Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series Secrets of Rosenli Manor. She's giving us a sneak peek inside the story, so keep reading! Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | The Author | Book Details Secrets of Rosenli Manor Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series. It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor. In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imag-ined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli. Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Se-crets of Rosenli Manor. Get Your Copy ↓ AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | AMAZON CA | AMAZON AU Enjoy an Excerpt from Secrets of Rosenli Manor Great-aunt agatha passed away in her sleep on a night when God had lit every star in his heavenly front yard. At least, that’s how Lilly chose to see it. The message arrived from her father, and she shuddered as she recalled how he’d passed along the news. He’d called her his “stingy aunt” and said she’d “finally departed her miserably wealthy life.” Lilly had never truly known the old woman. Other than a few early childhood memories, she’d only heard stories. The problem with hearsay was never knowing how to separate facts from gossip, entwined and entangled as they were. Aunt Agatha’s name always came up during family gatherings. Festering envy had seemed to cause all sorts of rumors and reports, which had rapidly changed from mouth to ear time and again. Lilly’s relatives had strong opinions about most things and gladly shared them. Especially their disapproving views. “Agatha probably did this” and “Agatha most definitely might have done that” dominated their conversations. Not once could Lilly recall anyone uttering a friendly word or an encouraging comment. Only one person in the family had cherished the old woman—Lilly’s mother—but she had passed away the summer before Lilly started second grade. Sweet recollections of calling on Aunt Agatha with Mother were etched into Lilly’s remembrances with a gentle hand. Tea parties on the lawn amid an abundance of blooming perennials in hues of pink and lilac. A straight-backed butler who carried trays of lemonade, sandwiches, and cakes into the drawing room with its pastel decor. Scented floral arrangements of roses, peonies, and dianthus in a vase on a cream-colored, crocheted lace doily. Aunt Agatha with a tender smile, sitting with Lilly amidst soft pillows on the sofa, showing her collections of monogrammed stationeries with botanical illustrations and various embroidered napkins. The lovely items had stood in stark contrast with the simpler things Lilly was used to. She recalled playing with a rosy-cheeked golden-haired porcelain doll. Lilly would stroke its frilly, lace-trimmed dress and adjust the small parasol in the dolly’s hand while listening to Mother and Aunt Agatha discussing grown-up issues. Politics, Mother called the topics they’d covered. The two women gesticulated and spoke in a manner Lilly later understood as having been intelligent and filled with intuition and clarity. Their spirited conversation must have inspired Lilly, as she later chose to get an education. An education Father did not approve of but one that reminded Lilly of the afternoons at Rosenli Manor and how women’s opinions mattered. Mother had never spoken in such a way at home. She always played the role of a submissive, dutiful wife. But Lilly knew in her heart that had her mother lived today, she’d be proud of her daughter’s work as an accountant. When it came to the old mistress of Rosenli, Lilly had only good things to say about her great-aunt. Elegant, delicate, kind, yet smart and strong were the words she’d choose to describe the elderly lady. Their afternoon visits had always been delightful and filled with tender moments Lilly would never forget. End of Excerpt. Secrets of Rosenli Manor ©2022 Heidi Eljarbo. Shared with permission. The Author Heidi Eljarbo is the bestselling author of historical fiction and mysteries filled with courageous and good characters that are easy to love and others you don't want to go near. Heidi grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as an author, magazine journalist, and painter. After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier. Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter. Heidi’s favorites are family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical. Sign up for her newsletter at heidieljarbo.com/newsletter . Find Online ↓ Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | BookBub | Amazon | Goodreads Genre: Historical Fiction / Historical Mystery Book Title: Secrets of Rosenli Manor Series: Mysteries of the Modern Ladies’ Society, Book 1 Author: Heidi Eljarbo Publication Date: 29th March 2022 Trigger Warnings: None provided. Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | Top of Post Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

Two young lovers ripped apart A family feud turned deadly A secret waiting to be unearthed And a passion no one could ever deny Navigate to → Guest Post (with excerpt) | About the Book | Buy the Book Limited-Time Giveaway | About the Author & Connect In our opinion . . . Everything about this cover shouts, "Pick me up!" The colors, imagery, and well, everything balances and pops at all once. "Joined by a Fence" Plus a Bonus Excerpt! It’s a fact that communication on a large ranch was one of the biggest problems. At times it was crucial to get some way to relay information to the cowboys on the range as quickly as possible. Or for them to notify headquarters in the event of a medical emergency or wildfire. Before the late 1800s, it was done by sending a fast rider out. I found an interesting article in my Texas Electric Co-op magazine about this and have to share. One of the largest ranches in the world was the massive XIT in the Texas Panhandle at over three million acres, all fenced. That’s hard to fathom. The powers that be there heard about a way of attaching a very basic form of telephone onto the barbed wire fences and letting the wire carry the transmission. Though the quality was horrible, it sure proved to be a blessing. And all at no charge. They didn’t have to pay the phone service anything and they could even connect various ranches with each other. Later, when the phone company began to provide rural service, they took that idea and used existing power lines instead of stringing new. I have a new release on March 29, 2022— A Man of Legend . It takes place in 1908 in the middle of an industrialization boom and although the patriarch Stoker Legend wouldn’t allow telephones or automobiles on the Lone Star Ranch, they were widely available. There’s a crucial scene near the end of the book where Crockett Legend needs to get word quickly to his grandfather of the trouble and bemoans the lack of telephone access. It all works out and Crockett had to hitch a ride in an acquaintance’s new automobile to arrive in time to help save the day. Here’s a short excerpt from that scene: Crockett glanced up into John’s laughing eyes. The only person the man would do a favor like this for was Farrel Mahone. His gut twisted, and he broke out in a cold sweat. Suddenly, it all made sense. John was supposed to get Crockett off the ranch. Farrel was going to make good on his promise to kill either Paisley or Hilda or both. Or maybe he intended to abduct Tye. Maybe all three. Crockett stood so fast, he knocked his chair over. He had to get to a telegraph. He hurried out and collided with a woman in the hall. “Pardon me, ma’am. This is life and death.” Cursing the fact that Stoker had yet to install a telephone at headquarters, Crockett rushed down the street and sent a message to the Lone Star. “I’ll wait for a reply,” he told the operator. Ten minutes passed. Crockett paced, praying for a miracle. Then the machine began to tap while the man scribbled it down. “Here you go.” The operator handed the paper to him. Too late. Boy has disappeared, and women riding to get him back. A moment later, Crockett fired off another, asking about his dad. The return message said he and Stoker had gone to Medicine Springs to pick up a shipment. He sagged. Too late. He read the first message again. What women? Paisley and Hilda? Where were the men? Had they all left the ranch? He thrust a hand through his hair. He had to get home. “Isn’t there a noon train to Medicine Springs?” he asked the operator. “Not today.” “Thank you.” Crockett‘s thoughts whirled. He couldn’t wait that long. He was eighty miles away. If he bought a horse and rode it hard, he still wouldn’t make it by dark. He’d have to wait on the train. That would get him to Medicine Springs by eight, then forty-five minutes to the ranch. That was it. All the air went out of him. Whatever was going on, the women were on their own. He dropped into the nearest seat and put his head in his hands. * * * * I put a talking parrot named Casanova in this book that provides a lot of comical relief. He is quite taken with Paisley Mahone and fancies himself her boyfriend. And since Paisley becomes a nurse on the ranch, there are heartwarming scenes with her patients. Crockett watches it all with love in his heart for this special woman. You can find a longer excerpt at https://lindabroday.com/a-man-of-legend-3-lone-star-legends/ This is the first series I’ve written set in the 1900s. What is your favorite time period to read? This book concludes the Lone Star Legends. I’ve climbed aboard THE LOVE TRAIN (a multi-author series with nine other authors.) My next book is FANCY and it’ll release August 15, 2022. I’ll talk more about this in the coming days so stay tuned. A Man of Legend Bestselling author Linda Broday sweeps readers back to the wild and untamed West, where men became the stuff of legend. Crockett Legend has always loved Paisley Mahone, but a family feud sure can ruin a romance. When her father turned against the powerful Legend clan, she took her family's side and broke Crockett's heart into pieces. Now her father's dead and Paisley and her last remaining brother are convinced the Legends are to blame. If only he can find a way to prove his innocence... A chance meeting throws the two warring hearts together, and when their train is held up by outlaws, Crockett and Paisley have to team up to save a young boy from dying. A tenuous truce is born. Together they may have a chance of bringing the truth to light...if they can get to the bottom of who's been trying to turn the two powerful families against each other. With so many secrets to unbury, it isn't long before Paisley finds herself in the crosshairs, but Crockett vows there'll be hell to pay if anyone hurts the woman he loves—or stands in the way of a Legend in the making. Get the Book → Amazon | Apple | Nook | Kobo | More Options Limited-Time Giveaway Enter below to receive an e-book edition of A Man of Legend plus a $10 gift card! Entries close Monday, April 4, 2022. If the form below is not visible in your browser, click here to open it in a new window. This giveaway is sponsored by the author. Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years or older to subscribe to blog or enter giveaways. No purchase necessary. View policies . Meet the Author / Find Online At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it's still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers' Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she's inspired every day. Website: lindabroday.com Be sure to connect with the author online! Find her on → Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Find her books → Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads Genre: Historical Western Romance Type: Novel Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca Series: Lone Star Legends, book 3 Publication date: March 29, 2022 Content Rating: 4 Hearts View rating system We hope you enjoyed learning about this great book! If you want to spread the book love, simply share this post with your friends and followers.

Do you enjoy a new book as much as we do? We love rereading our favorite books over and over, but there is something about discovering a fabulous new book we can't resist . . . so we won't try. We're delighted to share great reads you'll want to add to your TBR pile. Check out Alexa Aston's romantic suspense, Leave Yesterday Behind . Leave Yesterday Behind A popular actress at a turning point in her career. A professional athlete forging a new path as a fiction writer. And a serial killer interested in seeing both of them dead . . . Callie Chennault vaulted to fame on the nighttime soap Sumner Falls, but after a decade of playing the same role, she is ready for a new acting challenge. When Callie is attacked by a stalker on the streets of New York, she takes a leave of absence from the show and returns to her roots in Aurora, Louisiana, to heal both physically and emotionally and determine her next career move. Former professional baseball pitcher Nick La Chappelle has also come to Aurora to lick his own wounds after a messy divorce. A Cy Young winner and one-time ESPN broadcaster, Nick longs for the quiet of a small town in order to write murder mysteries under a pen name. Sparks fly when Callie believes Nick is taking advantage of her great-aunt’s hospitality, but they resolve their differences—and surprise themselves—by falling in love. Their bond is tested when both Nick and Callie become the focus of a serial killer nicknamed Lipstick Larry. Can they outwit a murderer bent on seeing them dead and survive to build a lasting relationship? *This is a revised edition of Leave Yesterday Behind, which was originally released under the pen name Lauren Linwood. Get Your Copy Meet the Author Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She’s a binge fiend (The Crown and Ozark are favorites) who enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family. Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense. Her series include Dukes of Distinction, Soldiers & Soulmates, Lawmen of the West, Hollywood Name Game, The St. Clairs, Knights of Honor, The King's Cousins, The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle, Sagebrush Brides, and Dukes Gone Wrong. Website: alexaaston.com Genre: Romantic Suspense Type: Novel Publication date: March 29, 2021 Content Rating: 4 Hearts: We're getting hot in here! These characters know how to have a good time. Lucky for us, they don't go into too much detail. R (1): Descriptive Sex and Violence View rating system

As accusations of betrayal, deceit, and treason abound, they are all trapped in a web of intrigue and danger, but not everyone will escape. Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | The Author | Limited-Time Giveaway The Tacksman's Daughter Scotland, 1692. To escape a brutal winter storm, King William’s regiments descend on the small village of Glencoe. Caitriona Cameron, the tacksman’s daughter, cannot forget her unpleasant encounter the last time English troops appeared. She senses the army’s arrival might not be as innocent as it seems, but her warnings go unheeded. Not even MacIain, the MacDonald clan chief, listens. After twelve days of billeting in the villagers’ homes, the soldiers attack, committing one of the greatest atrocities in Highland history. Cait escapes the assault with the help of Sergeant Edward Gage who is accused of being a traitor for not taking up arms against the MacDonalds. Edward is hunted by his debauched half-brother, Alexander, who stands to lose everything if King William attaints their father for his treasonous past deeds. With bad blood between them, Alexander sets out to capture Edward to prove his loyalty and save himself from ruin. Cait and Edward travel to Edinburgh to confront the men they suspect are behind the attack, unaware that Alexander is headed there as well. Although Cait is convinced the chief of Clan Campbell is responsible, Edward suspects something much more sinister—that the orders came from higher up, possibly even from the king himself. As accusations of betrayal, deceit, and treason abound, they are all trapped in a web of intrigue and danger, but not everyone will escape. Get your copy ↓ AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | APPLE | KOBO Enjoy an Excerpt from The Tacksman's Daughter MEET ALEXANDER, the villain Even though it was better than sleeping outside in the unbearable cold, lying with five other men in a room the size of a breadbasket was not to Alexander’s liking. It had to be the worst room in the manor. Didn’t the laird realize that this was beneath him? He had made it perfectly clear upon their introduction that he was a noble and not some commoner who should be given a tattered wool blanket and a pallet stinking of mouldy straw and cow dung. All night his men had snored and farted, adding to the sour stench that accompanied their unwashed bodies. It was like sleeping in a poorly kept barn. He wouldn’t have even allowed his most incompetent hunting dog to rest there. To make matters worse, he had to start the morning with the knowledge that Edward had somehow managed to meet the fairest of all the Glencoe wenches before him and insert his greedy claws into her. It was the way she’d looked at him with judging eyes while they were in the kitchens, as if he were somehow inferior to that lowly brother of his, that made his chest burn. He couldn’t wait to leave this place and all its savagery. Dalrymple was right. These people needed to be tamed, brought to their knees in submission to His Majesty, King William, and taught the king’s English, for God’s sake. Relieved to be anywhere other than his dismal sleeping quarters, he stood at the window in the laird’s drawing room, staring out at the bare larches dotting the hillside behind the estate, their fallen needles buried under three or four feet of snow. There was something about the sky that promised better weather, though. By noon, the fog had lifted, and the sun struggled through slightly parted clouds high above. Alexander leaned his forehead on the cold windowpane, hopeful that the small break in weather would mean they could resume their march and get on with teaching Glengarry a good lesson on loyalty and fealty. That was his favourite part of being a soldier—drawing the haughtiness out of some desperate scoundrel with his blade stretched across his neck. Of course, Alexander was only a soldier because his father had turned traitor to King William three years earlier and become part of the Jacobite rising. If he hadn’t done that, Father wouldn’t be in the Tower eating scraps left over from the guards, and Alexander wouldn’t have been forced into the military to prove his worthiness to the king. For the moment, the king hadn’t used attainder against Father for his treason, but the threat of it lay imminent. If William chose to attaint the earl, Alexander would lose his titles and lands. All of his inheritance. He would become a commoner. The mere thought of it sent him into a horrible sweat. “There you are.” Edward stood at the threshold to the room, his coat off and the top three buttons of his waistcoat undone. Alexander hated when he appeared so slovenly. He was a soldier, an officer. But then again, he was also a bastard. “Would you care to join us in a game of baggammon, brother?” Edward asked. Alexander rubbed his forehead, still cold from the glass pane. “Another game of baggammon? Sounds thrilling.” Edward crossed his arms, feet spread apart. Alexander hated to admit it, but he recognized himself in that stance. Except when he stood that way, it was more of a challenge, not a question. There was only one thing that could entice him to join the others. Alexander asked, “Have they wine? Not that vile whisky, I hope.” End of Excerpt. The Tacksman's Daughter ©2021 Donna Scott. Shared with permission. Meet the Author / Find Online Donna Scott is an award-winning author of 17th and 18th century historical fiction. Before embarking on a writing career, she spent her time in the world of academia. She earned her BA in English from the University of Miami and her MS and EdD (ABD) from Florida International University. She has two sons and lives in sunny South Florida with her husband. Her first novel, Shame the Devil , received the first place Chaucer Award for historical fiction and a Best Book designation from Chanticleer International Book Reviews. Her newest novel, The London Monster , was released in November 2020. To learn about new releases and special offers, please sign up for Donna’s newsletter. Find the author online ↓ WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Release: December 27, 2021 Type: Novel Content Rating: R ( ***Contains some sexual content, assault, and violence***) View our rating system Go to: About the Book | Excerpt | Top of Post Limited-Time Giveaway During the blog tour, there is one copy of The Tacksman’s Daughter up for grabs! To enter, you may leave a comment on this post with your email or use the entry form below to keep your email private. Disclaimer from the author: By entering this giveaway, your email will be added to Donna Scott’s newsletter. If the form below is not visible on your browser, click here to open the link in a new window. Boring Legal Jargon: The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 23, 2022. You must be 18 or older to enter/at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. The winner will be contacted directly by the author or blog tour host and not by Books & Benches. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

"This is a second chance romance that truly moved my heart." — Contina Reads Designing His Duchess Marry or find herself penniless and ousted from her aunt and uncle’s home. Those are Miss Juliana Drake’s current options. Having never felt the need to know how long she could survive without basic provisions, she chooses the latter. Only she knows as much about charming a suitor as she does about charming a snake. Nothing. The solution? Colin Lewis Francis Latham, Duke of Herstshire. The man who offered her marriage years ago, then vanished without as much as a by your leave. When he returns to London and offers to instruct her in the art of husband hunting, Juliana is both insulted and desperate enough to accept his offer. She’s no longer the gullible young woman of her youth. She can handle being near him without losing her head. Although, it would be much easier if she could finally expel him from her heart. Get your copy ↓ AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | KOBO | IBOOKS Limited-Time Giveaway Enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 10th. You must be 18 or older to enter. ENTER THE GIVEAWAY Meet the Author Gabrielle Carr is the author of Regency Romances featuring casts of diverse characters, that are full of heart, hope, and happily ever after. She has always enjoyed indulging in her imagination. At a very young age she had a thirst for reading and the many possibilities it helped bring to life in her mind’s eye. Ms. Carr can normally be found locked away with a good book in her home in Charlotte, NC or traveling the globe to places like India, Bali, Tokyo, or London. Find the author online ↓ WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS Genre: Historical Romance / Regency Type: Novel Publisher: Brown Lady Publishing Series: Regency in Color, book 3 Publication date: January 21, 2022 Content Rating: 4 Hearts View rating system

Do you enjoy a new book as much as we do? We love rereading our favorite books over and over, but there is something about discovering a fabulous new book we can't resist . . . so we won't try. We're delighted to share great reads you'll want to add to your TBR pile. Check out Alexa Aston's first book in her Knights of Redemption series. A Bit of Heaven on Earth A penniless knight who has lost everything dear to him. A married noblewoman who has never known a man’s touch. Two aching souls destined to find one another . . . When Gavin of Ashgrove and his closest friend are captured in a fierce battle during the Hundred Years’ War, their captors demand a hefty ransom from their families for their return. Robert is quickly set free, but Gavin’s father refuses to pay for his son’s release, leaving him to rot in a squalid French prison. Aided by a sympathetic priest, Gavin escapes and returns home to England, only to find he has been proclaimed a bastard and disinherited. With nowhere to turn Gavin journeys to Kentwood, where he fostered as a boy, hoping Lord Aldred will take him on as a knight in his guard. The old warrior is close to death, but Aldred soon realizes Gavin is his son. Aldred plots to have Gavin inherit Kentwood and marry his much younger wife, Elizabeth, a famed and opinionated beauty who remains a virgin after a decade of marriage. Will the king recognize Lord Aldred’s first request of a marriage between Elizabeth and Robert, uniting Robert’s estate with Kentwood—or will the temperamental Edward reward Aldred’s years of service and honor a dying man’s final request? *This is a revised addition of A Bit of Heaven on Earth , which was originally released under the pen name Lauren Linwood. Get Your Copy Meet the Author Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She’s a binge fiend (The Crown and Ozark are favorites) who enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family. Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense. Her series include Dukes of Distinction, Soldiers & Soulmates, Lawmen of the West, Hollywood Name Game, The St. Clairs, Knights of Honor, The King's Cousins, The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle, Sagebrush Brides, and Dukes Gone Wrong. Website: alexaaston.com Genre: Historical Romance Type: Novel Series: Knights of Redemption Publication date: January 18, 2021 Content Rating: 4 Hearts: We're getting hot in here! These characters know how to have a good time. Lucky for us, they don't go into too much detail. R (1): Descriptive Sex and Violence View rating system

Do you enjoy a new book as much as we do? We love rereading our favorite books over and over, but there is something about discovering a fabulous new book we can't resist . . . so we won't try. We're delighted to share great reads you'll want to add to your TBR pile. Check out Caroline Lee's Not Half Plaid , book 2 of her Bad in Plaid series. Not Half Plaid Fenella Oliphant has always thought it apropos she was named after an herb: Useful, subtle, and not much to look at. But in the Oliphant Castle kitchens none of that matters, because she is the one in command…that is, as long as she can keep from being distracted by the dangerously delicious beast who’s planted his shapely arse beside her hearth and insists on offering unwanted advice. Brodie McClure doesn’t know who he is anymore. He used to be one of His Majesty’s elite Hunters, bodyguard to his laird and damned handsome to boot. But now, he’s scarred and maimed, relegated to peeling carrots in the kitchens, while watching the most tempting little morsel alternate between blushing prettily and snapping commands. It’s not his fault the woman has no idea how to properly season mutton and refuses to listen to his suggestions. So, clearly, it’s up to him to instruct her. Sparks—and eggs!—fly, until a friend offers a solution: A simple contest, using an assigned ingredient, and judged by a panel of three iron-clad stomachs. Fenella and Brodie jump at the opportunity to prove themselves the better chef, but somewhere among the butter, honey and cinnamon, they realize they’re going to have to make a pact to cooperate if they want to get out of this with their hearts—and lower intestines—unscathed! Get Your Copy Meet the Author USA Today bestseller Caroline Lee has been reading romance for so long that her fourth-grade teacher used to make her cover her books with paper jackets. But it wasn't until she (mostly) grew up that she realized she could WRITE it too. So she did. Caroline is living her own little Happily Ever After in NC with her husband, sons, and brand-new daughter, Princess Wiggles. And while she doesn't so much "suffer" from Pittakionophobia as think all you people who enjoy touching Band-Aids and stickers are the real weirdos, she does adore rodents, and never met a wine she didn't like. Caroline was named Time Magazine's Person of the Year in 2006 (just like everyone else) and is really quite funny in person. Promise. www.carolineleeromance.com Genre: Historical Romance Type: Novel Series: Bad in Plaid Publication date: December 30, 2021 Content Rating: 5 Hearts View rating system

"A brilliant Agatha Christie-esque whodunit by reader favorite Julie Klassen. Set in the creepy atmosphere of an old abbey, Shadows of Swanford Abbey will keep you guessing until the very end. There's plenty of danger, intrigue, and—yes—romance to delight Regency-era lovers of all ages. Truly a don't-miss read!"—Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas Shadows of Swanford Abbey Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance. When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees. The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick--magistrate, widower, and former neighbor--who long ago broke her heart. When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something. . . . AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP BOOKBUB | GOODREADS The Inspiration for Shadows of Swanford Abbey “Once again Julie Klassen has delivered an intriguing book with all kinds of mystery and a few ghosts added in made it all worth the midnight oil I burned because I didn't want to put it down!”— Lori Parrish, Red Headed Book Lady Meet the Author Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS BOOK INFO Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey Genres: Regency Romance, Historical Suspense, Inspirational Fiction Release: December 7, 2021 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Length: (416) pages Formats: Hardcover, trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook Content Rating: 1 Heart

Do you enjoy a new book as much as we do? We love rereading our favorite books over and over, but there is something about discovering a fabulous new book we can't resist . . . so we won't try. We're delighted to share great reads you'll want to add to your TBR pile. Check out Alexa Aston's newest installment in her Sagebrush Bride series. Outlaw Muse A woman shattered by events in her past, struggling to find the only family she has. A man broken in spirit, trying to move forward after the death of his muse. Together—on a journey fraught with danger—they begin to heal, thanks to love. Separated from her twin during the Orphan Train selection, schoolmarm Serena Sullivan searches for her brother Bill over fifteen years. Just as she gets a solid lead on his whereabouts, she is railroaded by a crooked sheriff and set to hang for the murder of the sheriff’s best friend. English playwright Daman Rutledge comes to the American West on business for his aristocratic brother when he witnesses a woman about to be executed. On impulse, he rescues the beautiful stranger and goes on the run with her. Along the way Daman finds the muse he’s been missing and loses his heart to the raven-haired beauty with haunting amber eyes. As they try to escape the long arm of the law, Daman seeks to prove Serena’s innocence before it’s too late. They find love—and the truth—on a journey that changes their lives. *This is a revised edition of Outlaw Muse, which was originally released under the pen name Lauren Linwood. Get Your Copy Meet the Author Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She’s a binge fiend (The Crown and Ozark are favorites) who enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family. Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense. Her series include Dukes of Distinction, Soldiers & Soulmates, Lawmen of the West, Hollywood Name Game, The St. Clairs, Knights of Honor, The King's Cousins, The de Wolfes of Esterley Castle, Sagebrush Brides, and Dukes Gone Wrong. Website: alexaaston.com Genre: Historical Western Romance Type: Novel Series: Sagebrush Brides Publication date: December 7, 2021 Content Rating: 4 Hearts: We're getting hot in here! These characters know how to have a good time. Lucky for us, they don't go into too much detail. R (1): Descriptive Sex and Violence View rating system

A Reader's Opinion Land of Heroes is a thoroughly intriguing story full of wonderful historical information and frontier realism. Each character was highly entertaining. Their interactions kept me engaged and interested in their individual stories, and what would happen next to them. The author took me through a journey of the Texas frontier and explained everything with enough detail that I thought I was there. I especially liked the combination of true events mixed in with fiction – they felt seamless. The courageous men and women were brought to life by Wiley in Land of Heroes . This book is #4 in her Wilderness Dawning—the Texas Wyllie Brothers Series, but I did not feel lost not having read the previous books. Land of Heroes is sure to be enjoyed by fans of historical western romance and historical fiction. Land of Heroes Can sparks of the heart ignite amid the battle that flamed the epic struggle for Texas? In 1824, ten years before the Texas Revolution, the province of Texas belonged to Mexico—but not for long. Texians would soon rebel against the oppression of the Mexican commandant. In a land that grew heroes from those with courageous and daring hearts, this heart-jolting historical romance is the fourth novel in the Wilderness Dawning Series and features Wiley’s popular and well-loved characters, the Wyllies and MacKays. From an award-winning and highly-rated author, LAND OF HEROES is an irresistible tale of love, friendship, and courage. Fearing for her father and brother’s safety, Alexa Anderson opposes the formation of a Texian militia. Rebels risked being shot by firing squads at the Mexican army’s fort in the East Texas town of Nacogdoches. Alexander MacKay is on his way out of Mexican Texas, returning to his home in Kentucky when he senses he shouldn’t leave. Staying doesn’t make sense, but he soon realizes he can help the Texians' cause of freedom. Once he meets Alexa, he has another reason to stay although the beautiful, opinionated woman, fearing for his life also, tries to talk him into leaving. Texas is not a safe place for spirited young men who believe basic human rights are God-given. But Alexander’s desire to fight for freedom is too great. Along with his father Bear MacKay, her family, and the famous James Bowie, he soon joins the Texians National Militia to fight in the Battle of Nacogdoches—a battle that could change the course of history and the lives of two young people. Alexa learns that the rebellion she resisted may be the only true path to safety and to love. Will the fighting and a dangerous enemy place too great a strain on their budding love? Or will Alexander’s commitment to the cause of freedom ultimately strengthen their love? BOOK INFO Genre: American Historical Romance/Western Release: September 29, 2021 Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 2 Hearts—Our hearts are aflutter. This author knows how to turn up the heat with some passionate kisses. Nothing graphic here! NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more . Disclaimer: Books & Benches received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely those of the reader/reviewer. See full disclaimer below.

A Reader's Opinion Highland Prodigy is a great book, and Aftyn and Jamie are amazing characters. Aftyn was an understanding woman who knew her people and stood strong when faced with certain challenges. She became meek and silent when it came to using her abilities to heal the people of the clan. Yes, she has limited experience, and she relied on her mom, but when Jamie entered her life, Aftyn grew defensive and insulted. I’m like, you can’t have it both ways. Luckily, both characters turn out to be wonderful. The author is a great storyteller and did a wonderful job bringing Highland Prodigy to life. It was easy for me to picture the scenes while reading since the details and descriptions were richly explained. I thought the tone of the book fit both the genre and the plot well. The romance between Jamie and Aftyn started out as smoldering and accelerated to a heated romance. Highland Prodigy is an entertaining read and great for fans of historical romance. Highland Prodigy Jamie Lathan is a formidable warrior, yet his life depends not only on his legendary prowess with a sword, but on keeping a dangerous secret. Like his mother, Jamie wields the power of healing magic. From childhood, he knew that those skills, often feared in a woman, would be condemned outright in a man. Discovery could mean imprisonment or death, but Jamie soon learns that denying his compulsion to heal is to deny the very core of himself. Aftyn Keith desperately tries to fill the role of Healer after her mother dies unexpectedly. Still an apprentice, ill-prepared and hampered by her illegitimate birth, Aftyn knows that her best may not be enough to keep her place as a useful member of the clan. When a handsome Lathan warrior with healing skills far beyond her ken arrives and succeeds in saving his gravely injured kinsman, she begs him to teach her. Jamie risks everything in choosing to trust Aftyn. But when she unwittingly betrays him, Aftyn is faced with a decision that may gain Jamie's freedom, but cost her the only home that she has ever known. In the face of her growing feelings for Jamie, she knows that either decision will leave her heart broken beyond any Healer's mending. BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Highland Romance Release: November 16, 2022 Format Read: E-Book Reviewed by: Rainelle Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 5 Hearts—Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more . Disclaimer: Books & Benches received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely those of the reader/reviewer. See full disclaimer below.

A Reader's Opinion Sarah E. Ladd never fails to deliver a well-written Regency romance. The Letter from Briarton Park combines Ladd's smooth writing, wonderful storytelling, and a tender romance into an engaging novel. Cassandra Hale and James Warrington are both noble characters whose differences balance each other nicely throughout the story. Cassandra—in search of family she's never known—not realizing what fate awaits here when she reads a letter from a stranger. James has enough to deal with, but when Cassandra shows up on the doorstep of Briarton Park, he cannot bring himself to turn her away from his thoughts. With a touch of intrigue, a sweet romance, and delightful characters, The Letter from Briarton Park is certain to entice fans of Regency romance and leave them wanting more in Sarah E. Ladd's Houses of Yorkshire series. The Letter from Briarton Park In Regency England, one letter will alter a young woman’s fate when it summons her to Briarton Park—an ancient place that holds the secrets of her past and the keys to her future. Cassandra Hale grew up knowing little about her parentage, and she had made peace with the fact that she never would. But Cassandra’s world shifts when a shocking deathbed confession reveals a two-year-old letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, with hints to her family’s identity. Stung by betrayal, she travels to the village of Anston only to learn Mr. Clark has since passed away. James Warrington is a widower and the new master of Briarton Park, where he lives with his two young daughters, his sister, and his mother-in-law. When Cassandra appears at his doorstep with a letter from the previous owner and then proceeds to assist his family in an unexpected way, he is honor bound to help uncover the answers she seeks. The more time Cassandra spends in Anston, the more she begins to suspect not everything—or everyone—is as they seem. As details emerge, the danger surrounding her intensifies. Using wit and intuition, she must navigate the treacherous landscapes between truth and rumor and between loyalty and deception if she is to uncover the realities of her past and find the place her heart can finally call home. Sarah Ladd’s latest Regency romance, first in the new Houses of Yorkshire series, combines mystery and intrigue with the best of historical storytelling. BOOK INFO Genre: Regency Romance/Inspirational/Christmas Publisher: Thomas Nelson Release: March 1, 2022 Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the publisher Content Rating: 2 Hearts—Our hearts are aflutter. This author knows how to turn up the heat with some passionate kisses. Nothing graphic here! NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more . Disclaimer: Books & Benches received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely those of the reader/reviewer. See full disclaimer below.