Review of Libby's Lighthouse by Susan G. Mathis

 

About the Book

 

Book: Libby’s Lighthouse

Author: Susan G Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: July 16, 2024

When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.

Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.

When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past.

With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Libby's Lighthouse is a well-written story of hope, dreams, and love. Libby and Owen's surprise encounter, caused by injuries sustained and Libby's caring for him, led to the discovery that both of them had hidden secrets.

A sweet romance with uncertainty, secrets, and mystery will keep you turning the pages. I couldn't put it down. The historical aspect, with details of the lighthouse and the lighthouse keepers' job, brought the story to life. I also loved the family's and especially the main characters' show of faith. Everything wrapped up nicely in the end, and I highly recommend the book.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own

 

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has twelve in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House and Libby’s Lighthouse, the first in her three-book lighthouse series. Book two, Julia’s Joy, comes out in October, and book three, Emma’s Engagement, releases in January 2025. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, two Golden Scroll Awards, and a Selah Award.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands.

More from Susan

A Character Interview with Libby, the heroine in Libby’s Lighthouse.

Good day, Libby! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. Could you please share a little about yourself?

Good day to you as well! My real name is Elizabeth Eliza, but I’ve always gone by Libby. I’m twenty years old, born on February 2, 1874. I must say, my journey through life has been quite an interesting one so far.

I hear you’ve been raised as a proper upper-class woman. Could you elaborate on that?

Certainly! My mother was well-educated and came from an upper-class background. She passed on her knowledge to me, teaching me etiquette, manners, and all the skills expected of a lady in society. I’ve learned to sew my own clothes, play the piano, and entertain guests with grace. But I haven’t always been ladylike, and that vexed my mother something fierce.

Your desire for family and a sense of belonging is quite strong. Can you tell me more about that?

Above all else, I long for a sense of family and belonging. Before my mother died, she revealed to me a terrible secret. I’ve kept this knowledge a secret from my father, as I’m unsure of how he would react. That uncertainty, combined with my fear of always being alone, fuels my desire for a family of my own.

How has your faith has been shaken after learning about your true heritage?

The secret has shaken the foundation of what I believed to be true about myself and my identity. It made me question my place in the world and my connection to my family. It’s been a struggle to reconcile this new information with my faith, but I’m working through it, hoping to find a sense of peace and acceptance.

Can you share more about your love for poetry and playing the piano.?

Oh, how I adore poetry and music! Poetry has a way of touching my heart, making me laugh or cry, and connecting me to the deepest emotions. I’ve memorized many beautiful poems over the years, and they bring me great joy to recite and share. As for the piano, it’s as if my fingers dance across the keys, expressing emotions that words alone cannot convey. It’s a form of artistic expression that brings me immense fulfillment.

Thanks for stopping by, Libby. It was great getting to know you!

                  Blog Stop

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 27

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 27

Inspired by Fiction, August 28

lakesidelivingsite, August 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 30

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Bizwings Book Blog, September 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 2

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 2

Stories By Gina, September 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 4

Devoted To Hope, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 6

Holly’s Book Corner, September 6

For Him and My Family, September 7

Cover Lover Book Review, September 8

Pause for Tales, September 8

Connie’s History Classroom, September 9

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package 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.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5425

Review of New Release- Protecting the Amish Child by Dana R. Lynn

 

A killer in pursuit…

and a little boy’s life is at stake.

When Francesca Brown discovers a dead body, bullets start flying her way. Soon FBI agent Tanner Hall arrives—only to find an autistic Amish boy hiding nearby. As a witness to a crime, it’s clear someone will stop at nothing to silence the little boy—permanently. With assailants on their trail, can Fran and Tanner unravel a lethal conspiracy before the murderer strikes again?

Love Inspired Suspense

Purchase on Amazon

My Review

Protecting the Amish Child is a fast-paced page-turner. I read it in one sitting and it had me engaged from the first few pages. The characters Francesca Brown & Tanner Hall were real, with many layers and flaws. They both had prior relationships that went bad. Add being chased by someone who wants you dead, an autistic Amish boy, and trying to solve murders and you have the perfect story to keep you guessing.

Dana weaves a story that will immerse you in danger, and have you trying to solve a conspiracy, all the while your heart will ache for what they go through. You don't want to miss this one!

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of New Release- Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox

 

Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee its restoration.

As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls--pages torn from a lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that name.

When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story--one that's not over yet.

Multiple Christy Award winner Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to risk it all for a chance at happiness in this timeless novel.

Purchase on Amazon

My Review

Between the Sound and Sea is another captivating read by Amanda Cox. The story has a sweet romance, lost friendships, mystery, family relationships, and wonderful historical details wrapped up into a wonderful storyline. Taking place on the Outer Banks of North Carolina involving a lighthouse, had me glued to the pages from the beginning. The vivid descriptions of the area and the charm made me feel like I was there.

The story unfolds as Joey, Finn, and Wally work together to restore the lighthouse and house. The story has some suspense that had me on the edge of my seat, but then the work of God's intervention shined through the pages bringing more layers to the story. It was balanced perfectly. This one will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of Falling For A Smart Cowboy by Karen Baney

 

 

Book Details:

Book Title: Falling for a Smart Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 4) by Karen Baney
Category:  Adult Fiction 18+, 208 pages
Genre: Christian Western Romance
Publisher:  Desert Life Media
Release date:  June 25, 2024
Content Rating:  G. Brief mention of kissing. No bad language. No sex of any kind.

Book Description:

She’s on a mission to bring orphaned children hope. He wants off his family’s ranch for good. Will they survive his shocking family secrets?

Devon Vargas longs to be more than just a cowboy. After finishing his teaching degree, he plans to leave his family’s guest ranch for good. Between his growing affection for the new children’s program director and a huge family secret revealed, he second guesses everything about his life.

Raina Crawford lost her parents at a young age. Through the grace of God, she survived life in the foster system. She desperately wants to bring children the life-changing faith that gave her hope. The job at Vargas Ranch was supposed to be a steppingstone. Except she’s losing her heart to the smart, ambitious cowboy bent on leaving his family’s ranch—and her—behind.

Will Raina finally find the family she’s always wanted? Will family secrets unravel his new dreams? Will those same secrets tear them apart?

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N 
Apple ~ Google ~ Kobo
Book2Read 
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

Visit Karen on the web at: www.karenbaney.com

connect with the author: website ~ amazon ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ X/Twitter ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Author Interview with Karen Baney

Thanks so much for hosting me and my new release.

There are many books out there featuring cowboys and ranches. What makes yours different?

I love writing stories about large families. My extended family is huge since my mom was the youngest of eight children. That’s why most of my series include large families. Plus large families bring a lot of personal drama to a story. Also, all my novels (to date) are set in Arizona, my home state and an often-overlooked setting for western cowboy novels. I’ve lived here for twenty-seven years now and love including snippets of real Arizona living and settings in my novels, from monsoon storms to the oppressive summer heat. 😊

In your book you make a reference to a mission trip in Guatemala. How did you come up with this idea?

The idea for a mission trip was inspired by one of my co-workers at the Christian ministry I work for. He was telling me about his mission trip to Ecuador a few years ago. That idea morphed when I modeled Devon’s mission trip after a ministry dear to me, KidzAtHeart. They train missionaries how to reach children all over the world for Christ. I also watched several YouTube videos of actual missionaries to South America which inspired Devon’s health issue in the novel.

 

In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?

Funny you asked. Not on paper, but on my ReMarkable 2 which is an e-ink handwritten notebook. I hand wrote the outline for the entire Vargas Ranch Series on it before buying a keyboard attachment. Lately, I’ve been editing and sometimes typing new scenes on it. My favorite part of working on the ReMarkable, is that it has no browser or email or social media. I am able to concentrate on the story instead of getting distracted by notifications.

 

What is your next project?

A Christmas novel! I’m busy writing Drake Vargas’s story in Falling for a Humbug Cowboy, Book 5 in the Vargas Ranch Series. I’ve paired my humbug cowboy up with “a Christmas sprite elf” full of holiday cheer. It’s a lot of fun writing this sequel, but also challenging to write a Christmas story when it’s 108 outside in Arizona.

What is something you like to do for fun?

Painting. When I first graduated from high school, I attended art school for a year before deciding not to make fine arts my career. I’ve always loved drawing and painting. Though I go through long periods of time without painting, I enjoy it when I can. For our 24^th anniversary, my husband took me to one of those drink wine and painting places. It was the best!

 

My Review

The storyline is an exciting one and one of forgiveness and inspiration. I immediately connected with the main characters with compassion for Raina and Devon. They each had past hurts to recover from. The budding love between them was sweet but not without its troubles. They would have to learn to lean on God for healing.

The descriptions of the ranch and other areas made me feel like I was there. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author, but a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Enter the Giveaway:

FALLING FOR A SMART COWBOY by Karen Baney Book Tour Giveaway

Long and Short Reviews- 17th Anniversary Bash

 

Like books? No matter the genre, we have a great place for you to find your next favorite read!

Long and Short Reviews is celebrating their 17th (wow!) anniversary, but you get the gifts. They're featuring more than 50 books in all genres from romance to science fiction, young adult to poetry... no matter your reading preferences, you can find something to enjoy!

What could possibly be better than that? 

How about a chance to win one of two $100 Amazon GCs, of course! Think of how many books you could buy... 

Once you're arrived at the Long and Short Reviews site, simply read through the book posts each day and answer a simple question (or follow authors on their social media accounts) and you're entered to win. New chances to enter every day! So, go visit and enter and don't forget to tell a friend or two. Good luck!

Contest runs from August 19-23, 2024.

Review of New Release: Target Acquired by Lynette Eason

 

Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.

Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.

It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?

As you've come to expect from bestselling author Lynette Eason's stories, this tightly wound plot unfurls at breakneck speed and will leave you breathless.

Order on Amazon

My Review

Target Acquired had me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. The twists kept me engaged and I finished it in one sitting. I simply had to find out who wanted Kenzie dead. It kept me guessing with a surprise ending that wrapped everything up nicely.

The characters were well-developed and Kenzie & Cole had many layers with excess baggage from the past. Kenzie, the newest hire on the all-men Swat team, doesn't make everyone on the team happy. There is lots of action, suspense, and a budding romance, along with a well-written story that makes this the perfect read. I couldn't put it down.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Review of The Enchanting of Miss Elliot by Grace Hitchcock

 

 

About the Book

Book: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot (Aprons and Veils: Book Three)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 29, 2024

She thought he was her forever—he had other plans.

Of all the dares Lorna Elliot had accepted, becoming a Harvey Girl waitress was by far the dumbest—and she’d pulled some pretty foolhardy antics. Her back was sore. Her feet were swollen. And she had done it to herself in a fit of pique over a Texas Ranger who was mooning over another woman. Lorna had longed for distraction at the time, but after weeks of training, she might keel over and die in the middle of the dining room floor with a plate of apple pie in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other. But, she’s an Elliot. And Elliot’s never quit. The only thing she’d ever quit was attempting to win Ranger Reid and now that he’s the new sheriff in her hometown, it’s going to be impossible for her to move on unless she takes control of her heart—for better, or for worse.

Sheriff Reid had never wanted to settle down until he had fallen hard for a runaway mail-order bride turned Harvey Girl who chose another. When news of an outlaw’s escape lands on his desk, he eagerly rides out in pursuit all the way to Topeka and overhears the outlaw’s plans that revolve around the wealthy Elliot family and their daughter, Lorna. It’s up to Reid to see his childhood friend safe . . . despite Lorna insisting that she can protect herself without him.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

The storyline was exciting and adding the historical details about the Harvey Girls brought it to life. The settings for the story were wonderfully described and gave it a sense of magic. The story was enchanting, and yet had mystery, and danger. Just when I thought I was figuring everything out, a twist would make me wonder what would happen next.

The main characters are well developed with lots of layers that were apparent as the story got towards the middle of the book. There were some dangerous situations, but with Lorna and Reid being fast to react, it was a surprise quite often. The playful banter between the two, had me laughing. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. I highly recommend reading it.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple his­torical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, True Colors, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.

 

 

 

More from Grace

Q & A with Grace Hitchcock

Q: What is your favorite trope to read? Which of your books have that trope?

To name a few, I love stories about marriage of convenience, fake dating, mail-order brides, runaway brides, and enemies to lovers. In my books, I do have some of those tropes, but I adjust them to fit my story

My Harvey Girl books by tropes:

Runaway Bride: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Mail-Order Bride: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Friends to Lovers/Fake Dating: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot

I’d love to write an enemies-to-lovers trope in the future!

Q: Have you ever been asked to spice up, or down, a kissing scene? How did you do it?

For my May release, To Catch a Coronet, the editor challenged me to make the kissing scene longer and more romantic. Haha it took me my entire writing session that day to make the short scene two paragraphs longer in order to make the kissing more swoon-worthy, while still staying true to the level of affection I have in my books. With that critique in mind, I attempted to add a bit more “swoon” in The Enchanting of Miss Elliot as well.

Q: What historical novel has most impacted you? How?

Grace: I feel like every season, there is a novel that touches me. The one that stuck the longest has to be Tracie Peterson’s Westward Chronicles (a Harvey Girl series). They are moving, unique tales that inspired me to write my own Harvey Girls series! I re-read the Westward Chronicles every few years.

Q: How does your faith integrate into your writing in practical ways? 

Grace: No matter how subtle my theme or short the verses, my stories will always point the reader to the Lord. Usually, whatever I am personally learning spiritually while writing impacts my heroine/hero in some way.

For The Enchanting of Miss Elliot, the heroine, a firm believer, is despairing that God will not give her the desires of her heart and sets out to find a new future and a re-directing of her heart. It’s a very realistic struggle, and the reader can see through the story the beauty of trusting God in our daily walk and with our biggest dreams.

Q: What’s your life like outside of writing?

Grace: Besides reading at least one to two books a week, I love to take long walks to the park with my family, exercise on my bike, plan the family’s next travel adventure, and try new baking challenges. As a wife and mama of three, I usually have some happy recipients for the new recipe.

Q: Will there be more Harvey Girl books from you?

Grace: Yes! I am currently working on Book Four in the Aprons & Veils series, The Vanishing of Miss Victoria. It will release mid-2025.

About The Vanishing of Miss Victoria:

Love got her into this mess—never loving again would get her out.

Corinna Victoria Roberts had never been lucky—not in her choice of husband, or her lot in life after the man she’d eloped with had promptly abandoned her, taking her gold and jewels with him. When her husband’s thieving, lawless relatives show up at her door announcing his death and demanding that her late father’s restaurant empire be signed over to them, her life is in danger. She flees to take a position no one expects of her—as a Harvey Girl waitress in New Mexico.

Tanner Sterling has hunted his last bounty. As the new foreman on his friend’s ranch, he wasn’t expecting to rescue a Harvey Girl from a raging river his first day. He is intrigued by the shy beauty and becomes friends with Corinna over many meals at the Harvey House. But, when a picture of her on a wanted poster with a massive bounty arrives in Tanner’s mail, everything he knows about Corinna shifts. If he doesn’t claim the bounty on her head, he knows far less honorable men who would love to ride off with the stunning Harvey Girl. Despite wanting to hang up his past along with his gun belt, Tanner will do anything to protect Corinna from the coming storm.

                    Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 16

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 17

Karen Baney Reviews, August 17

Bizwings Book Blog, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Devoted To Hope, August 19

lakesidelivingsite, August 20

Hannahbandanarama, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 22

Betti Mace, August 23

Book Looks by Lisa, August 23

Simple Harvest Reads, August 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 25

Mary Hake, August 25

Connie’s History Classroom, August 26

Labor Not in Vain, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Holly’s Book Corner, August 28

Pause for Tales, August 29

Lights in a Dark World, August 29

                  Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving to two winners an autographed copy of The Pursuit of Miss Parish each!!

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/2ddaa/the-enchanting-of-miss-elliot-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review of New Release- Convincing Lou by Jodie Wolfe

How hard can it be to round up one delinquent groom?

Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems.

Caleb Dawson agrees to one final job as a deputy U.S. Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminals. What he isn' t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who' s determined to undermine his every step.

Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together?

Purchase on Amazon

My Review

First off, I loved all the biblical scripture within the book, that enriched it. The struggles with God were real and relatable.

A female widow bounty hunter was unique and made the book exciting. Ellie Lou is courageous but with character flaws that make her real. She was a caring Christian woman.
Caleb Dawson has struggles and when he comes across Ellie Mae, his life becomes more complicated.

The story is heartbreaking at times, inspirational and uplifting at others, and the message of God's love working in our lives came through. HE is always with us. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.