Willowkeep by Julie Daines -- Blog Tour

Willowkeep

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: June 1, 2016

ISBN13: 9781524400408

Paperback:

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Kingston upon Hull. When a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward.

Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.

Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.

My Review

I was instantly drawn into this book.  The characters were fascinating and well written.  Of course, I would read anything from this author, I truly love her books. Charlotte's character was intriguing and I loved her back story.  I appreciated how her "secrets" were revealed later on and loved the letters to Anne Boleyn, that was really fun.  I loved her devotion to her sister and the author notes at the end were very touching.  I did suspect a certain character's "intentions" early on, but I really liked how the plot all came together.  I loved Henry, another wonderful character full of selflessness and kindness.  I loved the author descriptions throughout and especially the detail of the Willowkeep estate.  I loved the story and the ending was wonderfully satisfying.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

June13th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

June14th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

June 15th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/

June16th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html, http://www.kindleandme.com/ 

June17th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 

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Played for a Fool by Stephanie Black -- Blog Tour

Played for a Fool

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant

Published: Sept. 5, 2015

ISBN: 9781680476507

Paperback: 336 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Three years ago, the small town of Britteridge was rocked by the senseless murder of Gail Ludlum. Now the people most affected by the tragedy have returned to the place where it all began, and the scene is set for the perfect revenge . . .
Megan O’Connor’s life was shattered when she was unwittingly drawn into a kidnapping plot that ultimately led to the murder of an innocent woman. Though the road to redemption has been long, she’s finally found happiness with her recent engagement to a wonderful man, a pillar of the community. But amid the chaos of wedding planning, the return of Gail Ludlum’s son to Britteridge sets in motion a disturbing sequence of events. Soon Megan finds herself the victim of a series of cruel deceptions that indicate one thing: her past mistakes have not been forgiven or forgotten. As the mischief escalates to dangerous levels, it becomes clear that someone is determined to avenge Gail’s death. And he won’t rest until he’s taken a life for a life. 

My Review

Stephanie is a master at this genre.  I had not read FOOL ME TWICE, and I think it would have helped me in the beginning when I first started reading, but Stephanie does a fantastic job of catching up the reader. Seriously, the one book I hadn't read of hers! :) Once I had everyone where they needed to be in my head, the story took off.  I loved the twist of knowing who the bad guy was and his "reasoning" of why he does what he does.  Creep city!  I also enjoyed the POV switches.  Bravo to Stephanie, again, for doing that so well, as she always does.  Poor Megan, though, poor Megan.  The twists in this book are awesome, and once you think the calm has come, look out!

5 out of 5 stars.  Did you hear me screaming from my house, because WOW!!  Don't make any plans until you are done reading, because you won't be able to stop.  With its heart-pounding suspense, you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough. 

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Tour Schedule 

*Sept. 28th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://iamareader.com/ 

*Sept.29th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

*Sept.30th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html

*Oct.1st: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*Oct.2nd: https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

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Love, Lucas by Chantele Sedgwick

Love, Lucas

Author: Chantele Sedgwick

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Published: May 5th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781632204172

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary

When Oakley Nelson loses her older brother, Lucas, to cancer, she thinks she’ll never recover. Between her parents’ arguing and the battle she’s fighting with depression, she feels nothing inside but a hollow emptiness. When Mom suggests they spend a few months in California with Aunt Jo, Oakley isn’t sure a change of scenery will alter anything, but she’s willing to give it a try.

In California, Oakley discovers a sort of safety and freedom in Aunt Jo’s beach house. Once they’re settled, Mom hands her a notebook full of letters addressed to her—from Lucas. As Oakley reads one each day, she realizes how much he loved her, and each letter challenges her to be better and to continue to enjoy her life. He wants her to move on.

If only it were that easy.

But then a surfer named Carson comes into her life, and Oakley is blindsided. He makes her feel again. As she lets him in, she is surprised by how much she cares for him, and that’s when things get complicated. How can she fall in love and be happy when Lucas never got the chance to do those very same things?

With her brother’s dying words as guidance, Oakley knows she must learn to listen and trust again. But will she have to leave the past behind to find happiness in the future?

My Review

Love, Lucas is sweet story about Oakley, trying to move on with her life after a tragedy and life changing events.  After the death of her brother, Lucas, Oakley and her mom move to California for the spring to try to distance themselves from the pain of losing him.  Oakley's mom gives her a notebook of letters written by Lucas that he wrote before he died, in hopes of helping her move on.  I absolutely loved this book.  I've told Chantele that I think she and I are kindred spirits, and I felt this way even more so reading this book.  The story flows nicely, and I enjoyed Oakley's journey of growth.  Carson was a ray of sunshine.  He lit up the pages.  Once Oakley got over her fears of self doubt and she let him in, it was fun to see their relationship progress.  When a tragedy strikes him, it was interesting to see how she would handle it.  My favorite thing about the book were the letters from Lucas.  They were sweet, funny, and a perfect way for Oakley to heal.  Be brave and try new things, what a perfect motto for us all.

4 out of 5 stars.  A clean book with great characters and enjoyable story.  I will read anything from this author.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Letters to My Future Husband by Lisa McKendrick -- Blog Tour

Letters to My Future Husband

Author: Lisa McKendrick

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: February 10th, 2015

Paperback: 240 pages

ISBN13: 9781462115539

FTC FYI: Received a PDF copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Sophie doesn’t know what kind of man she’s looking for, so her father suggests she write letters to her future husband—and come to know him in the process. But Sophie soon learns her letters aren’t the most reliable key to her heart. This hilarious coming-of-age novel is a guaranteed laugh-out-loud read you’ll want to share with all your friends.

My Review

When Sophie is little, her father breaks the news to her that she can't marry him.  She is heartbroken.  Dad encourages her to write letters to her future husband in order to get to know the type of man she would want to marry.  Sophie writes mostly about the crush she has on brother's friend, Hanno.  Forward 10 years, Sophie is in Italy and runs into Hanno.  They spend the day together and she is instantly smitten again.  Until, he takes her to his place.  She leaves in a rush when Hanno passes out, and his roommate Peter helps her back to where she is staying.  After a series of events (all are hilarious), they end up kissing in the rain, and she runs away from him.  Jump another 10 years, Sophie is back home for Christmas, and is surprised that Hanno is getting married.  Peter is there and it starts a chain of events that don't stop until the last until the last page.

This book is very funny.  Oh, the things that Sophie thinks.  Peter is wonderful.  Sophie's boyfriend Griffin, not so much.  I really enjoyed where this story goes.  Even though I was very happy with the ending, I thought a couple things weren't resolved, and I wanted more letters, but all in all, Letters to My Future Husband is full of laughs, humor, and fun.  Sophie is a great character, but Peter stole the show for me.  Loved him!

4 out of 5 stars.

Author Links

Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book 

For Elise by Sarah M. Eden -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

For Elise

Author: Sarah M. Eden

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: September 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-787-8

Paperback: 258 pages

Regency romance

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

In the sprawling gardens of their neighboring estates, childhood friends Miles and Elise spent countless pleasant days together in the spirited adventures of youth. They were inseparable—until Elise vanished without a trace. Miles searched, but Elise could not—or would not—be found.

After years spent laboring on the family plantation in the West Indies, Miles Linwood is shocked by the unexpected news: he has inherited his distant cousin’s estate and the title of Marquess of Grenton. Miles’s return to England is tarnished by only one thing—he is still haunted by Elise’s mysterious disappearance. So when he glimpses a woman with a startling resemblance to his lost friend, he’s shaken to the core. This is no mere shadow of the past: it is truly Elise. But his dear friend has changed—to the point that he questions whether it is really her, though he knows it is. Accustomed to rescuing Elise from childhood escapades, Miles takes her and those in her care back to his estate, even as he struggles to understand her fear and mistrust. As their friendship and feelings slowly blossom again, the shocking truth of their separated years is revealed, and Miles realizes more than ever that he must protect Elise. She slipped away once, and he cannot lose her again.

My Review

Miles finds his long-lost friend Elise and is surprised to see that she has a child.  He takes them both right away to his estate.  Elise is very close lipped and Miles can tell that Elise is troubled.  Little does he know it has everything to do with him.  Elise is a widow now and has been raising her daughter with her mother-in-law.  They have survived on close to nothing, and it is hard to Elise to accept Miles's help, even though she has so little.  Once they arrive at Miles's home, mysterious things start happening.  Can Elise let go of the past and ask for help?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I loved Miles, he had me at the first page.  His humor, spirit, and especially his devotion, will make him a character that I will compare others to.  All of the characters are magnificent.  Elise especially.  I also really liked Mr. Langley, Miles's brother-in-law.  He was a great comic relief.  His sister Beth was a delight, too.  I really enjoyed the turn the story took with Elise and the secrets she was keeping.  The romance with a touch of mystery added in, was a perfect mix.  I liked how the events came about and one thing really surprised me!

5 out of 5 stars.  A perfect book from a perfect author.  I will read anything from Sarah.  Her books are always well-written and entertaining.  

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Blog Tour Schedule:

*September 15th: http://www.charissastastny.com/, http://www.minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

*September 16th:  http://www.iamareader.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com

*September 17th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://bookgeekreviews.com/

*September 18th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.fireandicereads.com/

*September 19th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://brooklynberrydesigns.com

*September 20th: http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

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