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The Duke's Dilemma

8/25/2017

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ABOUT THE BOOK
Book title: The Duke’s Dilemma
Author: Elaine Manders
Release date: May 27, 2017
Genre: Historical Romance, subgenre: Regency

"The Duke's Dilemma"
by Elaine Manders

Should he wed the perfect match—or the one he loves?
Edward Dalton, the new Duke of Langsdale, must soon take a wife to ensure the hereditary line. A young war widow seems the perfect choice. She is charming, well respected with impeccable character, and her connections to the Ton’s most important people is an asset he can’t ignore. But Edward is intrigued by another widow. The mysterious, hauntingly beautiful Lady Wayte.
Cassandra Wayte could not be a more unsuitable match. She isn’t received by polite society, and her notorious dealings with London’s underclass is the talk of nobility from White’s patrons to the most fashionable hostesses. It’s even whispered she murdered her elderly husband. But Edward sees a different side of the tragic lady, and he determines to discover the secrets tormenting her. As he peels away the layers of her resistance, he discovers a malevolent adversary stalking Lady Wayte and exposes a level of depravity that shocks even his war-hardened sensibilities. Can he win her trust and her heart? And at what cost to the dukedom?
As Cassandra’s relentless search for her husband’s murderer exposes both her and Edward to unseen dangers, all they can rely on is their love for each other and their faith in God.
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I must admit that I have mixed feelings about this book. I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Especially Sarah...she is so precocious and charming, that you can't help but like her. Some of her antics had me laughing. I also enjoyed solving the mystery of who really killed Cassandra's husband. That part of the story added a nice twist to it for me. However, the story is filled with sensitive topics. Though the matters are handled with care for the most parts, they are just not something that I enjoy reading about. Yes, I realize that these things happened and sadly still happen today, but I do not wish to read about them. So overall the book was not what I was expecting or looking for. If you are not a sensitive reader though, I believe that you will enjoy this book as a whole. My favorite part of the story was the message of Christ's love for us. I loved how the author took all of the bad circumstances that Cassandra and others faced and used them to show the characters how much God loves us no matter what!!!

Parental Warning: This book deals with sex trafficking, prostitution, brothels, rape, beatings, and murder.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Elaine Manders writes wholesome Christian romance and suspense about the bold, capable women of history and the strong, dependable men who love them. She prefers stories that twist and turn and surprise, told by characters of faith. She lives in Central Georgia with a happy bichon-poodle mix. Besides writing, she enjoys reading, crafts, and spending time with her friends, daughter, and grandchildren.

GUEST POST FROM ELAINE MANDERS

Historical romance became my favorite genre back in the seventies and eighties, and one of my favorite settings was Regency England. A Regency can be a romance in the Jane Austin mode or historical romance set during the Regency period. There is a difference, and The Duke’s Dilemma falls into this latter category. Yes, there is some of usual drawing room intrigue in an Austen novel, but The Duke’s Dilemma contains a serious spiritual theme. The plot fitted perfectly into my new series, The Wolf Deceivers.

I wrote the original manuscript nearly twenty years ago as a light, secular romance, but when I revised it to Christian romance, I was delighted to find the inspirational thread deepened the characters. Instead of merely fighting for her reputation while trying to wrest the duke from another woman, Cassandra, the heroine, must fight for her survival. Instead of being another handsome, sardonic nobleman, Edward, the hero, uses his intelligence and grace to protect Cassandra and win her love.

Even the secondary characters captivated me. Little Sarah’s match-making antics suited the Regency theme and provided some levity during the darker moments of the plot. Lady Ashford, Cassandra’s foil, developed a tenacity I had to admire in spite of all her shortcomings. And Sir Harcrumb became a villain I loved to hate.
Though the characters changed a great deal in the retelling, the plot remained basically the same. The only thing I added was a surprise twist at the end—something that has inadvertently become a part of my brand.

Every story is a learning experience for me, and I’m always grateful for how much I learn from my research and from the Holy Spirit. I’ve become more aware of those who deceive, and how vulnerable people, especially young people, are to Satan’s tactics. Also, I’ve unexpectedly come away with a better understanding of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). Although this is a new label, we all know it has affected people throughout history.

Yes, The Duke’s Dilemma has taught me much, and I hated to say good-bye to these characters. I love stories that move me during the writing and only ask two things of my books. That they bring enjoyment to my readers and glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus. I hope this one does both.

BLOG STOPS
August 22: A Baker’s Perspective
August 22: Books, Books, and More Books
August 23: Blogging With Carol
August 24: Genesis 5020
August 25: Avid Reader Book Reviews
August 25: Have A Wonderful Day
August 26: Jami’s Words
August 26: Faery Tales Are Real
August 27: Karen Sue Hadley
August 27: Ashley’s Bookshelf
August 28: Remembrancy
August 29: The Fizzy Pop Collection
August 29: For the Love of Books
August 30: Locks, Hooks and Books
August 30: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
August 31: Blossoms and Blessings
September 1: Pause for Tales
September 1: Caffeinated Reads
September 2: Live. Love. Read.
September 3: Just the Write Escape
September 4: Henry Happens
September 4: History, Mystery & Faith

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Elaine is giving away:
Grand prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st place: paperback copies of Books 1 and 2 of the Wolf Deceivers series, The Chieftain’s Choice and The Duke’s Dilemma!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bbab

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The Return

8/20/2017

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"The Return"
by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.

Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?

Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.
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Beautiful Betsy Zook lived in an idyllic world. She never questioned her parents' rigid expectations nor that of her fiance' Hans. It was the only life she had ever known. This story was set in the 1700's when the Amish young people didn't have to face the worldly influences that the Amish of today are faced with. But they also had their dangers to face and that was the Native Americans who lived nearby. Even though the Amish only wanted to live in peace with their neighbors, the Indians didn't understand that.

One day the Zook farm is brutally attacked, the parents are killed and Betsy and her younger brother are taken captive. Betsy's faith is tested as she faces brutality and hardship while living with the Indians. She finds herself torn between her religious upbringing and the feelings which are developing for a Native American man, who encourages her to see God in all things.
But what about her beloved Hans? He has turned to Tessa, who has secretly had feelings for Hans and in fact wished Betsy to disappear. Tessa is so delighted by Hans' attention that she overlooks his feelings of anger and revenge. But if Betsy returns to the Amish will things between Hans and Tessa have gone too far?

This novel has many layers to it just as our lives have many facets. This book is based on true happenings of Pennsylvania in prerevolutionary days. It shows how our faith can be tested and how much faith and courage the early settlers needed.

I love historical novels and I had never thought about the fact that the Amish were some of the earliest settlers. You just don't think of Amish and Indians together. Suzanne has combined them both beautifully. and has given us a broader aspect of American History. I also enjoyed the fact that there was many twists and turns to the plot and it wasn't easy to tell what was going to happen next. But the most pleasing part of the whole book to me was the use of scripture and that she used the King James Bible to quote it from. I detest the use of other so called Bibles in the books I am reading.

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

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Molly Jebber Scavenger Hunt Stop # 4

8/11/2017

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I am very excited to take part in this scavenger hunt featuring Molly Jebber! This is stop number four of your search, and I hope you having fun learning more about Molly Jebber along the way. Keep reading to find today's mystery word and to learn more about Molly.

SCAVENGER HUNT STOPS
Stop by each blog to collect their special word then input the sentence it creates into the giveaway for NINE extra entries! While you are at each stop, don’t forget to comment to claim your bonus entries in the giveaway (the bonus entries for a comment on a blog can be claimed multiple times but only once in a 24 hour period).

August 8: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses
August 9: Quiet Quilter
August 10: Smiling Book Reviews
August 11: Have A Wonderful Day
August 12: With a Joyful Noise
August 13: Bigreadersite
August 14: A Baker’s Perspective
August 15: Karen Sue Hadley
August 16: Blogging With Carol
August 17: cherylbbookblog
August 18: Baker Kella
August 19: His Grace is Sufficient
August 20: The Power of Words
August 21: Blossoms and Blessings

ABOUT MOLLY'S BOOKS

CHANGE OF HEART
A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love’s true way home…
Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.
With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances. . .

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY.

GRACE'S FORGIVENESS
A handsome newcomer with secrets shows a yearning Amish woman a chance at happiness—but their love will need all their courage to keep . . .
Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .
Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles . . .

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY

TWO SUITORS FOR ANNA
In 1903 Ohio, a young Amish woman must choose between the life she has long planned for and a new, very different future…
Since Anna Plank moved to Berlin, Ohio, with her widowed mamm and two schweschders, she’s found a real sense of belonging. As soon as her beloved Noah Schwartz proposes, they’ll begin a new chapter here together. But Noah has a surprise for Anna: once they’re married, he wants them to travel and live in other communities. Anna, who loves her home and her job at the quilt shop, is distraught when he takes her hesitation as rejection—and leaves.
Daniel Bontrager’s arrival adds to Anna’s confusion. Since taking over his late brother’s farm, the handsome roofer has offered friendship and gentle attentions. Yet the pull of first love is strong and deep, especially when Noah returns. Through each revelation, Anna must search her faith for guidance, knowing she is choosing not just a husband, but a life to nurture and to share…

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE YOUR COPY.

ABOUT MOLLY
Molly Jebber’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times has given them a near excellent rating. She’s on RWA’s Honor Roll. She’s a speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, publishing, Amish lifestyle and traditions. She has received widespread media coverage, including live interviews, across the United States for her books and speaking engagements.
She’s just signed a new contract for four more Amish books! She loves interacting with her readers. She loves God, her husband, family and friends. She has a hard time saying no to cupcakes, swimming, nine holes of golf, and walks on the beach. Coconut, oatmeal, and onions, on the other hand, are not hard to say no to!

GUEST POST FROM MOLLY
In TWO SUITORS FOR ANNA:
Anna and her sisters are hiding a secret. One Anna knows is wrong to keep. The love of her life wants her to leave her family behind and travel with him. Her life is in turmoil, and she isn’t sure which way to turn? What does the future hold for Anna?
Have you read CHANGE OF HEART and GRACE’S FORGIVENESS? The first two books in the Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series? They are available in and online in bookstores.
I love interacting with you, and thank you for participating!

GIVEAWAY

Grand Prize: Amish/English Basket that includes:

Brand New Coach Purse
Colorful Ink Pen and Pad
"Home is where the heart is" Kitchen Towel

A signed full set of the Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series Books
CHANGE OF HEART, GRACE'S FORGIVENESS, AND TWO SUITORS FOR ANNA
An Amish Doll
$10 Amazon Card

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY.

The word to collect from this blog is JEBBER. Good luck to everyone! Have A Wonderful Day!!!

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To Wager Her Heart

8/11/2017

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"To Wager Her Heart"
by Tamera Alexander

Impeccable historical research woven with heart-gripping fiction from USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander . . .

Set against the real history of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation and the original Fisk University Jubilee Singers ensemble, To Wager Her Heart is a powerful love story about seeking justice and restoring honor at a time in American history when both were tenuous and hard-won.

Sylas Rutledge, the new owner of the Northeast Line Railroad, invests everything he has into this venture, partly for the sake of the challenge. But mostly to clear his father's name. One man holds the key to Sy's success--General William Giles Harding of Nashville's Belle Meade Plantation. But Harding is champagne and thoroughbreds, and Sy Rutledge is beer and bullocks.

Seeking justice . . .

Sy needs someone to help him maneuver his way through Nashville's society, and when he meets Alexandra Jamison, he quickly decides he's found his tutor. Only, he soon discovers that the very train accident his father is blamed for causing is what killed Alexandra Jamison's fiancé--and has shattered her world.

Struggling to restore honor . . .

Spurning an arranged marriage by her father, Alexandra instead pursues her passion for teaching at Fisk University, the first freedmen's university in the United States. But family--and Nashville society--do not approve, and she soon finds herself cast out from both.

Through connections with the Harding family, Alexandra and Sy become unlikely allies. And despite her first impressions, Alexandra gradually finds herself coming to respect, and even care for this man. But how can she, when her heart is still spoken for? And when Sy's roguish qualities and adventuresome spirit smack more of recklessness than responsibility and honor?

Sylas Rutledge will risk everything to win over the woman he loves. What he doesn't count on is having to wager her heart to do it.

With fates bound by a shared tragedy, a reformed gambler from the Colorado Territory and a Southern Belle bent on breaking free from society's expectations must work together to achieve their dreams - provided the truth doesn't tear them apart first.
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This is the first book that I have read by Tamera Alexander, and wow am I ever glad that I did. The story takes you to Nashville just after the Civil War, and shows you what life was like for everyone having to rebuild and restore after the War. I love Civil War novels, so reading won set in the Post-Civil War era was great and an unique perspective. I loved learning about Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers. This part of the story added so much depth to the story. This story will take you through an array of emotions. You will not be disappointed that you read this spectacular novel.

NOTE: This is the third book of the series, but you can read as a standalone.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Imagine: The Great Flood

8/11/2017

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"Imagine: The Great Flood"
by Matt Koceich

IMAGINE...
The ocean swirled around the boy and pulled him down with unrelenting power. Heavy water churned and tugged at his flailing body like unseen hands yanking him into the watery depths. The fight was finally over. Even though he’d tried to stand up to the enemy, the waves were about to swallow him whole.

The last thing ten-year-old Corey remembers (before the world as he knew it disappeared) was the searing pain in his head after falling while chasing his dog Molly into the woods. What happens next can't be explained as Corey wakes up and finds himself face-to-face with not one but two lions!

Join Corey and experience the excitement. . .the wonder. . . the adventure. . .as the epic story of Noah’s ark comes to life.

Imagine. . .The Great Flood is the first release in an exciting, brand-new epic adventure series for kids ages 8 to 12 written by schoolteacher and missionary, Matt Koceich. The Imagine series brings the Bible to life for today's kids as they ponder what it would be like to live through a monumental biblical event.
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Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be on Noah's Ark? Well this book will take you back in time to the days of Noah and his sons trying to gather the animals on the ark. Children have huge imaginations, just like ten-year-old Corey, who imagines what it must have been like in the days of Noah. Through his journey, Corey learns that he needs to trust God no matter what instead of relying on himself.

PARENTAL NOTE:
There are some things in this book that are not in the Bible, so I would recommend reading the Biblical account to your children either before or after this book so that they can know what really happened.

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

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The Blessing

8/4/2017

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"The Blessing"
by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Return to the Troyer farm where Heidi welcomes six new cooking class students who experience the healing hand of God.

Despite stressful changes occurring in their lives, Lyle and Heidi once again open their Ohio home up to those seeking to learn about Amish cooking. This time a teenager helping her divorced dad cook for the family, a caterer needing new recipes, a food critic, a hunter looking to impress his buddies, a wife given the class as an unwanted gift, and a mailman lured in by the aroma of good cooking gather around Heidi’s table.

During each class, Heidi teaches culinary skills, but it is her words of wisdom that have a profound effect on her students—though, this time Heidi’s own hurting heart will need some healing nourishment.
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The Blessing is the second book in the Amish Cooking Class series. An Amish couple Heidi and Lyle Troyer have been married for nine years and still don't have any children. So they have decided to adopt. They open their home to an unwed teenage mother, whose family has kicked her out. She agrees to let the Troyers adopt her baby. But her family has a change of heart and decides to let their daughter come back home, she also decides to keep her baby. The Troyers. especially Heidi, are heartbroken. So Lyle convinces Heidi to teach a second cooking class, to keep her mind off of her disappointment.

Her new class consists of six different men and women, who all seem to have problems of their own. The youngest member of the class is 16 year old Nicole who has had to step into the role of cook and housekeeper when her mother left her husband and family for another man. Her dad suggests she take the class to help her cook more than toast and cold cereal.

Lisa Brooks, owns a catering business and is taking the class to gain new recipes for her business.

Bill Mason wants to learn new recipes for his hunting buddies.

Leon Freemont is the Troyers mailman, who loves the smell of Heidi's cooking and is having to deal with his brother moving in with him.

Allie Garret is a mother of two and the wife of a policeman. Sometimes she has difficulties dealing with the danger of his job, but now she has another worry, there is a new young, pretty, blond female cop who she saw her husband sitting with in a cruiser. Is her husband getting tired of her?

And then there is Todd Collins a food critic, who is taking the class to critique Amish cooking and Heidi's class. He has no manners and thinks he is the greatest and most important person in the world.

Each class they make a new recipe and receive the recipe on a card and on the back is written a Bible verse. Can Heidi's faith help her students' hearts to heal as well as her own?

I always enjoy Mrs. Brunstetter's books and this was no exception. Also included in the book are the recipes from Heidi's Cooking Class. I have not read the first book of this series, but I did not feel lost and would like to read the first book also.

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

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The Duke's Dilemma

The Return

Molly Jebber Scavenger Hunt Stop # 4

To Wager Her Heart

Imagine: The Great Flood

The Blessing

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