I'm a coffee lovin', word slinging, Historical Romance
author, whose superpower is converting caffeine into novels. I love those odd
little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires
me. Well, that and a good love story.
But of all the love stories I know, mine is my favorite. I
live happily with my own Prince Charming and our gaggle of minions. Three to be
exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be
written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning.
Brianne is a somewhat naïve college freshman. She becomes
disillusioned as her professors and peers challenge many of her long-held
beliefs. When she finds a diary that belonged to a distant relative, she hopes
it will offer much-needed distraction. And she is soon drawn into the story of
a passionate woman who seems to whisper from the past.
In 1915’s New York, idealist, and primary teacher Margaret
struggles with the problems women face at home and in society. She is first
timid about speaking her mind, but in time cannot keep her impassioned spirit
hidden—not even from the gentleman who teaches in the classroom next door. His
concern for her stretches the limits of their friendship, pressing into
something more. Caught up in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, she faces down
authority figures and others who question her beliefs.
And so, Brianne is whisked along on this journey as Margaret
joins the fight for women’s rights, all the while trying to work through her
own questions and experiences with modern feminism.
Before long, things spin out of control and she wonders where
her newfound relationship fits into everything? Are there any clear answers?
Will she land on her feet? Or be forever lost to herself?
The story is a surprising two stories in one woven through
the eyes of a diary that Briana finds in the attic. It belongs to Margaret, a
relative involved in the suffragette movement in 1915, as well as, raising a
family of her own. Her struggles were touching.
The historical aspects of Margaret's day made the story real
and wrapped the two time periods up nicely. The struggles of both characters
were well written. Margaret with the struggles of family and her commitment to
the movement, and Briana with her own demons to slay.
The story is inspirational, compassionate, and one of
forgiveness and grace. I loved the growth of Briana and how she drew from
strength in God to see her through the darkness.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily choose to
review it. My opinions are my own.
Ready to Trust is the second book in the Hearts of Oklahoma series about the Rainbolt siblings who were raised by the oldest sibling, Mitch. Book 2, Ready to Trust is Reece’s story. I wanted to write about a black sheep who was called back to the flock. That’s Reece. A hunky hero with a heart for the Lord who knows only too well about making mistakes and asking for forgiveness. I think deep down inside I wanted to share that Christian men can be hunky and still be faith heroes.
"A second chance romance, full of family, faith, and heart. It was a fast read for me, because it just grabbed me right out of the gate with a quick hook, and I didn't put it down. Zoe is such an adorable little girl, she is so cute! I also really enjoyed Willard, who adds some years of experience and humor to the story. Highly enjoyable and satisfying read, with amazing characters."
Grief slammed into her like an Oklahoma tornado, pummeling her heart with new aches. Though emotion threatened to spill, she held back tears. She didn’t cry about the past anymore. The past was a lot like what if and Claire didn’t ever go there, because what if was a place for dreamers. She was no longer a dreamer.
"I love stories of reconciliation and forgiveness. Tina Radcliffe has crafted an enjoyable story, set in Oklahoma, that includes forgiveness of past mistakes and reconciliation that doesn’t happen overnight. . . . The characters are likeable and believable – the kind of people you wish were your neighbors. The plot is well-thought-out with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and reading. . . . While it is an adult novel, Ready to Trust would be appropriate for a k-12 Christian school library. High school girls in particular will enjoy this clean romance."
"Let's take a moment to appreciate the hot guy on the cover! Ready To Trust is Tina Radcliffe's second book of her Hearts Of Oklahoma series but can be read as a standalone. This is a fast but meaningful read. . . . I enjoyed reading this book for all the warm fuzzies, humor and inspiration. Tina Radcliffe has written a lovely and charming story that I recommend for fans of contemporary Christian fiction."
"As Claire and Reece sort through the complications of their relationship, Radcliffe shares a romance that is delightful to read. I enjoyed getting to know her characters, seeing them move forward from the events and feelings of the past that have held them back for far too long. It is an easy book to recommend to readers in need of a quick and entertaining romance."
"I enjoyed reading this sweet clean romance with beautiful ranch scenery. It took me through a life story of loss, challenges, and love. . . . Zoe was such a cute little girl in this story. Nan, Asa, Daisy, Mitch, and Willard were side characters that made me smile. I loved the side characters! . . . Claire went through hard things in life and so had Reece. I enjoyed watching them slowly but surely grow together."
"The book was a quick and fairly straightforward read. I like that there wasn't a ton of back and forth drama of misunderstandings. . . . I did love that family played an important role in the novel. I look forward to reading more books from the series."
"I really liked Claire, she was someone you could relate to. She has been through so much and dealing with pain and past is hard. Reece though was probably on of the best leading man in a romance novel. . . . I loved that I actually felt what they were feeling. I was on an emotional rollercoaster and didn't want to put the book down. I really enjoyed the story and all the characters"
"Reece and Claire have some big issues they need to work through.I enjoyed walking on this journey to true love, albeit a little rocky. . . . This was another delightful romance to curl up with."
"Overall, Ready to Trust is a pleasant contemporary read set in Oklahoma, complete with a ranch, an orchard, horses, and even a goat. . . . The interactions between Reece and Zoe were wonderful to read. . . . There are some great secondary characters in this story who made me smile. They served to spur Reece and Clair to think beyond themselves. I like the diversity of situations and perspectives from the various characters and the wisdom they brought to the story."
"Tina Radcliffe pulls you into a story of finding yourself, finding hope, and learning that God always has a plan. Even if you don’t know what it might be. . . . The storytelling and characters were perfect for a solid can’t-stop-reading. The humor and grace kept the dark moments from becoming too intense while still telling a heartfelt tale.
This one is going on the keeper shelf. The messages of faith, family, and forgiveness will stay with me for a long time."
I’m not a long-term kind of guy and I have zero interest in a future...with anyone. The words offered by Reece Rainbolt six years ago mocked Claire as she was seated at a window table at Arrowhead Diner. She stared out the window, fighting the shame of the past. What a fool she’d been—in love with a man who crushed her heart beneath his boot heel and walked away.
"Author Tina Radcliffe does a very nice job of weaving these two families together, hashing out the differences and coming to an ending that will please everyone, or at least it did me. . . . And this sweet romance is sure one that is so much fun to read. I encourage you to check out Ready to Trust for your next fun read."
"Ahh, Ready to Trust by Tina Radcliffe was such a sweet story! . . . and let me say I was not disappointed. . . fun characters, the lighthearted romance, and the sense of community that Tina Radcliffe displayed. A truly enjoyable book with a lighthearted feel"
“If you’d let yourself, you’d have more friends in Rebel than you have fingers and toes. You could find a place for yourself and Zoe here. A good life.”
Claire shook her head. “There are too many memories.”
"This author is one of my favorite Love Inspired authors . I was very excited to read this book. Welcome to Rebel Ranch in Rebel, Oklahoma. This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. . . . This is a book about second chances and redemptions. The characters are real feeling and well written. The storyline will grab you in the beginning - and you will not want it to end."
". . . a great book. I loved everything about it and laughed out loud at specific points. Ms. Radcliffe did a fantastic job on this novel. Zoe is such a character, and she will be a handful for her parents in her teen years. I am also recommending this book to anyone that reads inspirational clean, and wholesome romances. Or to ones that love to read romance novels!"
"Radcliffe has written a romance which in of itself isn't a romance as it is more of a healing of hearts and a second chance at a new beginning for two characters weather worn from life. She takes you through the motions of how one of them is more willing to let go of the past than the other whilst at the same time, there is this little girl in the middle of it all, too. . . . Overall, what I loved most about the story and the characters is how grounded Reece is now in his life and how important family is to him. . ."
"This is a very cute story about misconceptions, pre-judgements, community unity, overcoming one's past and creating new memories. It is also an inspiring tale about overcoming obstacles and prevailing.
This Christian Fiction will surely uplift and inspire the reader."
"I thought this one was a great read. I loved getting to know Reece and Claire. I could relate to Claire's feelings and her trust issues. It was a delight to read and was easy to keep reading to find out how it would all end.
I am giving Ready to Trust a very well deserved five plus stars."
“No, you didn’t.” His expression darkened. “You trusted your belief that I would let you down like everyone else. You’ve been waiting for it, expecting my betrayal every single day.” He shook his head.
"I loved Reece’s and Claire story in Ready to Trust. . . . Ready to Trust is a wonderful story. I look forward to reading more of the books in the series."
"Tina Radcliff writes a sweet romance. One about change, forgiveness and second chances. Reece and Claire have some big issues to overcome. I love how Zoe stole Reece's heart from the beginning. . . . The book was enjoyable from the first chapter. Engaging and heartwarming."
"This story was so familiar to me for some reason. Then again, I have been reading a lot of these inspirational, second chance and rancher romances lately. I'd say that you have the same general formula as a lot of those books, but Tina makes this story her own and you'll love [following] Claire and Reece along their journey."
"She has a gift for creating realistic characters and such small towns that readers may want to flock to them. . . . I absolutely loved this story . . . Fans of the author and the previous novel are sure to enjoy this book. It was as sweet and precious as the first novel. Overall this is an adorable, heart-tugging, beautiful, peachy treat of a book!"
And he did recall. He’d often find himself in the library watching her shelve books as he struggled over homework assignments. She was always polite when he had questions about locating resource books. Claire was one of the few people at Rebel High who saw him as a person, not just a pretty face or a dumb jock. That was enough to fuel a crush on her that he never told anyone about.
"The Rainbolt family and the town of Rebel, Oklahoma invite readers in and make them feel so welcome, they will not want to leave. And, even when they’re pushing at each other, every scene with Reece and Claire spending time together is one I devoured.
Add to that the handsome cowboy whose heart is wrapped up in his little girl from the moment he meets her, and you just can’t get much better."
Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...
Ready to Trust
(Hearts of Oklahoma #2)
By Tina Radcliffe
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired
Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet.
Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl.
Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner?
To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?
Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins.
Margaret Tanner is an award-winning, best-selling Australian
author, who writes Sweet Western Historical Romance, plus Contemporary Romance
and Historical Romance with a small dose of sizzle.
Margaret is married and has three grown-up sons and two
gorgeous little granddaughters.Outside
of her family and friends, writing is her passion.
Margaret was also invited to participate in the American Mail
Order Bride Series, 50 brides from 50 states, from 45 different authors. Her
story is Edwina, Bride of Connecticut which is Book No 5 in the series.
She loves delving into the pages of history as she carries
out research for her historical novels. No book is too old or tattered for her
to trawl through, no museum too dusty, or website too hard to navigate.
Many of
her novels have been inspired by true events, with one being written around the
hardships and triumphs of her pioneering ancestors in frontier Australia. She
once spent a couple of hours in an old goal cell so she could feel the chilling
cold and fear.
She has now fallen in love with writing Western Historical
novellas, and found it an easy transition. Frontier Australia and frontier
America, have many similarities - isolated communities living in a harsh,
unforgiving environment, a large single male population, and a lack of
marriageable women.
Tell me
about yourself. What got you started writing?
I have
always liked writing. I started out when I was about 8 years old writing sad
little poems, then graduated to short stories, and was fortunate enough to win
a few prizes. My true love, writing historical romance, started when my husband
used to work nightshift and I had a lot of time on my hands when my children
were small. I now write sweet Historical Western Romance and I feel I have
really found my niche.
How did you
come up with your book idea? What inspired you?
My ideas
usually pop into my head when I am in bed. I am inspired by the fortitude and
bravery of our pioneer women who were not afraid to brave the wilderness for
the men they love. In this book, I wondered how a woman would feel if she was
jilted just hours before her wedding and what options were open to her.
What was the
most difficult part of writing this book? How did you overcome this difficulty?
The most
difficult part in writing this book, was I think, my husband was not well at
the time, so I had to fit my writing in to focus on his needs.
Who is your
favorite character from the novel? What about them makes them your favorite?
Jemma, the
heroine, was my favorite. I thought she was very brave to take the risks that
she did, and also she showed a lot of fortitude in helping the wounded hero.
Do your
characters (or message) ever seem to have a life of their own or agenda?
Yes, they
certainly do. Once I start the story, they seem to steer me into the direction
they want it to take.
How has
writing this book impacted you personally?
It made me
realize that every cloud has a silver lining.
How many
books do you currently have published? What genres?
I have 4 contemporary romances, 8 Australian Historical
Romances and 38 Western Historical Romances.
What is your
favorite thing about writing? Your least favorite?
My favorite
thing about writing is creating these people who become my friends, and
fashioning a lifestyle for them. My least favorite is actually typing the story
up.
What authors
in your genre inspire you most?
Cheryl
Wright, Susan Horsnell, Hebby Roman, Charlene Raddon
What would
you tell a beginning author who wants to publish but doesn’t believe he/she has
enough talent?
I would tell
them never to give up on your dream, no matter how many setbacks you get.
Perseverance is the key to success.
Sweet
Western Romance.
Jilted the day before her wedding in favor of a rich older woman, Jemma Holbrook is left
in dire circumstances.
In desperation, she pretends to be a boy and sneaks on board a freight train bound
for Texas. Her situation becomes even grimmer on discovering the rail wagon
she’s been hiding in has been shunted off the mainline and left in the
wilderness.
Marshal Kyle
Lovitt is ambushed and left for dead by outlaws. Jemma comes to his rescue and
nurses him back to health.
When Kyle
discovers her gender, he insists they get married because he has compromised
her.
Will Kyle
only ever feel gratitude and an obligation to do the gentlemanly thing by her,
or can Jemma win his love?
Book: Love’s Mountain Quest Author: Misty M Beller Genre: Historical romance Release Date: June 30, 2020 After losing her husband in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, young widow Joanna Watson is struggling to make a new home for her five-year-old son, Samuel, in the little mountain town of Settler’s Fort. When she returns home from work to find Samuel and the woman watching him missing–and the sheriff dead–she enlists a man she prays has enough experience in this rugged country to help. Isaac Bowen wants nothing more than a quiet, invisible life in these mountains, far away from the bad decisions of his past. But he has a strong suspicion of who’s behind the kidnapping and murder, and if he’s right, he knows all too well the evil they’re chasing. As they press on against the elements, Joanna fights to hold on to hope, while Isaac knows a reckoning is coming. They find encouragement in the tentative trust that grows between them, but whether it can withstand the danger and coming confrontation is far from certain in this wild, unpredictable land.
Joanna Watson, a widow with a young son try to carry on with their life in Sutters Fort Montana Territory. Her friend, Laura takes her son on a Sunday outing along the creek and they come up missing. With the help of Mr. Bowen, a friend, and trapper/trail guide they go together to try to find them. Along the way, they are faced with hardship and a relationship starts to develop. The story is one of learning to trust, redemption, healing, second chances, and a lot of faith in the Lord. It is an inspirational and heartwarming story set in the 1800s. The love story unfolding is an inspiring one.
The author has a wonderful way with descriptions that make the story come alive. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. Another great read from Misty.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
About the Author
After working for 13 years in the corporate world, Misty M. Beller (mistymbeller.com) is now the author of fourteen independently published Christian historical romance novels. Raised on a farm in South Carolina, she combines her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life by writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters. She lives outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is an active member of ACFW, and teaches regularly at conferences and writing groups on effective book marketing.
More from Misty
The Story Behind the Story: Love’s Mountain Quest Love’s Mountain Quest was one of the hardest books I’ve ever written, even though I LOVE Isaac and Joanna and their story. What made this book so hard was the fact that I wrote most of the story during my third trimester of pregnancy with our son!
Our little Matthew is our fourth baby (and first boy), so I was VERY heavy with child during the last three months I carried him, and that was the time that I’d scheduled to write Love’s Mountain Quest. Needless to say, the words were not flowing very well. My creativity was as exhausted as the rest of me! I could see Isaac and Joanna’s story in my mind, but showing it for readers using real words was the hard part. Thankfully, I have an amazing editor at Bethany House (waving at Jen Veilleux!) who helped me massage the first draft, pushing both me and the story to be the very best we could be. Unfortunately for her, the edits for this book were the first bit of writing I did after taking a short maternity leave after the birth, so my brain was still a bit mushy from all the post-partum hormones and lack of sleep a newborn always brings. Jen’s patience through the process was remarkable, yet I so appreciate her determination not to stop until we had the very best book possible. Our little Matthew just turned one, and Love’s Mountain Quest is finally making its way out into the world. Because of Jen, I’m so excited to share it with you! I can’t wait for you to meet the characters and story I love so much.
Robin recently moved to Tennessee with her husband Jimmy.
Together, they celebrate with seventeen grandchildren. An award winner for
romance and flash fiction. Robin is multi-published and writes stories on her
blog for children. Robin is a member of ACFW, Vice President of ACFW Colorado
Western Slope, and member of John316 Marketing Network.
She enjoys leading a
Bible study group and singing in two community choirs. Robin loves company and
challenging her young guests to discover the many giraffes in the obvious and
hidden nooks and crannies of their home.
At the tender age of thirteen, orphaned Jenny Low decides to
take matters in her own hands and runs away from her captive life in a Ute
tribe. Rescued from near-death by a kindly teamster, Samuel Baunof, Jenny is
sent to live with a family in Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1886. She learns
the truth of wickedness and runs again straight into true evil.
Meanwhile, Samuel holds his head up while facing life's
cruelty head-on. A few years later, he crosses paths with the orphaned girl he
once rescued. Now a beautiful young woman, Jenny is a God-send in his time of
need. Their trials aren’t over and Samuel finds himself tracking her through
the wilderness where, unbeknownst to him, someone else is after her too. Will
he get to her in time?
Can these two people with completely different backgrounds
and beliefs help each other and those around them? Is Samuel able to rescue
Jenny from the horror her life has been drawn into? Is his faith strong enough
to help her understand that God loves her and didn’t abandon her? Jenny is
challenged to accept love and forgiveness even when she feels the world closing
in.
The characters, Jenny & Samuel were very well-developed
and I grew to admire both. Each in their own way. Jenny, with her soiled past, was still able
to show immense love towards others & Samuel still grieving the loss of his
wife, was still able to hold onto his faith in the Lord.
I love how each character grew in their faith even in times
of hardship. The Lord used Samuel to remind Jenny of the Lord's love for her.
The story was intense but heart-warming with a happy ending.
Even the tough scenes with Jenny's abuse were handled appropriately for a
Christian novel.
A great read of inspiration, forgiveness, and second
chances. A great reminder of what God
can do in a person's life.
I received an ARC copy of the book and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Rachel Hauck is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street
Journal Bestselling author.
She is a Christy Award Winner and a double RITA finalist.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by
Romantic Times Book Club. She is also the recipient of RT's Career Achievement
Award.
A graduate of Ohio State University with a degree in
Journalism, and a former sorority girl, Rachel and her husband live in central
Florida. She is a huge Buckeyes football fan.
Q: What's the name of the new series? And how many books do
you foresee?
A: True Blue Royal. Right now, I have three books planned.
But we'll see what else opens up as the stories unfold.
Q: What inspired you to write this story?
A: I first met HRH Prince Augustus, aka Prince Gus, in The
Fifth Avenue Story Society. He was the jilted fiancé of Coral Winthrop, one of
the society members. He doesn't have a point-of-view and we only see him
through Coral's eyes, but I started to like the guy. I felt a bit sorry for him
and wondered if I could give him a happy ending.
His journey is one of redemption, hope, and forgiveness.
Most of us have experienced some sort of rejection or disappointment in life.
We can relate to what Gus experienced. He thought he was marrying the love of
his life only to find himself alone on their wedding day. Then he rebounded
into another relationship that ended, albeit amicably. He feels like a big
looser. Especially for a prince.
Q: Wow. We feel for him. Tell us about the heroine. She'd
better be good to Gus!
A: Daffodil Caron was
a childhood friend of the prince’. But over the years they lost touch. She's a
curator with the Royal Trust, and about to be engaged herself. She's a peaceful
character, steady, doesn't see herself as she truly is—a future princess. She's
ready to settle for good when the best is around the corner!
She and Gus both step into their true essence in this story.
Q: Go Daffodil. We like her already. So, Rachel, why another
royal series?
A: Besides wanting to give Prince Gus a happy ending, royal
stories were my most requested. I think they enchant readers of all ages! Plus,
I do love a good royal romance. There are so many beautiful, spiritual layers
we can all relate to in royal stories. I love this verse from Psalm 45.
Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget
your own people also, and your father’s house;
11 So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He
is your Lord, worship Him.
12 And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich
among the people will seek your favor.
13 The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace; Her
clothing is woven with gold.
Sounds princess-like to me!
Q: I see the ebook is available for pre-order. What about
print and audio?
A: Yes, ebook readers can pre-order. Print and audio will be
up and ready on August 11th. So mark your calendars! I'm so excited about the
print--the design is lovely. And the audio voice artist is fabulous!
Q: Will the book be in my library?
A: The book will be available for libraries to order in
print and ebook, but if not, ask them to
order it. I know libraries love to provide books for their readers!
Q: I'm not sure if I want to pre-order. What's the benefit?
A: Great question. The pre-order price is a lovely $5.99.
(In saleswoman's voice: "Get your deal now!") Ha! Plus, the book will
automatically download on release day. You'll open your e-reader to find a new
book!
Also, it helps me, and every author, in the sales rankings on
release day. A good sales ranking, along with reviews, will get the book
noticed by other readers. If you're not ready to pre-order, add the book to you
Wish List.
Daffodil Caron is not a princess, even though she once
dreamed of being one. After all, she grew up as a playmate to royal princes,
running through the halls of Perrigwynn Palace in the North Sea’s Lauchtenland.
But the day she stumbled upon a royal secret, everything changed.
Flash forward eighteen years, and Daffy’s living a sweet,
non-royal life. A skilled art curator for the Royal Trust, she has friends, a
flat in the heart of the capital city, and a handsome, successful boyfriend.
The last person on her mind is Gus, the prince she once called her best mate.
HRH Prince Augustus is no longer “Prince Pudgy,” as
caricatured by the press—he’s charming and gorgeous, possessing a world-famous
smile. But after he’s jilted at the altar, then dumped by his second fiancé,
the spare heir to Lauchtenland’s ancient House of Blue finds solace on a
Florida beach.
A year as a regular bloke allows him to rethink his purpose.
He’s half decided his calling is to pour pints at a tiki bar rather than serve
his country and the Family.
But a wild Frisbee toss down the beach changes his destiny.
Despite his long hair and beard, Daffy recognizes her
prince. She reminds Gus of his heritage and assures him that he’s needed in
Lauchtenland.
When Daffy and Gus find themselves on assignment at Hadsby
Castle in preparation for his brother’s wedding ball, their friendship blooms
into affection.
Then secrets are exposed, and Gus must choose between his
past hurts and his future hope. And Daffy must trust her heart to forever love
a prince.
“To Love a Prince is breathtaking and enchanting! Rachel
Hauck is the queen of inspirational royal romance.” – Teri Wilson, bestselling
author of Unleashing Mr. Darcy and Christmas Charms.