Marshaling Her Heart by Mary Connealy on Tour with Celebrate Lit

 

About the Book

Book: Marshaling Her Heart 

Author: Mary Connealy 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Release Date: October 17, 2023 

Will their lives and romance survive the trouble coming their way? Becky Pruitt has always prided herself on knowing everything that’s happening on her successful ranch, so an unexpected admission from her foreman, Nate Paxton, comes as quite a surprise. With the notorious Deadeye Gang on the loose, Nate–a former U.S. Marshal–believes Becky’s ranch is the best spot for a group of Marshals to use as a base to hunt them down. The timing couldn’t be more crucial for the town of Pine Valley, and Becky feels obligated to help. But after escaping the grasp of her harsh father, she’s never liked giving up control, of her life or her ranch. If there’s anyone she can trust with her ranch, and her heart, it might be Nate. But the outlaws won’t go away quietly, and as danger draws ever nearer, Becky and Nate are faced with impossible choices that will test their growing bond.   

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Becky, a single woman tired of her father's abuse, takes her inheritance from her grandparents and buys a ranch. Then hires her own ranch hands to help work it. Everything is going fine for several years, but things begin to change, and her life becomes complicated.

A dangerous gang, U.S. Marshalls, and an unexpected new relationship test her strength and faith. The story is filled with suspense, mystery, and non-stop action. It kept me on the edge- of-my-seat wondering how everything would turn out. Lots of surprises and it kept me engaged till the end. A definite page-turner. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Mary Connealy  maryconnealy.com writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise, The Lumber Baron’s Daughters, Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.         

More from Mary

Becky Pruitt has a problem. Her ranch is being invaded by good guys.

Becky wants the Deadeye Gang caught and thrown in jail as much as anyone, but the lawmen asking her to hire them on at her ranch aim to do their investigating while working undercover as cowhands. She runs a good ranch, however, and doesn’t like the idea of a bunch of low-skilled men making her look like she’s hired them foolishly.

Yet she goes along with it, suspicious and annoyed, because her foreman, Nate Paxton, a man she trusts, convinces her that these men are honorable. Then the three lawmen she hires, all of them U.S. Marshals, urge her to send every single one of her regular cowhands—except Nate, a former Marshal himself—off on a cattle drive.

Now she’s got Marshals cropping up everywhere. Her ranch isn’t being run in a way that suits her. She’s got trouble with her father, and an important speaker is coming to town to talk about women’s suffrage. So much is distracting her when all she really wants to do is make sure her herd is being tended properly.

Before long, Nate starts to question the behavior of the U.S. Marshals Service. They’re secretive to the point that they put him in jeopardy a few times before he decides to quit. Here he’d found a decent job on a top ranch, and he even shared a few special moments with his pretty, feisty boss that gave him ideas of how he’d like to change things around a little just so he could be with her. And then his brother, who’s still a U.S. Marshal, invades the ranch with a few fellow lawmen. Quite a few.

Meanwhile, the Deadeye Gang is more dangerous than ever. The woman coming to Pine Valley to speak is now at risk, which makes Becky frantic to protect her. The cattle aren’t being looked after like they ought to be. And yet Nate finds himself being drawn closer to Becky with each passing day. He’s determined to stand firmly between her and danger, but he’s got to keep up with her to do that. He soon discovers that nothing is easy when it comes to the hard-charging Becky Pruitt.

Wyoming Sunrise is a series I wrote in which I cast women as having nontraditional jobs: Forged in Love has a woman blacksmith, Laws of Attraction a woman justice of the peace, and Marshaling Her Heart a woman rancher. Those are all nontraditional for sure, but not really in my case personally. I must force myself not to make all my heroines feisty lady ranchers. It’s almost a reflex at this point. I fought that reflex as hard as I could, but I decided it would be okay to sneak one lady rancher into this series, and that’s Becky Pruitt. I slipped her into the western vernacular, the tough attitude, the riding skirts and boots and Stetsons—and I loved it.

Marshaling Her Heart is my first true lady rancher, and so I let loose and had fun with Becky. The foreman Nate recognizes intelligence and competence in his boss, and he’s smart enough to take orders from her because he knows those orders are the right way to run the ranch.

Add in the backdrops of the other books in the series, the vicious, stagecoach-robbing Deadeye Gang, the coming of the lady suffragist speaker to town, and you’ve got a story full of trouble, action, adventure, romance, and fun.

                     Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 28

Bizwings Book Blog, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 29

Books You Can Feel Good About, October 30

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, October 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 1

Book Looks by Lisa, November 1

Connie’s History Classroom, November 2

Mary Hake, November 2

Wishful Endings, November 3

An Author’s Take, November 3

Betti Mace, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 4

For Him and My Family, November 5

Holly’s Book Corner, November 5

Splashes of Joy, November 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 6

Pause for Tales, November 7

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 8

Cover Lover Book Review, November 8

Labor Not in Vain, November 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 9

                     Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon Gift Card and a paperback copy of the entire Wyoming Sunrise series!!

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/28976/marshaling-her-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of Red Velvet by Suzie Waltner

 

An influential catering job could be the stepping-stone Cassidy Cagle needs to expand her business and reach her dream of owning a bed and breakfast. However, when the source of her high school humiliation steps into the kitchen, all her hard work crumbles like a dry biscuit.

Dissatisfied by the blatant flirting from women only interested in his celebrity status, Seth Mason wants nothing more than to find someone who sees beyond his role in a popular country music band. When yet another social climber corners him at a gathering, he escapes her clutches and inadvertently puts Cassidy’s career in jeopardy.

Hoping for a second chance, Seth comes up with a plan to make amends and solve both their problems. He’ll use his connections to bring her more business while, as his fake girlfriend, she can discourage the unwelcome female advances. As the two spend time together, attraction grows, but deciphering between what’s just an act and what is real becomes impossible. And when Seth’s secrets clash with Cassidy’s stubborn independence, their harmonious future hangs in the balance.

To Order

My Review

Another great read by the author. This Christian Contemporary Romance caught my attention from the beginning. The characters were, at times, witty, showed great compassion toward others, had good family relationships, and tried their best to keep God first in their life.

Cassidy caters for a party for Mayor Davis, but someone from a past relationship shows up, chaos ensues, and her dream shatters. Can Cassidy forgive the current hurt but also past ones? The characters had many layers, and descriptions of their surroundings made me feel like I was there. I loved the ending. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. A positive review is not required, and all opinions are my own.

Review of Against the Wind (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #2) by Amanda Cabot

 

Doctor-in-training Louisa Vaughn has no intention of remaining in Sweetwater Crossing. She's just there for a few days to help a friend. But she can't abandon the injured man she finds at the side of the road. Until his broken leg heals, she'll serve as the town's doctor and midwife. She may not be fully qualified yet, but surely she's better than nothing.

Josh Porter's plans to win his grandfather's challenge and fulfill his father's final wish to gain full control of the family business hit a roadblock when he breaks his leg. But his enforced stay in Sweetwater Crossing gives him new ideas about the expansion of the company into new territory--ideas Louisa could help turn into reality.

If only the town were more accepting of Louisa's talents! Someone is determined to convince her to abandon her dream of healing others. Can Josh help her uncover the person behind the threats before it's too late? And is there any future for them together when neither of them plans to stay?

To Purchase

My Review

Louisa Vaughn decides to return to Sweetwater Crossing and take over as the town's doctor/midwife. On her way there, she runs across a man thrown from his horse with a broken leg, Josh Porter. She becomes his physician and is responsible for his care.

The storyline is filled with distrust, betrayal, joy, and loss. Louisa must be strong & forgiving. There were twists to the story and major lessons learned that affected the whole community. An inspirational and uplifting story that will tug at your heart. The secret was surprising and the ending wrapped everything up nicely.

I received a complimentary copy from Revell and Netgalley. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

Movie Review of Miracle in East Texas- In Theatres 10/29

 

Miracle in East Texas is…

• Inspired by a true story
• An American tale of entrepreneurship
• The story of the biggest oil strike in US history
• A great opportunity for homeschoolers to learn about some Texas history, oil, entrepreneurship, the power of forgiveness, and even some math!
• FREE downloadable homeschool curricula available at https://www.sorbostudios.com/homeschool-packet
• A story about hope and redemption
• A movie with a good message on forgiveness and its blessings.
• FREE downloadable discussion guide for book groups available at https://www.sorbostudios.com/group-packet
• Sorbo Studios produces films that uplift and entertain.
• Stars Kevin Sorbo (also director), John Ratzenberger, Lou Gossett Jr., Tyler Mane
• Also starring and produced by CC mom Sam Sorbo
• With CC homeschool graduate Braeden Sorbo.

   To Purchase Tickets

Enter the Giveaway for FREE TICKETS! https://www.blessedfreebies.com/miracle-in-east-texas-giveaway.html

My Review

Two con-men during the Depression sold shares to oil wells. Dad Everett and Doc Boyd have always produced dry wells.  By some miracle, the oil well became the biggest oil strike.

Dad Everett and Doc Boyd, facing jail time for swindling of widows, all of a sudden find themselves with a conscience and want to do the right thing.

The storyline is about healing and the miraculous power of the Lord to change someone's heart. An inspirational and uplifting tale inspired by a true story.  It's a heartfelt and compassionate film about forgiveness and hope.

The film is typical of the films produced by Kevin Sorbo and comes with a powerful message.  There are times of uplifting laughter, soul-searching, and redemption.  This is a film you don't want to miss and will have you running the gamut of your emotions.  Highly recommended. 

 

 

New Release- Review of The Warmth of Snow by Heidi Eljarbo

 

There must be a way to thaw a heart long frozen. Can she help him, or does he have other plans?

Sweden 1810.
August Brandell, the count of Linborg, has returned home after four years of war against the French Empire under the direction of Napoléon Bonaparte. Wounded and downtrodden, he is a meager shadow of the man he used to be.

One day, a lovely young woman comes calling. She’s strong and bright and, unlike the rest, seems unaffected by his wealth and unfortunate disability. He soon discovers he wants more than a sweet friendship, but a life of caring for him would not be fair to such a beautiful soul. Oh, how dearly, deeply he loves her and secretly wants her to stay, but he cannot and will not ask such a sacrifice from her…especially not when it’s out of pity for him.

Erica Gustava Ebbesdotter has primarily been left to herself since she was orphaned at an early age. Although grateful to her aunt and uncle for taking her in, they pay her no attention and even keep her in the dark about her parents.

Hearing about Count Brandell’s unfortunate fate on the battlefield, she knocks on the door at Castle Linborg to leave him a card of encouragement.

Meeting Count Brandell changes Erica’s entire world. Falling for him is utterly unexpected. Soon, he fills her heart, but he is far above her station. How can a man like him see beyond her less refined clothes and past? Worst of all, he is already betrothed.

This is a sweet and wholesome historical romance—a hauntingly beautiful tale of two hearts meant to be together.

Perfect for fans of Regency romances from Julianne Donaldson, Sarah M. Eden, Jennie Goutet, Laura Beers, and Sally Britton.

To Order

My Review

The Warmth of Snow is a well-written story about Erica Ebbesdotter who lives at Holst Manor in 1810, Sweden. She lives there with her aunt and uncle, who took her in when her parents died. Although, grateful, she feels lonely despite being surrounded by family.

The story is full of secrets, mystery, and healing. It kept me intrigued the whole time as I followed Erica's life. Her life becomes complicated when she becomes friends with Count August Brandell of Castle Linborg. The count is dealing with his own ghosts from the war and a war injury.

The story was full of surprises, characters that kept me engaged, and beautiful descriptions that brought me into the storyline. A lovely inspirational and uplifting story of courage, faith in God, and a happy ending. Everything you would want in a historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. A positive review is not required and all my opinions are my own.

Review of On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni

 

Cora Matthews has long wondered why her mother stopped taking her to visit her grandparents' lodge in the small Northwoods Minnesota town of Moonberry Lake. Now, after burying her mother and breaking off her engagement just two weeks before her wedding, Cora has a chance to find out. Once there, she is stunned to learn that the old lodge is her inheritance--with a surprising condition attached. Maybe some time to regroup on the shores of a beautiful lake is just what Cora needs to figure out what's next for her.

But Cora's days on the lake are anything but relaxing. The only thing that's a bigger mess than her own life is the dilapidated building she's living in. Add a cantankerous handywoman, an angry neighbor, and an elderly woman who spends all her time talking to the "residents" in the cemetery and Cora's not sure she can stick it out. But if she can, she may find a love she never expected--from the most unexpected people imaginable. This homespun tale of new friendships, sweet romance, and ordinary miracles will have you wishing you could spend a summer (or a lifetime) on Moonberry Lake.

To Purchase

My Review

On Moonberry Lake is an unusual book filled with quirky characters. Each character in the story has many layers and is important to the storyline. Cora, the main character, shows so much growth throughout the story, brought about by her new neighbors.

The story is heart-warming and unfolds beautifully, capturing my heart. I was drawn into the story within the first few pages, and continued to draw me in. It is filled with humor, laughter, joy, and a sense of belonging and love.

The setting of Moonberry Lake is magical, and the secrets, although painful, can bring about healing and peace. A wonderful story that will have you mesmerized. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Broken Bondage Blog Tour by Carmen Peone

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Broken Bondage by Carmen Peone, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Broken Bondage
Series: Seven Tine Ranch #2
Author: Carmen Peone
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Clean/Christian Contemporary Western Romance

A Road Trip to Redemption 

Rita Runninghorse is about to marry the wrong guy. She has to get away from him. Now. She flees to a guest ranch in Eastern Washington State that offers a safe haven for women in need only to find the owner on a month-long speaking tour. 

Robert Elliot has one thing on his mind: bronc riding. The Indian National Finals Rodeo is within reach, and he’s not about to let anything ruin his chances of going pro. Not even the woman he finds asleep in the stall of their rankest horse. 

When Rita’s fiancé discovers where she’s hiding out, she takes Robert’s offer to go with him on the road and prays her fiancé gives up the hunt. Saddled together, Rita and Robert must rely on each other as they go on the road to keep her alive.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

I always know when I read a book by Carmen Peone that I will be lost in her characters and message. The Seven Tine Ranch series is my favorite.

The author tackles tough subjects in a compassionate way leaving the reader seeing a Victor not Victim. This one is a page-turner filled with action that will leave you breathless and rooting for Rita. You will think about the issue of abuse long after the last page is turned.

The story sends a message to the reader that abuse isn't an attack on one race of people, but can happen at any time to anyone. I loved the excitement of the rodeo and the message that God heals and loves us unconditionally, giving us faith and courage. I can't wait to read the next installment. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

More in This Series

 

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About the Author

Carmen Peone is an award-winning author of Young Adult and Inspirational Contemporary Western Romantic. She worked with a Tribal Elder, Marguerite Ensminger, for three years learning the Arrow Lakes Language and various cultural traditions, which led to her writing career. With the love of history and the Western woman's lifestyle, she weaves threads of healing, hope, and horses into her stories that lead to happily ever after. She lives with her husband in northeast Washington and on the Colville Confederated Indian Reservation.

Connect with Carmen by visiting carmenpeone.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win a signed copy of Broken Bondage, an $25 Amazon gift card, and photo cards that pertain to the series!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 17, 2023. 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 for prize as described. Winners outside of the US will receive an ebook of Broken Bondage only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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

Review of Christmas in the Crosshairs (An Elite Guardians Christmas Anthology) by Lynette Eason, Kate Angelo, Kelly Underwood and Sami A Abrams

Series: Elite Guardians Anthology
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

It’s Christmastime and love is in the air. But when these three Elite Guardians walk into the crosshairs of trouble, they find themselves fighting not just for justice, but for the lives of the men they love in this riveting thriller collection!

Deadly Holiday Hijack by Kate Angelo

“Come out to Savannah, she says. It’ll be fun, she says. Boss can be in the nativity pageant, she says,” Yeah. Great idea.

Bodyguard Christina Sherman and her boyfriend, former spec ops air commando Grey Parker just want to sneak away to beautiful Savannah, attend a Nativity Pageant, maybe set a wedding date. But when a group of terrorists take over the church and the whole thing is live streamed, they find themselves in a hometown version of a Die Hard Christmas movie. But will they make it to the happy ending?

Silent Night Siege by Kelly Underwood

Billionaire Preston Whittaker and bodyguard Laila Rabbinowitz just can’t get a break. Not only are their schedules so crazy they’ve put their relationship on simmer, but on their way to the mountains for much-needed togetherness…yep, their plane crashes. Suddenly they’re stranded on a remote mountainside in freezing temperatures, minimal food, wildlife, and no hope of rescue.

And then, the real danger starts. Someone deliberately caused the wreck, and that person is hunting them through the wilderness.

Now, it’ll take more than togetherness to survive…

Christmas Snowstorm Standoff by Sami A. Abrams

It’s finally time for bodyguard Lizzie Tremaine to tie the knot with the man she’s loved for years—fellow bodyguard Charlie Lee.

But maybe fate is still against them, because on the eve of their big day, a snowstorm hits. And, while it’s kept the guests away, it’s brought trouble in the form of a woman from Charlie’s past. More, she’s on the run from a killer…

A man who will stop at nothing to make sure Charlie and Lizzie never make it to the altar.

Now Lizzie and Charlie must battle the storm, stop the killer, and defeat the doubts that suddenly have them wondering if they are truly meant to be.

Three epic love stories. Three edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Three Christmases Caught in the Crosshairs inspired by best-selling author Lynette Eason’s Elite Guardian series.

To Purchase

MY REVIEW

Story # 1- Deadly Holiday Hijack- Bodyguard Christina Sherman & her fiance, Grey Parker, former special ops air command, go to a Nativity Pageant when terrorists take over the church. Lots of tense moments and non-stop action. It had me on the edge of my seat!

Story #2- Silent Night Seige- Laila & Preston head for a two-week vacation in Colorado. Laila is an Elite Guardian bodyguard and Preston is a billionaire client & CEO of Whittaker Enterprises. They find themselves in a bad situation. Lots of twists and turns I didn't see coming.

Story #3- Christmas Snowstorm Standoff- Lizzie & Charlie are at Wild Sapphire Ranch in Montana to relax before their Christmas Eve wedding. The Elite Guardians and family are supposed to attend, but because of snowy weather, may not make it. Things get even more complicated when they find a woman lying in the snow and shots fired. Lots of action, suspense, and twists in this one too.

All three stories had me second-guessing the outcome. Most times it was a surprise and an unlikely twist. The characters were well-developed with many layers. The action was non-stop. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all my opinions are my own.

 

Review of Creating Stories by Hank Quense

 

 

Join Us for This Tour from Sep 25 to Oct 12!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Creating Stories by Hank Quense
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 106 pages
Genre: Self Help, 
Publisher:  Strange Worlds Publishing
Release date:  April 1, 2017
Content Rating:  G 

Book Description:

Do you have a story in you?

Do you know how to write it or how to tell it? Creating Stories has the answers. Hank Quense, the author of more than twenty books, tells you how to do it. He believes that stories come from the melding of three elements: getting ideas, story design and story-telling. Ideas have to come from the author. Creating Stories covers the last two. The book concentrates on developing characters including such rarely discussed requirements such as a dominant reader emotion and the character's biography. Plots are also covered in depth and a number of graphics are included to illustrate complex points. Another topic discusses subplots and how to utilize them and how to nest them within the main plot. A separate chapter discusses the relationship between the plot and the emotional arcs. Other topics covered are: character arcs, scene design, point-of-view, writing voice.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

After Creating Your Story:

Book Details:

Book Title:  Self-Publish a Book in 10 Steps: And Market It by Hank Quense
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 88 pages
Genre: Self Help 
Publisher:  Strange Worlds Publishing
Release date:  Dec 1, 2021
Content Rating:  G 

Book Description:

Self-publishing a book is difficult.

This book simplifies it by breaking down a self-publishing and marketing project into 10 steps. This step-by-step process will get your book published and initiate the pre-launch marketing.

Hank Quense has written and self-published over twenty books, both fiction and non-fiction. He is the author of the Author Blueprint Series of books. The Series concentrates on providing valuable guidance on fiction writing, self-publishing and book marketing. Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps is Book 6 in the series.

The book details such vital tasks as developing a compelling book description, building an author platform and getting book reviews to list a few.

Learn the ten-step process that will self-publish and market your book!

Buy the Book:
Amazon
Add to Goodreads

My Review

Creating Stories concentrates on story design and storytelling, but goes further to explain than other books on writing have. The author has a very good grasp of the basics and shares with his readers well. In some parts, he even goes into the explanations with diagrams.

Not only does he cover the main points of story writing but goes more in-depth in explaining them. The author writes in such a way and explains so that a beginner can understand.

I highly recommend adding this book to your writing library and referring to it often. It's one of the best I've read.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. A positive review is not required and all opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

Hank Quense has self-published his books for over 12 years. His non-fiction books cover fiction writing (Creating Stories), self-publishing (How to Self-publish and Market a Book, Self-publish a Book in 10 Steps), marketing (Book Marketing Fundamentals) and author business (Business Basics for Authors).

He also lectures on these subjects in schools, libraries and on webinars.

Hank recently started https://hankquense.podia.com/ The site provides solutions to pain points (problems) for fiction writers, self-publishing authors and authors who are trying to market their books.

Connect with the Author: Website ~ X ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ YouTube ~ BookBub ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

CREATING STORIES Book Tour Giveaway