Once An Heiress by Renee Ryan -- Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blurb: Boston society darling Gigi Wentworth leaves behind everything she holds dear for the sake of love - only to learn that the man with whom she'd planned to elope is nothing but a thieving scoundrel. Abandoned in New York City and saddled with debt, Gigi must sell a prized family heirloom, but even that sacrifice isn't enough to get her home. Her determination drives her to take on work as a lady's maid, keeping her identity a secret...until she's discovered by a former friend with a hidden agenda. 

Although dealing with his own serious family issue, Christopher "Fitz" Fitzpatrick sets out to return the missing heiress to her rightful place in society. But the more he interacts with this new Gigi, the more shocked he is to find her so changed. Gone is the frivolous beauty in expensive gowns. In her place is a woman he could grow to love. When secrets are revealed, will Gigi and Fitz find the trust they need to confront the past and open their hearts?

Worth the Wait!

By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Once An Heiress (Brilliance Audio)

by Renee Ryan

Narrated by Karen Peakes

I was anxiously awaiting the release of this audible.com download, book 3 in the Gilded Promises series. I knew Gigi Wentworth would have a fascinating story to tell, and she does! This is a Prodigal Daughter story. Good spiritual arcs for both hero and heroine. Both needed to change in order for God to give them a chance to possibly make a new start. 

Make sure you read the first two books in this series before listening to book three in the series. They are all solid listens. I'll confess the first was my fave, but all are wonderful listens. I hadn't listened to any of Renee's books before and she's an impressive author--has it all with voice, characterization, and story. 

If you liked my novel, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring, you will likely enjoy this series which is also set at the turn of the century.

Giveaway: This week, I'm giving away a box of books. Comment on this post for an extra entry. Comment on my Sunday post on "Just" for a second entry! 

Giveaway & Review of Jen Turano's "Out of the Ordinary"

Jen Turano 

Out of the Ordinary (November 2017, Bethany)

Another Upbeat Confection!

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Jen Turano provides the reader with another lovely read in Out of the Ordinary. Gertrude Cadwalader is a funny eccentric character full of life and heart as is her match, Harrison Sinclair. I always find Jen's stories uplifting and Out of the Ordinary was no exception. Gertrude is beside herself chasing after her employer, Mrs. Davenport, who has "sticky fingers" which lands Gertrude in a predicament in this novel.

Harrison is a sweetie. I love his idiosyncrasies.  His family members are also enchantingly unique. This story is full of many characters who will stay with you love after you have finished reading the story.

I teach writing classes about "Why Backstory Matters" and this novel is a great example of revealing why knowing the backstory really does matter in understanding characters. And no, I'm not telling what is revealed in this novel!

Giveaway: A paperback copy of Jen Turano's delightful new novel from Bethany!

Noela Nancarrow reviews IN GOOD COMPANY by Jen Turano

In Good Company

In Good Company (A Class of Their Own, Book 2)

by Jen Turano

Bethany House Publishers (July 7, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Keeping company with a mixture of mischief, mayhem, and matters of the heart!

If you’ve never read a book by Jen Turano, you owe it to yourself to read one! ‘In Good Company’ is stamped with Jen’s distinctive style of converging clever humor and wit, slapstick comedy, mystery, romance, and even faith, together in an unforgettable package that entertains you from start to finish.  

New York nanny, Miss Millie Longfellow, insists that she understands children and how to handle their mischievous antics, even if it is in a rather unorthodox fashion. She does not, however, understand the high-society mothers and their averseness to her methods. Hence, Millie finds herself unemployed yet again.

When high-society gentleman Everett Mulberry loses yet another nanny for the three unruly children he recently became guardian to, he’s left with no choice but to grudgingly accept Millie’s services. Everett’s main objective, along with the demanding Miss Caroline Dixon on his arm, is to ensure his high social standing only increases. Oh, and to keep his children alive. The unpredictable nanny and his children are making this difficult, but Everett is slowly discovering that they’re becoming quite the pleasant distraction. Of course, this doesn’t assist his relationship with the snooty Caroline.

Gilded age - Caroline Astor

Millie finds herself falling in love with her charges and is trying to ignore any developing feelings toward Everett. She is after all only the nanny, and will certainly never aid his position in society. But when an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the children’s parents places them all in grave danger, will Millie and Everett discover what their true desires are before it’s too late?

This is a story that will draw you further in with every page you turn. It’s in those pages you’ll also fall in love with other delightful personalities such as the ‘not-so-subtle’ matchmaker Abigail Hart, and dictionary-loving Millie who has a tendency to hilariously use the wrong words in sentences. While wonderfully humorous, this beautiful story from Jen Turano also has real heart. Highly recommended!

Disclosure: I was provided with a copy of 'In Good Company' from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review.

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You can find this book at these and other places: Amazon; Barnes & Noble; CBD

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away a paperback copy this week of  Jen Turano's brand new release 'In Good Company', plus another copy, winner's choice of format, for any of Jen's books! Comment on each blog post during this week for more chances to win!

Heiress by Susan Mary Warren

Heiress (Daughters of Fortune)

By Susan May Warren

(Summerside Press, 2011)

 41/2 stars~

Available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.

Review by Diana L. Flowers

Powerfully Moving Story!

Susan May Warren pens a powerfully moving story that takes place during the Gilded Age of America, a time of the elite set; of riches and glamorous cotillions, motorcars and yachts, and forbidden passions and discontentment. It is the story of two sisters, Esme and Jinx Price, daughters of the wealthy newpapaper magnate, August Price, who are as different as night and day. Esme wishes only to follow in her father's footsteps, to become a famous female journalist, whereas her younger sister, Jinx, wants only to be a member of the elite society, possessing great riches and status, to the point of wanting her own sister's fiance, the wealthy Foster Worth. 

Broken-hearted Esme's journey takes her to Montana, a far cry from what she was use to in New York; a mining town with vigilantes, gamblers, and a saloon-turned-headquarters for her newspaper. She has no desire to ever marry, but meets the handsome Daughtry Hoyt, wealthy son of the owner of Silverthread Mines. Will she find love again and what terrible tragedy draws her back to her opulent home in New York City?  Does she learn to commit her ways to the Lord and finally find peace?

Jinx seems to have everything her heart could ever desire; a wealthy husband, jewels, the best parties, but her life is just a facade. One foolish night threatens to ruin her life forever, and her best laid plans for her future come crumbling in on her. Is there something deeper that money can't buy, and does Jinx find it? Will love's elusive dream ever find her again?

This is the second series I have read by Susan May Warren, and all I can say is NOW I see why she wins so many awards for her writing. I was a little nervous starting into this book, because Ms. Warren does not sugarcoat her characters or her storyline at all. Her characters are human and sinful, and not knowing God they do some pretty awful things, but you find yourself loving them anyway. The storyline drew me in, and I found myself not being able to put this book down after I got into it, except out of necessity. This novel was heartbreakingly realistic....edgy to be sure, but oh, what a satisfying conclusion! 

Susan May Warren, you are one master storyteller! 


GIVEAWAY:  We are giving away a copy of one of Susan's books this week - your choice of book and format (ebook, paperback)! This book is also available for purchase through other outlets such as Christian Book Distributors (See all Susan May Warren's books on CBD).