Review ~ The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection + Giveaway Link

443 Pages / Barbour Publishing / 2018

About the Collection

Experience a Dickens of a Christmas

Faced with the daily extremes of gluttony and want in the Victorian Era, nine women seek to create the perfect Christmas celebrations. But will expectations and pride cause them to overlook imperfect men who offer true love?

Paper Snowflake Christmas by Vanessa Riley
1837 Framlingham, England
How can widow Ophelia Hanover give her son a perfect Christmas when his guardian, the Earl of Litton, arrives early to take permeant custody of the boy?

One Golden Ring by C.J. Chase
1855 Devonshire, England
Wounded soldier Tristram Nowell returns home to indulge his mother’s wish for a family Christmas—and encounters Marianna Granville. Can he forgive the former heiress who jilted him years before?

Love Brick by Brick by Kathleen L. Maher
1857 Elmira, New York
SarahAnn Winnifred overcomes orphanhood apprenticing with pioneering doctors. Rufus Sedgwick, relocating his English estate, seeks help for his ailing Mum. Christmas reveals the secret wish of both hearts—for love.

The Sugarplum Ladies by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1867 Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan
When Canadian barrister Percy Gladstone finds his aristocratic British family unexpectedly descending upon him for Christmas, he turns to American social reformer Eugenie Mott and her fledgling catering crew for help.

Star of Wonder by Susanne Dietze
1875 County Durham, England
This Yuletide, Bennet Hett, Viscount Harwood, offers Lady Celeste Sidwell matrimony and the Star of Wonder diamond necklace, as their fathers arranged. When the diamond disappears, will they find a greater treasure?

Father Christmas by Lorna Seilstad
Chicago, Christmas 1880
Widowed harpist Beatrix Kent believes love can only come once in a lifetime, but this Christmas, carpenter Hugo Sherman hopes to pull on the musician’s heartstrings and prove her wrong.

The Perfect Christmas by Erica Vetsch
1880s London
Melisande Verity might be in over her head trying to create the perfect Christmas window display, but if she succeeds, will she finally attract the attention of her boss, Gray Garamond?

A Christmas Vow by Gabrielle Meyer
London, England, Christmas 1899?
Lady Ashleigh Pendleton is hosting a houseful of guests for Christmas when railroad executive Christopher Campbell unexpectedly arrives from America with a mysterious agreement signed by their fathers before their birth.

The Holly and the Ivy by Rita Gerlach
1900. Small town along the Potomac near Washington DC
A glass ornament. Love letters tied in red Christmas ribbon. Lily Morningstar and British antiquities expert Andrew Stapleton are drawn into a family secret that binds their hearts together.

Purchase:

CBD (paperback $10.99)

CBD (E-book $9.69)

Always check the price before you buy!

*I am not affiliated with CBD and make NO money if you use the link to purchase. I only post it for your convenience and to support a Christian business.

My Review

(I don't see the need to individually describe the stories in my review as you can see above the synopsis of each one.)

Easy-to-read, these nine novellas drew me into days gone by, leaving me contented and looking forward to the traditions of Christmas. Some of the stories were super quick to read and a couple others I wanted to savor a bit more.  I enjoyed each author’s individual writing style and the way the characters were portrayed.

Reading these collections are a good way to be introduced to an author you may not have read before. I actually discovered a couple of new-to-me authors in this one. I recommend this novella collection to anyone who enjoys historical Christmas themed inspirational stories. The Victorian Christmas Brides collection is perfect for short reading stints or a long, lazy afternoon in front of the fire while sipping a relaxing cup of your favorite beverage.

I was gifted a copy of the book by one of the authors. No review required. No compensation received. 

CLICK BELOW FOR THE LINK TO THE AUTHOR INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY --

Author Interview with Kathleen Maher, The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection Blog Tour

 

 

Review ~ Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

Published June 1st 2017 by Barbour Books

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

My Thoughts 

4 STARS!!! 

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands puts a little different spin on the usual ‘mail-order’ romance story.  I looked forward to reading these novellas because of the twist in them being ladies writing off for husbands and not vice versa. The authors did a great job in that each story felt complete and not rushed. They are faith-filled and humorous, with amiable characters and engaging plot lines, providing a few hours of welcome entertainment at the end of a long day. While I enjoyed all of the novellas, I definitely had a favorite or two. I can highly recommend this collection to fans of historical fiction! 

I want to thank Gina Welborn for sending me a paperback copy of this book for review purposes.  No compensation has been received.

~Happy Reading~

Where Two Hearts Meet by Carrie Turansky ~ FREE on Kindle!!!

I read these tea shop novellas and absolutely loved them!

In fact, I've read most of Carrie's books and enjoyed every single one. Of course, it's always best to settle in with a hot cuppa tea, cocoa or coffee, and a snuggly warm blanket if it's cold weather. You'll want to get nice and comfortable because it will be hard to tear yourself away from these sweet stories! ;)

If you aren't familiar with her work, I encourage you to grab your copy of these two novellas (in one collection) that are available FREE on Kindle!

Kindle Edition, 139 pages

Published April 6th 2014 by Flowing Stream Books

Two Sisters, Two Heartwarming Romance novellas

There’s no better place for romance, forgiveness, and second chances than the Sweet Something Teashop.

Tea For Two

Allison Bennett, co-owner of a financially strapped teashop in Princeton, New Jersey, receives a large anonymous check that saves her business. But she has no idea who sent it. Could it be from Peter Hillinger, the wealthy businessman who owns the shop next door and wants to win Allison’s heart? Or is it from Tyler Lawrence, Allison’s old boyfriend, who returns to town claiming a renewed faith and a changed life. Allison doesn’t know whom to trust. Should she follow her head or heart, or is there Someone else who can guide her toward the best path for her future?

Wherever Love Takes Us

After twenty-five years of marriage, Matt and Tessa Malone are struggling to recover financially and rebuild trust following a business failure. Then Matt inherits property in Oregon, and he wants to move the family there to make a fresh start. But Tessa can’t imagine giving up the cozy teashop she co-owns with her sister, or leaving her friends and family in Princeton. Whose dream will they follow, and how much will it cost their family? Can they resolve their differences and rebuild a love that seems lost?

Tea for Two was originally published in Kiss the Bride, and Wherever Love Takes Us was originally published in Wedded Bliss. These two novellas have been expanded, updated, and put together in one book.

You can get your copy FREE on KINDLE!

Always be sure and check the price before you buy! 

I do believe this special ends on Oct 25th! 

Click here for a direct link to Amazon. 

 CARRIE TURANSKY is an award-winning author of thirteen novels and novellas. She has been the winner of the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award, and a finalist for the Inspirational Readers Choice Award and The ACFW Carol Awards and Genesis Contest. She has written contemporary and historical romance, women's fiction, short stories, articles, and devotionals. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, counselor and the author of several parenting books. They have five adult children, whom Carrie homeschooled, and three grandchildren. 

Visit Carrie's website to read more about her and her books.
http://carrieturansky.com/

Connect with Carrie on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

Stay tuned for her next Edwardian book, Shine Like the Dawn, coming in Feb 2017!

In Edwardian England . . . Can the light of faith and love out shine the darkness of doubt and family secrets?
 
Maggie Lounsbury lost her parents in a boating accident when she was seventeen. Those she trusted, including her friend Nate Harcourt and his family, seemed to turn their back on her in her time of need, and she hardened her heart against them. Four years later she finds her father’s journal, and what she reads there makes her suspect their deaths might not have been an accident. Maggie sets off on a search to learn the truth and see that justice is carried out for those she loved and lost, even if it means the Harcourts will have to pay the price.

When Nate Harcourt hears his father is dying he returns to Morningside Manor, his family’s estate in Northumberland, to try and make amends. As the only son and heir, he inherits his father’s property and business interests at Clifton Engineering. Hoping to fulfill his father’s dying request, he seeks out Maggie to pay off a debt owed to her late father, but Maggie doesn’t trust Nate and refuses to accept the money or any help from him or his family.

Will Maggie overcome her distrust, reconnect with Nate, and find the answers she is seeking? Can she learn the value of mercy as well as justice? Will she open her heart to faith and take hold of trust and love again?

Visit and follow Carrie's Shine Like the Dawn Pinterest board to see characters, the setting, and inspiration for the story.
 

~Happy Reading~

Review ~ Austen in Austin, Volume 1 by Susanne Dietze, Anita Mae Draper, Debra E. Marvin, Gina Welborn

Published January 15th 2016 by WhiteFire Publishing

Discover four heroines in historical Austin, TX, as they find love--Jane Austen style. 

Volume 1 includes:

If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn, based on Emma
A prideful matchmaker examines her own heart when her protégé falls for the wrong suitor.

Refinements by Anita Mae Draper, based on Sense and Sensibility
A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love . . . twice.

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, based on Pride and Prejudice
A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams, but her prejudice may cost her true love . . . and her career.

Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin, based on Northanger Abbey
A timid gothic dime-novel enthusiast tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cemetery and, even more shocking, why two equally charming suitors compete for her attentions.

Four more exciting novellas will follow in volume 2!

Anne's Review

 4 STARS!!!

Based on Jane Austen’s novels—Emma, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, and Northanger Abbey— these four novellas are set in the late 1800s and their distinctive Austen flavor is quite palatable. The authors connected the stories together by having the principle characters from each previous novella mentioned in the next one. I found this to be a delightful addition! The narratives are easily read and contain humorous dialogue, as well as pleasantly descriptive settings. 

Reading adaptations of classic novels isn’t something I usually do—but I was intrigued by the premise of Austen in Austin—and I’m glad I did. I thoroughly enjoyed being diverted from life’s cares for a couple of hours. I would definitely recommend this collection to fans of Historical fiction. I accepted an electronic copy from one of the authors in exchange for my review. No compensation has been received.

~Happy Reading~ 

Anne's Top Reads in 2014

2014 offered some great books in Christian Fiction.

Life threw me some unexpected interruptions that slowed down my reading but I tried to get in as many books as possible. I read both contemporary and historical novels, and enjoyed some very well written novellas, too!

In no particular order, my Top Novel Reads in 2014 are:

Somebody Like You by Beth Vogt

Displaying  a mastery of writing skills, Beth Vogt has penned an astonishingly complex and emotional novel.

Life Support by Candace Calvert

There are times I read a book, put it down and basically forget the story. This was not the case with Life Support! My heart strings were being pulled from one side to the other like a rope during a rousing game of tug of war. 

 

Petticoat Detective by Margaret Brownley 

Petticoat Detective is my favorite book from Margaret Brownley! It’s a fast-paced, funny and poignant tale of a female Pinkerton detective who goes undercover in a brothel. Doesn’t sound like something you would want to read? Well, you just might be surprised! 

Hawk by Ronie Kendig

Hawk is the second book in the Quiet Professionals series. It has a consuming plot line filled with engrossing  and complicated technological intrigue. Between bullets and missiles and literally running for their lives, there shines through some tender moments that gave me breathing space to catch my breath.

The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

The Daughter of Highland Hall is the second book in the Edwardian Brides series and from beginning to end, I felt as if I was part of the Ramsey family. This is one of my favorite books so far this year!  In fact, the opening scene where Kate is learning to curtsy, and Jonathan sees her, is one of the most delightful I have read in a long time.  

 A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

A Match of Wits transports us into a charming and rousing tale with Agatha. She is a woman before her time--fearless,  impassioned about many things, and relentless in her pursuit of a good news story.  In many ways, she is a product of a forward moving generation.

Prelude for a Lord by Camille Elliot

 An awkward young woman. A haunted young man. A forbidden instrument. Can the love of music bring them together . . . or will it tear them apart? (from the publisher)

Note: I won Prelude for a Lord book in a giveaway and just recently made time to read it, and I am happy to say it is a definite top read! I'll write a review and post it as soon as I can.

  
Full Steam Ahead by Karen Witemeyer

Full Steam Ahead is one of my favorite books that Karen has written. It will make my Top Ten this year.  It’s filled with fascinating history regarding steam engines, lots of daring adventure, and her trademark humor woven in with a beautiful message of faith.

Raptor 6 by Ronie Kendig 

I’m not sure how to describe this book. It’s one of those that has so many layers, once they’re peeled back, more and more appear. It is full of intensely gritty scenes that even though I found difficult to read, I couldn’t stop reading. The prose is mind-blowing  and held me hostage from the first page to the last. The intensity of emotion in Raptor 6 tops every one of this author’s other books.

Chateau of Secrets by Melanie Dobson

Historical/Contemporary Hybrid

With alternating chapters, this story gripped my heart from the opening scene in the chapelle, to the ending  scene in the same chapelle some 70 years later. I don’t know a lot about France during WWII but I was mesmerized from the start by the story of Giselle, a young woman fighting for her country in the only way she could during a most horrible time in history.

Beowulf by Ronie Kendig

Beowulf resounds with quintessential Kendig. Packed with deep characterization, rich descriptions, and her trademark rapid-fire dialogue, once you start reading you won’t be able to stop.

Call of the Prairie by Vickie McDonough 

Vickie McDonough has the ability to paint such realistic word pictures that I was sure I felt the prairie breezes blowing and could see the majestic windmill standing front and center in the town square. 

Now for the Novellas!

A November Bride by Beth Vogt

 Operation Zulu Redemption by Ronie Kendig

A 5 Part Serialization Project

 The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek by Sharlene MacLaren

Did you enjoy any of these books in 2014? If so, I would love to hear what you thought about them. If not, what did you read? Leave a comment and lets chat books!