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From the bestselling author of The Slum Angel and The Kitty McKenzie series. A Distant Horizon 1851 Ireland. After enduring years of a devastating potato famine, Ellen Kittrick is a survivor. Crop failures and a descent into poverty changes her from a happy wife and mother to a woman struggling to keep her children alive. To put food on the table and to stop the landowner's agent from tearing down their cottage due to unpaid rent, Ellen defies her family and works at an Englishman’s manor, but with her husband out of work, and a secretive brother-in-law wanting her for his own, Ellen must face every challenge with new strength. When several shocking events occur, it forces her to make an enormous decision. With aid coming from an unlikely source, namely Englishman Rafe Hamilton, Ellen leaves Ireland with what is left of her family to start again in a new country. But will the colony give her the security and happiness she longs for, especially when she has left her heart behind? Can Ellen thrive in a strange land? Or has she made the greatest mistake of her life? AMAZON ~ BOOKSHOP ~ BARNES & NOBILE ~ INDIEBOUND Add to Goodreads “From the first to the last paragraph, this book was a page-turner for me. The author's writing makes it easy-reading with a rich storyline full of twists and turns. The characters were well-developed and the dialogue realistic. If you have a couple of 'me' hours to relax, this book is the one to read.” — Amazon review Meet the Author Amazon UK bestseller and award-winning Australian author, AnneMarie Brear has been a life-long reader and started writing in 1997 when her children were small. She has a love of history, of grand old English houses and a fascination of what might have happened beyond their walls. Her interests include reading, historical research for her novels, watching movies, spending time with family and eating chocolate - not always in that order! For more information please visit AnneMarie Brear’s website . You can also connect with her on Facebook , Twitter , Google+ , and Goodreads . Publication Date: June 1, 2021 304 pages Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian Content Rating: Click here to learn more about content ratings. 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!

A Reader's Opinion A captivating novella filled with interesting characters, a lovely setting, and a tale that captures your heart. Three lessons I learned from reading A Search for Refuge : Author Kristi Ann Hunter knows how to draw the reader in with great storytelling. No matter one's mistakes, fears, or secrets, there is always hope for love and a happy tomorrow. Small English villages are perfect settings for both charm and intrigue. A Search for Refuge leaves the reader with a bit of a cliffhanger, but don't worry because it's the type that will make you feel good about what you've read, and make you want to hang on for more! This novella is a great foundation for the Haven Manor series, and readers of wholesome historical romance are certain to form a friendship with Margaretta and Nash. I can't wait to read the rest of the series! A Search for Refuge Margaretta Fortescue desperately needs to disappear from London society, and her only hope is to follow the rumors of another young woman who recently made a life for herself away from the glare of society. Her search leads her to the market town of Marlborough where, in spite of her efforts to avoid attention, she can't seem to elude local solicitor Nash Banfield. All Nash wants is a quiet, sedate life--no risks or surprises. When Margaretta, clearly on the run and unwilling to answer questions, interrupts his solitude, his curiosity and his principles won't let him leave this determined woman without assistance. But will discovering the truth about Margaretta make him think twice about finally taking a risk on love? A Search for Refuge is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Kristi Ann Hunter's new Regency historical romance series, Haven Manor! Includes an extended excerpt of the first full-length novel in the series, A Defense of Honor . Amazon | Bookshop (audio) Historical Christian Romance | Pub: March 6, 2018 | 128pp | Bethany House Publishers Format Read: E-book | Source: From the reader's library Content Rating: 1 Heart | Reviewed by: MK As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books our reviewers have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion A Lyon’s Pride by Emily Royal, is one of those books that you can’t put down. It has an emotionally compelling and twisted storyline with a touch of darkness. There’s also a wonderful and complex blend of secrets, forgiveness, betrayal, hope, and love. The author knows how to add characters with flaws, making the story a more realistic and enjoyable read, like the fact that the hero was in his forties. I devoured this book in two sittings and could not put it aside as it immediately caught my interest to know what would happen next. Ms. Royal never disappoints me! Lily Diamond is financially independent, but she is still looking for a husband who has a title and is socially known; finally, a man who could become like a father to her twin daughters Belinda and Amelia. She approaches Bessie Dove-Lyon, her mother's former friend, also known as The Black Widow of Whitehall, who is a matchmaker. From there on, Lily's past comes back. During one of the matchmaking sessions, she meets Mason, a man she would rather forget, who is presented to her as her new fiancé! What will she do? Will they forget their past and start again with honesty and with no more secrets? Will he reveal he is looking for a woman who has money rather than searching for love? Will they trust each other and be able to share the lies and secrets kept from their past? Can they forgive and move forward towards a new destiny? You'll know the answers when you read Lily and Mason's story! A Lyon's Pride Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made... unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves. Pride tore them apart—can forgiveness reunite them? On the death of his father, Mason Redstone returns from the militia to claim his title, only to discover his family estate is nearing bankruptcy. He needs money, and he needs it quickly. What better means to secure it than a rich wife, courtesy of Mrs Dove-Lyon? Having loved, and lost, in his youth, a marriage of convenience is the solution to his problems. Lily Diamond has known known poverty and hardship, and now runs a successful insurance enterprise. Having hardened her heart after her childhood sweetheart abandoned her a decade ago, she’s looking for a titled husband to give her daughters the position in society which was denied her. When she calls upon her mother’s old friend, Bessie Dove-Lyon for help in finding a match, she stipulates that the suitor must have no expectations regarding love, or the marriage bed. When Lily’s prospective suitors take part in one of Mrs Dove-Lyon’s games, the Black Widow of Whitehall weaves her spell once more, then presents Lily with her betrothed—the very last man on earth she thought she’d see again. Can Mason prove to Lily that he’s conquered the pride which tore them apart? And will Lily trust him enough to reveal the secret she’s been keeping for ten years? Get Your Copy Historical Romance | Pub: June 16, 2021 | 126pp | Dragonblade Publishing Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 5 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books our reviewers have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion A feel-good romance you'll relish! As soon as I started reading the first chapter of Ravishing Camille , I was hooked and the story kept me captivated till the very end. I could not put it down and read late into the night. Cerise DeLand pleased me with the complex love story of Camille and Pierce, who shared sizzling chemistry and a strong connection that will make sparks flare all over and ignite a strong passion filled with seduction and romance. At 16, Camille, an American Heiress, fell in love with Pierce, her step-brother, thirteen years older than her. Because she felt uncomfortable in this dilemma, she could not fall in love with other men. However, now at 24, she is a grown woman and wants him—wants him badly—no matter the cost. She needs her relationship with him to develop differently from the past. Camille is also an ambitious writer of novels featuring young women falling in love. She needs a man who will understand her career and accept her choices. Pierce is a very ambitious businessman who loves his independence and career but has been smitten with Camille ever since he was young. Being back home for business, he spends time with his step-sister and the attraction becomes mutual. Camille and Pierce have a relationship that goes way beyond step-siblings! Is true love possible between these two? This is the fifth story in The Notorious Americans series. I strongly recommend this book; you will love it! Ravishing Camille She'd wanted him for years...and denied she cared. As a step-brother, he'd loved her. But she's older now and even more delectable. Should he walk away? Can he? Pierce Hanniford returns to England after tripling his fortune in China. He's come for business. Not pleasure. And definitely not for love. Camille Bereston decided years ago that Pierce was not for her. He's her step-brother, famous, restless, a savvy Shanghai taipan and a menace...to her heart. She has ambitions to marry. Funny that none of her candidates seems good enough. Yet Camille excites him as no woman ever has and he must have her, no matter the cost. But should she take an older, experienced rogue as her lover...and should she claim him forever as her only love? Series: The Notorious Americans, book 5 Get Your Copy Historical Romance | Pub: June 28, 2021 | 274pp | W. J. Power Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 5 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books our reviewers have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

“Fans will delight in revisiting Sheridan’s large family in this heated, twisty tale of love and deception.” — Publishers Weekly Undercover Duke Bridgerton fans and readers of Madeline Hunter, Eloisa James, and Lisa Kleypas won’t want to miss this humorous and clever new love story from the historical romance legend. Along with his stepsiblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to finally solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother’s three husbands. Tasked with investigating a possible suspect, Sheridan finds himself in dangerous proximity to her captivating daughter, Vanessa Pryde. But still haunted by a tragically lost love, the duke is resolved to resist the attraction—and avoid any “scheming” husband-hunters. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright… Vanessa thinks a little scheming may be in order—for it’s Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. Her theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through his business-like demeanor and guarded emotions. And as Sheridan’s jealousy becomes aroused, the two soon find themselves propelled into a scheme of an altogether different kind, involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love… AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BAM | KOBO | GOOGLE | INDIEBOUND Enjoy an Excerpt from Undercover Duke Muttering a curse under his breath, Sheridan stalked over to Vanessa. “Where’s your mother?” Vanessa arched one eyebrow. “It’s lovely to see you here, too.” Her uncle started to laugh until Sheridan glared at him, and Sir Noah sobered at once. “If you’re worried about my lack of a chaperone,” Vanessa went on, “I can assure you Uncle Noah is prepared to perform that service.” She smiled up at the man. “Aren’t you, Uncle?” “Certainly.” He surreptitiously surveyed the grandeur of Thorn’s ballroom. “As long as you don’t get lost in this cavernous place.” “She won’t,” Sheridan said smoothly. “I’ll make sure of it.” Now her uncle fixed a baleful gaze on Sheridan. “Forgive me, Duke, but I’ll make sure of it.” Wonderful. Just what Sheridan needed—a suspicious baronet on his arse, no Lady Eustace to question, and Vanessa up in arms. This was precisely why Sheridan had wanted someone else to do the questioning—because he could never be easy around Vanessa. It was either keep his distance or kiss her senseless. “I don’t understand why a woman of my advanced years needs a chaperone, anyway,” Vanessa said. “Advanced years?” Sheridan snorted. “You’re twenty-five, Vanessa, not fifty.” She pointed her chin at him in that odd way she had of examining people. Like a raven. Or a magpie who enjoyed stealing away whatever glittered. “I’m surprised you noticed. You treat me as if I’m twelve.” “If you wouldn’t act as if you’re twelve, I wouldn’t treat you that way.” Sir Noah muttered something about needing punch and hurried off, but Sheridan was already regretting his too-swift response. He could swear the temperature around him had dropped ten degrees. Her eyes certainly resembled ice. “If you wouldn’t act as if you’re fifty, I’d refrain from pointing out that even my aged uncle knows how to enjoy himself at a party, especially one with good music, excellent food, and plenty of punch.” The lady did know how to wield her tongue, didn’t she? “Pax,” he said with a rueful smile. “I admit my remark was uncalled for.” “And rude, too.” She gazed across the ballroom as if looking for any companion but him. That goaded him into saying, “Now it’s your turn to apologize.” “For what? I only spoke the truth.” He groaned. His plan to cozy up to Vanessa in order to get to her mother wasn’t exactly going swimmingly. “So I take it your mother is not in attendance then?” he asked, just to be sure. “No. She was feeling poorly after the play.” Vanessa searched his face. “But that’s all for the best, don’t you think? It makes matters easier with your family, since I dare say none of them like her.” “Did you ask her not to come?” “No, indeed. She decided that all by herself once she heard it was to be an ‘informal’ affair with ‘only a few close friends and family.’ How could she possibly know that your ‘close friends’ number in the hundreds?” He chuckled. “I’m afraid I was a bit misinformed myself about the nature of the event.” “Clearly.” She relaxed a bit. “But it’s of no matter. I always enjoy myself better when Mama is not around.” Before he could comment on that, Thorn called out to the orchestra, “Play music, sirs! ‘Come, come… Let’s have a dance ere we are married, that we may lighten our own hearts and our wives’ heels.’” The quote from Shakespeare startled a laugh out of Sheridan. All this time, he’d been attributing Thorn’s theatrical flourishes to their family’s general love of the theater. How strange Sheridan had never guessed before that Thorn was a playwright. Sheridan scanned the room for his sister-in-law, to see her reaction to Thorn’s quote, but although some other newly minted duchess might be embarrassed at such lavish language, Olivia beamed at the man she obviously adored. Vanessa leaned up to whisper, “You have to admit they’re perfect for each other.” “Only time will tell.” Sheridan knew she was alluding to their earlier conversation about marriage. “They’re still in the honeymoon stage.” “I swear, for a man who’s only ever been a bachelor, you certainly seem to think you know a great deal about marriage.” Despite never having entered the wedded state, he knew enough about it to be cautious, though few realized it. He wasn’t the sort to blather his personal affairs to all and sundry. The musicians had taken Thorn at his word and had already struck up a lively reel. The guests were moving aside to allow room for dancing couples to take the floor. So Sheridan laid his hand in the small of Vanessa’s back and murmured, “We’d best get out of the way.” She tipped her head up at him. “You’re not going to ask me to dance? And here I thought you were my suitor.” Damn, she was right. But before he could respond, Juncker approached them. “Miss Pryde, would you do me the honor of dancing this set with me?” Sheridan answered for her. “She can’t. She has already promised it to me.” Vanessa looked startled by his response but didn’t gainsay it. “As His Grace said, I am otherwise engaged.” “Then I shall request the next,” Juncker said. “In that case, thank you.” She flashed him a broad smile. “I’d be delighted.” She didn’t have to be quite so delighted, blast it. As Juncker walked away, Sheridan scowled after him. What was the fellow up to now? Sheridan didn’t trust him one whit. At least Sheridan had Vanessa for the present. And he meant to take advantage of it. His hand still lay in the curve of her back, and he marveled at how supple it felt, even through her gown. “Well, our plan seems to be working,” Vanessa said, obviously oblivious to the intimate position of his hand. “And better than I hoped, too. Did you know Mr. Juncker has never before asked me to dance?” “Then he’s more fool than I realized,” Sheridan said, and took her to the floor. When he caught Vanessa eyeing him as if he’d made a damning admission, he added, “You’re an excellent dancer. You make it easy for a partner to lead you, which is more than I can say for most of the ladies in society.” “Why, Your Grace, I do believe you paid me a compliment. A rather surprising one, too, considering you’ve only danced with me thrice.” “Once would be enough to recognize your ability, but thrice certainly is. I’d be a dim-witted fellow indeed if I hadn’t noticed it after that.” She flipped her fan open and fluttered it over her bosom. “Your extravagant flatteries have left me all atwitter.” Sheridan fought a smile even as her motion drew his gaze to the upper swells of her lovely breasts, which was undoubtedly her intention. “Do not tease me, you insolent chit,” he said, jerking his eyes back up, “or I will tread on your toes in the dance.” “You would never.” With a minxish gleam in her eyes, she dropped her fan to dangle from her wrist. “I have yet to see you falter on the floor. You obviously had an excellent dancing instructor.” “My parents made sure I was well prepared for my role in diplomacy. And now it’s all for naught.” “Hardly. As duke you’ll be expected to impress everyone with your lightness of foot. After all, you don’t want to ruin your reputation as Saint Sheridan.” Groaning, he took her gloved hands in his. “I don’t know how I got that damned nickname, but I hate it.” “As I recall, it came from your family.” They circled as they were supposed to. “Because any time the rest of us are being merry and kicking up our heels, you’re the one going off to sequester yourself in some back study to heed your duke-ish responsibilities. Lord only knows what you’re doing in there.” “Trust me,” he said dryly, “it’s nothing whatsoever that would interest you.” He faced the other lady with a dip of his head, did the requisite steps, and then once more found himself opposite Vanessa. “This is much more to your taste, I would imagine.” Her sparkling smile faltered, and it was as if white, fluffy clouds suddenly showed their dark undersides. He wanted the fluffy clouds back. What had he said? How could he fix it? Damn, why did he care if he fixed it? Vanessa had her eyes on another man, and he didn’t care. Best to remember that. She remained silent for a while, doing the steps, sliding here, sliding there, and in short being the perfect dance partner he’d characterized her as. But her enjoyment of the dance had clearly dimmed. When they halted opposite each other at the bottom of the set, waiting for the other couples to come down the center one by one, he had to say something. She was breaking his bloody heart with her clear disappointment. “I’m usually going over the books.” She blinked. “I beg your pardon?” “In ‘some back study.’ While I’m sequestered. I’m going over the books for the estate.” “Oh.” She fanned herself again, but this time undoubtedly because it was damned hot in the ballroom, especially for November. Unfortunately, the fanning wafted her floral scent to him—although he couldn’t place the flower it came from. Perhaps it wasn’t a flower at all, but some exotic perfume she’d bought at Floris on Jermyn Street. He was still breathing it in when she added, “I would have thought you’d have…people to do that for you.” To do what for me? he nearly asked. Right. Go over his ledgers. He didn’t dare say he couldn’t afford to have people do that for him, not entirely anyway, and certainly not if he wanted to save the dukedom for future generations. “Regardless, it’s important to gain a sense of how one’s money is being spent. If you know what I mean.” God, what was he doing, blurting out this sort of information in the midst of a ballroom? But the darkness had faded from her face. “I know exactly what you mean.” He got the distinct impression that she actually did. Which was absurd. What could she possibly know about running an estate? According to Grey, her father’s holdings had been modest, and in any case, wouldn’t have been managed by her. They found themselves at the top of the set again, forced to perform certain steps and then join hands to dance back down. She had a firm grip for a woman. He liked that about her. No limp hands for Vanessa, oh, no. And suddenly he wished they were alone together in a room somewhere…. Nonsense. What was he thinking? He and Vanessa would not suit. Even she must know it. Then they reached the bottom of the set and she took her spot across from him and he noticed that her gloves were slipping down her arms as before. He found himself wondering if…waiting to see if she would let them fall below her elbows as before, too. Her gloves were on the verge of doing so when she absently pulled both up, one after the other. He stifled a sigh. One day very soon, he was going to get her alone somewhere and draw down one of those curst gloves just to see her bare elbows. And then he would press his lips to the inside bend so he could find out once and for all if her pulse would beat for him during such an intimate moment. Not because he truly meant to court her, and not because he wanted anything further. Just so he would know. Because if one intended to forego sweets for Lent, it was only a sacrifice if one had tasted those sweets often enough to know how much one would miss them. End of Excerpt. Copyright © Sabrina Jeffries. “Best-selling Jeffries, whose literary brand is synonymous with smart, sexy historical romance, wraps up her Regency-set Duke Dynasty series and the investigation into a series of ducal murders that began in Project Duchess (2019) on a high note with a perfectly fashioned love story rich in smoldering sexual chemistry, sharp wit, and a dash of danger.”— Booklist Meet the Author Sabrina Jeffries is the New York Times bestselling author of more than fifty novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Her writing has been published in more than twenty-one languages and there are over nine million copies of her books in print. A four-time RITA® Award-finalist, Jeffries has won the Holt Medallion Award, the Maggie, and the Booksellers’ Best Award. After earning her Ph.D. in English Literature from Tulane University, she chose writing over academics, and now her sexy and humorous historical romances routinely land on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Sabrina lives in North Carolina with her husband and adult son, who has inspired her to actively champion the cause of autistic children. Visit her online at SabrinaJeffries.com . You can also find her on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and Goodreads . Genre: Historical Romance Zebra Books (Kensington) Release Date: May 25, 2021 Series: Duke Dynasty, book 4 Type: Novel Content Rating: 5 Hearts Click here to learn more about content ratings. Giveaway Enter to win a paperback copy of Undercover Duke by Sabrina Jeffries! Two paperbacks are up for grabs. The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on June 10, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. 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!

A Reader's Opinion A heartwarming summer book, perfect for an afternoon read! THE BEACH HOUSE, written by Jenny Hale, is exactly the book I was searching for. It's romantic, sweet, light, and perfect for relaxing! A family secret is at the heart of this delightful tale, and Ms. Hale has nailed it with a story of love, loss, and discovery. If you're looking for a light and enjoyable read, this one is for you. Some scenes are a little sad, but overall, Melanie, the main character, will take you on a small spin of emotions. I loved the setting, a little gem to discover, in Rosemary Bay village on the Gulf Coast. THE BEACH HOUSE tells the story of Melanie who had been a caregiver to her grandmother for the past three years. She loved her very much, so when her Gram passed away, she felt lost and needed a new challenge to move on with her life. She uses her inheritance to buy an old Victorian-style house, which is terribly in need of repairs and which was previously owned by a mysterious man named Alfred. That's when Josh, a local carpenter, enters her life to offer his help to turn into a Bead & Breakfast! A letter left from her Gram will forever change her life. Melanie and Josh know very little of each other, but when they get caught in a hurricane, a new friendship blooms. A tin box unexpectedly discovered reveals a family secret, and takes the reader through twists and turns as they try to find more clues. Will their family secrets bring them closer or tear them apart? Will Melanie have her wish come true? Find out in THE BEACH HOUSE. The Beach House When her gram passes away, Melanie Simpson feels utterly lost. But her grandmother’s will gives her a purpose: an inheritance to buy a crumbling house in Rosemary Bay. They used to visit the village every summer, sit by the sparkling water on a beach the color of pearl, and daydream about turning the place on the corner into a bed and breakfast. On her first night in her new hometown, Melanie meets local contractor and landowner Josh Claiborne, whose eyes match the dazzling sea. Melanie plans to restore the beach house to its original glory, and Josh is the perfect person to help renovate the wrap-around porch weathered by the coastal breeze and the peeling white paint faded by the sun. But hiding in a closet is a yellowing stack of letters that could change everything. The looping handwriting reveals the mystery of the rickety house—a buried history that touches everyone in Rosemary Bay. Will its secrets bring Melanie and Josh together or tear them apart? Amazon | Bookshop Women's Fiction/Contemporary Romance | Pub: June 9, 2021 | 322pp | Bookouture Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 1 Heart | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure *As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

For Years They've Been Nomads for Justice, but a Final Mission May Just Lead Their Hearts Home The Heart's Charge Members of Hanger's Horsemen, Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks arrive in Llano County, Texas, to deliver a steed, never expecting they'd deliver a baby as well. Left with an infant to care for, they head to a nearby foundling home, where Mark encounters the woman he'd nearly married a decade ago. After failing at love, Katherine Palmer dedicated her life to caring for children, teaming up with Eliza Southerland to start Harmony House. From mixed ancestry, illegitimate, and female, Eliza understands the pain of not fitting society's mold. Yet those are the very attributes that lead her to minister to outcast children. The taciturn Jonah intrigues her with his courage and kindness, but there are secrets behind his eyes--ghosts from wars past and others still being waged. However, when a handful of urchin children from the area go missing, a pair of Horsemen are exactly what the women need. Working together to find the children, will these two couples find love as well? BAKER PUBLISHING ~ AMAZON ~ B&N ~ CHRISTIAN BOOK ~ INDIEBOUND ~ BOOKSHOP In the author's words . . . There's nothing that melts my heart faster than seeing a big, strong man cradle an infant. Rugged power restrained by tenderness. It's a compelling aphrodisiac. So when I started writing a series centered around four western warriors who possessed courage, cunning, and deadly skills, I knew I needed to look for distinct ways to reveal the gentleness that lurked within each of their hardened exteriors. To accomplish this in The Heart's Charge , I surrounded Mark Wallace and Jonah Brooks, two of the legendary Hanger's Horsemen, with children. And it all started with a baby . . . Enjoy an Excerpt from The Heart's Charge When Mark Wallace left Gringolet two days ago to deliver a prize gelding to a wealthy rancher west of Llano, he never dreamed he'd be called upon to deliver a baby, too. Or that the mother of said baby would be waving a pistol back and forth between him and Jonah as if trying to decide which fellow to shoot first. "Get outa here! I don't want your help." Her face contorted, and a muffled groan escaped as she wrapped her left arm around her swollen belly. She might not want their help, but she sure as shootin' needed it. The woman looked as wrung out as yesterday's washrag. Mark, palms out in front of him, took a step forward. "Easy, now, ma'am. I'm not going to hurt y—" The pistol exploded. Mark flinched. He took note of the barrel pointing toward the sky, but tossed a look over his shoulder, anyway, to make sure his friend wasn't sporting any new holes. Jonah gave him a nod, his hand curling around the handle of his own revolver, ready to defend them if necessary. Mark prayed it wouldn't be necessary. The lady in front of him might be a few cards short of a full deck at the moment, but she was still a woman. And a gentleman never abandoned a woman in need. Even if she shot at him. The sound of the gunshot seemed to startle her as much as it had him. Her eyes widened and her gun arm quivered. Seizing the opportunity, Mark rushed forward, grabbed her wrist, and knocked the pistol from her hand. She shouted, kicked, and pounded his chest and chin with her fists, but Mark ignored the pummeling. Well, until she nearly gouged his left eye from its socket. Couldn't ignore that. A man needed to be able to see, after all. Especially when dealing with a woman in a delicate condition who seemed to have taken leave of her senses. ****** Fast forward a couple hours ****** After giving the infant a thorough exam and fashioning a diaper of sorts out of a square cut from the bed quilt, the doctor swaddled the babe in a flannel shirt Mark had in his saddlebag then gave the men directions to Kingsland. Mark had never been so nervous on horseback in his life. Then again, he'd never carried such precious and fragile cargo before, either. Thankfully, a large sandbar provided a smooth place to cross the Llano, so they made it to the outskirts of Kingsland with no incidents. "There," Jonah said, pointing to a two-story farmhouse set back away from the road. "White house, green trim, just like the doc said." Mark reined Cooper onto the path and followed Jonah up the drive. The closer they got, the more rundown the place appeared. Chipped paint, loose railings, a dilapidated barn. Mark frowned. What kind of place were they taking his little lady to? A wooden sign hung from the front porch eaves. A carefully carved sign that boasted a fresh coat of paint read, Harmony House Foundling Home. And beneath that, in hand-painted script, was a quote from Mark 10:14, Suffer the little children to come unto me. He knew it was probably nothing but coincidence, but the fact that the establishment chose to quote from the gospel of Mark instead of Matthew or Luke resonated in his soul like a signal from heaven. He was meant to come here. Meant to trust these people with his little lady's care. Jonah held Cooper steady while Mark dismounted. His lady fussed at the disturbance. Mark untucked her from inside his vest where he'd placed her for extra warmth as well as another layer of security as they rode. His left arm ached from being held in one position for so long, so he switched to holding her in his right, bouncing her slightly in an effort to mimic the horse's motion and hopefully lull her back to sleep. He paid little attention to his surroundings as he climbed the steps and reached a hand up to knock on the door. All of his attention centered on soothing his little lady. Until the door opened and a feminine voice inquired, "Yes?" The intonation sounded vaguely familiar. Mark lifted his head and his stomach promptly lurched into his throat. It couldn't be. She was supposed to be half a country away. Safe. Sheltered. In the bosom of her family. Yet here she stood, the same sky-blue eyes that had haunted his dreams for the past ten years widening in shocked recognition. "Kate?" End of Excerpt. Copyright © Karen Witemeyer. Meet the Author Voted #1 Reader's Favorite Christian Romance Author of 2019 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She makes her home in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com . Genre: Historical Christian Romance Bethany House Publishing Release Date: June 1, 2021 Type: Novel Content Rating: 2 Hearts Click here to learn more about content ratings. Thank you for visiting and reading!

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The Warrior Kings Collection The Complete Three-Book series After the death of Brian Boru and before the Norman invasion, Ireland was ruled by...The Warrior Kings Curse of the Healer Fated to be a healer... Aednat has spent her entire life training to be the Great healer and is more than willing to remain alone and untouched to attain that goal. When she meets Diarmuid, the intense attraction she feels toward him shakes her resolve to believe in such a legend. If she gives in to the passion he ignites in her, can she settle for being less? Destined to be his... Diarmuid of Clonascra is renowned for his bravery in battle. Only one thing daunts him: the prospect of taking a wife. The wisest course would be to keep his distance from Aednat, the bold, headstrong healer who's far too tempting for his peace of mind. But his overlord orders him to protect her from a group of craven warriors intent on kidnapping her to steal her power. What starts as duty for Diarmuid quickly transforms into something more. Aednat's power might be at risk, but so is his closed-off heart. Eyes of the Seer He wishes to prove himself... Marcán of Clonascra bears the bloodline of Brian Boru and his prowess as a warrior has earned him great respect from everyone but Astrid, the woman who holds his heart. Between her mother's condemning him as a pagan Seer and Astrid's total disinterest, he finds solace as the king's protector and confidant. She is desperate to escape... Astrid is more than ready to wed but her brother, the king, is in no hurry to see her married, so she decides to see to her own match-making. The man she approaches quickly reveals his lack of honor, but her overbearing mother pushes her to wed him anyway. When Astrid discovers Marcán's love for her, will it be too late to have the happiness she'd always dreamed of? Daughter of the Overking A mistaken identity. A gruesome murder. Trained as a warrior... Brighit of Clonascra despises the trappings and demands of womanhood and is far more comfortable training for battle. Long held alliances require she set aside selfish dreams and take Darragh as her husband. The union intended to promote peace between the clans is interrupted by the shocking murder of a neighboring king and she quickly discovers there are far worse things than being wed. Trained to be king... Darragh of Drogheda has no wish to be king, but he is an obedient son and supports his father's plans. His marriage to Brighit, however, will be no hardship at all since he finds her most intriguing when she fights him at every turn. A she-warrior indeed. Her persistent dismissal of him merely blows the fire aflame and sets him down the path to discovery of all her most tightly held secrets—secrets that could cost him his life. Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple Meet the Author Award-winning author Ashley York writes historical romance full of passion and intrigue set in 11th and 12th century Ireland, Scotland, and England where life was wild and survival was never guaranteed. Whether it's in the mysterious ring forts of Ireland, the romantic Scottish Highlands, or the battle fields of Hastings, her characters fight hard and play hard. Good or evil, primary or secondary, they'll yank at your emotions and make it hard to put her books down. Passionate about history and research, York may tweak some historical facts (like the location of the Baron's Rebellion) but the flavor of the time is undeniable. With heroes and heroines you'll want to read about again and again, her stories are fresh and unpredictable but still finish with a satisfying HEA. Website: www.ashleyyorkauthor.com Genre: Historical Romance Type: Collection Series: The Warrior Kings, books 1-3 Publication date: June 1, 2021 Content Rating: 5 Hearts View rating system

A Reader's Opinion A book with laugh-out-loud scenes which I know you will enjoy! THE HIGHLANDER’S IRISH BRIDE is the fourth installment of Vanessa Kelly's historical romance series Clan Kendrick. This book can be read as a standalone without any difficulty. You will find strong elements to make this story captivating, including passion with a touch of humor and adventure with a dash of suspense! You are sure to laugh out loud during some scenes. I had fun following these two! Miss Kathleen Calvert is the daughter of an Irish aristocrat and is not a conventional heroine but a fiery, stubborn, and determined young lady. But when she’s caught in the middle of a scandal, her reputation is threatened. Kathleen is always in or causing trouble, so her parents decide to take charge of the situation by sending her to an estate in Scotland, hoping that she will learn the manners of a real lady. Kathleen’s mother-in-law is ready to ship her anywhere, and that's when the Duchess of Leverton offers her help. She proposes to send Kathleen to Scotland to visit Victoria Kendrick and the rest of the Kendrick clan, a close-tied family. During their journey, they discover that Jeannie is hiding among them. The three of them arrive at the Kendrick house and Kathleen is attracted to Grant but finds him a little boring. The more time they spend together, the more a beautiful chemistry settles between these two. Grant Kendrick has become a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. Will he get the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves? Is he really a boring man or a passionate man? Her heart does ups and downs when she's around him! Will the free-spirited Kathleen's wish come true with the man who captured her heart? Lots of twists and turns, adventure, passion, and humor! Comical comments I enjoyed:* ''It's not as if Kath was dashing about some loose screw, Mamma!'' ''And there aren't enough lemons in England to banish my freckles!'' ''Personally, I find horses more trainable than the average male!'' Gillian replied ''And more intelligent, in some cases!'' I honestly could not put this down. Page after page it leaves you breathless and wanting more. This fast-paced page turner is a riveting adventure I did not want end! *The author gave permission to use the lines shared from the book. The Highlander's Irish Bride The latest in bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s intoxicating Clan Kendrick series shines a light on the most respectable member of the Kendrick clan—and the independent woman who stole his heart . . . Miss Kathleen Calvert may be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat, but she has no intention of acting like one. All she desires is to return to her family’s estate to raise horses and manage her father’s magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate, hoping she will finally learn to behave like a proper lady. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland . . . After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family—and himself—by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But does that matter, when the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore? Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. But it will take all his ingenuity to protect the beautiful lass who has stormed her way into his heart—and to convince her that a life with him will be a love-filled adventure . . . Get Your Copy Historical Romance | Pub: July 27, 2021 | 377pp | Zebra Books (Kensington) Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 5 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure *As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

We are thrilled to share with you Deborah Swift's The Poison Keeper, " based on the legendary life of Italian poisoner Giulia Tofana." The Poison Keeper Naples 1633 Aqua Tofana – One drop to heal. Three drops to kill. Giulia Tofana longs for more responsibility in her mother’s apothecary business, but Mamma has always been secretive and refuses to tell Giulia the hidden keys to her success. When Mamma is arrested for the poisoning of the powerful Duke de Verdi, Giulia is shocked to uncover the darker side of her trade. Giulia must run for her life, and escapes to Naples, under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, to the home of her Aunt Isabetta, a famous courtesan. But when Giulia hears that her mother has been executed, and the cruel manner of her death, she swears she will wreak revenge on the Duke de Verdi. The trouble is, Naples is in the grip of Domenico, the Duke’s brother, who controls the city with the ‘Camorra’, the mafia. Worse, her Aunt Isabetta, under Domenico’s thrall, insists that she should be consort to him – the brother of the man she has vowed to kill. Based on the legendary life of Italian poisoner Giulia Tofana, this is a story of hidden family secrets, and how even the darkest desires can be vanquished by courage and love. AMAZON US | AMAZON UK | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND In the author's words . . . Q&A with Deborah Swift Do you believe in the concept of a muse? What is yours like? I love classical mythology, so yes I do believe in the concept of a Muse, but mine doesn’t always come when called! I like the idea of having one, because it allows me to expand into a space beyond myself, and in my best moments of writing, I feel like my words are propelled by something beyond myself. In the classical Greek tradition the Muses brought people forgetfulness of pain as well as inspiration, and it can be painful trying to force myself through thorny plot problems. She sometimes shows up then, just when I’m about to tear my hair out trying to think of a solution. To make my Muse show up, I have to sit in front of my computer every morning and apply words to a page. She is most likely to appear when I have had a good amount of uninterrupted time, and when I’m the least stressed by deadlines or by other things in my working life that I need to attend to. If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do? Definitely learn to type and develop better computer skills. I’m of an age where these things weren’t taught in schools, so I have taught myself, and the result is that I have some very idiosyncratic ways of doing things. Like four finger typing, saving everything on multiple sticks and emailing myself with my day’s words as my ‘back-up’. I’m quite distrustful of technology, and don’t use things like ‘Grammarly’ or ‘Scrivener’ or any other editing software to aid my writing process other than a Word document. You might not think lack of these skills would affect the quality of words on the page, but it does affect the quantity, because my mind often works quicker than my hands. Also I can spend a long time organizing files or trying to find stuff in my slightly disorganized ‘system’! What has been your greatest pleasure in writing The Poison Keeper ? I’ve loved being able to travel to Italy in my imagination, because I’ve actually been at home for much of the last year. It was fantastic to have an excuse to watch travel videos of Palermo and Naples, to imagine drinking wine and eating polenta in a small tavern, and to conjure up the adventures of my main character in that setting. I enjoyed researching the poisons used by the poison keeper, and now have a rather sinister library of books on wicked plants and evil herbs. One of the other things I really enjoyed was researching the sumptuary (clothing) laws of the time, and although this doesn’t feature over-much in the novel, it helped to give me a sense of grounding to know what Giulia Tofana would have been wearing. It was incredibly fascinating to read inventories of marriage chests and bequests from wills and see how little even the richest people owned, in comparison to today. Do you work to an outline or plot or do you prefer just see where an idea takes you? I do a little of each. I work to an initial outline of a few pages of A4 paper, handwritten. Once I’ve begun writing, at about the 30% stage I type up the outline in a bit more detail because by then I’ve started to know my characters. After that, I just go along with the flow. I’m aware of structure as I write and know my natural length for a book is about 120,000 words (400+pages). Recently shorter books have become more popular so I am trying to shorten my stories, which leads me to be very aware of word count when I’m working. Juggling practical considerations with story considerations is something all writers have to do – to somehow squash their expanding story into its small box. I do a lot of editing as I go, circling back to the beginning of the story and adding or taking away. I write often from multiple points of view so it is important for character (a) to be doing something else interesting during character (b)’s scene, so those often need to be inserted later. If I had to describe it, it would be like sculpting the novel, rather than writing linearly from beginning to end. How do you think you’ve evolved creatively? I don’t know if I’ve actually evolved, but I hope so. I’m really passionate about the craft of writing and I love to blog about it and I teach and mentor other people who want to be writers. Occasionally I look back at my earliest novel and I can see the raw enthusiasm in it, which in later novels has been replaced with a more careful crafting, and I wonder if I’ve learnt anything at all! But if anything, the one thing I’ve learned is that every type of style can be good, and there is no right or wrong method for any of it. The key thing is to be aware of the effect that the words have on me as both a reader and a writer. I think I’ve become a more discerning reader, and that’s got to be good. Books & Benches: Thank you, Deborah, for a delightful and insightful Q&A. Research does make all the difference, and you do it so well! The Author Deborah Swift is the author of three previous historical novels for adults, The Lady’s Slipper , The Gilded Lily , and A Divided Inheritance , all published by Macmillan/St Martin’s Press, as well as the Highway Trilogy for teens (and anyone young at heart!). Her first novel was shortlisted for the Impress prize for new novelists. She lives on the edge of the beautiful and literary English Lake District – a place made famous by the poets Wordsworth and Coleridge. For more information, please visit Deborah Swift’s website . You can also find her on Facebook , Twitter , and Goodreads . Genre: Historical Fiction Type: Novel Publisher: Quire Books Publication Date: May 18, 2021 Content Rating: PG-13 View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a signed paperback copy or eBook of The Poison Keeper ! The giveaway is open internationally and ends on May 4, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. 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