A Heart Revealed by Josi S. Kilpack

A Heart Revealed

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: April 7th, 2015

ISBN13: 9781609079901

Paperback: 336 pages

FTC FYI: Received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Amber Marie Sterlington, the Rage of the Season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men, and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord?

But when Amber’s social standing is threatened, the character of her future husband becomes far more important than his position. After a public humiliation, she finds herself exiled to Yorkshire. Alone except for her maid, Amber is faced with a future she never expected in a circumstance far below what she has known all her life. Humbled and lonely, Amber begins to wonder if isolation is for the best. Who could ever love her now?

My Review

First off, I want to congratulate Josi on this amazing book.  It is already getting rave reviews, and I now that I am finished I can see why!  Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, and so on and so on, all agree it is a fabulous book.  Way to go, Josi!!

This book was beautiful.  The writing was flawless and the characters were strong and developed well.  I loved how the author took her time in helping the reader learn to like Amber, because I admit, I didn't like her at first.  I LOVED Suzanne.  She was so wonderful.  I loved how she was with Amber and how she didn't take any guff from her, and was brave enough to tell her.   I loved how their relationship grew into a treasured friendship.  I also loved when Amber was sent to Yorkshire, her friendship/relationship with Thomas took time and I appreciated the fact that Thomas knew some things about her that Amber didn't know and how they learned to love each other.  One of my favorite things happened at the end of the story with Amber's sister Darra, I was in tears.  As the story progressed, my heart broke for Amber, not knowing what was happening to her and learning her new life in her tiny cottage.  I loved how she learned to take care of herself and appreciated her friendship and need for Suzanne.  I honestly could go on and on, but you will need to read it for yourself, and love it as much as I did.

5 ouf 5 stars!  Josi is also the author of the Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery series, another favorite of mine.  Plus many other novels and novellas.  She is amazing, and I am a huge fan of her writing and Josi herself.

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook 

Purchase Links

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Torn Canvas by Donna K. Weaver -- Blog Tour/Giveaway

Torn Canvas (Safe Harbors #2)

Author: Donna K. Weaver

Publisher: Emerald Arch Publishing

Published: June 16th, 2014

ASIN: B00KJ79O10

Kindle edition: 275 pages

Book Summary 

Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Jori struggles to make a new life for himself as an artist while evading the press. They expect a hero, but he knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.

Olivia Howard’s given up a normal life for her job, and the sacrifices are finally paying off. The twenty-six-year-old talk-show host’s ratings are heading to the top of the charts. Her dream is to make a difference in people’s lives, but the studio wants mind fluff—like interviewing hot model Jori Virtanen. When Olivia learns the guy helped rescue passengers on a cruise excursion from kidnappers, she knows this is the story she needs to make her case. The only problem is the hero was injured, and now he’s disappeared.

The more Olivia learns about the man behind the scar, the more intrigued she becomes. But Jori is no girl’s happily ever after. Once she finds him, Olivia has to free his heart and heal the beast.

My Review

Torn Canvas is another strong offering from Donna Weaver.  I loved how we were able to see the pirate attack from Jori's point of view and what he went through after to get his life back together.  Not only does he have an injury, his life needs changing.  I also enjoyed the switching of POVs from Jori and Olivia.  I was glad for the primary focus to be on Jori, but I did really like Olivia.  Jori is a very complex character.  In Torn Canvas, we are able to learn more about his past, why he is the way he is.  I also loved reading about what others on the cruise went through waiting to hear news about Lyn and Braedon.    


Donna has done another amazing job with Torn Canvas.  Her writing just gets better and better.  If you have not read A Change of Plans, I would start with that one.  Donna does a great job of giving the reader some catch up details, but I feel you will enjoy Torn Canvas more having that background information.  

Author Information:

Author of the Safe Harbors series and Second Chances 101, Book 5 in the Ripple Effect series. A wife, mother, grandmother, Harry Potter geek, Army veteran, and karate black belt.

Contact the author: donnakweaver@gmail.com

Find the author on:

Blog | Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | Google+

Purchase Links

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SAFE HARBORS SERIES BOOKS SYNOPSIS:

A Change of Plans - Book 1 in the Safe Harbors series

     When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old Colorado high school teacher wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive. 

     However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. But Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic. 

     Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. However, paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

Hope’s Watch - A Safe Harbors Short Story

     Elle Reinhardt loves people and has a gift for turning groups of strangers into friends. When she talks her best friend Lyn into taking a month-long Pacific cruise, Elle is in her element, gathering fellow passengers to her. But things go horribly wrong when a ship excursion ends in death and disaster at the hands of modern-day pirates.

     Filled with her own emotional wounds from the experience, Elle tries desperately to buoy up the grieving loved ones as they wait for news on those lost at sea. Malcolm Armstrong, friend of one of the missing men, arrives to act as family spokesman. Elle knows it’s unreasonable, but she resents his presence. When Mal offers the strength she so desperately needs, will she be able to let go of her animosity and accept his support?

     This eBook-exclusive short story includes special excerpts from both A Change of Plans and Torn Canvas.

Torn Canvas - Book 2 in the Safe Harbors series (June 2014)

     Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Jori struggles to make a new life for himself as an artist while evading the press. They expect a hero, but he knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast. 

     Olivia Howard’s given up a normal life for her job, and the sacrifices are finally paying off. The twenty-six-year-old talk-show host’s ratings are heading to the top of the charts. Her dream is to make a difference in people’s lives, but the studio wants mind fluff—like interviewing hot model Jori Virtanen. When Olivia learns the guy helped rescue passengers on a cruise excursion from kidnappers, she knows this is the story she needs to make her case. The only problem is the hero was injured, and now he’s disappeared. 

     The more Olivia learns about the man behind the scar, the more intrigued she becomes. But Jori is no girl’s happily ever after. Once she finds him, will Olivia be able to free his heart and heal the beast?

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Ruby's Secret by Heather B. Moore

Ruby's Secret (The Newport Ladies Book Club)

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: October 1st, 2013

Paperback: 240 pages

ISBN13: 9781621084600

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

Goodreads Summary 

Welcome to the Newport Ladies Book Club series:

At age sixty-two, life is finally beginning for newly widowed Ruby Crenshaw. Her son is grown and gone, and after long years spent as a loyal wife to her charming but unfaithful husband, she’s ready to live the life she’s always dreamed of. Her resolve is firm: she’ll never make the mistake of giving her heart to another man.

The first step in Ruby’s quest for a carefree lifestyle was to create the Newport Ladies Book Club, an unlikely gathering of women who have been her haven. Now she’s ready to take her newfound independence a step further—along with her friends from the local senior center, Ruby is jetting off to a much-needed Greece adventure. What she isn’t prepared for is Gabriel—the group’s tour guide—a native Greek and a true gentleman. His unquestionable charm is hard to resist. But resist she must—because no matter their growing attraction, Ruby is not about to fall for charming again!

My Review

I was so excited to have the chance to read a Newport Ladies book from Ruby's point of view.  She has long been a favorite of mine in this series by these amazing authors.  Ruby has such a kind heart and manor about her that makes her the caretaker of the group.  I have been anxiously awaiting her story.  Heather told Ruby's story with care and creativity.  I loved the adventure that Ruby takes in this book.  I was also happy to see that Ruby was doing something for herself.  I loved how she found fun at the senior center.  Even though she is reluctant to go to Greece because of it's hard memories, Ruby finds a friend in Gabriel.  Although he had some things to get over too, I loved what comes of their relationship.  Ruby not only learns to trust someone else, she learns to let go of a hurtful past.  It helps that I was a huge fan of Gabriel's from the beginning, and of course having a whole book dedicated to Ruby was a plus for me. 

5 out of 5 stars.  Heather is the author of many amazing books.  Her releases this year include:  Heart of the Ocean, Esther the Queen, Finding Sheba, Aliso Creek Novellas, and Timeless Romance Anthologies.

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Do Over by Shannon Guymon

Do Over

Author: Shannon Guymon

Publisher: Bonneville (Cedar Fort)

Published: February 12, 2013

ISBN13: 9781462111541

Genre: Romance

Paperback: 185 pages

Summary (Goodreads)

Who wouldn't be tired of dating after falling for the wrong woman over and over again? Trey has decided to take a much-needed break from the fairer sex, until Iris tumbles into his life. Their romance will either be a disaster waiting to happen or the best fairy tale since Sleeping Beauty.

My Review 

I liked Iris instantly.  Especially when she moves to Alpine, changes her clothes, hair, and life.  I admit I was nervous about a few things, that she would regret some choices later, but I didn't know Iris.  She is a fantastic character.  I especially liked it when she met Trey.  Their first scene together was very funny and flirty.   I loved it when Iris came home from their first meeting with the surprise that started it all.  When they meet up again, I loved the idea of the "fake girlfriend/boyfriend" and hoped that it would lead to more.  I was more than pleased with the end result of the book and enjoyed the ride.  Don't get me wrong, it wasn't all sunshine and roses.  I enjoyed that it took work.  Once Trey and Iris decided to be together there was no stopping them.  

4 out of 5 stars.  Shannon has written a clean, fun book with humor, lessons and lots of romance.  I can't wait to read more from her.  Do Over has also been nominated for a 2013 Whitney Award.  Shannon also writes fantasy under the pseudonym Katie Lee O'Guinn.  I will be reviewing her Taming the Wolf series soon.  As well as her Love & Dessert trilogy in her own name. 

Author Links

Blog / Katie Lee O'Guinn / Facebook / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Reluctant Blogger by Ryan Rapier -- Blog Tour

The Reluctant Blogger

Author: Ryan Rapier

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville

Publish Date: August 13, 2013

ISBN13: 9781462112548

Paperback: 432 pages

FTC FYI: Received a PDF and a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Dr. Schenk, I don’t know if what I’ve written amounts to a breakthrough or not, but I hope you know how difficult this was for me. I also hope this proves how serious I am.

Todd knows he is in a bad place. That’s why he went to a therapist in the first place, and that alone took a lot of doing. So when Dr. Schenk threatens to stop their sessions unless Todd puts in more effort, he grasps at the last available straw: a personal blog that will force Todd to confront his demons.

Ever since he lost his wife, Todd has not been the same. He’s been forced to Single Adult activities at church, and everyone seems to expect him to just forget Marci and get married again—especially when he meets Emily, who makes him smile and starts to bring him out of his depression. But dating again is hard when Todd has three kids of his own, not to mention an overbearing father and friends with their own problems.

This beautifully woven and emotional tale is both heartbreaking and humorous. Championing friendship, love, and family, Ryan Rapier deals adeptly with the everyday struggles we face as well as the strongest ties that keep us together. You’re sure to fall in love with this magnificent tale of redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

My Review

5 out of 5 stars.  I found this book very moving and enjoyable.  I took my time reading this because I didn't want it to end.  I grew to love Todd, his kids, Emily, Todd's mother and father, and especially Dr. Schenk.  Ryan does an incredible job of character development and telling a great story.  I liked how he was able to work in "flashback" scenes, while still keeping my attention on the present.  When we first meet Todd, he is struggling with the loss of his wife.  He is seeing Dr. Schenk, and the good doctor is very frustrated with Todd.  He suggests to Todd that he start writing a blog to try to help him express his feelings.  I thought this was very clever.  Life throws some lemons at Todd and I enjoyed how he made his lemonade.  There are some very funny moments and moments that you will need a tissue.

Author Links

Blog / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Publisher

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

The Color of Snow by Brenda Stanley -- Blog Tour

The Color of Snow

Author: Brenda Stanley

Publisher: Tribute Books

Published: June 1st, 2012

ISBN13: 9780983741893

eBook: 413 pages

Genre: YA General

FTC FYI: Review copy

Goodreads summary: Can a troubled young girl reenter society after living in isolation?

When a beautiful 16-year-old girl named Sophie is found sequestered in a cage-like room in a rundown house in the desolate hills of Arbon Valley, Idaho, the entire community is shocked to learn she is the legendary Callidora--a baby girl who was kidnapped from her crib almost seventeen years ago and canonized in missing posters with portraits of what the fabled girl might resemble. Authorities soon learn that the cage was there to protect people from Sophie, because her biological father believes she is cursed.

Sophie is discovered after the man she knows as Papa, shoots and injures Damien, a young man who is trying to rescue her. Now, unsocialized and thrust into the world, and into a family she has never met, Sophie must decide whether she should accept her Papa’s claims that she is cursed and he was only trying to protect others, or trust the new people in her life who have their own agendas. Guided by a wise cousin, Sophie realizes that her most heartbreaking challenge is to decide if her love for Damien will destroy him like her Papa claims, or free her from past demons that haunt her mind.

My Review

Sophie has just been "rescued" from living a life of isolation thrust on her by her father.  As he is being taken away by the police, he tells her,

"I love you Sophie. Please know that.  I've always loved you.  That is why this happening now.
It was the only time my father ever told me he loved me, and now he did it with such fervor it made my skin prickle.  The words didn't comfort, they left me feeling scared and abandoned.  I nodded and sat on my bed.  He took a last look at me, then put his hand to his mouth and left my doorway.  I knew we were in trouble, but I didn't know what would happen next."

Sophie's life has not only been of isolation, but of fear.  Not from her father necessarily, but of the curse that he said follows them.  Papa tells her of ghosts in the fields, and how he needed to protect their secret.  Now she is living with her grandparents, scared and confused.  She befriends her step cousin Stephanie, and is home schooled by her Uncle Lonny.  Her aunt Elise's new husband.

There is so much more to this story, I don't want to give many more details.  Just know this, I loved how this story is told.  It is told in past and present, with a couple POV changes. I was always kept in the story, and the author would brilliantly end the chapters with me wanting more.   The story is told from Sophie's point of view in the present and past, and her father's in the past as well.  We learn so much through his eyes, just as much as Sophie's.  Sophie's fear is the curse, will she get over it for her to move with her life.  You will enjoy reading for that answer.

Content

There are a few content issues I should warn you about.  There is pre-maritial sex, but no details. An icky uncle.  Smoking, and language.  Nothing I was offended by.

4 out of 5 stars.  This is the first book I have read from Brenda Stanley.  I really enjoyed it.  Brenda Stanley is the former news anchor at her NBC affiliate KPVI in Eastern Iadho. Her writing has been recognized by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Hearst Journalism Awards, the Idaho Press Club and the Society for Professional Journalists. She is a graduate of Dixie College in St. George, Utah, and the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Brenda lived for two years in Ballard, Utah, within the Fort Duchesne reservation where the novel is set. She and her husband live on a small ranch near the Snake River with their horses and dogs.

Follow her on Facebook / Twitter / Website

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