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!

Christmas Traditions 8-in-1 Collection - Guest Review by Tina Rice

Christmas Traditions
FIVE STARS ***** 
8 Christmas Novellas...Stories of Love at Christmas
    by Jennifer AlLee, Angela Breidenbach, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall,  
    Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Niki Turner and Gina Welborn

Reviewed by Tina St.Clair Rice, Guest Reviewer

1) A Nutcracker Christmas by Jennifer AlLee
Isabella Brandt is one of many ballerinas in the 1945 San Francisco Ballet Corps.  She, like the others, are trying out for a coveted position in the upcoming performance of the Nutcracker.  

Violinist Victor Randolf recently immigrated to America from Hungary and was fortunate to land a position in the Orchestra for the Ballet Corps.  As Isabella and Victor work together they form a closeness neither of them expected.  With Thanksgiving coming up, Isabella invites many of the ballerinas and Victor to her apartment.  After the delicious Thanksgiving meal, they gather in the living room enjoying coffee and listening to Victor play his violin.  An unexpected “guest” shows up, the last person Isabella expected to ever see again.  Beyond shocked, Isabella can only stare while her other guests leave.  What, how can this happen?  What does this mean for her future?

I like the way Jennifer weaves her story and shows her characters feelings, challenges, past hurts, hopes, dreams and faith.  Taking us backstage for a glimpse of the hard work it takes to produce a production like the Nutcracker and into their lives away from the stage. 

2) Eleven Pipers Piping by Angela Breidenbach
(CFP: This NEW RELEASE novella was only published this fall. The other novellas and short stories originally released last year. Angela lost her father last year while the collection was being written.)

Mirielle Sheehan is the music teacher at an exclusive church school for boys in the 1890's frontier town of Helena, Montana.  She is determined to help eleven abandoned young orphaned boys of various ages as they struggle to buy food and survive on their own as newsies—boys selling newspapers.  However, the school superintendent has given her a choice: either turn these rowdy street boys into model citizens or they will get sold into indenture or sent to the military—within the week.  

Evan Russell has been searching for his 6 year old son, Joseph, for sometime now.  After his wife died, he left Joseph in his brother's care while he went away to work.  However, Joseph is missing after a fire destroyed the home and family with it.  Is Joseph alive somewhere? He has to be!  Mirielle and Evan join forces to locate young Joesph with the help of the newsies.  Will they be able to find Joseph or is he really gone?  Praying for a miracle they enlist the citizens of Helena along with the newsies.  

This is a sweet and endearing story.  The 11 newsies certainly captured my heart and I so wanted them to find a safe, loving place to live...off the streets.  Evan's heartbreaking search for his son had me in tears as he struggled to hold onto the hope that Joesph is still alive somewhere.  I like Mirielle's spirit, compassion and dedication to these young boys.  This is a story that will capture the hearts of the readers.

3) An Apple For Christmas by Darlene Franklin 

Ruby Nelson is the new teacher at an all girls school in 1895 Vermont.  She enjoys teaching these young girls, even the challenging ones.  There are twin girls, Pippin and Margil, in her class that have captured Ruby's heart.  The twins father, MacIntosh—Mac Cortland, owns an apple orchard he and his deceased wife started years earlier.  Before moving from New York, Ruby's background was in agricultural science involving apples and is very interested in the Mac's apple orchard.  She also finds her heart drawn to Mac.

It is fun that Mac and the twins are named after apples...which fits the story-line very well. Margil fell in love with Ruby right off but it took a little longer for Pippin. It was fun to watch the interaction between Ruby and Mac—some very humorous moments too.  The twins were delightful and full of plans for their father and teacher.  Will their plans turn out the way they hoped or will they fall far short?
An Apple for Christmas is full of humor, love, faith and apples—of course—making this a sweet story.

4) Christmas Lessons by Patty Smith Hall

As a child Claire Davenport learned she had Polo which left one of her legs weakened and her walking with a cane.  Because of her disability, she broke off her engagement two years ago to the love of her life, Billy Warner.

After the broken engagement Billy leaves Marietta to pursue his dream of coaching football.  Now back in Marietta, he accepts the head coach position at the school where Claire teaches.  Claire learns he is back and will be working at the school at a staff meeting.  Added to that, he will be helping Claire as she works to give Christmas to the needy families in the community.

Can Billy learn why Claire really broke their engagement?   As they work together will they find that they still love each other?  I like how the author shows that despite having a disability, it doesn't mean you can't live a full, active life...including love.  Misunderstandings, insecurities, redemption, forgiveness, love and faith are woven to create a sweet story.

5) Handcarved Christmas by Cynthia Hickey

Laura Worth lived in a small town in Missouri with her parents and is the oldest of their 10 children.  An advertisement in the town paper catches her eye for young single women to be brides for eligible men in Montana.  With nothing to keep her in Missouri this seems like an answer to her prayers so she starts up a correspondence with a perspective groom, Benjamin Cooper, or Ben.  After some time and prayer she concludes that she is to be Ben's bride and travels the long way to Montana.  Now she anxiously awaits her groom at the train station, peering out the window but only sees more snow falling, no groom in sight!  What has happened to him?  What should she do?  Finally hiring a driver to take her the two hours ride to Ben's home she arrives and knocks on the door.  Ben opens the door, puzzled why a young woman would be at his door step in the middle of a snow storm.  He learns that she is to be his bride!  Finding a note left by Ben's brother, Sam, explains that Laura is Sam's Christmas gift to Ben.  

To protect her reputation Ben has no choice now but to marry her since they were alone all night.  They return to town the next day and marry.  Of course, things don't go as smoothly as they would like.  Being strangers, they both have a lot to learn about each other and being married.  As they work side by side, along with Sam, they learn to care for each other.  Christmas is fast approaching and they each have their little secrets preparing for the holiday.  What will Christmas bring to this couple? 

Handcarved Christmas is a charming and sweet romance set in 1880 Montana where mail-order brides are common.  I like the way the author shows the characters struggles as they learn to live together and care for each other, their strengths, weaknesses and faith.  Great story!

6) The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Our hero/heroin live and work near Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan's logging camp in 1890.  Josephine-Jo Christy, daughter of the camp's owner, is the camps cook and longs to leave and find another life for herself.   She has vowed to leave once this camp site moves on to the next camp site where the white pines they harvest are plentiful.  Jo longs to marry and have a family but does not want to marry a lumberjack.  Tom Jeffries is a teacher but teaching jobs are scarce and pay little, so he finds a job with the Christy logging camp as a lumberjack to support himself and his widowed mother. 

Both Jo and Tom have prayed for God's leading in their lives and question His direction at times.  Tom challenges Jo to bake a fruitcake like his mothers', if she does he will marry her.  Jo takes up the challenge, not to marry him but to take him down a notch or two—he is way too cocky, and besides he is a lumberjack.  But over the months as they get to know each other and Jo bakes one fruitcake after another that doesn't meet Tom's specifications, Jo begins to rethink baking yet one more fruitcake.  Tom now has second thoughts on his challenge to Jo, he wants to marry her but not because of her baking a fruitcake.  Things don't go smoothly as the deadline gets closer.  Even though Jo's fruitcakes are not like Tom's mothers', each fruitcake she bakes spark romance in other unlikely couples. 

I loved the sparks between Jo and Tom, each trying not to admit to themselves that there is an attraction.  I like the way the author includes Jo and Tom's thoughts showing their uncertainty and how vulnerable they really are. The description of how remote the logging camp really is from the nearest town and the difficulty traveling back and forth gives us a glimpse of their way of life.  Those in the camp are more like family than co-workers and rely on each other daily.  No story would be complete without surprises, and this one includes some surprises along the way keeping the reader engrossed in the story.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would like to see more of the characters in a follow-up story. 

7) Sadie's Gift by Niki Turner

Sadie Hubbard is a nurse working in the local Preventorium in the early 1920's.  She cares for children who have or have been exposed to Tuberculosis (TB).  Her heart goes out to them and their families and wants to make each Christmas a very special one even if she has to sacrifice to do it.  

Nathan Wells is a man on a mission, to return his recently deceased brother's car to his parents and then be left alone with his grief.  As Sadie is walking across the icy street he swerves to avoid hitting her.  Angry, he informs Sadie that she has to pay for repairs to the car.  

Later when Sadie arrives at the boarding house in which she lives she runs into Nathan again as he is now staying there too until his car is repaired. Will they be able to get past their first meeting and work together for the children?  Can Sadie's actions reveal the true Spirit of Christmas to Nathan?  Can Nathan release his anger and grief? 

This is a very touching Christmas novella in many ways, a bit of suspense, range of emotions, humor, romance, redemption and Spirituality.  I love the way God's love is revealed through Sadie's heart and how she shares the true Spirit of Christmas. 

8) Holly Daze by Gina Welborn

This is a charming short novella set in 1880's Iowa at Christmas time.  This little town has a festival each year in which they continue years of superstition—the placing of a cherry twig into glasses of holy water by an unmarried maiden, Lena Reinhardt, to bring good fortune for that year.  James Holly, an English paleontologist, is in Iowa for a geological survey at the time of the festival.  While there one of his fossils is stolen, delaying his departure until it is found.

The character's struggles in this novella are clearly shown.  Struggles that even Christians have— like Lena and James. I like how faith, forgiveness and redemption is addressed and opens the eyes to God's forgiveness and what it means for the believer.  A bit of humor, faith, love and romance makes this a charming Christmas story.

 THANKS TINA for the reviews!!!

GIVEAWAY:  This #1 Amazon Bestseller in Christian Christmas stories continues to stay on the top five of the list even months after release! Now available in paperback, we're giving away a copy to one of our readers. (International winners ebook only.) Answer this question: Why do you read Christmas collections?