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31 March 2016

Diana's Spring Favorites!


Spring is by far my favorite season of the year! It's a time of renewed hope, beautiful weather, light gentle rains, spring flowers, and more great books! Here is my spring list of favorite books I have read so far in 2016 in no particular order.

*Click on to title to order any of these wonderful books!*


A Worthy Heart By Susan Ann Mason
Susan Anne Mason has penned a mesmerizing, impassioned Irish American saga of two families whose lives intertwine at the lovely and affluent estate—the O'Leary stables, Irish Meadows, in 1914 Long Island, New York.

Charity's Cross By MaryLu Tyndall
MaryLu Tyndall takes the reader off on a turbulent, exhilarating seafaring journey—from the perils of frothy, turquoise waters filled with swashbuckling pirates and a dangerous jungle replete with exotic birds, foliage, and uncivilized natives—to the beauties of the Caribbean with its warm breezes, swaying palms, sugar cane, and tropical fruits of the West Indies.

The Steeplechase By Carrie Fancett Pagels
Carrie Fancett Pagels has written an outstanding, detailed story that is so jam-packed it reads like a full length novel. Action, intrigue, spies, breathtaking romance—it's all in there!

Beyond The Silence By Tracie Peterson & Kim Woodhouse
Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse have successfully teamed up to pen an intriguing, heartwarming read about a young woman who travels to the lush, rolling hills of California seeking to fulfill her dreams and finds much more than she bargains for—a chance at love and life threatening danger stalking her every move.

Sense And Sensibility By Sarah Price
What transpires when you blend Jane Austen's memorable characters with Sarah Price's unique Amish voice? A captivating classic retelling of Sense and Sensibility is born!

Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd
Lovers of Gothic & Victorian era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside!

A Flight Of Arrows By Lori Benton
I just finished reading an ARC of this historical masterpiece!! Review coming up later on OWG! Be sure to pre-order a copy by clicking on to title above this coverrelease date April 19!

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MY SPRING TBR LIST!

Sofi's Bridge By Christine Lindsay


Dawn At Emberwilde By Sarah E. Ladd


The Beautiful Pretender By Melanie Dickerson

Do you have any good 2016 book recommendations for me??
~HAPPY READING~

GIVEAWAY: One blessed commenter will win a $10 Amazon gift card! To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

29 March 2016

Bonnie Roof Reviews 'Back In The Saddle' By Ruth Logan Herne

Multnomah, Mar. 2016

Reviewed By Bonnie Roof
~5 stars~!

"A BEAUTIFUL STORY OF FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, FAITH, AND LOVE"!!!
 
When prodigal son and Wall Street financier Colt Stafford is implicated in a Ponzi scheme resulting in his assets either being frozen or lost, he returns home to work on the Double S. Ranch on which he was raised in small town Grays Glen, Wa.. Arriving earlier than expected, he is met with the click of his father's gun in the hands of Angelina Morales, housekeeper and caregiver for his father Sam - who is recovering from an accident and other health issues.

When Colt disappointed his father by seeking a career in New York City - it complicated an already tense relationship with not only his father but also his brother Nick who was left to manage the ranch when Colt left. Nick is frustrated by additional personal issues which have resulted in his raising two young daughters alone.

No-nonsense, take-charge, efficient Angelina, a former police detective, is hiding secrets that caused her to leave a career she loved and retreat to the ranch with her widowed mother and young son - to secure their safety.

Sam Stafford was left a bitter, demanding man, interested in advancing his assets at any cost, after the death of his wife, Colt's mother, at a young age. Encouraged by Angelina's faith and the realization of his own mortality, Sam is determined to redeem himself by making amends and reconciling his family - while Colt and Angelina struggle between returning to the careers they love and their increasing attraction for each other.

"Back in the Saddle", the first in the Double S. Ranch series by Ruth Logan Herne, is a powerful novel of reconciliation, forgiveness, hope, faith, love, and self-awareness. I look forward to reuniting with the realistic, engaging characters in future novels of the series.

I was provided a free copy of "Back in the Saddle" in return for my honest opinion, which I have given.

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: A paperback or e-book copy of Back in the Saddle -- winners choice of format! (outside of US -- ebook only.) To be eligible please leave a comment & your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourselves from spammers.

 

27 March 2016

Resurrection by Teresa S. Mathews

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said...
Matthew 28:6

RESURRECTION

The first day of the week broke with Heaven’s glorious light.       
Looking at the beauty you would never know there had been a fight.
                                                                                                                    
Three days before, GOD’s Son, Jesus, had been killed.
Crucified upon a cross, on Golgotha’s horrid hill.

All the powers of evil thought that they had won.
They knew they had succeeded in destroying GOD’s only Son.

Never again would He show His Father’s love for fallen man.
They were so proud they had finally stopped Salvation’s plan.
                                                                                                                                     
Oh, but when JESUS showed up knocking at death’s door, 
All hell began to tremble, death had lost its power forever more!
                                                                                                                                   
Jesus was the victor, over death, hell and the grave. 
He was the final sacrifice for mankind to be saved.
                                                                                                                                     
The words He spoke are still the same as they were back then:  
“I AM the Resurrection and the Life, believe on me and you shall live again!”

© Teresa S Mathews 2016


…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, 
though he were dead, yet shall he live: 
John 11:25




24 March 2016

Diana's Review Of Bride Of A Distant Isle By Sandra Byrd





Reviewed By Diana Flowers
(No Spoilers!)
~5 Stars~

Riveting Historical Fiction!

With the sweep of her pen, author Sandra Byrd has written an exotic, intriguing Victorian era novel with a permeating aura of mystery—wrapping an invisible veil around the reader and ensnaring them until that last exquisite page is turned.

A school teacher for young ladies in Winchester, England, Annabel Ashton is summoned for a seemingly short visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall, near the sea. However, she finds herself at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge, and is unable to leave. Highcliffe Hall is to go up for sale, and much to Annabel's horror Edward has promised her to a evil, menacing man of means. She has little say so in the matter as she was born the half Maltese, illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum, making Edward and his wife heirs to Highcliffe. But soon sinister secrets surround Annabel as she starts to exhibit disquieting behavior—and jewelry, portraits, and other items begin to mysteriously appear, suggesting that she may be the true heiress of Highcliffe after all. Can she trust the handsome Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua to help her, or is he just using her as means to an end?

Lovers of Gothic era authors such as Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Dapne du Maurier, and even Julie Klassen fans, are sure to delight in this suspenseful, well written novel—intertwining the exotic allure of the island of Malta and the beauty of the English seaside. I never knew anything about Malta and the author's amazing research of the island's people and customs totally fascinated me. There was more than one time I wanted to thump Annabel on the head and say, "Do something!" until she finally read my thoughts and DID something that knocked the props right out from under me! To say I was shocked would be an understatement! And oh, the hunky, romantic hero...be still my heart! Although the story may appear dark from the description, the playful, humorous quips between the two main characters, the balls, shipboard dinners, and fireworks (real and those between the hero and heroine!), keep it from being so. With many haunting plot twists, vivid detail, and a mesmerizing plot, this is one novel I'll long remember!


"Alla fine andrà tutto bene se non andrà bene, non e le fine".
"All will be well in the end; if it's not well, then it's not the end."
~Quote From Bride of a Distant Isle~

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Thanks to Howard Books for providing me with a copy of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review.

This novel may be purchased through Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstore.

GIVEAWAY: Sandra Byrd is generously giving away a paperback copy of Bride of a Distant Isle to one blessed commenter AND a gorgeous cameo bookmark to another! *US entrants only.* To be eligible please leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Beautiful Cameo Bookmarks By Nicole Laverdure!

22 March 2016

Tracie Peterson's "A Treasure Concealed" - Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels



Blurb: Emily Carver wants a home where she can put down roots instead of following her gold-hungry father from one mining camp to another. She also longs for tenderness and love, both of which are missing in her life. Yet when she realizes she's losing her heart to the intriguing new man in camp, she fiercely fights her feelings, afraid that love will only result in disappointment and heartache.

Caeden Thibault, a young geologist, comes to Montana to catalog minerals indigenous to the state. He's a serious and guarded young man trying to escape the pain of his past. He has avoided all romantic entanglements, fearing he might become like his abusive father. But something about Emily Carver has caught his attention, something he never expected. . . .


Will these two broken souls allow God to bring healing and hope to their hurting hearts?

Carrie Fancett Pagels' Audiobook Review
Five Stars *****

A Gem of a Story!
First of all, since I didn't read the blurb closely on the audiobook listing, I didn't know the characters' names. So I found myself wondering at the name Caden Tebow (sounded like football player Tim Tebow's name) and I thought that was a little odd. Now that I see in the blurb that the name is Thibault, that makes sense to me. We have lots of Thibaults where I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but after not hearing that name in decades, but having heard so much about Tim Tebow, I thought that was interesting that Tracie was borrowing his last name -- which she wasn't!!!

This is the first book in a new 1890's series set in Montana, where Tracie lives. Emily is a sweet and very sympathetic heroine. She's known so much hardship in her life and she's losing her mother to a prolonged illness. Caeden hasn't known what family is. While Emily longs for a home (really she longs for a house that is a real house and not a tent or a rickety cabin) Caeden seeks to avoid making the mistakes his parents made and to find a home based on love and respect. Both have a tough spiritual journey and need to get straight with God about their hardened hearts. Tracie masterfully weaves the redemption thread into the story.

With lots of action and bad guys you want to string up yourself, this also has a strong romance. Great narrator, who is perfect for the story.

What are those rocks that Mr. Carver keeps finding? They aren't gold, but are they sapphires?  There are two more books coming in this series -- looking forward to hearing more!

Bibliotherapy elements: Poverty, loss, death of a parent, injuries, and the need to find faith. 

Giveaway: This week on OWG blog we're giving away a copy of A Treasure Concealed, winner's choice of format. Winner's choice of format (OPEN to international readers also, A Treasure Concealed is available through Book Depository!) 




20 March 2016

5 Steps on My MS Battle Plan - By Tracie Peterson

Author Tracie Peterson
MS and MS by Tracie Peterson

Sometimes things come to us out of nowhere and we can’t help but wonder what God has planned. That’s the way it was when I was diagnosed with not one, but three different auto-immune disorders, one of which is Multiple Sclerosis.  Until that moment, MS had always stood for manuscript – not a life changing disease.
Tracie's Office
 Finding out I had MS sent me into a whole different area of research. No one in my family has MS so there was no one close to go to and learn about the disorder. God put me in touch with some really great people, however, and over the years I’ve learned a lot. I’ve also seen how God has been at work.
Tracie's Montana Mountains
MS symptoms are different in different folks, but one of the worst symptoms is the fatigue and memory loss.  For a writer, both of those things interfere a great deal. When I was first diagnosed it wasn’t unusual for me to sleep up to 18-20 hours a day. Most folks didn’t understand – doesn’t everyone get tired? But this was different. I was exhausted to such a degree that I could barely move. The memory loss showed up in forgetting words or thoughts. I’d be working on my manuscript and come to a word that I just couldn’t bring to mind. It was so frustrating and worrisome, but God has shown me how to turn even that over to Him. When I come to those places where the word or words won’t come, I just leave myself a blank and come back to it later. I also started making lists for just about everything. For the exhaustion I’ve learned to pace myself and take naps. The doctor also had an amazing medication that has helped.
Tracie's MS Hoodie!

Everybody has something in life that interferes in some way. It might not be a disorder or disease, but there will always be those things that come to us and create havoc and frustration. There are a lot more things that we can’t change, than those we can so why let those issues run our lives or worse yet ruin them? For me, it’s a matter of refusing to yield territory to the enemy and in order to do that—I have to have a battle plan.

My plan goes something like this.
 1) Pray and spend time in God’s Word.
 2) Humble myself and admit my weaknesses, but focus on my strengths.
 3)  Understand that sometimes the answer doesn’t look like I think it should.
 4)  Keep a positive attitude – commit it all to God
 5) Use my problem to encourage others and lead them back to the source of strength – Jesus.


Your battle plan will probably look different. It might be longer or shorter, but the important thing is to have one and let God run the show.

CFP: Thanks so much Tracie for sharing with us and our readers! We love your writing!!! Great Battle Plan!

Giveaway: A copy of Tracie Peterson's latest book (which I am listening to now on audiobook!) A Treasure Concealed. Winner's choice of format (OPEN to international readers also, the book is available through Book Depository!) Question: Do you have a "Battle Plan" to address health issues in your life or a loved ones' life? 

17 March 2016

A Lady in Defiance by Heather Blanton Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels



A Lady in Defiance (Romance in the Rockies - Book 1)
Audiobook Review - Audiobook released October 2015, narrator Angel Clark

Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Strong Voice - Fiesty Heroine!
Heather Blanton's strong voice carries this hearty story set in American west in a shabby mining town that aspires to be more. At least its self-appointed owner Charles McIntyre wants Defiance to tarnish off its reputation to entice the railroad to come to "his" town.

It has been two years since I first picked up the Kindle version of Heather Blanton's powerful story. I will admit I was put off when the heroine's husband (SPOILER ALERT!!!) who quickly became a man I found very heroic, died. I felt tricked. Cheated.  I was angry. I put it aside.  Then I recently decided to listen to the audiobook version. The narration was very good. I decided to give the story a chance.

My son has recently been talking about how authors are increasingly having an anti-hero as a hero. I am not keen on this trend. On the other hand, it gives the character a potentially huge character arc. That's what you have in this novel. McIntyre isn't remotely lovable when we meet him in the ghastly godless town of Defiance. 

I really loved Naomi and her sisters. Naomi is one of the strongest heroines I have encountered in a long time. I would even go so far as to compare her characterization, and Ms. Blanton's creation of her, to that of the classic Francine Rivers book that is so highly acclaimed.

There is not a lot of spit and polish nor much veneer on this western story. Gritty determination sets the town. Multiple points of view do make the story line a tad confusing at times especially on audiobook. But, given that this is a series, my expectation is that in the next stories we'll hear more from those characters.

There's a wicked antagonist you will love to hate, which presents a bit of a conundrum. Because as much as we detest her, she's in part been pushed there by MacIntyre, the anti-hero/hero! Wickedness and satanic worship surround the innocent sisters as they fight to start a new life and a business in this lawless town.

Bibliotherapy: Loss of a spouse, loss of life's dreams, alcoholism, need for faith, perseverance,  unplanned pregnancy and new beginnings. Ms. Blanton's dedication of the story to her sister, included at the beginning of the book, is very moving.

Great narration, strong voice, powerful characterization, and strong and unique storyline make this a compelling listen!

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GIVEAWAY: Surprise Box of Books to one commenter!

PLEASE ANSWER WITH A COMMENT TO ENTER: Naomi went through many trials on her journey west. What encouragement would you offer to someone who has lost a wonderful husband?

15 March 2016

Noela reviews A GLIMMER OF HOPE by Julie Lessman

A Glimmer of Hope

A Glimmer of Hope: A Novella Prequel to Isle of Hope
Julie Lessman LLC (March 1, 2016)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
5 Stars *****

Love, passion, and faith

Julie Lessman adeptly weaves intense passion into a heart-rending, candid tale of a powerful love that’s battered by the cruel assault of rejection, insecurity, and unbelief. Prepare to be swept up in the lives and soul-deep love of the all too human characters Lacey and Jack, as a battle of natural-self versus spirit creates a compelling and riveting reading experience.

Eighteen year old Lacey Carmichael’s father makes her feel worthless by berating and belittling her way too often. This makes Lacey desperate for affirmation and love from other sources. Namely Jack. Reliable and loving Jack O’Bryen, whom she’s known since childhood and makes her feel special. He’s always been there to comfort her and pull her together but with Jack being away at college, Lacey’s insecurities increase exponentially. Influenced by her wayward friend Nicki, and distressed by fights with her dad; Lacey’s need for intimacy reaches an all-time high when Jack arrives home.

Jack deeply respects and admires his preacher father, and is happily following in his footsteps. Jack’s faith and relationship with God means everything to him. Jack is also thoroughly and passionately in love with Lacey, and needing one too many cold showers. Will Jack be able to resist the temptations and demands that Lacey places upon him while reassuring her of his love? Or might Lacey drive him away? Can there be a glimmer of hope for a love that’s so strong, yet so vulnerable?

I should be used to Julie Lessman’s striking writing-style by now after having read every one of her novels, but still I find myself in awe of Julie’s passion and heart for the broken—expressively and eloquently interlaced throughout. This would be an invaluable book for the dating Christian. If you haven’t read the ‘Isle of Hope’ which follows on from this novella, it is an exceptionally breathtaking must-read and I wholeheartedly recommend both books!

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You may purchase this bargain-priced novella from here: AMAZON

GIVEAWAY: We have TWO e-book copies of 'A Glimmer of Hope for giveaway! Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of them! Leave your email to be eligible, using (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers. 


13 March 2016

Giveaway and Endorsement by Author Rita Gerlach of The Steeplechase by Carrie Fancett Pagels


Review/Endorsement by Author Rita Gerlach, Dusk to Dawn Inspirational Fiction, :

The Steeple Chase (Forget Me Not Romances) by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a heartwarming story that takes readers on a 19th century ride through 1810 Virginia. The characters are examples of the Virginians of their day, with one adventurous heroine--- the brave and determined Martha Osborne. Martha disguises herself as a man in order to 'race to the steeple' in hopes of winning so she can to bring her young brother Johnny back to her. Who doesn't love a heroine willing to put everything on the line for another? The romance and plot twists, the fleshed out characters, horses and races, will truly satisfy readers. 

About Rita - Rita Gerlach is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian fiction. She is a breast cancer survivor who incorporates her overcoming journey into her newer fiction. Her new release, After the Rain, is a beautiful Edwardian story but you'll find many of her books are set in the colonial era. 

CFP: THANK you so much, Rita, for this lovely endorsement!

GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The Steeplechase (USA only, ebook option open to all.) Have you read a story set in the early 1800s in Virginia? Get extra entry points by signing up for my newsletter (if you are already a newsletter subscriber put "newsy" in your comment!)

10 March 2016

A Glimmer of Hope by Julie Lessman Reviewed by Bonnie Roof


A Glimmer of Hope by Author Julie Lessman
Review by Bonnie Roof
5 Stars *****

Since their first kiss - pastor's son, seminary-bound Jack O'Bryen has known he will always love tomboy neighbor Lacey Carmichael. Sharing his faith - her witty, full-of-life personality is the perfect attraction for his sensibility and seriousness.

Eighteen-year-old Lacey has loved Jack since she was twelve years old. Her surgeon father Ben's continual rejection, verbal and emotional abuse compel her to seek affirmation of being loved through Jack's expressions of affection. Determined to serve God and feeling intense pressure and spiritual conflict, Jack meets Lacey's amorous advances with resistance.

When Lacey allows cousin Nicki to lead her astray by plotting to make Jack jealous through furthering the attentions of "bad-boy" Royce Barrister, Ben's abuse intensifies. Lacey's search for consolation becomes even more bold and Jack is forced to make serious decisions affecting their relationship and his faith.

"A Glimmer of Hope" is the prequel to Julie Lessman's emotional,  compelling story of hope and forgiveness , "Isle of Hope". Previous readers of "Isle of Hope" will love learning the background of Jack and Lacey, new readers will more fully appreciate Lacey's transformation after reading "A Glimmer of Hope".

Never have another prequel and novel touched my heart as deeply as have "A Glimmer of Hope" and "Isle of Hope". Based on Julie Lessman's relationship with her father, the realism of the characters and life situations takes readers through a gamut of emotions - alternately ripping the heart out through empathy for the characters, then filling it with joy through their redemption by a loving God. The story of Jack and Lacey is one to which many readers will relate/have related - it's reviews bearing testimony of His using it's power to inspire, heal emotional pain, and change lives of readers.


Giveaway: Julie Lessman has generously donated THREE eBook giveaways of "A Glimmer of Hope"!! For contact purposes be sure to leave your email address written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.
 

09 March 2016

Shelley Gray's Secrets of Sloane House - Audiobook Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels



Secrets of Sloane House Book Blurb: Against the backdrop of the 1893 World’s Fair, a young woman finds employment with an illustrious Chicago family—a family who may guard the secret of her sister’s disappearance.

Sloane House is among the most gilded mansions of Gilded Age Chicago. Rosalind Perry, the new housemaid, pours the morning coffee before the hard gaze of her mistress.

“It’s simple, Rosalind,” she says. “I am Veronica Sloane, heiress to one of the country’s greatest fortunes. You are simply one in a long line of unsuitable maids.”

Back on the farm in Wisconsin, Rosalind’s plan had seemed logical: Move to Chicago. Get hired on at Sloane House. Discover what transpired while her sister worked as a maid there—and follow the clues to why she disappeared.

Now, as a live-in housemaid to the Sloanes, Rosalind realizes her plan had been woefully simple-minded.

She was ignorant of the hard, hidden life of a servant in a big, prominent house; of the divide between the Sloane family and the people who served them; and most of all, she had never imagined so many people could live in such proximity and keep such dark secrets.
Ferris Wheel from the Chicago World's Fair


My review of Secrets of Sloane House: This book was well done but pretty dark as it was dealing with a gritty topic. What would you do if your sister went missing while working as a servant in the home of a prominent Chicago family? And what would you do if your father went to investigate and was given the runaround by the family and the police. Wisconsin farmgirl, Rosalind seeks to find the answers by becoming a maid in the Sloane household. Her reactions are well written and the narrator did a great job of bringing the character to life.

I listened to a download of Secrets of Sloane house from audible.com.  I had also purchased a kindle copy last year when it released but ended up busy writing my own books (and recovering from major surgery!), but after learning this year that there was an audiobook I listened to that, instead and was rewarded with a very good listen. This was a little dark for my taste in general but Ms. Gray does a good job of not dwelling upon each attack's detail. However, that results in the sensation of the crimes almost feeling trivialized, although I am sure that isn't the intention. There's a fine balance in Christian fiction to address difficult realities of a story without crossing the line. If you enjoy a little edgier suspense this is well written and you'll enjoy the narrator, too.

This has been an interesting series. I'm glad I listened to the second book first. It is much more uplifting. As a psychologist for twenty-five years, I've heard enough tragic stories to last me a lifetime but I wanted to listen to this book, too, and I'm glad I did.

Question: Do you prefer edgier/grittier fiction and if so, why?

03 March 2016

Alarmingly Charmed by Debra E. Marvin's Novella - Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels


Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin is a novella in the Austen in Austin Collection. The novella is available in ebook. The complete collection is available in ebook and in paperback from WhiteFire Publishing ( 2016).


This fourth Austen in Austin novella is based on Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. 

Blurb: As travel companion to her condescending cousin, Philadelphian Kathryn Morton dreamily anticipates a week in the Wild West as the best cure for meekness. After a long rail journey and a steady diet of gothic dime novels, she shivers, despite the Texas heat, at the ghastly tales of the Austin Axe Murderer. Kathryn has little time to fret, given the competing attentions of quiet rancher Harmon Gray and elegant gentleman Jonathan Wellington. With her new-found confidence and her boundless imagination, she sets out to solve the mystery of Hyde Park Cemetery before another student flees Austen Abbey. Only then can she return home to her English-born parents as an independent American woman. A woman in love. But on the stormiest of nights, Kathryn learns that solving the mystery may destroy a future with the man she’s fallen for in a big Texas way. 

Austen in Austin (WhiteFire, 2016)


Absolutely Loved -- Was "Alarmingly Charmed!!!"*
Five Stars *****

(Beautiful covers are from WhiteFire's Roseanna White, the publisher.)

*I don't want to confuse anyone as to the title but I had fun with my title for this review. Deb Marvin's novella is called "Alarming Charming" and I thought I would be cute and entitle my review with tongue-in-cheek that I was "Alarmingly Charmed" but I don't mean to cause any confusion!

This is a novella you can read in one night AND you will want to, unless you can force yourself to simply SAVOR!!!

I loved Kathryn and Harmon right away! Debra E. Marvin does a fabulous job of making both the hero and heroine so sympathetic (not at all wimpy, though, don't get that idea!) as well as strong and unique. That is a tough job for an author especially in a novella and she pulls it off fantastically.

This novella has a full-bodied feel and leaves you satisfied as if you have read a full-length novel. With the uniqueness of the story and the adorable suspenseful twists, I was completely wrapped up in this read and can't wait to dive into Deb's novella Desert Duet (I don't care that it is a Christmas novella, I want to read more of her writing!)

Giveaway: We're giving away an ebook copy of Debra E. Marvin's novella. Answer this question: Which Jane Austen book is your favorite?




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