First Love Forever -- More Reviews from Andrea Stephens

First Love Forever Romance Collection By Susanne Dietze, Cynthia Hickey, Marcia Gruver, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Martha Rogers, Lorna Seilstad, Connie Stevens, Jennifer Uhlarik, and Erica Vetsch

I was very touched by each of the novellas in this 5 Star book. Each story tells of a couple separated by time for varying reasons, being reunited in unique circumstances.

-Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver

Willow, Julian, and Hiram. Childhood friends and semi-rivals Julian and Hiram both love Willow. Willow's heart belongs only to Julian. The men go off to fight in the Civil War. Hiram returns wounded. Julian is not heard from for two years. Willow is pressured by her mother to marry Hiram. Can Willow put her grief and love for Julian aside?

I admired Willow's faith and seriously disliked her mother n this story of true love and faith.

I loved the authors' way of saying things. Example: “freckles so dense they looked blasted on with a scattergun”

-After The Ball by Martha Rogers

Chase and Susannah have loved each other since childhood summers spent together on his grandfather's ranch. Chase is unhappy working for his father, he longs to be on the ranch with his grandfather and Susannah. Chases mother wants him to marry a Dallas society woman. He takes Susannah to the ball honoring his father some women say she is not good enough for Dallas, but the truth was Chase wanted her and that's all that mattered. Being true to yourself and what you want for your life is the heart of this sweet story.

-Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad

Ella and Titus. For school principal Ella Mason there is nothing like having her first love literally drop out of the sky onto the school property. A difference of minds separated them six years prior to the crash landing. Titus is injured and must stay at the school to recuperate much to Ella's dismay. Eventually, Titus is allowed to give some science lessons to the girls during his recuperation. One snooty mother does not think it is appropriate to have a man at a girls boarding school. She threatens Ella. Ella sees changes in Titus and his beliefs. This is an action-packed, second chance at first love story. After a fire and tornado, the balloon gets repaired, does the relationship?

-In Due Season by Connie Stevens

Leah and Gareth. There is so much hurt to overcome. Gareth left Leah the day before their wedding. Fifteen years later, he returns to sell his late father's property. Holding on to hurts from the past, Leah struggles to forgive Gareth after he tells her the truth of why he left, not what his father told her and the town. She still loves him, he's never stopped loving her. My heart hurts for these two as they go back and forth searching for the path to forgiveness. Gareth leaves town again to care for his recently found mother, she is dying in a hospital. Can Leah and Gareth overcome all that has passed between them?

-A Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia Hickey

Maggie and Zach. Maggie fell in love with Zach when she was a teen, too young for him. After her father dies, her mother wants to marry her off to the highest bidder and move back east. Maggie only wants to save her father's ranch. Trapped in a storm overnight, they return only to find Maggie's mother insisting they marry to save her reputation. They enter into a marriage of convenience. Zach sees Maggie as a feisty woman now and has feelings for her. Maggie loves him even more after seeing him take control of the ranch. The playful, teasing banter between the two is sweet. After Maggie is put in a dangerous situation, their feelings get real. For me, the message is trust and truth.

-Heartfelt Echos by Jennifer Uhlarik

Travis and Millie fell in love at the school for the deaf. They are separated by time and circumstance. Victoria, Millie's mother is very ill and sends for Travis to get and break a horse for Millie's birthday, (I think she wants him to be the real present). This is a very suspenseful story! Millie's step-father is not so nice. There is beating, kidnapping, a fire and more. There are also many surprises. Restoration, reuniting, and true love.

-Prescription for Love by Erica Vetsch

Natalie and Phin. Oh my, this is such a tragic story! Nurse Natalie Morrison, the almost fiancee of Dr. Phinias Mackenzie, has just recovered from Yellow Fever and is assigned to be his nurse in New Orleans. Natalie feels she is supposed to return to missionary work in Panama because it was her father's deathbed wish. Phin is drawn to New Orleans with his new mobile doctor office to reach those people that would never go to the doctor.

There is a deadly Yellow fever outbreak in the city. Natalie and Phin work very closely together, while the love they had for each other in the past simmers beneath the surface. Phin's brother Michael, sees it as he is being treated for the fever. He tells each of them they need to talk things out. Can Phin forgive Natalie for leaving him without explanation? Will Natalie realize her own calling for her life? Is there a chance for a happy ending?

This is such a wonderful, love filled collection. I highly recommend it to everyone.

We also have a Rafflecopter giveaway going on through April. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to enter to be one of the winners of the MANY great gifts we have!!!

Purchase links:

Christian Book Distributors  

Barnes & Noble   

Amazon 

Check at your local Christian bookstores, e.g., Lifeway, to see if they have copies, too! 

Giveaway: An autographed copy of First Love Forever. Leave a comment to enter. 

Rafflecopter Winners of The Captive Bride Giveaway!!!

Winners of the Rafflecopter for The Captive Brides Big Giveaway! CONGRATS! Thank you all who entered! We promoted at a Facebook party, on our blogs, and on our author Facebook pages and now we have some ladies who will be very happy!

Mindy Houng won the Grand Prize basket from Lucy Thompson in Australia! There are all kinds of goodies in this package plus a copy of The Captive Brides! (see pic above)

The winner of a gift card for $25 to Barnes & Noble from Carrie Fancett Pagels is Sherri Godfrey!

Copies of The Captive Brides (Barbour, October 2017) from Gina Welborn, Darlene Franklin, and Patty Smith Hall were won by: Alison Bossman, Bonnijean Marlowe, and Linda Marie Finn

A Hallmark Christmas ornament from Cynthia Hickey goes to: Cathy

The winner of a $15 gift card to Amazon from Jennifer AlLee goes to Bonnie Roof (Go Angel Bonnie!!! Congrats!)

A copy of Angela Breidenbach’s novella “Eleven Pipers Piping” goes to: Sonnetta Jones

More good news -- The Captive Brides will be coming out in LARGE print, hardcover from Thorndike Press woohoo!!! Releases in February. When I get a high resolution cover I'll share it here!!! But isn't that little preview cover gorgeous?

           

          

 





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Giveaway & Review of The Captive Brides Collection by Regina Fujitani

Guest Post by Regina Fujitani

The Captive Brides collection tells nine stories of different women caught in one form of slavery or another. These stories will take you captive, holding you still until the very end. The nine authors who penned these stories did a superb job!

Love’s Labours Found by Jennifer AlLee
Temperance is brought to colonies under false assumptions. She's forced to be an indentured servant, she's sold to a cruel owner. Temperance has strength and endurance that gets her through the worst times of her life. When the time comes, she makes a decision that will save her life and impact her greatly. Edward is a plantation owner who treats his servants with kindness and gentleness. He is a widower with a baby. When Temperance comes to him for help he cannot turn her aside. What they both don't realize is what the future holds for them both. Will they embrace it? Will Edward see the treasure in front of him? This story was wonderful. I truly loved how Jennifer wove these two characters together.

His Indentured Bride by Angela Breidenbach
This is an exciting story fraught with anxiety, hope, and love. Marie and her fiancé are separated when he leaves Scotland but he as promised he sends for her a year later. When Marie arrives in America she's plagued with a greedy man that's taken with her beauty. Due to a devious plot Marie is indentured to him. With Marie and her fiancé ever make it to the altar or will she be forced to marry her owner?

The Suspect Bride by Susan Page Davis
Verity is a cook and waitress in Oregon. She's falsely accused of a crime she didn't commit. Jack has always been drawn to Verity. When Verity is arrested, he steps in as her attorney. Jack and Verity's love story is delightful and sweet! These two are truly meant to be together!

His Golden Treasure by Darlene Franklin
Goldie is a sweet soul with a strong spirit in God. Where she lives is astonishing and the Madame double-crosses her when it comes time for her birthday. Joshua is a minister wanting to help those in the lower district. He ministers with his sister and her husband. While he's out walking the streets, he meets Goldie. What Joshua and Goldie experience is sweet and wonderful. He truly is her rescuing prince.

Stormy Waters by Patty Smith Hall
Charlotte is a gently bred woman who lives with her Aunt Mary in London. Charlotte is arrested and sentenced to the colonies for her father’s crimes. Captain John is a man who transports the indentures and slaves to the colonies. After the death of his sister he found his way back to God. He redeemed himself and sought God's forgiveness. Charlotte and John find a lot in common. They both are strong in character and faith. Love finds them in the middle of an ocean.

Moira’s Quest by Cynthia Hickey
Moira finds herself being sold by the one person who was her guardian and uncle. She has endured years of mistreatment from him. She lost both of her parents in an accident. Moira is a strong and stubborn woman. She's determined to have it her way. She's definitely Irish! Officer purchases Moira and marries her. He's just as stubborn as she. Both of them work together to bring down her uncle and his partner to stop their criminal acts. After a rocky beginning, these two find love and happiness.

Love’s Escape by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Lettie is a mulatto slave on her family's plantation farm. Nathan and his father, along with his friend David, help slaves escape. Nathan and Lettie love each other and Nathan will do anything to set her free. Especially now that her mama was murdered. I loved how Nathan was her rescuer and protector. I also love how strong Lettie is, she is quite the overcomer! Both of them escape Virginia in order to keep Lettie safe. This story is full of love and adventure! It was quite interesting reading about the underground railroad to help those living life a life as a slave leaving that of slavery. An excellent story! As always, Carrie pulls another winning story together!

Waltzing Matilda by Lucy Thompson
Matilda along with her baby, is a convict in Australia. She decides to flee. During her flight, she meets up with Nathan. Nathan is a shepherd. Matilda is uncertain of her future as a runaway. Nathan is unsure of his feelings for her. But when Matilda is captured and carried back to Sydney, he realizes his true feelings. He will do anything to free her. This was an exceptional story. I loved reading Matilda and Nathan's story.

A Score to Settle by Gina Welborn
JoJo is a woman caught in snake oil salesman’s snare. She longs to get out, to become free from being enslaved. She's got gumption and heart. Cyrus is an unsuspecting victim in JoJo's scheme when she kisses him. This was a wonderful story between JoJo and Cyrus. JoJo had to really trust and let go in order to see love. Cyrus is a gentle man that saw JoJo's heart immediately. A delightful read!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

Bio: Guest contributor Regina Fujitani is a reader, reviewer, and Virtual Assistant. She's grandma to the sweetest little boy in the world. 

GIVEAWAY: A copy of The Captive Brides Collection. Leave a comment to enter.

Giveaway & Guest Review of Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands (Barbour Publishing, June 2017)

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection

Guest Review by Tina Rice

1866...Turtle Springs, Kansas....Since most of the men didn't return after the War Between the States the women decided to advertise for husbands to revive their small town.....Ad: “Wanted: Men to audition as husbands. Turtle Springs, Kansas. Auditions held May 25, 1866. Only Godly, upstanding men need apply. Check at Mayor's Office.”

-1..Abigail's Proposal by Cynthia Hickey
One of the first things Abigail Melton did as the town's new mayor was to encourage the ladies to place an advertisement for mail-order husbands. However, she needs to hire a sheriff first before those potential grooms arrive and so she hires a drifter, Josiah Ingram...single Josiah. Josiah is adamant he is not looking for a wife. Fun story watching Josiah as he “runs” from all the eligible ladies after him and Abigail as she searches for the right groom. Who will she choose and will Josiah really remain single and move on?

-2..The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis
This story brought lots of chuckles. Who would have thought two very young boys capable of kidnapping a cowboy—Sam Cayford—at gun point and taking him home to marry their mother? What a surprise for, not only Sam, but for their mother, Maggie Piner as well. Of course, this happens right at the start of the mail-order husband interviews and Maggie had decided to participate in. A fun, heartwarming story.

-3..A Clean Slate by Susanne Dietze
Schoolmarm Roberta Green is not taking part in the mail-order husbands interviews. She gives her heart to her students. However, a new “student”, Drew Cooper, just may win her heart—and far more. It was fun watching as Drew became Roberta's star pupil.

-4..Sunshine of My Heart by Darlene Franklin
Debbie Barker and her family live on the prairie not far from the small town of Turtle Springs. Debbie has chosen Zack Gage as her potential mail-order husband and he has come to see if he will like a life on the ranch. They both have much to learn when it comes to ranching and even love. Will love bloom and grow? A fun, heartwarming story.

-5..Come What May by Patty Smith Hall

Chardy Stevens certainly has her hands full caring for her four rambunctious younger brothers and running her deceased father's store. What she needs is a husband to help her, but she doesn't have time to look for one. Besides, she is still in love with her childhood friend, Luke Collins. Disabled veteran Luke doesn't see himself as a whole man and certainly not a man Chardy needs to marry. How would he provide for her and her brothers? Circumstances bring about a chance for Luke to help Chardy with her brothers that just may also open his eyes to other options for himself—and possibly Chardy. Great story of healing, second-chances and love.

-6..Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Widow Caroline Kane has no plans in participating in interviewing for a husband, she has enough to do running the restaurant/inn and caring for her siblings. When Britisher Barden Granville shows up and asks for a job she suspects him to be a potential mail-order groom her sister has set her up with. When in fact, he is in America on a “cowboy holiday”. There is far more to Barden than his adorable British accent as Caroline soon discovers—and some yet to be discovered. I loved watching the interactions between Caroline and Barden. Could it be that God has plans for Barden to stay in Kansas as the new vicar after all? Fun, heartwarming story.


-7..Louder Than Words by Gina Marie Welborn
J.R. Lockhart arrives in Turtle Springs to write about the men and women participating in the mail-order husband interviews. What he finds may be more than a story. Jane Ransome ends up helping J.R. meeting those around town for his article. Could he be the husband she is waiting for? But he is not one of the mail-order grooms and he is not staying in Turtle Springs. Then he surprises her in an unexpected way and...well, not telling. Cute, heartwarming story.

~I received an e-book copy from one of the authors via Netgalley, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

CFP: Thanks, TINA, for your lovely review!!!

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of this paperback! Cynthia Hickey is graciously giving away a paperback -- thank you, Cindy!

Celebrate Lit Blog Hop Tour for The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection!

Celebrate Lit Blog Hop Tour for The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection from Barbour Publishing!

Blog Stops

November 1: Simple Harvest Reads

November 2: History, Mystery & Faith

November 2: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

November 3: Bibliophile Reviews

November 3: Smiling Book Reviews

November 4: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

November 5: A Greater Yes

November 5: Blossoms and Blessings

November 6: Artistic nobody

November 7: cherylbbookblog

November 8: Reviewing Novels Online

November 8: Jeanette’s Thoughts

November 9: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner (Spotlight)

November 9: inklings and notions

November 10: Lighthouse Academy

November 11: The Scribbler

November 12: Karen’s Krayons

November 13: Daysong Reflections

November 14: Splashes of Joy

November 14: Blogging With Carol

Please note: The authors on these websites have until MIDNIGHT to post their column, per Celebrate Lit's policies, so if the post isn't there then try later, thanks!  Also, I will be trying to update this list with the direct permalink to the posts as most of these are simply to the bloggers' websites.

The authors from The Blue Ribbon Brides Collection will be popping by the blogs. With every ten unique visitors to each blog, there will be a giveaway of a copy of our new release! So be sure to comment on each blog!

There is also a Grand Prize giveaway!  (Click here for a link to the Celebrate Lit page to enter!) 

We're also having a Celebrate Lit Facebook Party this Thursday, November 4th, 7-8 pm Eastern Time. (Note time is listed in Pacific time on the page. Click here to indicate you will attend.)