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A Story from Serving Up Love : A Harvey House Brides Collection Book Description Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining history. In Karen Witemeyer's "More Than a Pretty Face," Rosalind Kemp takes a job as a Harvey Girl in an effort to outrun her past. She clings to the promise of one day transferring to California, someplace her youthful indiscretion won't catch up to her. But when she is transferred to Gainesville, TX, her affections for local attorney Caleb Durrington complicate her plans. When her secret is exposed, will Caleb turn away from her shame, or will his love give her the courage to finally face her greatest folly? Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple | Google In the author's words . . . Ever since I watched Judy Garland in The Harvey Girls as a teenager, I've been enamored with the idea of the Harvey Girls and the significant role these women played in civilizing the West. Women worked as Harvey Girls for a myriad of reasons. Good pay, adventure, travel, and some, like my heroine, to escape trouble at home. Yet the past is tenacious. Not even the railroad can ensure escape. It's only when one finds courage in the present to face the mistakes of the past that the future can truly be free. Enjoy an Excerpt from More Than a Pretty Face Callie grabbed the knife from Rosalind’s hand, heedless of the fingerprints she left in her wake, and pushed the empty water pitcher she held toward Rosalind’s chest in exchange. “Trade with me.” Rosalind grabbed the pitcher out of reflex. “Why?” “Because he’s here.” Callie’s eyes danced. “He, who?” “Listen to you. ‘He, who?’ Who do you think, silly?” Callie circled Rosalind and gave her a little shove from behind. “Only the handsomest lawyer in Gainesville. The one who asks for you every time he comes in.” Rosalind’s belly clenched, and her pulse quickened. Mr. Durrington. She squashed the urge to smile. None of that, now. He was a customer, and Fred Harvey had strict policies against romantic activity between employees and customers. Which was a good thing, because she needed to steer clear of anything even hinting of romance. She was a Harvey Girl. Dedicated to the system. Determined to earn her way into a California position. The West equaled freedom. An escape from her past. Once there, she could finally be her true self again, stop looking over her shoulder, and maybe even find love. Stumbling across love in Texas would be a disaster. For her as well as for anyone who cared for her. Better for all involved to stick to the California plan. Caleb Durrington would tire of her soon enough. Heaven knew she did all she could to discourage his interest while maintaining the gracious demeanor required of all Harvey Girls. He was persistent, though, and she couldn’t deny that his tenacity gave her a secret thrill. But she’d managed to resist his charm this long. She’d manage a bit longer. A second shove sent Rosalind careening toward the large water barrel stored near the door that led to the restaurant, along the wall farthest from the stove. Callie's eye twinkled. “Better quit dawdling and get out there.” For a moment Rosalind considered sloshing the water from the pitcher onto her dress so she’d be forced to go upstairs and change, but such clumsiness would do her no favors in proving to Mr. Ledbetter that she was worthy of promotion. “I’m sure one of the other girls can take his order,” she tried instead. Not that she expected such a weak ploy to work. Ever since Callie had gotten herself engaged, she’d been on a mission to help her compatriots find husbands as well. Whether or not they wanted one. Callie grinned mischievously. “Not if I gave them the hands-off signal.” Harvey Girls were not allowed to chat with each other while in the restaurant, but they found ways to communicate without words. Hands gathered behind the back with fingers displayed to enumerate section and seat numbers, for instance, staked a claim on a particular customer. All other girls would keep their distance. “Why would you do that?” Rosalind frowned even as her heart thumped a little faster. “I’ve got no interest in him.” “Ha! And I’ve got no interest in Monsieur Dupont’s petit fours.” Callie ate at least two each evening after the final dinner service. “Either way, Mr. Durrington certainly has an interest in you. He asked for you by name, Rosalind, so the hands-off signal was really his doing, not mine.” “You’re a meddler of the worst sort, Callie Sanderson.” Rosalind rolled her eyes, but a smile crept onto her face despite her attempt to remain exasperated. “You’ll thank me someday.” I doubt it. Nevertheless, having been given no choice in the matter, Rosalind gripped the water pitcher’s handle in her right hand, straightened her posture, and pushed through the door leading to the lunchroom. End of Excerpt © Karen Witemeyer Learn more by visiting the author's website. SERVING UP LOVE released November 4, 2019 from Bethany House. Meet the Author For those who love to smile as they read, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Recently voted #1 Readers' Favorite Christian Romance Author by Family Fiction Magazine , Karen is a two-time winner of the ACFW Carol Award and three-time RITA® finalist. Karen is a firm believer in the power of happy endings. . . and ice cream. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more at www.karenwitemeyer.com . Facebook Fan Group | Goodreads | BookBub More Than a Pretty Face (Serving up Love) by Karen Witemeyer Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance Type: Novella (part of collection) Heat Level: 1 Language Level: 1 Violence Level: 2 Click here to learn more about content ratings. #bookexcerpt #ExcerptPost #HistoricalRomance

Being naughty was nice, but now these friends-turned-lovers are in for an unforgettable Christmas . . . Book Description The award-winning author who writes with "humor and heart" (Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author) invites you to visit the charming small town of Angel Falls. Being naughty was nice, but now these friends-turned-lovers are in for an unforgettable Christmas... Just when Kaitlyn Barnes vows to get over her longtime crush on Rafe Langdon, they share a sizzling evening that delivers an epic holiday surprise: Kaitlyn is pregnant. And if that weren't life-changing enough, everyone assumes they're engaged -- a charade they must keep alive through the holiday season. But Kaitlyn knows Rafe better than anyone, and Rafe settling down is about as likely as Santa skipping Angel Falls this year... Rafe would rather Kaitlyn believe a lie -- that their night together was a fling -- than face his own dangerous truth: he's falling for her, hard. After a devastating loss, Rafe swore he'd never risk his heart again. Yet the longer they pretend to be engaged the more Rafe starts to want the real thing. But now he has to convince Kaitlyn he wants to be by her side -- and their baby's -- for all the Christmases to come. Includes the bonus novel Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains! Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple | Google In the author's words . . . I think Rafe is my favorite hero that I've ever written. Maybe it's because got to know him really well...this couple has been building their relationship in the past two books. On the outside, he's smooth, easygoing, and always ready with a quip. He's a great son, brother, and friend. But his inner life is so complicated. Impacted by a devastating tragedy, Rafe truly believes he can never love again, yet his love for Kaitlyn comes out at every turn. Watching him resolve his inner demons and come to accept her love and be able to fully love her in return was a wonderful journey for me! Hope you all enjoy it too. :) "A scrumptious holiday treat."— Publishers Weekly Be still my heart! Miranda what have you done?? Good gravy this book made me all kinds of crazy! — Goodreads reviewer Enjoy an Excerpt from All I Want for Christmas is You Tonight’s celebration wasn’t unusual. Kaitlyn had been part of the Langdon family since she was ten years old. But despite Rafe’s belief that his family would take their baby news in stride, she couldn’t help but think that it would dramatically change things, change her place in the family. And oh, what if they really did push for her and Rafe to get together for the sake of the baby? She’d just started the coffee and then leaned on the island, taking a big breath, when she heard a familiar voice behind her. “Hey, need some help?” Rafe asked. She spun around at the sound of his voice. “Oh. Rafe, hi. Just starting a pot.” She thought about how great he was with those kids…yet how he’d said he didn’t want to be a father. He was filled with contradictions, and she couldn’t help but wonder if that was a line he used to protect himself—to protect his heart. “Okay, just wondering.” His gaze rolled over her in that way he had, not missing a detail. He walked into the pantry and grabbed a brown paper bag with handles and pulled out a pretty silver box, wrapped with a red bow. “Happy birthday,” he announced. “From me.” Her already sensitive stomach plunged. “You didn’t have to get me a gift,” she said. He leaned close, his hand propped on the counter beside her. “Open it,” he said, nudging the box toward her. “You only turn forty once.” “Will you stop with the teasing?” She waited for him to parry, to jest. But he didn’t. He just stared at her with an odd look that she couldn’t quite read. Finally, he cleared his throat and said, “Okay, no more teasing. Just open the gift, Katie.” She turned the box over in her hands. “What is it?” He gave a secretive smile and shrugged. “You’ll have to see.” “It’s pretty,” she said, shaking it, noting that it was a little heavy. “I wrapped it myself.” This was saying a lot, because the bow on top was curled by hand. “Since when do you know how to make bows?” “Since YouTube taught me. Open it already.” She set the package down on the distressed oak table and ripped open the paper. Inside was a coffee maker. A high-end, expensive one, the kind you’d buy a couple for a wedding gift. “It’s a coffee maker,” he said. “You’re kidding,” she said with mock surprise. “Do I ever kid you?” he quipped right back. “Um, all the time.” “Not all the time.” He flashed a Rafe grin. Sweet, adorable, and irresistible. She immediately shifted her gaze back to the gift. “It’s a very nice coffee maker,” Kaitlyn said. “But Rafe, I own a coffee shop, remember?” He laughed. “And yet you don’t have a coffee maker like this.” She looked at him, perplexed, as he tapped his finger on the text on the side of the box. “‘Brews a single cup or a whole pot,’” she read. “‘Thermal carafe. Grinds the beans.’ Great features.” He shook his head at her sarcastic tone, took the box out of her hands, and pointed to the picture on the side like she was just not getting it. “It’s programmable. Charges your phone too.” She looked at him. Was he crazy? “You can set it, and your coffee will be ready at four thirty a.m. on the dot.” “Oh. I see,” she said softly. The gift was thoughtful. It was nice. And she knew exactly where he’d gotten this idea. She’d told him how hard it was to wake up so early, and how she never had time to make herself coffee before she headed out to open the cafe. It was an odd gift but also oddly…touching. And she didn’t have the heart to tell him she wouldn’t be drinking any coffee for a while. Instead she made the mistake of looking at him. His face held a look of careful anticipation. That look—innocent, hopeful, and more than a little boyish—undid her. Heck, he could have given her spray-painted rocks and she would have gotten emo about that too. Before she could think, she kissed his cheek. It was rough with stubble, and warm, and he smelled like simple Dial soap and shave cream and…Rafe. She lingered a few seconds too long, unable to pull back. He stiffened, and she thought he was going to pull away. Suddenly his arms came around her, encircling her waist. She sucked in a breath. Or was that him? Unable to move, she stood frozen in place, searching his eyes. “Happy birthday, Katie,” he whispered, his voice soft as spun silk. End of Excerpt © Miranda Liasson Learn more by visiting the author's website. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU released October 29, 2019 from Grand Central Forever Romance. Meet the Author Miranda Liasson loves to write stories about everyday people who find love despite themselves, because there’s nothing like a great love story. And if there are a few laughs along the way, even better! She’s an Amazon bestselling author whose heartwarming and humorous small–town romances have won accolades such as the National Readers' Choice Award and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and have been Harlequin Junkie and Night Owl Reviews Top Picks. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three kids in a charming old neighborhood which is the inspiration for many of the homes in her books. Website | Instagram | BookBub | Facebook All I Want for Christmas is You by Miranda Liasson Genre: Contemporary Romance Type: Novel Heat Level: 4 Language Level: 1 Violence Level: 1 Click here to learn more about content ratings. #bookexcerpt #contemporaryromance #Christmasbook

A woman outside of her time. A man ahead of his. They must take a leap of faith to forge a bond that will shape history. Book Description PhD student Ardyth Nightshade has renounced men and pursues her twentieth-century career with single-minded focus. When fate whisks her to medieval England, she meets her match in a man whose passions mirror her own. Can she sacrifice ambition for a love she never sought? Hugh, Lord Seacrest confounds all who know him. He refuses to marry without a meeting of minds and hearts, and no lady has even approached his ideal…until Ardyth. But she's an odd one, with unique skills, shocking habits, and total conviction she needs no man. She also harbors secrets, and in the midst of rumors, plots, and murder, trust is fragile. A woman outside of her time. A man ahead of his. They must take a leap of faith to forge a bond that will shape history. Amazon | B&N | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU In the author's words . . . The hero and heroine’s mutual love of history mirrors my husband’s and mine. You might say history brought us together, and there’s a lot of both of us in Night of the Owl . That’s why the book’s release date is perfect; it’s our 19th wedding anniversary! Enjoy an Excerpt from Night of the Owl Callie grabbed qualed freedom. An escape from her past. Once there, she could finally be her true self again, stop looking over her shoulder, and maybe even find love.Hugh stormed into the cave, unable to stem the tide of jealousy swelling inside him. A pox on Ranulf! Ardyth thought him smart, talented, kind, and handsome. She told me she didn’t need a man. Now here she is, half in love with a goliard! Her arms dropped to her sides, and she stumbled backwards. He stopped and frowned. “Why do you recoil?” She halted and lifted her chin. “Why do you look so angry?” With purposeful strides, he closed the distance between them. “I met Lady Isobel near the gatehouse. She told me you were here, talking of Ranulf.” “Oh, she did! How good of her to report my every move, and how predictable that you prize her opinion above mine.” “As you prize Ranulf above other men?” He clenched his fists, willing her to contradict him yet knowing she wouldn’t. “What are you talking about?” “I saw the pair of you last night…conversing cozily in the hall. ʼTis obvious he’s claimed your affections, though how I cannot—” “What?!” Her flushed face was a mask of disbelief. “You heard me.” “I did, but I doubted my ears. A man of your depth and perception must’ve realized that…” His clamped fingers relaxed. “Realized…what exactly?” “Must I say it out loud?” “I think you’d better.” With a huff, she rolled her eyes. “Ranulf is just a friend. If there’s anyone I like around here, ʼtis you!” He hesitated only an instant, long enough to absorb what she’d said. Then he grasped her arms, pulled her to him, and pressed his lips to hers. Breaking free of his hold, she took his face between her hands and returned his kiss with passionate abandon. Her tongue took the lead. Her moan harmonized with the howling wind. She tasted of elderberries, ginger, and honey. Of lust and life. Heat rushed through him, heightening every sense as he gave himself to the kiss. Copyright © by Judith Sterling Learn more by visiting the author's website. Night of the Owl was released October 21, 2019 by Wild Rose Press. Praise for the Novels of Ravenwood "Judith Sterling creates a beautiful, poetic mood that flows through the whole story...The author describes every environment perfectly and vividly brings every emotion to life...[FLIGHT OF THE RAVEN (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book One)] is a fantastic book for lovers of historical romance and romance alike!" – InD’Tale Magazine “As soon as [SOUL OF THE WOLF (The Novels of Ravenwood, Book Two)] begins, the reader is swept away into a richly described world of fantasy mixed seamlessly with historical romance…perfect for fans of historical and fantasy fiction alike!” – InD’Tale Magazine Meet the Author Judith Sterling is an award-winning author whose love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Whether penning medieval romance or young adult paranormal fantasy, her favorite themes include true love, destiny, time travel, healing, redemption, and finding the hidden magic which exists all around us. She loves to share that magic with readers and whisk them far away from their troubles, particularly to locations in the British Isles. Her nonfiction books, written under Judith Marshall, have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes, and once the travel bug bit, she lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons. Visit Judith Sterling's Website Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Night of the Owl by Judith Sterling Genre: Historical Romance/Time Travel Type: Novel Heat Level: 5 Language Level: 3 Violence Level: 3 Click here to learn more about content ratings. #bookexcerpt #ExcerptPost #HistoricalRomance #MedievalRomance

Regan Walker returns with rogues, ladies, and holiday cheer in the fifth installment of her bestselling Agents of the Crown series! Book Description Robert Powell’s work as a spy saves the Cabinet ministers from a gruesome death and wins him accolades from George IV. As a reward, the king grants him a baronetcy and a much-deserved holiday at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton where he thinks to indulge in brandy, cards, good horseflesh and women. But when Muriel, Dowager Countess of Claremont, learns of Sir Robert’s intended destination, she begs a favor…to watch over an “errant child” who is the grandniece of her good friend living in the resort town. Little does Robbie know that Miss Chastity Reynolds is no child but a beautiful hoyden who is seemingly immune to his charms. Chastity lives in the shadow of her mother and sisters, dark-haired beauties men admire. Her first Season was a failure but, as she will soon come into a family legacy, she has no need to wed. When she first encounters Sir Robert, she dubs him The Rogue, certain he indulges in a profligate lifestyle she wants no part in. In Brighton, Robbie discovers he is being followed by friends of the conspirators who had planned to murder the Cabinet. Worse, they know the location of Chastity's residence. Amazon | Amazon UK | Goodreads In the author's words . . . I love the history, the setting (Brighton) and that this unlikely couple could find love in the midst of it. Enjoy an Excerpt from Rogue's Holiday Grillon’s Hotel, London, 1820 “I’ll return in a moment,” said Chastity as she rose from the table where she and Rose dined in their shared room. Rose looked up, her fork paused in midair. “Are you going out…alone? You’re not dressed for town.” Chastity considered her drab brown cotton gown that she had changed into thinking she would remain in their room. “No one will see me save the desk clerk to whom I will direct my inquiry.” The carriage ride to London had been plagued with muddy roads and much rain, and the drafty lobby had left her chilled. The fire kindled for them had begun to warm her but a glass of sherry would go far to completing the process. “Do you wish me to accompany you?” Rose cast a look of longing at what remained of her braised veal. “Nay finish your meal,” Chastity said, crossing the room to the door. “Hurry back,” urged Rose. “I peeked under the silver dome that hides the sweetmeats. A most delectable selection.” “They will go well with what I have in mind.” As she reached for the door handle, Crispin, who had been curled up before the fire, raised his head and opened his golden eyes briefly considering her before returning to his nap. The bumpy carriage ride to London had not been to his liking either. Closing the door behind her, Chastity entered the corridor devoid of heat. She drew her shawl tightly around her and hurried downstairs to the lobby. She was dismayed to find no one at the front desk. A single footman stood just inside the hotel’s entrance. She hastened toward him. As she did, she collided with a hard body, the impact forcing the air from her lungs. Stunned, she backed away, trying not to fall. With her eyes downcast, she placed her hand over her racing heart. The first thing she noticed as she looked up from the tiled floor was a pair of black Hessian boots polished to a high gloss with a silver-white braid circling the top, ending in shimmering tassels. Boots that could only have been the creation of George Hoby, the first bootmaker in London, who had acquired a few of her father’s designs. From the boots, her gaze traveled up long, muscular thighs encased in tight buckskin breeches. Hands fisted on narrow hips and an impatient sigh suggested he thought her in the wrong. Impudent man! Oaf! He had run into her! Her scrutiny continued up to the black claw-hammer coat he wore over a cinnamon suede waistcoat. His cravat was simply tied yet stylish. “Well, Miss, have you had your fill of me?” he said in an amused tone. Chastity met hazel eyes rimmed with green and pierced with shards of gold. A chiseled face with a strong jaw was framed by wavy dark brown hair and trim side-whiskers. Altogether an attractive man if she didn’t consider his smirk. She could not abide men who thought themselves desired by all females, which he clearly did. “What?” she said, her voice dripping sarcasm. “Is there to be no apology, no begging my forgiveness for nearly knocking a lady off her feet?” “A lady?” His gaze boldly traveled the length of her. “If you be a lady, you are a very pretty lady, indeed.” She glared at him, dismissing his compliment as insincere, one he likely gave to all women to whom he liberally doled out his charm. She would not be diverted by such undeserved flattery. “Pretty or plain makes no difference, sir. A gentleman who causes distress to a lady will make amends.” “Not to put too fine a point on it, Miss, but whatever were you thinking darting across the lobby without a care of where you were going?” So, there was to be no apology. Worse, a scold. “I knew very well where I was going, sir. It was you who apparently did not.” “Very well,” he inclined his head, “if you insist. Allow me to make amends.” Without warning, he took her by the waist and forcibly drew her to his chest, pressing his lips to hers in a burning, invasive kiss that left her breathless and her lips throbbing. When he finally released her, she backed away, stunned, and covered her pulsing lips with her fingertips. Never had she been kissed in such a manner. And in front of a footman! End of Excerpt © Regan Walker Learn more by visiting the author's website. Rogue's Holiday released November 7, 2019. Meet the Author Regan Walker is an award-winning, bestselling author of Regency, Georgian, and Medieval romances. Her stories often feature a demanding sovereign who taps his subjects for special assignments. Each of her novels includes real history and real historical figures as characters. And, of course, adventure and love, sometimes on the high seas! Website | Amazon | Facebook | Goodreads Rogue's Holiday by Regan Walker Genre: Regency Romance Type: Novel Heat Level: 2 Language Level: 2 Violence Level: 2 Click here to learn more about content ratings. #bookexcerpt #ExcerptPost #HistoricalRomance #RegencyRomance

When the West was wild and man's law favored the few, these extraordinary women could be found in the heart of an outlaw. Book Description He may be a wanted man, but all outlaw Jack Bowdre ever desired was a second chance. Now he's on his way to jail, completely unaware that his unexpected—and unexpectedly beautiful—traveling companion is none other than Nora Kane...his mail order bride. All Nora sees is a scoundrel sitting across from her. She prays the man she's coming to marry is nothing like him. But when their stagecoach crashes and the truth comes spilling out, they're suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they're together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after...but first, they'll have to shake the devil from their trail. Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks In the author's words . . . I loved Jack and Nora from the first and the instant chemistry that flooded the pages. This is probably the most humorous book I've ever written and I found it very fun to write. At times, I had to take my hands off the keys and just giggle. Jack was forever counting when he was trying to curb his temper and Nora got into some funny situations. Enjoy an Excerpt from Saving the Mail Order Bride The barrel-chested marshal smiled at Lenora. “Sorry that you have to endure this a bit longer, ma’am. He’s little more than a savage animal.” He said that like the handsome outlaw had a case of rabies or something. Dollard continued in a tone full of righteous contempt. “Why, he’s so mean the rattlesnakes won’t even come near him. I heard his own kin disowned him.” Lenora’s gaze followed the outlaw’s long legs and lean form from which enormous power radiated, felt his deep irritation and anger to be cuffed to the marshal. She’d read about men like this one who lived outside the law in dime novels that were all the rage back East. But reading about one and coming face to face with one in the flesh were two totally different things. Awareness sizzled between them and when he turned his gaze to her, a rush of heat flooded her cheeks. His chiseled features appeared hewn from the hardest stone that the good Lord probably reserved for those like him who lived outside the law. The marshal appeared barely able to contain him. In fact, she got the impression the prisoner merely bided his time until an opportunity for escape came. He glanced toward the window, allowing her to study him better. The outlaw had uncommon good looks with a hard, angled jaw that sported brown stubble. The rise high on his nose indicated it had been broken few times. Ha! She wasn’t surprised at that. But most striking were his gray eyes—gunmetal gray. At times they stormed, and other times, like when the marshal shot warnings and threats, they became icy and hard. But amusement colored his gaze when he turned his attention to her. Lenora thought about leaning across the space and slapping his brazen face. Except she’d never struck anyone even though she’d been sorely tempted a few times. The way he glanced at the door then back to the marshal told her he was planning an escape. Lenora stilled and held her breath, her pulse racing. Would he use her somehow in his escape plan? Maybe take her hostage? Oh dear. She glanced at the marshal, wondering if he’d pull his gun and shoot him if he tried anything. The handsome outlaw lifted a finely arched brow. “Here in Texas they make you pay to gawk, ma’am. But I reckon this is the first time a gentle woman like yourself has laid eyes on a born and bred killer. Who knows? Maybe you can come to my hanging. Now that’ll be a real treat.” Beneath his mocking tone, she saw the layer of sorrow, felt his heavy heart, tasted his bitterness. She couldn’t bear the thought of him swinging from a rope. End of Excerpt © Linda Broday Learn more by visiting the author's website. Saving the Mail Order Bride released from Sourcebooks Publishing April 30, 2019. Praise for Saving the Mail Order Bride "I simply adored how Jack and Nora met, how their spark lit up their connection, how quickly and naturally they grew to care and depend on the other -- and then ultimately need and fully desire the other. How they communicated, and how they refused to let anything come between them from moment one. And truly, how it was them taking on the world together from the beginning." — Sunshine Lake Reviews "Jack and Nora's closeness grows as a result of the hardships they face and survive together. The love between these two characters reads as authentic and swoony. Saving the Mail Order Bride is full of sassy flirting and Texas-sized hearts. Enthusiastically recommended." —Chapter Break Book Reviews Meet the Author I'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of 24 full length western romance novels and short stories. Watching TV westerns during my youth fed my love of cowboys and the old West and they still do. I reside in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian, Comancheros, and early cowboys once roamed, and on a still day I can often hear their voices whispering in the breeze. I love research and looking for little known tidbits to add realism to my stories and quite often make a nuisance of myself at museums and libraries. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday Genre: Historical Western Romance Type: Novel Heat Level: 4 Language Level: 3 Violence Level: 3 Click here to learn more about content ratings. #bookexcerpt #ExcerptPost #westernromance #historicalromance

Congratulations to Irma Joubert, author of THE CROOKED PATH, winner of the August 2017 Readers' Choice Cover Contest! Thank you to all those who participated and voted! #CoverContestWinner

Every once in a while we like to spotlight books our reviewers especially liked. These all received 4 stars or higher from one of our dedicated, book-loving reviewers; we've included a snippet of the review. We hope you enjoy discovering great new reads! Check out all of our fiction book reviews ! THE BOOKS A Stranger at Fellsworth by Sarah E. Ladd "Sarah E. Ladd writes words that whisper to the heart and beg the reader to read just one more page. A STRANGER AT FELLSWORTH, the third book in Ladd's Treasures of Surrey series, is a beautiful and tender story of how losing everything one has can be the best thing to ever happen." The Crooked Path by Irma Joubert "THE CROOKED PATH by Irma Joubert, set in South Africa, is a touching story of love and loss. The author has written a clean and compelling story set with a combination of time and place I hadn't read before. This is an enjoyable book." Quest of a Warrior by Mary Morgan "It's utterly spellbinding! It feels so good to discover a well-written, fantastic romance filled with so much magic and passion that you can’t put it down!" The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley "Powerful, engrossing, and wonderfully spectacular! There's so much to share about this book, yet to reveal anything would almost be to reveal too much. Susanna Kearsley continues to impress." Beautiful Tempest by Johanna Lindsey "With passion to spare, high seas adventure, wit, and a few Malory-worthy "battle" scenes, BEAUTIFUL TEMPEST is a delightful read for historical romance lovers." Choosing Bravery by Jacqui Nelson "Ms. Nelson takes the reader on a western adventure with descriptive storytelling and tender romance. Ms. Nelson transported me to the 1860s in Oregon Territory to follow their high adventures!" The Scot's Bride by Paula Quinn "Author Paula Quinn pens sexy Highlanders and witty dialogue! The author has a skill for dialogue that keeps the characters and readers on their toes. This is an easy, fun, and steamy Highland romance that will surely please readers who enjoy the genre." The Promise of a Highlander by Emma Prince "A fantastic addition to Emma Prince's Highland Bodyguards series! Book five in the series is the story of Logan and Helena, and it's a beautiful story of passion and adventure." Parent Teacher Association by Jennifer Soosar "A very suspenseful novel, PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION had me holding my breath at times as my eyes quickly skimmed the words trying to discover what was going to happen next." Searching for Irene by Marlene Bateman "Ms. Bateman puts the reader in the setting with the grand estate, and the mansion took on a life of its own. Good for all audiences, SEARCHING FOR IRENE is worth reading." #10BooksList

"Delightfully charming! Ms. Harrington brings charm and passion together in this enjoyable Regency romance." ~ Books & Benches The Carlisles are back …and England will never be the same! Known as the "Scourge of Mayfair," the infamous brothers enjoy nothing more than having a good time and striking fear into the hearts of marriage-minded mamas. But when the three brothers cross paths with three very special women, they've finally met their matches--in more ways than one. WHEN THE SCOUNDREL SINS A MOST INDECENT PROPOSAL Annabelle Green needs a husband-and quickly. To inherit the only home she's ever known, she must be married by her twenty-fifth birthday. But finding a suitor has been next to impossible after a reckless rogue named Quinton Carlisle seduced her into a scandalous midnight tryst. Her reputation in ruins, Belle now needs a rather large favor. And she knows just who to turn to . . . Quinn can hardly believe that the shy bookish girl he teased as a child has grown into such a brazen beauty. The very idea of marrying Belle to right the wrongs of his past is downright shocking . . . and deliciously tempting. Too bad marriage, convenient or otherwise, is the last thing Quinn wants. He'll help Belle find a husband and be on his way. But if he can't control his attraction to the bride-to-be, this marriage could go up in flames-of wicked desire. AMAZON | B&N | BAM! | CHAPTERS | INDIBOUND | IBOOKS | KOBO "Harrington knows there is nothing quite like a reformed rake to make readers' hearts beat wildly. The latest Capturing the Carlisles is a heartwarming charmer. Not since Courting Miss Hattie have kisses been so sensual and arousing. Harrington spins her tale with care as she gives her memorable characters a lively plot and depth of emotion that captivates her fans, who can't wait for the next chapter." ~ RT Reviews, 4-1/2 stars TOP PICK Q&A with ANNA HARRINGTON Which actor/actress would you like to see playing the lead character in When the Scoundrel Sins ? For Quinton Carlisle, the answer is Chris Hemsworth…the answer is *always* Chris Hemsworth. :) For Annabelle Greene, it would be Keira Knightley, but in the roles when she has more caramel blond hair than brown. What is your favorite quote? Life is either a grand adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller. After all, what’s the point of living if we don’t live grand, grab up every experience we can, and enjoy it? How long on average does it take you to write a book? In the summer, when I’m not teaching, I can write a 95K word book in about 5 weeks. Then, I’ll spend another month revising it, and another month with copyedits and page proofs. But all that could be spread out across an entire year, as getting the revisions and proofs is determined by my editor. It usually takes at least a year from the time the publisher contracts a book until it’s released. How do you select the names of your characters? I have lists of traditional male and female names from England in the early 1800’s, and when I need to name a character, I try to keep a really strong visual of that character in my mind, then go down the list, name by name, until one of them clicks. Sometimes that doesn’t work. I once tried to write a character named Ian, but it just wasn’t working…until I realized that his name was really Nate. I changed names, and the book ended up just flying onto the page then. What is your favorite scene in When the Scoundrel Sins ? My favorite scene is the first library scene when Belle meets Quinn at midnight (SPOILERS!) in order to propose to him. The scene has so many layers in it. There’s flirtation and longing because they both have feelings for the other but refuse to admit to them, the conflict is fully established between them during this scene, and there’s lots of humor, too. We come to realize why leaving for America is so important to Quinn, and why Belle loves being an unapologetic bluestocking. Did I mention that there’s also lots of kissing? ENJOY AN EXCERPT FROM When The Scoundrel Sins Prologue Mayfair, London April 1816 Eyes widening, eighteen year-old Annabelle Green stepped back from Quinton Carlisle, against whose hard front she’d so scandalously pressed herself. She brought her hand against her lips. Swollen, hot, wet, throbbing…Oh heavens, he’d been kissing her. Dear God, she’d let him! Let? She bit back a groan of self-recrimination. She’d encouraged the midnight embrace in the St. James’s garden, practically falling into the scoundrel’s arms. And she’d enjoyed it, too. “Annabelle?” he asked softly, bewildered concern thickening in his deep voice. The noise from the crowded ball barely reached them beneath the thick rose bower at the rear of the garden, where dark shadows cocooned them together. She stared at him, for the life of her not knowing how to answer that simple question. A few minutes ago, she’d slid out the library terrace door to escape the heat and crush of the party for the cool peace of the dark garden. To take a short turn around the brick path. To simply give herself a few minutes when she wasn’t the object of whispers and laughter from the other ladies at the ball who thought she was overreaching. She was only a lady’s companion after all, with no real right to wear silk and jewels and dance with eligible gentlemen— Then she’d come across Quinton Carlisle in the shadows. And then she’d found herself in his arms, being given the most incredible kiss imaginable. “Are you all right?” he pressed. If the expression on his shadowed-darkened face was any indicator, he was just as shocked as she was at their encounter. “You—you kissed me,” she whispered around her fingers, still pressed to her mouth. “I certainly did.” A devilish grin quirked at this lips. “And you kissed me back.” “I did not!” He arched an amused brow at that wholly obvious lie, and Annabelle groaned. It hadn’t been only a kiss, either. It had been a full-out embrace, eager and hungry, with nibbles and sucks and wandering hands— “I’d like to do it again.” He stepped forward and closed the distance between them. His hot gaze dropped to her mouth. “Very much.” Her hand fell away from her lips, not to encourage him but because she was utterly bewildered. What on earth had come over them? “But we don’t even like each other!” she squeaked out. Well, he didn’t like her, at any rate. He was Quinton Carlisle, for heaven’s sake. A man she’d known since she was ten, with a quick smile that always sent the butterflies swirling in her belly and a golden handsomeness she was certain would have made Adonis jealous. And since he was graduated from university this past spring, one of London’s most charming scoundrels and a man who turned heads of bored society widows and wives everywhere he went, even at just twenty-one. Belle would have had to be dead or eighty not to be attracted to him. But he was also the bane of her existence this season. A man who never seemed to tire of teasing her and playing jokes on her, just as he had since they were children. They were friends, certainly, but this season he seemed to take great delight in angering her until her eyes blazed and flames could have shot out of her head. While she might have fantasized about him, he certainly never gave a second thought to her except how to make her miserable. Until tonight. When his arms had been around her, his hard body pressing into her soft one and his lips on hers, teasing kiss after kiss from her until she thought she might explode from the ache he sent spinning through her. And oh, what a delicious mouth he had, too! No wonder all those urbane women in the ton practically threw themselves at him. When he knew how to kiss like that, who cared about his reputation as one of the wild Carlisle brothers? CONTINUE READING THE PROLOGUE & CHAPTER ONE Don't miss book one! & the BOOK GIVEAWAY A LESSON IN SEDUCTION Miranda Hodgkins has only ever wanted one thing: to marry Robert Carlisle. And she simply can’t wait a moment longer. During the Carlisle family masquerade ball, Miranda boldly sneaks into his bedchamber with seduction on her mind. Soon she’s swept into rock hard arms for the most breathtaking kiss of her life. But when the masks come off, she’s horrified to find herself face-to-face with Sebastian, the Duke of Trent—Robert’s formidable older brother. Shocked to find Miranda in his bed, Sebastian quickly offers her a deal to avoid scandal: he’ll help her win his brother’s heart if she’ll find him the perfect wife. But what begins as a simple negotiation soon spirals out of control. For the longer this reformed rake tries to make a match for Miranda, the more he wants to keep her all to himself. LEARN MORE > Forever is giving away 10 copies of WHEN THE SCOUNDREL SINS! ENTER THE GIVEAWAY "This is exactly what romance is. This is everything a romance should be. It should be filled with the right amount of love-hate, sexual tension, and the feeling of desire between two characters that make them destined for each other. When the Scoundrel Sins by Anna Harrington made me fall in love with historical romance all over again." ~ Goodreads Reviewer MEET THE AUTHOR Anna Harrington fell in love with historical romances--and all those dashing Regency heroes--while living in London, where she studied literature and theatre. She loves to travel, fly airplanes, and hike, and when she isn't busy writing her next novel, she loves fussing over her roses in her garden. Visit her website at www.AnnaHarringtonBooks.com or follow her at @aharrington2875 . Genre: Regency Romance | Pub Date: August 29, 2017 | Page count: 352pp Series: Capturing the Carlisles, Book 2 | Publisher: Forever #RegencyRomance #HistoricalRomance #AuthorsonTour #GuestAuthor

The Heart of the Pack The war between the pack and the coven are over in Olympia, but peace was hard won. The death of a brother and his betrayal still loom over those who survived like a ghost. New revelations and old flames make the Young brothers rethink every ideal they have ever had. This time, the battle that is raging can only be fought on the inside of the pack members. Who will win the heart of the pack? Series: The Brothers of Fang | Genre: Paranormal Romance | Heat Level: PG-13/4 Hearts Q&A with IRIS SWEETWATER What makes () special or unique to you? Can you give us a little story behind the story? The Heart of the Pack is actually the third book in my Brothers of Fang series. What I feel is completely unique about this series in general is that throughout, readers have the ability to get the perspective of every important character. I don’t show everything all at once, but the reader gets to dig inside the mind of each brother and the three heroines in the book as well. The reader can pick and choose who it is they connect with and achieve more insight unlike with books with limited point of views. I wanted to contrast the three brothers as well as the three women in every way possible while still bringing them together in the grand scheme of things. Do you share any personality traits with either of the main characters? I don’t think there is any escaping sharing traits with some of your characters. What readers might find interesting is that while Annalise is much like the woman I wish to be, I actually share many traits with the male lead, Isaiah. He has his heart in his sleeve, and he is always about principle and doing what is right regardless of the situation. He also is trying so hard not to be like his father before him. I can relate to him in so many ways. What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? Making them realistic. Isiah and Roman were hard for me at first because they are loyal and caring men. They have strong emotions. I needed to figure out how they could be these strong alpha males and still have these emotions and express how they feel. I didn't want them to be too feminine, but I don't like my men so macho that they are not emotionally attractive. That middle ground is hard to find and hard to sell with some readers who prefer the big muscular man to control the woman. How do you feel about e-books vs. print books and self-publishing vs. traditional publishing? Even though the price is high, I much prefer print books. I have always wanted to buy a big house where I can have a large library. However, it is almost impossible for the modern author to get their physical books into bookstores. I hope to figure it out one day. As far as publishing, I much prefer self-publishing at the moment. I have heard so many horror stories of publishing companies scamming people and disappearing and that they do not even help with marketing. Essentially, all small and medium publishers seem to do is limit the author. However, when we are talking about large publishers such as Penguin or Little Brown and Co, still nothing can beat these. These get you in every book store in the country and get you movie deals. If I could score one of them I would be on cloud 9. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? Following the completion of the Brothers of Fang series, I will be starting a series called Dark Time. Already in progress, this is a YA Fantasy but more on the mature end. So, think more Fallen or Vampire Academy. YA Fantasy has been a genre I have been writing since I was ten years old. It’s by far my favorite to read, and I want to see my name right there with Lauren Kate and Alyson Noel. This series will feature teens with super powers, other dimensions, and angels. THE AUTHOR Iris Sweetwater has been writing for most of her life, completing her first poems and short stories when she was only five years old. Writing has always been in her blood, and she also is a lover of reading. Her favorite genres to both read and write have always been fantasy and paranormal, ha She has worked in the writing industry in many capacities throughout her life including educating children in both journalism and Creative Writing. She hopes that she can inspire children the way she was inspired by her favorite authors and eventually become an author full time. Irish has always been a huge fan of JK Rowling, Holly Black, and Cassandra Clare. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | AMAZON #ParanormalRomance #AuthorInterview

"SARAH'S SECRET is an engaging story from start to finish." ~Books & Benches SARAH'S SECRET A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgiveness Follow the paths of Sarah and Will (or Sam) as they tell their stories of trust, secrets, and betrayal on the frontier in the old West. Their pioneer spirit helped to fuel the expansion into the Western territories of the United States. The two are historically on their separate journeys, yet they remain intimately connected. Through the fictionalized Western frontier tale of Sam and Sarah, the author, Beverly Scott, was inspired to reveal rumored secrets from her family history. In 1878, Will is on the run after killing a man in a barroom gunfight. He escapes the Texas Rangers by joining a cattle drive as a cook headed to Dodge City. He struggles with the dilemma of saving his life or attempting to return to his pregnant wife and five children. Just when he thinks he might be able to return home, he is confronted by a bounty hunter who captures him and plans to return him to Fort Worth, Texas to be hanged. Although Will changes his name to Sam, he remains an irresponsible, lonely and untrustworthy man on the dodge from the law who abandons the women he loves. He ultimately seeks redemption and marries Sarah. In 1911, Sarah, a pioneer woman and widow with five children struggles to find the inner strength to overcome betrayal, loneliness, fears, and self-doubt. Her husband, Sam, thirty years her senior, died with a mysterious and defiant declaration, “I won’t answer!” Despite poverty and a crippling illness, she draws on her pioneer spirit to hold her family together and return to Nebraska to be near her parents and siblings. When Sarah returns to Nebraska she receives staggering news which complicates her efforts to support her children. She is shocked, angry and emotionally devastated. Since she is attempting to establish herself in the community as a teacher, she believes she must keep her secret even from her own family. Will Sarah find forgiveness in her heart and the resolve to accept her new life alone? AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND “In the flash of one moment, the trajectory of a man’s life and of those who loved and depended on him changes forever. The developing plot draws the reader in as we wait to see how this one action reaches into and impacts the lives of future generations. Set against the backdrop of a post-Civil War nation, when thousands headed west to escape their past, disappear into the horizon, and remake themselves, this biography is a rich study of pioneer ethos and the risks faced every day. The women touched by this man, who kept his secrets close, are heroines of courage, steadfastness and goodness. Beverly Scott is an author who has a way of painting word pictures that make you feel like you are a part of the story as it unfolds towards the discovery of his devastating secrets.” ~Patricia and Craig Neal, co-founders, Heartland Inc. Q&A with Beverly Scott What makes “Sarah’s Secret” special or unique to you? Can you give us a little story behind the story? I heard the family rumors about my grandfather at a family reunion about twenty-five years ago. I was intrigued and wanted to learn more.When my career wound down, I began a genealogy search at the National Archives since my grandfather was a Civil War Veteran.As I sorted through the yellowed pages of forms, correspondence and depositions, I discovered he was born in Indiana in 1840 as John Howard, (we knew him as Harvey Depew or H.D.) and the rumor was true!He had another family. I continued my genealogy journey searching the US Census. He and his family were listed in the 1870 Census in Texas but he was missing in the 1880 census.Going back to the Archive documents, I found clues:his wife Harriet stated he left her destitute with her sixth child in 1878 when he went into town for a load of corn and never returned; H.D. claimed he worked cattle and that he had been a cook.Since 1878 was at the peak of the long-horn cattle drives from Texas to Kansas, perhaps he joined a cattle drive.However, there was no record of him in Texas or Kansas.He literally disappeared in 1878. I found him under his new name in 1890 in Wyoming. He had filed a land claim.There, he met and married my grandmother, the local school teacher. With so little information about my mysterious grandfather, I concluded the story needed to be fiction.“Sarah’s Secret” is the result. What has been your greatest pleasure in writing “Sarah’s Secret”? My greatest pleasure has been to write a story inspired by my grandmother who was a strong courageous woman. My grandfather had been largely unknown in my father’s family.He was thirty years older than my grandmother and when he died he left her with five children. My grandmother never talked about him and brushed off any questions. I discovered in my genealogy search that she was very humiliated to learn after he died that he had another wife and family and that he had not divorced. As a result, she was refused widows benefits. When I concluded the story needed to be fiction, I wanted the main protagonist to be modeled after my grandmother whom I knew until she died when I was in the seventh grade. As I wrote the sections focused on Sarah, I felt I was channeling my grandmother. Although I had little factual information about her life during the time of the story, the qualities of Sarah’s character, her dialogue and both her strengths and weaknesses flowed easily. I wanted to tell the story of an amazing woman who bravely faced her own fears and over-came many challenges to become an inspiration and role-model. She managed to successfully raise her children as a single mother faced not only with poverty but with a debilitating and crippling disease. I am pleased with the character Sarah became. She is not my grandmother but I am confident, she would like Sarah, too. What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it? I have had several challenges in my professional life. Probably the most difficult for me as a writer is my drive for perfection. Early in my writing journey, as I read books, articles and blogs written by other writers, I noted the warning signs…the tendency to continue doing revisions and to constantly re-write key passages. Even as I wrote and re-wrote, I continued reading about the approach other writers used, the how-to directions and the recommendations and advice. Then, I would go back and revise and re-write again. There were two key recommendations that helped me cope with the tendency to keep re-writing: Anne Lamont, in “Bird by Bird” points out that first drafts are not perfect. Someone else reminded me that at some point, I needed to stop and consider the story finished. There were also supporters in my writing network that were enormously helpful. My writing group who gave me positive feedback and encouraged me by saying I was on the right path. Beta readers who pointed out specific areas that needed to be changed and other areas they really liked. And then I left them alone! I don’t think I have overcome it, but I have learned some ways of managing it. What kind of research did you do? Since I began doing genealogy first, my research began at the National Archives in Washington, D.C. which held a treasure trove of documents, the result of my grandfather’s pursuit of Veterans Benefits.I also visited my grandfather’s birthplace, the other places he lived either in his first or second marriage. I used census records to track down births and residences.At the time, I hadn’t expected to use this research for a fictional story but it turned out to be invaluable. Once I determined that the story would be fiction, I read books and stories about the time period, such as the period of long-horn cattle drives from Texas to Dodge City, Kansas, I pursued specific questions on-line such as “was there a bridge in 1911 across the Canadian River between Texas and Oklahoma?” I found books of cowboy slang and read descriptions in libraries of dugouts and sod houses written by homesteaders besieged with drought, snowstorms, and hostile Indians. When it supported my story, I used quotes from the depositions in the National Archives files and descriptions from hand written family stories donated to historical museums. After I began writing, I was grateful for the easy access via ‘Google’ to find information in the moment when I needed to know some historical details.I also discovered that much of the fun of writing historical fiction is the research and integrating what I learned into the story to give more vivid details to the reader. What advice would you give to your younger self? I grew up at a time when girls were expected to get married and have babies. Fortunately, my parents encouraged me to get a college education and pursue a career. But my aspirations about career choices were limited to becoming a teacher, a nurse, a social worker or a secretary.I loved learning and my primary interests were learning about people and groups so I was attracted to psychology and sociology. I decided to go to graduate school.But I had no idea what I could do with the Master’s degree in Sociology that I secured. Even as I was encouraged by mentors and bosses, I believed I just needed to acquire the experience that would enable me to find a job where ever my husband landed. My horizon and my dreams were limited. Over time, my aspirations gradually grew but in many cases, it was too late. Or perhaps I still believed it wasn’t possible for me to achieve.For many years I believed that I could not write fiction.I wasn’t creative enough. My advice to my younger self would be to dream big and to believe that you can do anything you set your mind to accomplish. Don’t be restricted by what others think you can do. It doesn’t mean it is simple or easy. But if you want something and work hard for it, you can achieve it. That is my advice today to young women I mentor and to my grandchildren. “Using the plain spoken language of the women and men who scratched out life on the hard scrabble plains in the early days of this young country Bev Scott crafts a sharp picture of the violence and the love that shaped the middle of this nation. Every river crossing, each spring planting reveals the conflicts inside the characters and their struggle to survive in contested territories.” ~Jewell Gomez, author of The Gilda Stories THE AUTHOR Bev specialized in serving executives and managers as a leadership coach and organizational consultant for over thirty-five years. She taught organization psychology and founded The 3rd Act, a program whose mission supports positive aging. As she grew into her own third act, she started a genealogical journey to uncover the details of her grandparents’ lives. She concluded that the story needed to be told as fiction using the known facts as her framework. “Sarah’s Secret: A Western Tale of Betrayal and Forgiveness,” Bev’s debut novel, is the culmination of her long-held desire tell the family story and confirm the whispered story about her grandfather. Bev previously focused on publishing non-fiction work, including the second edition of “Consulting on the Inside,” which she co-authored with Kim Barnes, published in 2011. She has written numerous professional articles and contributed to “70 Things to Do When You Turn 70,” edited by Ronnie Sellers and Mark Chimsky. Bev blogs on several sites, including her own, “The Writing Life” on www.bevscott.com. Bev enjoys traveling, visiting with friends, reading and spending time with her grandsons. She lives with her spouse in San Francisco. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | AMAZON | GOODREADS | PINTEREST Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/sarahssecretblogtour/ Hashtags: #SarahsSecretBlogTour #BeverlyScott #historical #historicalfiction #histfic #blogtour #books #western Twitter Tags: @hfvbt #AuthorInterview #AuthororTourGiveaway #HistoricalFiction #HistorialWestern

A READER'S OPINION Beverly Scott transports the reader to the late 1800s and the turn of the century in SARAH'S SECRET. Life as a pioneer was heavy with tribulations, deaths, disease, and struggles we can't imagine today. Ms. Scott gives the reader a glimpse into what life might have been like. It feels so real and true and even heartbreaking watching the characters overcome their hardships. A widow alone during a time made for men, Sarah had to be strong and she proved herself courageous. The research was very well done and I really felt like I was struggling with Sarah as she cared for her family and traveled dangerous territory. There are hints of a mystery but it didn't feel like a mystery. What keeps readers reading is wondering about Sarah's life and how she's going to make it through. SARAH'S SECRET is an engaging story from start to finish. Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : PG | Reviewed by : Kathy Scott BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Follow the paths of Sarah and Will (or Sam) as they tell their stories of trust, secrets, and betrayal on the frontier in the old West. Their pioneer spirit helped to fuel the expansion into the Western territories of the United States. The two are historically on their separate journeys, yet they remain intimately connected. Through the fictionalized Western frontier tale of Sam and Sarah, the author, Beverly Scott, was inspired to reveal rumored secrets from her family history. In 1878, Will is on the run after killing a man in a barroom gunfight. He escapes the Texas Rangers by joining a cattle drive as a cook headed to Dodge City. He struggles with the dilemma of saving his life or attempting to return to his pregnant wife and five children. Just when he thinks he might be able to return home, he is confronted by a bounty hunter who captures him and plans to return him to Fort Worth, Texas to be hanged. Although Will changes his name to Sam, he remains an irresponsible, lonely and untrustworthy man on the dodge from the law who abandons the women he loves. He ultimately seeks redemption and marries Sarah. In 1911, Sarah, a pioneer woman and widow with five children struggles to find the inner strength to overcome betrayal, loneliness, fears, and self-doubt. Her husband, Sam, thirty years her senior, died with a mysterious and defiant declaration, “I won’t answer!” Despite poverty and a crippling illness, she draws on her pioneer spirit to hold her family together and return to Nebraska to be near her parents and siblings. When Sarah returns to Nebraska she receives staggering news which complicates her efforts to support her children. She is shocked, angry and emotionally devastated. Since she is attempting to establish herself in the community as a teacher, she believes she must keep her secret even from her own family. Will Sarah find forgiveness in her heart and the resolve to accept her new life alone? Genre: Historical Fiction | Pub Date: December 14, 2016 | Page count: 306pp | Publisher: Word Project Press Format Read: Paperback | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalWesternRomance #2017Review

A READER'S OPINION Engaging and emotional! UNCOVERED by JB Schroeder is a romantic suspense novel that keeps the reader turning pages. Eddie Mackey returns home from military service when his wife committed suicide. After an unexpected revelation comes to light, he's determined to find out what really happened. Only one woman can give him insight into his wife's final words. Miranda Hill has an unusual job—she helps the dying record their final messages, and she recorded Miranda's. But did Eddie hear everything, or was there something else Miranda wanted to tell him? Miranda's life ends up in Eddie's hands and he vows to protect her, even if he didn't mean to fall for her. The attraction is intense and sexy in UNCOVERED. Eddie is a super-sexy alpha male and Miranda is a beautiful and fragile woman who has hidden strength. UNCOVERED is a great ride! Rating : 4 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts/R for language | Reviewed by : Kaylie Morgan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Eddie Mackey was busy defending his country when his wife supposedly committed suicide. A year later, he has a new mission: finding her murderer. The perfect starting point is the New York City photojournalist who filmed his wife’s last words. Except Miranda Hill won’t betray the secrets of the dead, especially when she has to protect the living. Not to mention, a terrifying accident left her with PTSD and enough danger to last a lifetime. The last thing she needs is a determined marine jeopardizing her hard-won stability. When Eddie’s investigation nearly costs Miranda her life, he adds protecting the gorgeous woman to the wrongs he must right. Sparks fly, even as it becomes clear they are embroiled in something far more sinister than they’d imagined. But higher stakes soon erode the tenuous trust Eddie and Miranda have built. With a killer determined to bury them, the only way to win is to dig deep—both inside and out—to uncover the truth and expose evil. Series: Unlikely Series, Book 2 Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense | Pub Date: August 29, 2017 | Page count: 274pp Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher via NetGalley #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomanticSuspense #2017Review