Review of A Not So Convenient Marriage by Sandra Merville Hart

About the Book

 

Book: A Not So Convenient Marriage

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November 8, 2022

A spinster teacher…a grieving widower…a marriage of convenience and a second chance with the man she’s always loved.

When Samuel Walker proposes a marriage of convenience to Rose Hatfield so soon after the death of his wife, she knows he doesn’t love her. She’s loved him since their school days. Those long-suppressed feelings spring to life as she marries him. She must sell her childhood home, quit her teaching job, and move to a new city.

Marrying Rose is harder than Samuel expected, especially with the shadow of his deceased wife everywhere in his life. And he has two young children to consider. Peter and Emma need a mother’s love, but they also need to hold close the memories of their real mother as they grieve her loss.

Life as Samuel’s wife is nothing like Rose hoped, and even the townspeople, who loved his first wife, make Rose feel like an outsider. The work of the farm draws the two of them closer, giving hope that they might one day become a happy family. Until the dream shatters, and the life Rose craves tumbles down around them. Only God can put these pieces back together, but the outcome may not look anything like she planned.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review- Rating 5 star

Rose, a schoolteacher, returns to her hometown to check on a friend from school who has become a widow. Samuel had two small children who were also filled with grief over their loss. A marriage of convenience seemed the answer, but Rose, who still carried a torch for Samuel, wasn't sure.

The story is filled with uncertainty, misunderstandings, and tension between Rose and Samuel. There are many surprises, times of sadness, and times when all their faith is tested.

Lessons learned from the story is that sometimes God brings us through the hard times to cleanse us of hurts and opens our hearts for love again. God always knows the outcome of every situation. The ending is beautiful and brings happy tears to my eyes. It is a story with well-developed characters that had my attention from the beginning. Another great read from this author. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Julie

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

 

More from Sandra

There are some stories that must be told. A Not So Convenient Marriage is one of them for me.

I don’t know what it is about this story, but once I began writing it over a dozen years ago, the characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

I wrote the first draft of this book a few years before my first book—another book, A Stranger on My Land—released, so I was still learning about the writing journey. I’m certain that my first draft of A Not So Convenient Marriage wasn’t ready for publication because it was rejected.

But the characters in my imagination wouldn’t allow me to let this one go. I edited and reedited, using skills I learned at writing conferences. Then I tried again with another editor. Another rejection.

Discouraged, I worked on other writing projects and met with a little success. When my first Civil War romance published, I decided to follow my heart and continue writing about that turbulent time period.

This book was set aside.

Still, every morning I woke up thinking about the characters in A Not So Convenient Marriage. In my mind, I’d rewrite a scene from the book as I lay, trying to sleep, in the middle of the night. Or the story would haunt me before falling asleep at night, keeping me awake an hour or two.

This happened almost daily for years.

Finally, I pulled up the manuscript again. It had been written in my early days so it required a lot of modification. I asked my agent to begin showing my updated proposal for the book. She was happy to do this because she always believed in this book. In fact, she decided to represent me after reading for proposal for it.

By the way, the story was still keeping me awake as I waited to sign a book contract.

Last year, I was thrilled when Misty Beller, Wild Heart Books, offered me a contract for a three-book series for this novel. Not only that, she also gave me a three-book contract for my “Spies of the Civil War” series, that published this year. (I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series beginning with Book 1 Avenue of Betrayal, Book 2 Boulevard of Confusion, and Book 3 Byway to Danger.

Misty told me that she cried when reading my manuscript for A Not So Convenient Marriage—the first time that had ever happened for a submission. That touched my heart.

I’m happy to say that scenes from the book no longer keep me awake at night…for now the story will be told.  

                  Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 1

For Him and My Family, November 1

lakesidelivingsite, November 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 3

Holly’s Book Corner, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

deb’s Book Review, November 5

Blossoms and Blessings, November 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 7

Inklings and notions, November 7

Connie’s History Classroom, November 8

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 9

Through the Fire Blogs, November 9

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 10

Pause for Tales, November 11

To Every BOOK There is a Season, November 11

Bizwings Blog, November 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 13

Mary Hake, November 13

Vicky Sluiter, November 14

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2244d/a-not-so-convenient-marriage-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of Christmas PJ's Featuring the Star of the Season! Jesus!

Keeping Jesus the reason for the season in fun matching family Christmas pajamas focused on the true story of Christmas!  We pray that Jesus is born inside the hearts of all who wear these pajamas. And that they may witness to their family and friends His amazing love.

• 100% premium grade cotton, chosen for its coziness and softness 
• The cotton was knit in such a way as to maximize stretchiness and breathability. They are SO comfy! 
• A small label has been stitched on the right arm of all our pajamas with the Bible passage the pajama is displaying, as a reminder to the child and the parents if they’d like to look up the story and read together.
• In addition to Christmas prints, we also offer (Easter, Palm Sunday, Esther, Noah, Daniel, David & Goliath, Jonah, Adam & Eve, and more!)
• These pajamas are snug fitting for women and children and loose fitting for men. 
• Consciously sourced & produced 
• Made in India

MEET HOLY PALS!

Our Mission

• Give children the opportunity to draw near to Christ, and to help parents teach their children about their faith.
• To shine a light on child-focused charities in need of support, raising awareness of their worthy causes and supporting them alongside our customers.

Every pajama sale supports the Littlest Lamb Orphanage, a privately funded orphanage in Egypt. They have built a home for orphaned and at-risk children who have lost their parents to death, imprisonment, or abandonment. The Littlest Lamb provides these children with everything they need to thrive – shelter, food, clothing, education, and, most importantly. A FAMILY that loves them. 

Follow HolyPals on Facebook  http://www.facebook.com/holypalspjs

Follow on Instagram @holypalsinc  https://www.instagram.com/holypalsinc/?hl=en

My Thoughts on the Product-Julie Grace

4 star rating

I purchased a pair for my great-granddaughter and love the vibrant, rich color of the pattern. The material is soft, stretchy, and 100% cotton, which looks like it will wear well.  There is a small label on the right sleeve with a bible scripture. This one came with Luke 2 1-20.  Buying pajamas from Holy Pals is a great product for your gift list and contributes to a great cause. 

Holy Pals PJ's come in four different patterns; it was hard to choose, as they are all stunning. 

If you want to purchase from Holy Pals, you can receive 10% off using the link below. Just enter code JULIE10.

https://holypals.com/discount/JULIE10

To Enter the Giveaway

https://www.blessedfreebies.com/holypals.html

Virtual Book Tour -Momma Llama's ABC Book of Latin America

 

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Momma Llama & Friends will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 

Momma Llama's ABC Book of Latin America is both fun and educational. This multicultural adventure includes people, places, and things from Central and South America - from Mexico to Argentina. The charming illustrations will make you and your child smile. Additionally, each page names the country or region of the subject; parents might learn something too.

About the Author:

Momma Llama envisions a world in which Mom becomes the star and the hero of each fun-filled adventure, giving a new perspective to the way children learn and play.

Each story showcases Momma Llama, a hard-working independent, and adventurous mother, promoting ideas such as teamwork, determination, respect, and the idea that Moms give more than we realize.

Momma Llama aspires to unify the diverse cultures of the Americas by promoting multiculturalism in a fresh new way.

There’s always something new in Momma Llama’s magical world, so join us for more adventures.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

I did not read this title so therefore, can not offer a rating.

Julie

Review of Rita by Izzy James

 

About the Book

 

Book: Rita: A Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Novella

Author: Izzy James

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: July 19, 2022

Dr. Rita Woods thought she was going back in time to save the children. She didn’t count on falling in love.

Rita Woods—retired physician, widow, with a granddaughter about to be married—misses her patients. She’s tired of knitting. She wants to do something that makes a difference again. When Max Ballard and his time-traveling conservatory pop in to her life, the voice of Dr. Josiah Jones’ diary calls. The voice who’d inspired her vocation. The last line of the diary haunts her quiet moments:

“…the children succumbed in the night…”

In 1769 Dr. Josiah Jones has a good life. His practice is thriving and, except for the the guilt he carries over the death of his wife, life couldn’t be any better. His biggest worry is the zealous match-making activities of his best friend…that is until a hurricane throws an unexpected guest on his doorstep.

Can Josiah trust a woman from the twenty-first century to save the only grandchildren he’ll ever have?

Is it possible for two people living 250 years apart to have a second chance at love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW-Julie

5 star rating

Rita is an exciting time travel read covering two time periods, 1769 and 2017. Rita, a doctor, in possession of Josiah Jones diary in which the demise of a family is recorded disturbs her. With a portal opening, she decided to take the leap into the past to try to save them.

This book was an entertaining read seeped in adventure, love, mystery and lots of surprises. I loved the authors writing style and the time-slip was seamless and easy to follow. The characters were rich in faith and family relationships, but also endured great hardships and struggles within both time periods.

The ending wrapped everything up nicely. I look forward to reading more from the author. Highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy from the author and willing choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Izzy James grew up in the footprints of history in coastal Virginia. She lives there still with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

 

More from Izzy

After I finished Garrett, who worked really hard to hide his contemporary origins when he slipped back to 1769, I thought it would be fun to have someone actually take some technology back to 1769. I also felt bad for Olivia’s grandmother who makes her first appearance in Max. She is a retired physician knitting away and helping out Olivia and Garrett as she can. I thought it was time she had an adventure of her own. And since I love historic areas, and Yorktown has become one of my favorite places, I knew I had to go back at least one more time.

                 Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 25

Texas Book-aholic, October 26

Mary Hake, October 26

Inklings and notions, October 27

deb’s Book Review, October 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 30

Holly’s Book Corner, October 30

Connie’s History Classroom, October 31

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 1

Britt Reads Fiction, November 2

Sylvan Musings, November 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Simple Harvest Reads, November 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Cover Lover Book Review, November 4

For Him and My Family, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

Bizwings Blog, November 7

                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Izzy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22251/rita-a-yorktown-christmas-time-travel-novella-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time by Tracy Higley

 Today I want to introduce you to an author I just recently read. I read her novel entitled, "Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time," and was surprisingly impressed with her style of writing and the quality of the book. I love a good time-slip historical novel and this one entertained me beyond what I expected.  Highly recommended- Julie.

What if you stumbled into a timeless party, in a secret garden only you could see?

Kelsey Willoughby doesn’t have time to pursue her writing dreams. Imagination doesn’t pay the bills, and she’s busy saving her beautiful city bookshop from online competition, hotel developers, and the sneaking suspicion that nobody reads anymore.

Not to mention all those voices telling her she doesn’t have talent.

But then the vacant lot of weeds next door starts to shimmer.

When Kelsey stumbles into a luminous nighttime garden party, larger than the vacant lot that holds it and filled with enigmatic guests, she suspects they hold the key to saving the bookshop, and perhaps even to her own mysterious origins.

But answers aren’t forthcoming, not until Kelsey is willing to confront her past, step into her potential, and push deeper into the unknown edges of the garden, where an unexpected journey takes her into a world of dangerous revelation.

Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I've been writing adventure stories since the time I first picked up a pencil. I still have my first "real" novel--the story I began at the age of eight during a family trip to New York City.

Through my childhood I wrote short stories, plays for my friends to perform (sometimes I had to bribe them), and even started a school newspaper (OK, I was the editor, journalist and photographer since no one took that bribe to join me). Then there were the "drama years" of junior high, when I filled a blank journal with romance and poetry. Sigh.

In my adult years I finally got serious about publishing suspense fiction, and have since authored twelve novels in twelve years.

When I'm not writing, life is full of other adventures--running a business, raising kids, and my favorite pastime: traveling the world.

I started traveling to research my novels and fell in love with experiencing other cultures. It's my greatest hope that you'll feel like you've gotten to travel to the settings of my books, through the sights, sounds, smells, colors, and textures I try to bring back from my travels and weave into my stories.

To experience my travel journals and see the romantic settings of my books, I hope you'll visit my website at TracyHigley.com or meet up with me on Facebook at facebook.com/tracyhigley.

MY REVIEW- Julie

5 Star

This book by far is one of the most enjoyable and intriguing books I've read this year. If I had to compare it to another book which is similar, I would have to go with Rachel Hauck's, Fifth Avenue Society which I enjoyed also.

The author's writing style is unique, and she has a way with words that is pure magic. Nightfall in the Garden of Deep Time is a very relatable story with an underlying deep message for any creative but melded together with fantasy with an edginess that keeps you wondering what reality is.

I simply could not put it down. The characters had me hooked from the beginning and Kelsey and her adopted mother, Elizabeth's secrecy added to the plot wonderfully. The storyline makes you think, trying to sort out the real from the imaginary. The ending was a surprise and loved it. It will touch your heart in ways you can't imagine.

I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

Review of Mary by Shannon McNear

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Mary

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Historical/Christian/Romance Fiction

Release date: October, 2022

Worlds Collide Along the Shores of the Outer Banks

Immerse yourself in the “what if” questions related to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. What if an English boy and a native girl met in the wilderness? The push-and-pull between two very different worlds begins as one seeks simple friendship and the other struggles to trust. And can it—dare they—allow it to be more?

Sparks fly between Mushaniq, free-spirited daughter of Manteo, and Georgie Howe, whose father was brutally murdered by undiscovered native warriors before they’d been on Roanoac Island a full week. As Georgie struggles to make sense of his life and to accept that not all they call “savage” are guilty of his father’s death, Mushaniq grapples with her own questions about who Manteo has become. As tentative friendship becomes more, forged in the fire of calamity and attack upon their community, both must decide whether the One True God is indeed who He claims to be and whether He is worthy of their trust.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review-Julie

5 star rating

Another great book in the series, the Daughters of the Lost Colony of Roanoke.

This is book two and the colonists have relocated to Kurawoten Island after the attack on Roanoke. It continues on with Eleanor and the other colonists that have now joined with other native tribes to live peacefully. They learn their language and customs and teach them the ways of the English. Also, introducing them to the God of their religion.

There are lots of intense moments with great danger, but also some of great joy and conversions to faith. I loved the historical aspects due to what appears to be extensive research. The faith elements are woven in so well. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it.  All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

 

More from Shannon

Why did I write Mary? The series started as an idea suggested by my editor and soon became something of an obsession. This installment was inspired partly by the Legend of the Coharie, a fragment of the very murky history surrounding the Roanoke Colony and the Lumbee people of North Carolina. According to this legend, George Howe, the son of the colonist by same name who was brutally murdered a few days after their landing on Roanoke Island, married a daughter of Manteo, the Native man who traveled twice to England, later led a group of the colonists inland for refuge and eventually became an ancestor of the Lumbees. Then, as my Lost Colony research expanded, my interest in the nuances of two cultures meeting and blending grew into a desire to pay tribute to what might have been the first (and possibly only) example of European and Native peoples living together in peace. Imagine if this had been the defining moment of our country’s founding?

 

As usually happens, fictional characters (even those based on historical figures) sooner or later run away with the story—and that’s the part I find most exciting! I hope you, the readers, also enjoy this tale of Mushaniq (squirrel in Carolina Algonquian) and Georgie, which serves as both a parallel story and sequel to Elinor.

                                 Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 26

Remembrancy, October 27

Inkwell Inspirations, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Hallie Reads, October 29

Inklings and notions, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 30

deb’s Book Review, October 31

To Everything There Is A Season, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Betti Mace, November 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 2

Connie’s History Classroom, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Bizwings Blog, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 5

A Reader’s Brain, November 6

Sylvan Musings, November 6

Through the Fire Blogs, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 8

Spoken from the Heart, November 8

                                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/22447/mary-celebration-tour-giveaway

Her Favorite Wyoming Sheriff by Cari Lynn Webb

 

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Blitz for Her Favorite Wyoming Sheriff by Cari Lynn Webb, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Her Favorite Wyoming Sheriff 

Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs 

Author: Cari Lynn Webb 

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming 

Release Date: October 25, 2022 

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

She keeps finding trouble… 

He keeps finding her

Adele Blackwell Kane can’t seem to not get arrested. In fact, the pretty widowed mom of twin girls might be Sheriff Grady McMillan’s favorite not-quite-a-criminal. But keeping Adele out of trouble is hard work—especially when Grady wants out of Wyoming for good. When Adele decides to rescue the town from developers, Grady wonders if his quirky felon might be stealing his heart, too… 

USA TODAY Bestselling Author 

  From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

My Review

5 star rating

Her Favorite Wyoming Sheriff set in the small town of Eagle Springs is a tight community. At least it used to be before someone from the past returned with revenge in mind. Adelle, a widow and single mom of two young girls attempts to make it with the help of her family. The Blackwells have a strong tie to the town, but a developer has other ideas for it.

The storyline had me engaged from the beginning and I admired Adelle's strength, caring, and ability to overcome adversity. There are a lot of surprises, times of humor, and a sweet romance brewing. I loved the descriptions of the small town, the everyday life of the citizens, and Adelle's two sweet daughters captured my heart.

I can't wait to read the next installment, which the ending set up for me. An exciting read about second chances, family, and forgiveness. I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Julie

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $40 Amazon gift card and The Blackwells of Eagle Springs ebooks.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 2, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 9, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!