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| With This Kiss - Historical Collection |
Historical Collection
April 10, 2015
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
Outstanding, original and refreshing, and superbly written! This exceptional collection of novellas from some of the finest Inspirational Historical Romance authors, will give you hours of unsurpassed reading pleasure that lifts your spirit and leaves you smiling!
April 10, 2015
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****
Outstanding, original and refreshing, and superbly written! This exceptional collection of novellas from some of the finest Inspirational Historical Romance authors, will give you hours of unsurpassed reading pleasure that lifts your spirit and leaves you smiling!
HIS BELOVED BRIDE by Ruth Logan Herne: This incredibly
touching story is dedicated to the courageous pioneers of America. It tells the
story of the recently widowed Grace Hawthorne, with a new baby and no shelter
or stock. When Phillip Dickerson suddenly discovers he needs a wife and child
to receive an inheritance, marrying Grace seems like the perfect solution. Can
love grow out of practicality and if so, will it be robust enough to withstand
tragedy? This was a truly beautiful, heart-warming tale that had me in tears
when I wasn't sighing or smiling. Ruth Logan Herne is an extremely gifted
story-teller!
MEETING IN THE MIDDLE by Pam Hillman: An enrapturing
story with so much promise and heart that it has you plowing through the pages! Neighbors Alaina Garland and
Curt Parker were in a fix. They both needed their cotton crops plowed and hoed in time for
harvest but Alaina was hard pressed to do the laborious work by herself and
Curt couldn't leave his children alone. He strikes a deal with Alaina to mind
his children while he worked both crops. But fulfilling each other’s needs also
left them seeing the lack in in their own lives. Could the upcoming harvest
bring in more than just cotton? This beautiful romance explores the issues of
fear and trust, and delivers the perfect ending!
THE INKEEPER’S PROMISE by Cara Lynn James: The picturesque
and tranquil scenery surrounding The Mountain View Inn at Shadow Lake, New
Hampshire, seizes your imagination as does the captivating story about this
beloved inn and its owners. Lydia and her mother desperately want to keep their
inn operating, but when the ambitious co-owner Dane turns up and sees the mess
it’s in both physically and financially, the only viable solution is to sell.
Can the growing affection between Lydia and Dane be enough for him to give up
on his own determined ambitions and find a resolution? Cara is a new author to
me, but I so enjoyed this beautiful story on faith and seeking God’s will, that
I’ll be seeking out more from this author!
GRACE LIKE RAIN by Julie Lessman: Invigorating and
brilliantly witty, this novella excels in saturating your senses with
sigh-inducing, lip-curving, and heart-hammering romance, while merging with a
spiritually uplifting message of God’s overflowing grace. San Francisco’s most
notorious bachelor Blake McClare takes everyone by surprise, including himself
when his prim and proper receptionist Patience Peabody captures his elusive
heart. How will he ever be able to persuade her to give this ‘rogue’ a chance?
The romantic tension was powerful and achingly beautiful, and Julie’s trademark
paralyzing twist takes
you by surprise once again!
CLOSER THAN BROTHERS by Mary Connealy: This was a real
change in pace, and is a riveting and compelling read. ‘Closer than Brothers’
is a prequel to the intriguing and entertaining ‘The Kincaid Brides’ series of
books, and I’m sure upon reading this novella you’ll want to grab those too!
‘Closer than Brothers’ predominantly takes place at Andersonville, a
confederate prison camp during the Civil War. We see what the characters from
Mary Connealy’s later books, endured during this horrific chapter of their lives
that had shaped their futures so profoundly. This heart-rending story was
remarkably inspiring in watching these men band together in the fight for their
lives. And yes, you can still expect kisses in this poignant and stirring tale!
~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
You will find this delightful Collection on Amazon!
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for the opportunity to win a copy of 'With This Kiss - Historical Collection'!! And in addition, Julie Lessman has generously offered a choice of any ONE of her books (choice of format) to one blessed commenter this week!
(Please leave your email if we don't know you.)
(Please leave your email if we don't know you.)
This is a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance!
wendyshoults(at)gmail(dot)com
Wendy, good morning! I'm so glad you stopped over here, hey, I've got the coffee on and I'd love to share... Unless you're a tea drinker, and I'll run to get the cozy! :) We're getting snow here in upstate New York, a little "ha ha ha" from Mother Nature! But soon... maybe.... tulips! Oh, happy days!
DeleteKate, any time I get to work with Julie Lessman, I jump at the chance! Her vibrance and contagious love for God and romance fire us all up! I'm so glad we're doing this giveaway here! Awesome!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a wonderful group of books to read. Some of the authors are new to me. I would love to win this! Thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteHey, Judy! That's the fun of a collection, you get to try new authors and see if it's a good fit! We love doing these for that very reason... and because it's so much fun to work together! Glad you stopped by!
DeleteThis group of novels looks like so much fun to read! Would love to win!! Thanks for providing this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy email is sydneyjames68@gmail.com
DeleteSydney, I think so too! You're in!
DeleteThanks for coming by Sydney! They really are a fabulous read in every way!!
DeleteLike the others, I'm sure this collection will be wonderful! dbdempsey98(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is Becky! All the best with your entry!!
DeleteSuch beautiful, compelling reviews on each of the novellas, Noela, thank you!! I have this collection, have only read one of the novellas, however, your reviews convinced me that I must find time to read the others very soon. Each one sounds like a truly wonderful, inspiring story. I know our winners this week will find true enjoyment from this collection, and also from the giveaways Julie has so generously offered from her other books!!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, I hope you love 'em to pieces! And always a joy to see you, my friend!
DeleteThank you Bonnie!! Ruthy, I reckon she'll definitely love 'em to pieces, as I did! :)
DeleteAll of these sound awesome. I can see late nights in my future if I was fortunate to win these! Thank You for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I hope so! I love stories that won't let me go! And Noela did such a beautiful job of reviewing them, we're all so grateful!
DeleteOh yes Karen, expect a few late nights because these stories definitely do NOT let you go easily! ;) Thank you Ruthy, I'm so glad and y'all are very welcome!
DeleteAll these stories sound wonderful! I can't wait to read them! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
ReplyDeletecolorvibrant at gmail dot com
It's honestly one of the best collection of stories I've ever had the pleasure to read Heidi! And I hope you get to read them too, soon!! :)
DeleteHeidi, hi!!! I love seeing you over here, and Noela's praise makes me blush... but I agree, we had so much fun writing this series, and we all love God, romance and have a huge love/respect for history. So this had to come together beautifully! Here's hoping for SLEEPLESS NIGHTS! :)
DeleteSuch beautiful reviews, NOELA! To think of all the work this must have taken almost takes my breath away. What a lovely post!
ReplyDeleteAw thank you Diana, but I have to give full credit to the Lord for helping me get this done in short order or I never would have been able to! Bless you!!
DeleteDiana, didn't she rock it???? She encapsulated each story and made the descriptions shine. I love this woman!
DeleteYou are too kind Ruthy, haha but I love it and I love you too!!
DeleteWOW, NOELA, you rocked the big kahuna on this one, girlfriend -- GREAT reviews ALL THE WAY AROUND, my friend, so THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteI swear, you OWG gals write the absolute BEST reviews that I have ever gotten, so much so I'm always tempted to send you a check! ;) Not only are they incredibly encouraging, but beautifully written, and ALWAYS make me want to read the books!!
We can't thank you enough for taking the time to review our novella -- you ROCK, girlfriend!!
Hugs,
Julie
Julie my friend, YOU rock!! :) Thanks for your awesome words of encouragement, and trust me, it was my pleasure to read and review these novella's! They were all simply AMAZING!! Seriously, half the time I didn't even realize I was reading novella's, they were so chock-full of everything that makes a great novel! And 5-in-one for such a bargain price... This is the deal of the century! :) Hugs!!
DeleteAw, Kate, you are such a sweetie, girlfriend, THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, Ruthy, right back at ya, my friend -- I LOVE doing novellas with you!!
Hugs,
Julie
Sounds like a fabulous group of stories! Would love to win any of them :)
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
I so hope you do Betti, in fact I hope everyone gets to win or read these amazing stories!! :)
DeleteThis looks like an awesome set of books along with the super awesome authors! Thank you for the chance to win these, historical is my favorite genre!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
My favorite genre too, Trixi!! Which is why it's such a great pleasure to read and review these amazing stories by these rather awesome authors! :) All the best Trixi!
DeleteHistorical fiction is my very favorite genre! And Julie's A Hope Undaunted in print would be an awesome treasure.
ReplyDeleteKathleen ~ Lane Hill House lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Hi Kathleen! Nothing like stepping out of this crazy world into a completely different era through the gift of these amazing authors, is there? Blessings!
DeleteThank you, Noela. Love the research the authors do to place their characters within the events/happenings of the time periods. So much greater than we might have learned in school ~ and applicable to any time; growth in character looking to the Lord for direction. :D Kathleen
DeleteOh I'm so with you on that Kathleen! Now if my history teacher had of allowed me to read historical novels, I would have done SO much better!! Although I don't learn so much about Australian history these days as I do American. And with a touch of Irish, Scottish, and Indian history thrown in the mix too! The bonus is the spiritual applications as you say! :)
DeleteI love Celtic history, too... But there's something about the wild west, the pioneers, the colonists that grabs me because they were so stinkin' brave! Can you imagine leaving everything you know and have to travel across an ocean in a wooden boat for the grace of religious freedom???? The courage factor there amazes me, and because I live in the Northeast, I know how tough it is to cut farmland out of deciduous forest land. Backbreaking with the tools they had then! Oh my stars, I stand in amazement, really, and if God gives me enough time, I want to do some historical series because every time I visit the coast, and see the rugged conditions, I'm in awe... God blessed us with such strong roots... and then gave us wings!
DeleteWow, love that last sentence... 'God blessed us with such strong roots... and then gave us wings!' So poetic and so true! Oh and please, please do write this historical series about these unbelievably brave pioneers and colonists!! I'll be first in line to read it! ;)
DeleteKATHLEEN!! Are you honestly STILL trying to win AHU??? LOL ... that's been years now, and it was even an ebook freebie for a while, so we definitely need to get it into your hands -- maybe this is the time???
DeleteGOOD LUCK!!
Julie
Mary and Julie are two of my favorite authors so a novella collection that includes work by them has to be fantastic. The other novellas sound good as well. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletepmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
I have a feeling that after reading this collection, you'll definitely be adding others to your favorites list, Pam!! :) Thanks for coming by and all the best!
DeletePam, I love them, too! We've been friends for over a decade, so getting to work with both on this project and our Christmas "Hope for the Holidays" collections, is just plain pleasure! We are so blessed!
DeleteAw, PAM, you are SUCH a blessing to me, my friend -- always have been and always will be!! Here's to a win, my friend. :)
DeleteHugs,
Julie
NOELA are you sure you aren't the one that writes the blurb for books? What a terrific set of reviews! Makes me want to hurry and read them all. :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha no, but thanks for the vote of confidence! That'd be a fun though challenging job to do I would think! I hope you get to read them soon because I know you'll be blessed in doing so Teresa!!
DeleteTeresa, good morning! I love your name, I love the old-fashioned sound and thoughts that Teresa inspires... My mother-in-law is a Theresa, my confirmation name is Therese and I need to put a Teresa in a book. I actually did in an early story that became a very different later story, but Teresa... sigh... was the LATE WIFE! Next time I use your name, I promise to let you live, LOL! Good to meet you!
DeleteRUTH you have me laughing uncontrollably!! How funny that story is because when I was a small girl I remember my mom telling me they had seen a little girl's obituary and like her name, so I was named after her! lol How befitting what you just said about the late wife! Good thing I have a great sense of humor or I would be "creeped out"!!! lol
DeleteHahahahaha!!!! That's so funny.... or macabre and scary, LOL! I use Mother Teresa quotes in several of my contemporary books... What a beautiful example of Christ's love among us she set, the simple and ongoing life of service. And the several St. Teresas (or with the "h" Theresa)... their stories inspired me as a child, their dedication to God. That's why I chose Therese, it was after St. Therese of Lisieux "The Little Flower". I'd read a story (there we are again, back to stories!!! Of course!) about her life and I was so inspired by how she was kind of a brat, indulged and beloved and as an adolescent realized she was a selfish spirit and didn't want to be that way. I loved that part, that at the height of a kid's selfishness, when hormones are crazy and life is changing in so many ways, she dedicated herself to God.
DeleteBut I'm kinda laughing that they saw an OBITUARY and named you that, LOL! Most folks I know scan the "birth announcements"! LAUGHING!!!!!! I'm so glad I met you, Teresa!
Lovely reviews, Noela! I am eager to read this fantastic collection!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Britney! I have to admit, I'm eager for you to read it it too, it is just soo good! :)
DeleteBritney, nice to see you over here! And I love Noela's enthusiasm, especially because we've got authors in this collection that not everyone has seen... So it's fun to see people's reaction to new authors, that's the huge blessing of an anthology. Love it!
DeleteWhat great reviews, Novela! Thanks for sharing. No need to enter me for the drawing. The collection is on my Kindle calling my name (my reward once I turn in a proposal). :)
ReplyDeleteLOVED how you called me Novela, Missy! :D Could be a nickname in that lol, since I do read a whole lot of novella's! ;) All the best with your proposal Missy, and enjoy that collection as your well-deserved reward when the time comes!
DeleteHahahahaha! I love you Missy Tippens, I'm laughing here.... We nabbed this RITA finalist Missy Tippens for our contemporary collection, so that's huge in my book! And we're praying over Missy's proposal! I love how God continues to bless us, but honestly, the hugest blessing of all is meeting new people. Making new friends. I love that more than anything else, because when you can touch hearts... and souls... it's like having coffee together over a scarred kitchen table, sharing life, hopes and dreams. What can be better than that?
DeleteWell you guys sure have touched my heart with your stories so I'm sure I was at that scarred kitchen table... however I was the one drinking tea! ;) Loved Missy's story in the contemporary collection!! Now to find some time to squeeze in a review for yet another outstanding collection of stories!!
DeleteI'm looking forward to catching up with all of these stories.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you'll love them too when you do, Mary!! All the best!
DeleteI love my middle-of-the-night-here across the big pond friends! Hey, Mary!!!!
DeleteHop in a canoe and come visit us Ruthy! ;) Pretty big pond so you might need a pretty big canoe!! And some strong arms, lol!
DeleteNoela, can you imagine traveling in those boats???? The wooden boats and sailing the ATLANTIC and PACIFIC oceans??? We're such wimps today! AAAAHHHHH! What a dream it would be, to come down under!!!!
DeleteLove the reviews and the collection, which I have. Fantastic writers all!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debby!! Fantastic writers all, indeed! And such a treat for readers of Historical fiction to have them all come together!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWith this kiss historical collection looks amazing. I actually haven't read any books by many of the authors before so it will be a real treat to read what they've written once I get my hands on the collection haha. I have been anticipating Julie's novella since I first heard about it so this means that I have to read the collection haha. Thank you for posting the reviews :) From Shannon
ReplyDeletestarlight059@gmail.com
Shannon, I'm a HUGE fan of Julie's books also, and what a joy it was to find out there were FOUR incredible stories as well as hers in this collection, for basically the price of one! Such a bargain, when you do get to read this collection Shannon, you'll be so blessed!
DeleteShannon, love the starlight! Smiling!!!! Well, honey, who doesn't love Julie? Don't you just wanna hug her and thank her for being so delightfully wonderful??? When I'm not making fun of her, that is! :) And that's what we love about these collections. For the price of a magazine, we can give readers a taste of different authors, styles, voices... and when the price is reasonable, it's a win/win for everyone! I love that indie publishing gives us this opportunity. We all love our traditional publishers and our books, but it's fun to jump into these new waters! And I Love, Love, Love my Kindle!!! :)
DeleteSHANNON!! I hope you like Blake's story, but the other stories are going to blow you away -- these are all award-winning authors, so this is a heck of a deal at $2.99 if you don't win today, but I hope you do! ;)
DeleteHugs,
Julie
So this is where everybody got off to?? lol Thanks for such great reviews, ladies! I echo Julie. You guys are amazing. :) And the excitement in the comments is so fun to read. I'm so blessed to be in this project with Julie, Ruthy, Mary, and Cara.
ReplyDeleteYes, very blessed indeed! :)
Thanks Pam!! Yep, this is the place to be lol! Great to see you drop by, and thanks for that awesome story! So glad you were part of the team!!
DeleteI would love to read this beautiful collection of books.
ReplyDeleteoh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
Danie, hiya, back! LAUGHING! I didn't know anyone else said "Hiya!" So funny! Oh my stars, I hope you love this collection, sweet thing, and if you win it or buy it, be sure and tell us what you think. Your opinion is so very important to us! Thank you for coming over, and here... do you like M&M's??? I've got some to share!
DeleteHiya Danie! I've always loved that part of your email too, just quietly! :) Hope you're well and I wish you all the best in the giveaway!!
DeleteGreat review and thanks so much for the giveaway! Love all the ladies who wrote that novella! :)
ReplyDeleteAren't they great, Anna?!! You know you're going to get high quality stories with those ladies at the helm! :) Thanks and God bless!!
DeleteANNA!!!! Love you back, my little newlywed/honeymooner/talented gal! I love running into you all over the World Wide Web (So funny, right?) and I'm so proud of your progress! Go you!!!
DeleteI have this fabulous novella collection. Noela, your review of the individual stories was wonderful and right on. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Janet
Thank you SO much Janet, very sweet of you to come by and leave a comment tho' you have this amazing collection! God bless!!
Deletesounds interesting
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
It definitely is 'bn100'! :)
DeleteGreat books! manderkaye09 at Gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteYes they are, Amanda! :) Blessings!
DeleteHave to be honest, I didn't read the entire review, yet. I don't care to read reviews until I have read the book. Whether they are actual spoilers are not. Even the back of the book is sometimes a spoiler for me. However, I like to bookmark reviews of books I plan to read, then go back and read them when I have finished. From the comments, I gather this review is exceptional and I look forward to reading it! You are now on my list! Lol
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I'm hollipop984@gmail DOT com
DeleteThanks Holly, and I respect your view! And yes, for sure I'm always careful not to reveal spoilers. Enjoy the book when you get to read it!! :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWould love to read these books! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteThey're pretty awesome Candice!! :)
DeleteNoela, I thought I had entered this post but don't see it. You gave us more good reviews. I would love to win these books. Please put me in. Thanks and GOD bless. ((Hugs)) Maxie > mac 262(at)me(dot)com <
ReplyDeleteThanks sweet Maxie!! Glad you made it, and God bless you too!!
DeleteGood, clean books are hard to find. I cannot wait to read these!!
ReplyDeleteYes, and you will most assuredly enjoy these ones Terri!! :)
Delete