to marry her soldier pen pal, Martin, but encounters two surprises—Martin has died in battle and she’s been corresponding with dashing Captain Jefferson Gray all along.
My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Soldier's Lady is a compilation of four historical fiction novellas which take place in the years 1828-1879. Each story has a different plot and I thought they were for the most part well developed. These were new authors for me and I found them enjoyable to read.
The Colone'ls Heart by Gabrielle Meyer was a sweet story between Major Nathaniel and his commanding officer Ally Benson. He wasn't looking for love and found it when he meets Ally which wants no part of the world her mother wants her to be part of. She wants to be part of the frontier and be free from the demands of city life. This was one of my favorites of the stories. Their romance is sweet and a little heartbreaking at one point. I definitely didn't want this story to end and wanted a little bit more.
Frontier of the Heart by Susanne Dietze was a good one as well. I love the relationship between Emily and Assistant Surgeon Boyd Braxton. I really enjoyed how this story developed. The romance between them was sweet and and at times unnerving. You just wanted to bonk Boyd over the head to make him see sense and I to me that is the mark of a good story when you get so involved in a character. But in the end it was God who he needed to turn to in order to see what he needed to do! Definitely a great story and once again I wanted just a little bit more to find out what happened to them.
Save the Last Word by Lorna Seilstad was my second favorite of the novellas. This one is about Adeline Dante who is a new schoolteacher at the fort and has no military knowledge whatsoever and Colonel Isaac Scott who makes sure she knows it! I love how the romantic story between them develops. She is not one to back down and he has a hard time with that but eventually realizes that is exactly what he needs. I definitely could of read more of this story!
Forever Fort Garland by Janette Foreman the story is about Annie a mail order bride to Martin who has died in battle before she even arrives. Captain Jefferson Gray is the man who greets her and offers marriage to her upon arrival but she refuses. She is determined to marry a military man and in the process of trying to find a husband someone starts to somewhat stalk her. This story not only has romance but also a little suspense. It wasn't my favorite out of the other novellas.
Overall as novellas go these were pretty good. The historical fiction element and christian element was present throughout all the stories. If you need quick reads then I definitely recommend this compilation of stories.
FTC Disclosure: I received this copy from Netgalley and Barbour Publishing. All views and opinions are my own.
The Colone'ls Heart by Gabrielle Meyer was a sweet story between Major Nathaniel and his commanding officer Ally Benson. He wasn't looking for love and found it when he meets Ally which wants no part of the world her mother wants her to be part of. She wants to be part of the frontier and be free from the demands of city life. This was one of my favorites of the stories. Their romance is sweet and a little heartbreaking at one point. I definitely didn't want this story to end and wanted a little bit more.
Frontier of the Heart by Susanne Dietze was a good one as well. I love the relationship between Emily and Assistant Surgeon Boyd Braxton. I really enjoyed how this story developed. The romance between them was sweet and and at times unnerving. You just wanted to bonk Boyd over the head to make him see sense and I to me that is the mark of a good story when you get so involved in a character. But in the end it was God who he needed to turn to in order to see what he needed to do! Definitely a great story and once again I wanted just a little bit more to find out what happened to them.
Save the Last Word by Lorna Seilstad was my second favorite of the novellas. This one is about Adeline Dante who is a new schoolteacher at the fort and has no military knowledge whatsoever and Colonel Isaac Scott who makes sure she knows it! I love how the romantic story between them develops. She is not one to back down and he has a hard time with that but eventually realizes that is exactly what he needs. I definitely could of read more of this story!
Forever Fort Garland by Janette Foreman the story is about Annie a mail order bride to Martin who has died in battle before she even arrives. Captain Jefferson Gray is the man who greets her and offers marriage to her upon arrival but she refuses. She is determined to marry a military man and in the process of trying to find a husband someone starts to somewhat stalk her. This story not only has romance but also a little suspense. It wasn't my favorite out of the other novellas.
Overall as novellas go these were pretty good. The historical fiction element and christian element was present throughout all the stories. If you need quick reads then I definitely recommend this compilation of stories.
FTC Disclosure: I received this copy from Netgalley and Barbour Publishing. All views and opinions are my own.
About the Authors:
Learn more about the authors through their respective websites.
Susan Dietze ~ http://www.susannedietze.com/
Gabrielle Meyer ~ http://gabrielle-meyer.blogspot.com/
Janette Foreman ~ https://www.janetteforeman.com/
Lorna Seilstad ~ http://www.lornaseilstad.com/
Hello friends! In this week's Top Ten Tuesday hosted by the Artsy Reader the prompt is Top Ten Books you abandoned or did not finish. I very rarely abandon a book, it has to be really bad for me to jump ship. So I decided to modify the prompt and make the Top Series I would like to Read Before 2021!
The Codebreakers Series by Roseanna M. White
(I've heard amazing things about this series and I would love to read it soon!)
When Calls the Heart Series by Janette Oke
(I am a huge nerd about the show... Hallmark sucker here... and I want to read the series because I know its so much different than the television series. I mean even the names of the characters names are different!)
Weddings by Bella Series by Janice Thompson
(I have these books on my TBR pile at the moment its just finding some time to read them. I need more hours in the day!)
What are some books that you have either abandoned or just want to read by the end of the year? Drop those on the comments and let me know!
Happy Reading!
Never Say Goodbye
by Sarah Grace Grzy
Publisher: Ichthus Family Publications
Available Now on Paperback or Kindle
Summary:
Tyler Collens has seen grief and loss in his years of experience as a paramedic—but he never expected it to touch his life in such a personal way. The death of his wife eighteen months ago shook his steady world and changed him in more ways than he can count. Time and routine have steadied his feet, and he looks toward the future as he raises his infant daughter—but the past has a tighter grip on him than he knows.
Alyvia Emmerson has never been certain of who she is or where she belongs. Her dad’s abandonment as a teen broke a fragile piece of her heart, but ten years later, she has moved on. Living on her own, she at last has a project to devote herself to: revitalizing a shabby bookstore. But she didn’t count on her dream job revealing the shattered pieces of herself she thought mended long ago.
In this sophomore novel featuring beloved characters from Live Without You, Sarah Grace Grzy explores themes of grief, hope, and second chances in a story that touches both the heart and spirit.
My Review ~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
| This was my first story by Sarah Grace Grzy and it was such good story. I mean how can you go wrong with a story where the main character has a bookstore?! And the love interest is a hunky paramedic with a little kid? If that's your favorite trope this is the book for you! Also can we talk about how amazing the cover is? Although you should never judge a book by its cover, this one is definitely captivating and inviting! From the first chapter this book definitely grabs your attention. Sarah's writing style is very relatable and enjoyable to read. The characters are definitely very relatable as well. The story of Tyler and Alyvia is a sweet one. Both characters are trying to let go of some hurts, so the story is not just solely on their love story which I enjoyed. Tyler is trying to come to terms that God is telling him that it is finally time to open his heart up again to love. On that respect I think the romance between him and Alyvia was perfect but the reader in me who wants the ultimate romance felt like at times it could of sped up a little bit. Alyvia is also letting go of some past hurts. Hers deals with her father and letting go of the resentment she has of him leaving when she was younger. Although this is a stand along novel you do see characters from the authors previous novel. Piper and Ezra are inter-weaved into the story so now I must get my hands on the first book to learn their story! This book definitely made me chuckle and tear up in some parts and I completely recommend it! If you are looking for a sweet Christian contemporary romance, this is definitely for you! You can grab your own copy here!! If you have Kindle Unlimited then its free for you! About the Author: Sarah Grace Grzy is a voracious reader, and if it weren’t for this crazy thing called 'Life,' she’d be tempted to spend all her days in front of a wood stove, book in one hand, coffee mug in the other. A lover of learning, she finds enjoyment in many things and has more hobbies than she knows what to do with. Sarah Grace is a freelance web and graphic designer, and when not working, spending time with her ever-growing family, or reading, she can be found painting, playing the piano, or fangirling with her sisters and friends. She inhabits the State of Great Lakes, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else—unless it meant she could have a baby penguin, in which case, she’d gladly move to the South Pole. To learn more about her, her books and join her newsletter visit: https://sarahgracegrzy.com/ FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. |
A Single Spark
by Judith Miller
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: June 2nd, 2020
Summary: Wanting to do her part in the Civil War effort, Clara McBride goes to work in the cartridge room at the Washington Arsenal. Her supervisor, Lieutenant Joseph Brady, is drawn to Clara but must focus on preventing explosions in the factory. When multiple shipments of cartridges fail to fire and everyone is suspect, can the spark of love between them survive?
My Review ~ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
| I love reading historical fiction its one of my favorite genres, especially when it is a romantic historical fiction but was torn with this book. I think Judith Miller as always did an exceptional job in her research of her Civil War history, Allegheny Arsenal and John S. Mosby but I have to be honest it started out a bit slow for me and although it picked up for me it wasn't like her other books. This is the story of Clara McBride and Lt. Joseph Brady and their works in the ammunition laboratory in Washington during the time of the Civil War, when civilians were hired and used by the armies to make their ammunition. Clara is one of the women who works at the laboratories and through her job she meets Lt. Joseph. He is a wounded veteran for the Union, still in active duty and eventually assigned to observe and put in place several safety improvements due to the Allegheny Ammunition explosion. Like I mentioned the beginning of the story was slow, to me there was a lot details that weren't really necessary to the whole story line. The love story between Clara and Joseph was a bit dull. It lacked a little more chemistry so for me they were not completely relatable or captured my reading soul. That being said the story does pick up quite nicely, I don't want to give away the story but Miller does a great job at throwing some suspense into the mix with some of the characters and they play their part perfectly. I think that is what saved the story for me and the rating. If you like historical fiction definitely give this book a try. Happy Reading! FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions. About the Author: Judith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas. To learn more about Judith Miller and her books visit: http://judithmccoymiller.com/ |
Hello Friends!!! It's another edition of Top Ten Tuesday hosted by the Artsy Reader. Today's prompt is Top Ten Items to Have at a Bookish Party. So I immediately thought... I need a Jane Austen tea party in my life!! So instead of Top Ten Tuesday its Top Six Tuesday!
The Invitation
How beautiful is this invitation? I found it while browsing Pinterest!
The Venue
A lovely garden will be the perfect place for this Jane Austen Inspired tea party!
A Tea Set of Course!
A tea set is a definite must when not only having a tea party but to have a Jane Austen themed party is an absolute must!
Food
Although there will be plenty of foods I couldn't resist this pic of the cookies! They are simply adorable!
Attire:
It is strongly recommended that all guests wear appropriate period clothing!!
(How fun would that be?!)
Party Favors
No one leaves the party empty handed! Of course everyone gets a party favor with one of my favorite Jane Austen characters ever!!! Mr. Darcy! 💗
Who wants to come to my party? What kind of bookish party would you have? Let me know in the comments!!
by Christine Lynxwiler
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
The Pinky Promise Sisterhood Series
Summary: Thirty-five-year-old widow Allie Richards has always dreamed of having her own landscaping business. After losing her job, Allie's Pinky Promise girlfriends convince her to enter Shady Grove's Beautiful Town Landscaping Competition. The prize? The town's landscaping and maintenance contract. But there's a hitch: Every move Allie's ragtag crew makes will be featured in the reality segment of a local TV show. Armed with only a green thumb and a motley crew of helpers, does Allie have any chance of surviving the hype and making her dream a reality? Daniel Montgomery, the man behind the camera, is after more than just a story. Will he be satisfied with anything less than Allie's heart?
My Review ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okay this is not a new book at all! This book released in 2006 but it has been on my TBR pile for so long I finally decided to pick it up and read it in between the other books I've had to read for review and I am so glad I did!! This was my first time reading a book by Christine Lynxwiler and it definitely did not disappoint!! I am so glad I picked this book on a whim at the bookstore because I absolutely LOVED this book! It was such a fun read I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from the very first sentence:
"Today's my thirty-fifth birthday. And for the first time in my life I wish I were a man."
If that doesn't intrigue you I don't know what will! This book had me chuckling out loud and the relationships between Allie and her Pinky Promise Friends is of true friendship. She has knows these ladies since childhood and they do life together so its easy to relate to them. The relationship between her girls, mom and brother are relatable as well. And the relationship with hunky, blue eyed, Harley riding, bookstore/coffee owner, camera toting, former rebel,amazing guy Daniel is swoon worthy!!
I loved too how the author inter weaved God into the story without being too pushy. Allie had to learn a very important lesson to let go and let God. She is what you would consider a control freak and has these ideas in her mind on how her life should go. (Don't we all have those moments) Daniel tries to help her realize that sometimes you just need to let go of all these ideas and take the road that God has already mapped for you not the one you are trying to carve out for yourself!
I HIGHLY recommend this read if you enjoy Chick-Lit! Make yourself some popcorn, grab some chocolate and enjoy the book. You won't want to put it down!
I am saddened to find out that this author is no longer writing because I think her writing style is so much fun! I will definitely be finding her other books so I can read all that I can from her. In the meantime you should start out with this one if you can!
About the Author:
Award-winning author and past president of American Christian Romance Writers, Christine Lynxwiler has numerous novels and novellas published with Barbour Publishing. She and her husband, Kevin, along with their two daughters, four horses, and two dogs live in the foothills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains in their home state of Arkansas."
FTC Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Happy Friday Friends!
Its another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. A fun way for all of us to share the first line of any book nearby. Today I am sharing She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell. If you like historical fiction I definitely recommend this one.
My First Line:
"Get Dressed, Clara."
Your turn! Grab the book nearest you and post
the first line in the comments below!
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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