Noela Nancarrow reviews LOVE UNEXPECTED by Jody Hedlund

Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope, Book One)

by Jody Hedlund

Bethany House Publishers (November 25, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 ‘Love Unexpected’ is an enchanting historical romance that unfolds on Presque Isle, Michigan in 1859, shining a light upon the rich history of the Presque Isle Lighthouse and the woman who became a Keeper there. It’s also a captivating tale of pirates and shipwrecks, the community of a small fishing village, and finding unexpected love and hope amidst tragedy and hopelessness.

When Emma Chambers and her brother are stranded on Presque Isle, Emma finds herself penniless and homeless. A traveling preacher who has just helped the local light-keeper Patrick to bury his wife, brings the two together as the solution to the now-widowed father of a small boy, and the destitute Emma. Inexperienced Emma is suddenly mother to a strong-willed child given to tantrums, as well as a wife with no domestic skills to an imposing albeit kind man. All she had ever really wanted was to have a home and family of her own, but as Emma begins to listen to gossip and dire warnings, along with her own suspicions mounting, it seems like her life might once again become capsized.  

I was extremely impressed at how deftly the author was able to express the frustrations and other emotions of the characters. Their fears, doubts, and longing for love and acceptance squeezed and tugged at my heart. Sublimely written, the very soul of the relationship between Emma and Patrick was tender yet intense, and dripping with romantic tension. And incorporated in ‘Love Unexpected’ was possibly the finest illustration and enlightenment on the pitfalls of gossip that I’ve ever read, illuminating a snare that has damaged or sunk many a relationship. ‘Love Unexpected’ is a beautiful and intriguing story that captures the reader right from the exciting onset!

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Available for purchase at these stores and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM, and Book Depository

GIVEAWAY: Author Jody Hedlund is generously giving away a copy of Love Unexpected to one blessed commenter!!

Diana Flowers Reviews Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

Love Unexpected

Love Unexpected by Jody Hedlund

Bethany House Publishers, 2014

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

(No Spoilers!)

Intrigue and Romance!

In Love Unexpected, author Jody Hedlund sweeps us away to Presque Isle, Michigan -- a remote fishing village where a lighthouse is strategically placed along the craggy shoreline to warn fishermen of imminent danger, the smell of pine trees and salty fish assault the readers' senses, and dangerous pirates lurk in the cold, murky, turbulent waters of Lake Huron!
 

When Emma and her brother, Ryan, are left for dead in their fishing boat by vicious pirates, Patrick Garrity comes to their rescue. Patrick is the widowed father of a toddler and the lighthouse keeper in a remote fishing village. Ryan is taken in by a family who does not want Emma, so she accepts the most practical solution available. Patrick needs a mother for Josiah, and Emma who longs to finally have a home of her own, enters into a marriage of convenience with this seemingly God-fearing man. It is not long, however, before she begins to have dreadful misgivings. Although Emma dearly loves Josiah he is given to terrible temper tantrums, she has no domestic skills, and to make matters worse Patrick carries deep secrets involving his past. Soon Emma begins to wonder if this man she is falling for is all that he appears to be. As the gossip swirls around her as thick and dark as the turbid waters of Lake Huron, will she sink once again -- this time with no beacon of hope to light her way?
 

Jody Hedlund has written a wonderfully descriptive, fiction-based-on-fact story about lighthouses, breathtaking romance, and.....pirates? Yes, indeed! Pirates on Lake Huron is something I was not aware of and totally intensified my interest in this book...as did my love of towering, majestic lighthouses. I really enjoyed the main characters (thumb sucking Josiah was adorable in spite of his temper), but poor Emma was so naïve I wanted to shake her and give her a big hug at the same time. The angst and romantic tension is so palatable it'll leave your heart racing erratically...ahhh, such exquisite torture. Along with plenty of descriptive imagery, a strong message of hope and forgiveness, and a few gnarly pirates thrown in the mix!...this novel makes for a very satisfying read!
 

This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, and your local bookstore.
 

Thank you to Net Galley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.


GIVEAWAY: Author Jody Hedlund is generously giving away a paperback copy of Love Unexpected to one blessed commenter!

 

Noela Nancarrow reviews CAPTURED BY LOVE by Jody Hedlund

Captured by Love

Captured by Love

by Jody Hedlund

Bethany House Publishers (July 1, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

~5 Stars~ *****

‘Captured by Love’ indulges the reader with the fascinating geographical location of Michilimackinac (Mackinac) Island of Michigan, and the engaging history that forms a bygone era when the British military controlled the American island during the Revolutionary war. During the occupation, the food resources were dangerously scarce for all, leaving the Islanders half-starved and the British soldiers faring even worse..

The dashing and humorously egotistical Pierre Durant, who was the head man of a fur brigade, arrives back home to Michilimackinac Island after being away for several years. Returning with a heavy burden of guilt, partly from being away so long from his mother, Pierre feels even worse upon discovering her undernourished, with a severe disability, and her farm in shambles. He helps where he can but is still torn between leaving her again, and the draw of the vast, beautiful wilderness and his adventurous life as a fur-trader. Meeting up with his childhood friend Angelique, who has grown into a beautiful woman whilst still retaining her youthful spirit, also makes Pierre’s decision whether to stay or leave, more conflicting… especially after his feelings for her begin to grow into something much more powerful. Complicating things however, is the fact that she is betrothed to his brother!

The tension and impact of the war soon escalate, and violence increases on the island. Angelique is at the mercy of her merciless step-father, and Pierre himself is in grave danger as the British discover his true loyalties. Can there be any resolutions to the divisions and dangers that separate them all so vastly?

There was plenty to admire and savor in ‘Captured by Love’. The story-line shifts with twists and turns, saturating the plot in intrigue and anticipation while leaving you with no idea how it will end. There are heart-in-throat moments and occasions that cause your emotions to swirl. The romance leaves you breathless and smiling. And the entertaining, playful bantering between the two fabulous main characters is immensely amusing. Spiritually, I came away with two character-building messages: To humble oneself and allow God to help, instead of trusting in only our own abilities. And secondly, to remember that no matter what comes our way, God is our unchanging, solid, rock!

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Available from Amazon, CBD, Barnes & Noble, BAM, and other bookstores!

GIVEAWAY: We have a copy of Captured by Love for one person who leaves a comment! Your choice of format. Non US residents - ebook only.

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Noela's Favorite Books of 2013

A HANDFUL OF MY FAVORITE BOOKS FROM 2013

There were so many amazing books released this year so it was impossible to list them all, so here are just a few of the many outstanding books that I've read and would love to recommend to everyone!
Click on the book title to be able to purchase any of these incredible books.

OUTSTANDING NOVELS

THE TUTOR'S DAUGHTER by Julie Klassen (Jan 1, 2013)

Julie Klassen has a true gift in delivering unforgettable stories.

Emma is the daughter of a tutor, but in a time when marrying within your own social class meant everything, could a simple tutor's daughter find love with a Baronet's son? Located on the wind-swept coast of Cornwall, The Tutor's Daughter is an enigmatic and captivating story with an intoxicating romance and a good dose of suspense. Including truly memorable characters and strikingly vivid images, this Regency era novel will be a lifetime favorite of mine!!

LOVE AT ANY COST by Julie Lessman (April 15, 2013) 

This is a romance that will take you to giddy heights and sorrowful depths. A journey of love and relationships that will spark hope and longing within you for the heroes of the story. And a tale of faith and the importance of integrity that will stir your heart as you become involved in the lives of the men and women of this charismatic and loving family. Cassidy McClare, a spunky 'cowgirl' arrives in San Francisco from Texas and is on the run from romeo's and heartache. Or has she just run right into it? Julie's stories will always seize you by the heart but leave you smiling!

BURNING SKY by Lori Benton (August 6, 2013)

Burning Sky takes you on a fascinating, yet heart-rendering journey to the New York frontier in 1784 during the aftermath of the Revolution. Now a beautiful young woman, Willa who spent nearly half her life with Indians after being abducted, is now a young woman caught between the white man's world and her Mohawk upbringing, and a man from either world. Charged with tension and danger, courage and love, 'Burning Sky' will abduct you as it did me with it's engaging story, allowing no escape until the final pages.

A PIONEER CHRISTMAS COLLECTION by Various Authors (September 1, 2013)

This is a compilation of nine original and inspiring historical romance novella's. These amazing authors all tell unique stories of breathtaking tales of pioneer life and love in untamed lands. And each story concludes with the new pioneer's celebrating Christmas in unconventional dwellings. I loved each and every story but I have to make special mention of one very talented author and close friend, Marcia Gruver, whose amazing novella 'A Badlands Christmas' included a character that happens to go by the name of Noela Nancarrow... and who spends Christmas in a soddie!

LOVE'S AWAKENING by Laura Frantz (September 15, 2013)

This is book 2 in the phenomenal Ballantyne Legacy series of Laura Frantz. In this sublime novel, we read of an exquisite love story within two powerful, feuding families of Pittsburgh. One family involved in whiskey dealing and slavery and the other secretly involved in the abolition movement... these are dangerous times and lives and love are at stake. As with all of Laura's novels, the historical detail is fascinating and flawless, a real treat for anyone who loves history AND a brilliant story!

REBELLIOUS HEART by Jody Hedlund (September 15, 2013)

Jody Hedlund consistently writes outstanding historical fiction stories - this here is yet another one! 'Rebellious Heart' is modeled after the inspiring true courtship of John and Abigail Adams. Pre-American Revolution, it's a volatile time in history, and the heroine Susanna struggles with her beliefs and values after Ben, the hero of the story, challenges her to consider God's higher laws of justice and mercy. This is a novel of love, courage, and faith. A fast-paced page-turner steeped in intrigue and danger, guaranteeing it'll keep you up late reading!! One of Jody's books will never disappoint!

TRACES OF MERCY by Michael Landon Jnr & Cindy Kelley (Oct 1, 2013)

'Traces of Mercy', the first in The Medallion Trilogy, is impossibly difficult to put down as you immerse yourself into this fascinating tale of a woman with amnesia and an enigmatic past. Set at the end of the civil war, 'Traces of Mercy' is a satisfying mixture of warmth and hope, of turmoil and drama, and of unabated intrigue. With the infusion of a charismatic and heart-rending romance, this is a unique story that will captivate you easily and swiftly! Highly recommended! I can hardly wait to dive into the next book of this series!!

GUNPOWDER TEA by Margaret Brownley (October 8, 2013)

Margaret Brownley brews a refreshing and stimulating historical romance with 'Gunpowder Tea', that's infused with clever wit, humor, a stirring romance, and is steeped in a baffling mystery! Join top Pinkerton detective Miranda Hunt and Wells Fargo detective Jeremy Taggert as they both aim to hunt down the 'Phantom'. Only thing is, they both suspect each other as working for this elusive criminal. So what do they do when they come to like each other a little too much?! This book has everything in it - a brilliant story, delightful and unique characters, a great spiritual message and words of wisdom, fascinating history, and even author notes on gunpowder tea!

ELUSIVE HOPE by MaryLu Tyndall (November 1, 2013)

This novel is as bursting with intrigue and fascinating storylines as the jungle is with life! Expect to be swept up in the drama and romance that MaryLu writes with such a skillfully expressive brush of the pen, that you'll suddenly find yourself totally immersed in the jungle along with the amazingly realistic characters that MaryLu has created. Unique to many of MaryLu's books, including this one, is a thrilling supernatural thread running through the story, reminding us of the importance of spiritual warfare. Join Hayden and Magnolia and the rest of the New Hope colony in Brazil for an adventure unlike any other!

THE CAPTIVE MAIDEN by Melanie Dickerson (November 19, 2013)

The Captive Maiden is an enchanting and inspiring re-telling of the classic and classic fairy-tale, Cinderella. This is a story for the adult, young or old, that is a romantic at heart and loves chivalry, knights, and damsel's in distress. Even so, The Captive Maiden is so much more than that. It will hold you captive from the very first page onward with Melanie's engaging writing as we watch the delightful romance between Gisela and Valten develop from early on in the story. You also glean a glimpse into history with the exciting tournament scenes and jousting. And if that's not all, there is a terrific message about finding your own purpose in life. This book is refreshing, unique, and entertaining!

OUTSTANDING NOVELLA'S

THE PAINTED SKY - VOL 1 - 8 by Murray Pura (March 11 - Nov 13, 2013)

Brimming with adventure, romance, and faith, this exciting series is unparalleled to anything you've read!

These 8 volumes will be released in 2014 as a complete paperback. Be sure to look out for your friends from OWG starring as widows in this hot as the Mexican desert tale!

RETURN TO SHIRLEY PLANTATION by Carrie Fancett Pagels (March 26, 2013)

Return to Shirley Plantation is a charming historical romance that steps back in time in history to the Civil War, and the part that the still-standing Shirley Plantation played in it. This wonderful debut novella of Carrie's also carries the ever crucial message of listening to and obeying God. A sweet, interesting, and  thought-provoking story!

HEAVEN IS NOT FAR by Marian Baay (September 21, 2013)

This is a beautiful love story that embraces the heart that's called to serve God, and the strength of a deep and passionate devotion between a man and the love of his life while enduring the anguish of the Civil War. Including an inspiring message about following your calling, this debut novel of Marian's was an absolute pleasure to read!

A HIGHLANDER FOR CHRISTMAS by Jamie Carie (Nov 3, 2013)

Last but certainly not least, is 'A Highlander for Christmas'. This was the first story I'd read of Jamie's, and honestly, after reading this small masterpiece, I'm now on a quest devouring every other book Jamie has written! Jamie writes her intriguing stories eloquently and descriptively, and the romance passionately. In 'A Highlander for Christmas', there are awe-inspiring images and if you listen close enough, I'm sure you'll hear the bagpipes as well! A wonderful story at any time of the year, but if you haven't read it yet, give yourself a treat this Christmas!

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Thank you to these and sooo many other authors that I've had the great pleasure of reading and reviewing their books this year. I look forward to spending time with you all in the New Year!!

GIVEAWAY: And for a belated little Christmas pressie, I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Jamie Carie's 'A Highlander for Christmas' to one person who leaves behind a comment. I'd love you to share which of the above books you would most like to read? And if you've read them all, which was your favorite? :)

Marian Baay reviews A NOBLE GROOM by Jody Hedlund

A Noble Groom

A NOBLE GROOM

By Jody Hedlund

Bethany House, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay

In the 1800’s many Germans immigrated to America in hopes to start a new and better life than they had in Germany. They worked hard and had little, but anything was better than what they had in the Old Country. In this book the German immigrants in Forestville are farmers.

Annalisa is a young widow. Her husband was recently murdered and now her father has decided she needs a new husband. He writes to his brother in Germany to look among their family for a young man who is willing to come to America to become a farmer and to marry his daughter.

Carl is the son of a duke—a nobleman who is not accustomed to hard work. He is accused of murder and therefore has to flee from Germany to America. He promised to help a young widow until her groom—also from Germany—would arrive. He can never tell his true identity—that he is the son of the duke—that would probably get him killed, because Annalisa’s father hates Carl’s father. Carl is a man of faith and finds it hard to live a lie, but feels he doesn’t have much of a choice.

In these days marriage was more a practical thing. Annalisa needed a man to run her farm...and soon! While waiting for her groom to arrive Carl is helping her on her farm. She can see he is different than any of the other farmers, but she is grateful for his help and doesn’t ask him any questions about his life in the Old Country.

Carl and Annalisa develop feelings for each other, but they know they can’t get married, because her father promised her to her cousin who is coming over from Germany. It is taking too long for her cousin to arrive. Will he ever show up? Or is there a chance that she can marry Carl?

This was another great book by Jody Hedlund. Carl and Annalisa were very likable characters. I really enjoyed reading this book. I love Jody’s story-telling and I also love to learn more about American history in her books. Looking forward to her next book…

*I received a review copy through NetGalley.*

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GIVEAWAY: A copy of this book, choice of format*, to one lucky commenter. Leave a comment and your email address to be entered in the contest. *International winners ebook only.

NOTE: Marian is enjoying a little break and won't be around much to interact with you, but she will read all the comments.

Teresa Mathews' Reviews A Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund

A Noble Groom

A Noble Groom 
by Jody Hedlund
Bethany House Publishers

Reviewed by Teresa Mathews
5 Stars*****

Ms. Hedlund at Her Finest

In this amazing story by Jody Hedlund we find ourselves being carried away to 1880 Forestville, Michigan.  There we are introduced to a Community of hardworking German Immigrants who have come over from Saxony Germany. Leaving behind a life
of working for the evil Baron von Reichart whom they blame for the loss of a loved one.

Annalisa Werner finds her husband dead in one of their fields and she fears someone has murdered him but truth be known she doesn’t really care that he’s dead since he was so mean. Annalisa doesn’t want to loose her land and she knows she can’t work it by herself so she knows she has to have a husband. If only Annalisa could have a choice in the matter, she does not want to be in a loveless marriage again.

Carl von Reichart aka Carl Richards, only son of the Baron, has never had to work hard for his allowance from his father. He was able to go to the best Universities in England to learn to be a scientist. When he is framed for murder and sentenced to die, he prays that God will deliver him and to his amazement his father sends a servant to help him escape to America. The servant has gotten a request to find a suitable husband for a young widow in America, he sends Carl with a letter explaining that his nephew will be coming soon and in the meanwhile Carl will be helping Annalisa around the farm. The letter left out one important fact…Carl is the son of their sworn enemy, Baron von Reichart.

When Carl meets Annalisa he is determined he is going to do whatever he can to help her, and the more time he spends with her and her little girl the more he dreams of what a life with them would be like. When Annalisa’s groom doesn’t show up when expected it seems maybe Carl’s dream will come true. Will Carl have to watch his dream die when the truth of who he really is comes to light?

Ms. Hedlund is a terrific writer and it really shows in this great story. From the very beginning I found myself running the gamut of emotions, sadness that during this time women had no say in who they married. Happy when it seems that things would work out for her and Carl and then fear for what almost happened at the end. This truly was a satisfying read! I can’t wait to see what comes next from Jody Hedlund’s magical pen.

***Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and Net Galley for supplying a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion.***

You can find this wonderful book and others by Ms. Hedlund at Amazon, CBD, and BAM


GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of Jody's book, to be entered please like Jody's Facebook page and leave a comment and put FB to let us know you liked it. 

Noela Nancarrow Reviews A NOBLE GROOM By Jody Hedlund

A Noble Groom

A Noble Groom

by Jody Hedlund

Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2013)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars ***** 

Jody Hedlund has crafted a mesmerizing and irresistible love story that spans across classes from the handsome son of a Baron to a poor farmer’s widow. A Noble Groom is a compelling romantic tale punctuated with nail-biting suspense and danger which provides the perfect blend of a deeply satisfying romance with an exhilarating drama. 

With the help of his manservant Matthias, Carl von Reichart flees Germany and a beheading that was imminent for a crime he didn’t do. With nowhere else to go that’s safe, he follows a plan that was laid out for him and arrives in Forestville, Michigan as Carl Richards, and looks for Matthias’ brother, Peter. After getting mistaken for the groom that Peter was expecting for his daughter, Carl explains he is only here to hide out for a time, and to help out his daughter until the real groom arrives from Germany.

Peter’s daughter, Annalisa Werner is a recent young widow with a sweet young daughter named Gretchen who loves nothing better than to have her mother tell her fairy tales. Annalisa herself sadly knows fairy tales are only for make-believe stories. She is aware of the German common law that a man could discipline his wife however he saw fit, including the use of physical force. Yet Annalisa had still dreamt of a fairy tale ‘happily ever after’ when she had married Hans. She soon learnt that she’d never please her uncaring husband and that true love didn’t matter, nor even exist.  Happiness was something she had no expectations of in her impending marriage that her father had arranged, but a groom was a necessity for her farm and hers and her daughter’s survival.

Carl was basically void of any farming skills but determined to do whatever he could to help out this pretty, but very sad young woman. He comes to adore Gretchen’s giggles and Annalisa’s smiles, and banters often with Annalisa to draw out those smiles. Though his feelings grow, he knows he holds a secret that will cause Annalisa and her family to hate him if not kill him. And then there’s the dreaded moment her groom will arrive that she is promised to.  

Carl Richards becomes a knight in shining armor to Annalisa in protecting her, making her feel special, and bringing laughter to her life, but she also knows that Carl must move on and that her happiness will be short-lived. Will Annalisa ever find her fairy-tale ending for her and her family? 

This beautiful story will squeeze your heart with longing for the endearing characters to succeed in grasping love and a happy ever after which seems so far out of reach. The friendship and love that blossom between Carl and Annalisa is captivating and enchanting, passionate and compelling, and inspiring the reader to want to read this engaging and powerful story time and time again.

Jody has incorporated an encouraging message threaded throughout A Noble Groom for widows, highlighting God’s special love and care for them from the One who calls Himself the defender of widows.

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, Barnes and Noble or your local bookstore.

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GIVEAWAY: We are giving away several copies of Jody's book this week - one for each review. Answer the question and leave your email address to be entered in the contest.

QUESTION: God tells us to honor real widows and to visit them. Do you know any widows or widowers that you could visit, and if you already do visit, are you able to share the difference it makes in their lives?  

Noela's Summer Recommendations

Surfers Paradise Beach, Gold Coast, Australia

Here are some of my favorite books so far this year. 

They will make great Summer reading—or if you're from Australia great Winter reading!

Click on the titles to find the books on Amazon.

The list is in no particular order.

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Bachelor Buttons

by Kathleen L. Maher

An exquisitely written novella which takes place in Manhattan during the time of the Civil War. This fabulous historical romance is a must-read!

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The Tutor’s Daughter

by Julie Klassen

This is a page-turner doused in intrigue and drama and features a breath-taking romance. Highly recommended!

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It happened at the Fair

by Deeanne Gist

Experience the thrill of the famous 1893 Chicago’s World Fair along with an incredible and memorable story. Thoroughly enjoyable!

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Return to Shirley Plantation

by Carrie Fancett Pagels

A brilliant and powerful novella that is steeped in history and intrigue, and features how Shirley Plantation played a part in the Civil War. A wonderful and interesting read!

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A Noble Groom

by Jody Hedlund

A mesmerizing and captivating love story saturated in tangible atmosphere with irresistible characters and is an unforgettable story. One to read again and again! 

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Safe in His Arms

by Colleen Coble

This Texas tale is an historical romantic suspense with amazing characters, an exhilarating romance, and on edge suspense that will keep you turning the pages speedily. Inspirational and surprising!

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The Last Waltz

by Murray Pura

A gripping historical romance novella that takes place during the Civil War that will seize you by your heart and not let go until well after you put the story down. It packs a punch!

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Forsaken Dreams

by MaryLu Tyndall

A masterfully written and engaging story that is so replete with drama and romance that it will sweep you off your feet and lay bare your heart. A phenomenal story!

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Captured by Moonlight

by Christine Lindsay

Journey to the exotic land of India for an impeccable tale of intrigue, danger, and a stirring romance in a story with imagery that’s second to none. Unforgettable!

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Love at any Cost

by Julie Lessman

The first in a brand new series that offers jaw-dropping moments, the height of romantic tension, and an abundance of smiles and laughter. An exceptional read!

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The Painted Sky

by Murray Pura

Set in Mexico, this is a story of five young, beautiful widows and their exciting adventures fraught with danger, friendship, faith, and romance with preachers who pack guns. Noelle shows up in Vol. 2!

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Waiting for Morning

by Margaret Brownley

A romantic western that is inspiring and endearing, has well-developed characters, and is an extremely satisfying read.  You won’t want to wait until the morning to read this one!

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Majestic and Wild

by Murray Pura

Murray Pura writes about his fascinating and exciting real-life adventures, drawing inspired spiritual lessons from these life-lessons and sharing in an easy to read yet contemplative manner. Great Christmas gift idea!