"The American Conquest"
​by Jenna Brandt

​Surrender to destiny: a window to heart opens, when one door closes.

After enduring immense hardships, will Lady Margaret finally be free from her past, allowing her to embrace her soul mate? Extremely tender and magnificently exhilarating, The American Conquest examines the journey between healing a broken heart and making room for rebirth. 

The American Conquest (Book 3) Running from a past scandal, Lady Margaret must leave Europe forever and escape across the ocean to America. The plan: to brave the Oregon Trail to reach the Colorado territory where her family’s future awaits. While facing adversities in the new frontier, Margaret must trust God to keep their family safe. Attacked by Indians, the group is saved by Cortland Westcott, a rancher and devoted Christian. Margaret and Cort have an instant connection through their faith, but devastating secrets threaten to cripple the budding relationship. Both Margaret and Cort must confront a past that haunts them to finally be able to make a new life together. Will Margaret finally come to terms with what happened to her, or will she let her past destroy her future? 

Window to the Heart Saga: a recountal of the epic journey of Lady Margaret, a young English noblewoman, who through many trials, obstacles, and tragedies, discovers her own inner strength, the sustaining force of faith in God, and the power of family and friends. In this three-part series, experience new places and cultures as the heroine travels from England to France and completes her adventures in America. The series has compelling themes of love, loss, faith and hope with a exceptionally gratifying conclusion.
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We get to travel with Lady Margaret to unsettled America in this third book of the Window to the Heart Saga. Margaret has been forced to leaved Europe to escape from those who are out to harm her and take away her son. Upon arriving in America, Margaret is shocked to find how different it is from Europe. She soon finds herself depending on men of questionable character to get her and her family safely to the Colorado Territory. Along the way, they are met with many challenges, obstacles, and are attacked by Indians. After finally arriving in Colorado, Margaret thinks that she and her family are finally safe. Little does she know that she is soon going to be put through things that she could never even imagine. Will Margaret be able to survive or will this new and unknown country be too much for her to handle?
 
I really enjoyed Margaret’s journey from England to France and finally to America. She went through so many trials, troubles, heartaches, and dangers that it is a wonder that she just didn’t give up. While she was tempted to several times, Margaret realizes that she must keep going and trusting in God. I was shocked to read some of the things that Margaret has gone through. I realize that things were rough for the settlers in the Western Territories, but I never imagined that things were that bad. Although this book was totally different than what I was expecting, I am glad how everything turned out in the end. I cannot wait to see what Jenna Brandt has in store for readers.
 
Parental Guidance: There are some events and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for younger readers.
 
I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

"The Captain's Daughter"
by Jennifer Delamere

Warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.
When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.
A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.
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This was my first book by Jennifer Delamere and I am very happy that I chose to read her book plus I hope to read more of her books really soon. Set in London in the 1870’s this book is filled with many interesting and historical tidbits. I especially liked how Rosalyn, the main character, and her sisters were raised in George Muller’s orphanage. (Although I am sad that they were orphans.) I have always loved hearing about his orphanages and his complete faith and trust in God, so for the author to include this made the story extra special for me. This book also has many lessons that we can all learn such as be careful who you trust and believe, forgive yourself, don’t hang onto guilt, and always trust God. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the London Beginnings series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

"Threads of Suspicion"
​by Dee Henderson

Evie Blackwell's reputation as a top investigator for the Illinois State Police has landed her an appointment to the governor's new Missing Persons Task Force. This elite investigative team is launched with plenty of public fanfare. The governor has made this initiative a high priority, so they will have to produce results--and quickly.

Evie and her new partner, David Marshal, are assigned to a pair of unrelated cases in suburban Chicago, and while both involve persons now missing for several years, the cases couldn't be more different. While Evie opens old wounds in a close-knit neighborhood to find a missing college student, David searches for a private investigator working for a high-powered client.

With a deep conviction that "justice for all" truly matters, Evie and David are unrelenting in their search for the truth. But Evie must also find answers to the questions that lie just beneath the surface in her personal life.
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I have always been a fan of Dee Henderson’s books, and I was so excited to read her new book. I am happy to say that I was not disappointed. This is book two in the Evie Blackwell Cold Case Series and boy is this book filled with many cold cases. Evie chooses to solve what happened to a missing college girl, while her new partner, David, settles on locating a missing PI. As David and Evie work separately on their individual cases, they get the shock of their lives when their cases intersect with each other. As they begin to work together to solve their cases, they find themselves in the middle of a nefarious plot and gangsters. Will they be able to find their missing people and solve the cases before it is too late or will something deadly happen?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved getting reacquainted with old friends(Evie, Paul and Ann Falcon, Bryce and Charlotte just to name a few) and meeting new ones(David and Maggie). Also, we get to learn more about Evie’s boyfriend, Rob. While Rob does seem like a nice guy, I was hoping that Evie would get together with Gabe Thane(from book one). I especially liked how strong the characters faith in God is, and how much they rely on God. It is very refreshing to have such a strong Christian message in a Christian Fiction book. It seems like even though a book is labeled Christian Fiction there isn’t any mention of faith or God, so the fact that the characters had strong relationships with God was very nice. “Threads of Suspicion” is filled with so many twists and turns that the reader will be kept guessing until the very end. If you are looking for a book full of suspense, then this is definitely the book for you.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

"Behind the Scenes" 
​by Jen Turano

Start of a Delightful New Series from Historical Romance Author Jen Turano

Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn't guaranteed to "take." After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she's finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym "Miss Quill."

Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it's simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country.
When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she's determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she'll end up at risk as well.

As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there's more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated. . . .
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I immediately fell in love with the quirky characters in this exciting new series by Jen Turano. From the very beginning of the book, we are drawn into a madcap story filled with many hilarious incidents. The story captured my attention and numerous times I found myself doubled over in laughter from the many antics of Permilia and her friends. In the midst of all of the hilarity, Permilia finds herself wrapped in a murder plot to kill one of her new friends. So what does she do? Naturally she takes it upon herself to protect her friend and track down the people who want to kill her friend. All of this of course leads to many more funny moments that will have you laughing out loud. I loved how Permilia learned that even though we may think that we have our lives set, secure, and planned out, God has bigger and better plans for us. I cannot wait to see what will happen to the delightful characters in this wonderful new series. If you are looking for a book to capture your attention and have you laughing, then I highly recommend this story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

"Stepping on Cheerios"
by Betsy Singleton Snyder

Being a mother isn’t easy. Sometimes it’s hard to experience a personal connection with God and community when you are caught up in the chaos of just “doing family”. 

Independent and self-sufficient, author Betsy Singleton Snyder lived a full and busy life as a pastor, missionary, and wife to a husband who served in the U.S. House of Representatives. She had her first child at age 44, then at 47, she found out she was carrying triplets. Suddenly finding herself overwhelmed is an understatement.

Stepping on Cheerios is a collection of funny, warm, and charming tales from the frontlines of parenthood, written for women who are juggling to accomplish everyday feats of work, motherhood, marriage, church, and more. It’s a comical story of one woman’s realization that her crazy life is a gift and how she found the grace in it.
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If you are looking for practical advice on how to balance the many hats of motherhood then don't read this book.  Because the wisdom you need just isn't there.  But if you want to laugh at someone 's mistakes beside your own, then this book is for you. The author tells about her adventures of becoming a first time mother at the age of 44 and of having triplets at the age of 47.  Not something I would recommend for anyone.  I didn't particularly enjoy the book because it was chaotic to say the least.  She jumped from one topic to another and I found it hard to follow her train of thought.  I also read only the King James Version of the Bible and didn't appreciate the other so called Bibles that she quoted.  The one thing I did enjoy from the book is how they remembered her Mom at Christmas time by having a contest between the siblings to see who could best emulate her mother's Christmas cookies.
This was a very meaningful Christmas tradition and a special way to keep her Mother's memory alive.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

"The Great Chattanooga Bicycle Race"
​by Mike H. Mizrahi

Chattanooga society is turned upside down as a young woman has the audacity to ride a bicycle--in bloomers!
It's 1895. Anna Gaines, 19, struggles to conquer her insecurities after a horrible fall years ago from her beloved horse, Longstreet. On a visit with her aunt in Brooklyn, she's drawn to the new pastime of bicycling. But back at home, cycling is a scandalous sport for a proper lady. Southern women did not engage in activities meant for men.
Anna has her eye on Peter Sawyer, president of the Cycling Club. As community outrage grows, an unexpected turn of events pits Anna against Peter in a race between the sexes.

• Will Anna prove that women deserve the same right as men to ride "the wheel?"
• Will she choose to live a quiet, traditional life of a housewife and mother? Or will she pursue college and become one of the "new women" emerging into the twentieth century on the seat of a bicycle?
• What will become of the spark between Anna and Peter?

Faith, patience, and courage help Anna to become the person she was meant to be.
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Have you ever wanted to do something so much that you were determined to it no matter what anyone else says? Well that is exactly the predicament Anna Gaines finds herself in. Throughout the course of the book, we see Anna grow in her confidence and come out of her shell. Filled with lots of interesting facts, history, adventure, and controversy this is a must read book. I really enjoyed this book. I learned so much about the history of cycling. I never really thought about what cyclist went through or the history of cycling, but I really enjoyed learning about it. I also enjoyed the many different characters in the story, but my favorite was Hattie. If you are looking for a unique story to read, then I highly recommend this story.
 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
 

"The French Encounter"
​by Jenna Brandt

​Surrender to destiny: a window to the heart opens, when one door closes.

While fleeing from danger and searching for her long-lost brother, Lady Margaret encounters new love. Despite her past, can Lady Margaret discover hope for the future? Deeply passionate and intensely gripping, The French Encounter weighs the struggle between giving in to temptation and sacrificing for refuge.

The French Encounter (Book 2). Ruined by a night she will never forget, Lady Margaret, Countess of Renwick, must flee from England with her infant son to hide from the man who destroyed her life and from the sister-in-law who hates her. Relentlessly, the duke and viscountess hunt for them, planning to take the child to whom they both feel entitled. Margaret turns to God, believing he will protect her family and help her find her long-lost twin brother, Randall. While searching for Randall in France, Margaret is pursued by two enticing men: Pierre, the alluring Vidame of Demoulin, and Michel, the powerful Marquis de Badour. One man promises passion while the other offers security. Will Margaret surrender the chance for love to secure her safety? 

Window to the Heart Saga: a recountal of the epic journey of Lady Margaret, a young English noblewoman, who through many trials, obstacles, and tragedies, discovers her own inner strength, the sustaining force of faith in God, and the power of family and friends. In this three-part series, experience new places and cultures as the heroine travels from England to France and completes her adventures in America. The series has compelling themes of love, loss, faith and hope with a exceptionally gratifying conclusion.
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Margaret’s story continues in this second book of the Window to the Heart Saga. I love how the author continues to follow Margaret throughout this series. So many times we are introduced to a character and then we do not see them much as the series continues, but thankfully that is not the case with this fantastic series. Thankfully we get to follow Margaret’s journey as she continues to grow and mature not just physically and emotionally but also spiritually. This second book is just as beautifully written as the first. Margaret must pick up the shattered pieces of her life while trying to move forward and protect herself and her family. I love how Margaret did not just give up, although she wanted to several times, she kept on moving forward. We could all learn a lesson from Margaret to be sure. There will be times in our lives when we may feel like giving up, but with God’s help and strength we can and must keep going. I enjoyed Margaret’s story so much, that I read both books in the same night. They were just so good and captivating that I could not stop reading. I cannot wait to find out what happens next. If you are looking for an exciting and captivating read, then I suggest you read this fabulous series.
 
I received a complimentary e-book copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

"The English Proposal"
​by Jenna Brandt

Surrender to destiny: a window to the heart opens, when one door closes.

To follow the heart or the head—torn between two men—which future will Lady Margaret choose? Profoundly romantic and superbly riveting, The English Proposal explores the conflict between fulfilling duties and satiating desires. 

The English Proposal (Book 1). Sheltered on her family’s country estate, Lady Margaret, the daughter of an English Earl, is betrothed due to a family promise. Although Henry, the Viscount Rolantry, has been her best friend since childhood and she is expected to marry him, she never felt butterflies until she meets the Duke of Witherton. Against her father’s wishes, Margaret finds herself captivated by the forbidden duke. Caught between family loyalty and her own wishes, Margaret searches for a way to satisfy both her responsibilities and her longings. When tragedy strikes, Margaret finds herself seeking answers at church. But when she finally makes her choice, through her newfound faith, will she be able to live with the repercussions of her decision? 

Window to the Heart Saga: a recountal of the epic journey of Lady Margaret, a young English noblewoman, who through many trials, obstacles, and tragedies, discovers her own inner strength, the sustaining force of faith in God, and the power of family and friends. In this three-part series, experience new places and cultures as the heroine travels from England to France and completes her adventures in America. The series has compelling themes of love, loss, faith and hope with a exceptionally gratifying conclusion.
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Jenna Brandt has created such a beautiful story. From the very beginning of the book, I was drawn into the story. Margaret constantly finds herself in predicaments. She does not want to confine herself to the rules of society, and this consistently gets her into trouble. While some of her antics made me grin other parts of her story had me crying. Through it all Margaret learns to trust God and fully rely on Him. Just like Margaret, so many times we try to do things without God and we only mess up and feel empty. As Margaret learns to put her faith God, we too must realize that our lives would be a lot better with God in them. There are also many twists and turns in this book that kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I must say that I never would have predicated what happened at the end of the book. I could not put this book down, and I guarantee that you will not be able to either.
 
Parental Warning: There are some scenes between the married couple that may not be appropriate for young readers.
 
I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

INTERVIEW WITH JENNA BRANDT

 

1. When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? When I first started reading and once I could write, I began writing short stories. I was about eight when I wrote my first one. A lot of them were sequels to movies. I always wanted to know what would happen next, so I started writing about it. I still have a couple in boxes somewhere.
2. What do you think is the hardest part about writing? Pushing past writer’s block. I had someone ask me recently what to do because they were stuck in the middle of the book they were writing. I told her, “You just write. It doesn’t matter if it’s great. That’s what revisions are for and you can revise as many times as you need or want. The key is to just put pen to paper and push through the writer’s block.”
3. What is your usual writing routine? Do you have a specific time of day or place that you like to write? I write while the kids are at school and when they are asleep at night. Also, anywhere else I can squeeze it in throughout the day.
4. Can you tell us about the Window to the Heart Saga? The first three installments of the series center around a English noblewoman and it follows her life from when she is coming of age to when she is a wife and mother. She faces many obstacles and trials and the story shows how through God’s love and strong faith in the Lord, a person can overcome anything.
5. How did you come up with the idea for this series? It started out as short story. I loved it the character, Margaret, so much, I decided to write a whole book around her, which later turned into a three-art series about her. I also have plans for book 4 and 5 in the series based off characters from the first three books. One will be set in Oregon and one will be set around Oxford University, which if you read the first three should hint as to whom the two books will be centered around.
6. What is the main thing that you hope readers will remember from this series? That God’s love never leaves you and you are never alone. God is always with us and will help us through any hardships life may bring.
7. What is your favorite thing or part about this series? Book 2 was always the weakest part of the series but I ended up changing some aspects of one of the main male characters and he has now become one of my favorite characters in the book. I love how each character is unique and special and how various readers loves certain ones and hates others and its never the same with each reader.
8. Which of your characters would you like to spend the day with and what would you like to do? I would love to hang out with Margaret and Jackie. Margaret meets Jackie through a family friend in book 2 and she is scandalous and funny in all the right ways. There is never a dull moment around them. I would love to go to one of the balls with them.
9. What writing projects are you working on right now? I am finishing formatting book 3, prepping all the books for print versions, and researching for books 4 & 5.
10. Is there any particular book or author that has influenced you in any way? I love “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers. When I read her book, I realized I could write in my favorite genre while being a Christian. She is such a huge success and I would love to be able to have the kind or reach that she and her books have now.
11. If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it be and why? I would have loved to been the original author of the C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia series because they have touched so many lives, including mine, and they have stood the test of time.
12. With so many books being turned into movies, have you ever thought about any of your books possibly becoming a movie someday? If so, which one(s) would you like to see become a movie and who would you cast as the stars? I was just asked this the other day, and until then, it had never crossed my mind. Probably would love for it to be like the Twilight or Hunger Games movies and have all three. I would love for Margaret to be played by Emma Stone (my favorite actress), Henry to be played by Liam Hemsworth, Richard by Chris Pine and Catherine by Dakota Fanning.
13. What do you like to do when you are not writing? I enjoy cooking, reading, spending time with my family and being involved with my church.
14. What advice do you wish someone would have given you when you first started writing? Along with that what advice would you give to aspiring authors? Make sure you have a street team ready for your launch. I have been scrambling to put one together. I would tell any aspiring author two things: hire an editor and find a mentor author.
15. Is there anything else that you would like to share with us? I hope you enjoy my series. I truly enjoy entertaining readers while sharing about God’s love.

Thank you so much for answering my questions and for allowing me to read and review your series. I cannot wait to find out what else you have in store for us readers. Have A Wonderful Day!!!
 

"The Farmer's Market Mishap"
by Wanda E. Brunstetter

"Driver Confessional"
​by David L. Winters

Ride share driver Antonio cruises the streets of Washington, D.C. looking for his next fare.
He has an unusual gift for relaxing his customers and stimulating their desire to reveal more than they planned. By the completion of their ride, many feel so comfortable that they confess their sins great and small. Antonio's faith guides his discussions and points him in new directions. Suddenly, his peaceful world is turned upside down by a mysterious business woman. As she heads to a midnight rendezvous, she confesses more than Antonio can handle. Her story sends him into a world of espionage, international terrorism and danger.
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If you are ready for a fast-paced action book, then this is definitely the book for you. Filled with car chases, secrets, political intrigue, and suspense this book will keep you hanging on to your seatbelt. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I started reading this book, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. My favorite part about the book wasn’t the action or the suspense, but Antonio’s faith. He fully trusted and relied on God to protect and keep him safe. Antonio also wasn’t afraid or ashamed to talk to people about his faith in God. It seems like so many books nowadays are labeled as Christian Fiction but do not have a lot or any mention of God, so the fact that the author was not afraid to constantly put God in his story was very uplifting and refreshing.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.