Mark of Grace (Secrets of the Canyon #3)

 

Mark of Grace 

(Secrets of the Canyon #3) 

January 3, 2023

by Kimberley Woodhouse (Author)

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth's entire livelihood is put at risk.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as the head chef at the El Tovar. But with the continuing thefts at the hotel, and his growing affection for Ruth, Frank's career--and his heart--are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar and forge a new path for the future together.

Bestselling author Kimberley Woodhouse invites you to experience the strength and beauty of friendship, family, and love in this grand historical tale.

My thoughts:  MARK OF GRACE is the third book in this riveting series by talented author Kimberly Woodhouse.  I enjoyed every book in this series and highly recommend them read in order as some previous characters and events are mentioned.  I enjoyed getting to know Frank and Ruth better and hoped they'd figure out who was behind the crimes at the Harvey House they both work at.  There is a strong faith message.  Woodhouse is one of my favorite historical authors.  Highly recommended.  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

 

Love Letters to My Baby, Revised and Updated Edition: A Guided Journal for Expectant and New Mothers 

Hardcover – April 18, 2023

by Vickey Banks (Author)

A gorgeous keepsake that invites expectant mothers to record and preserve their most cherished memories, messages, and prayers for their new baby, from pregnancy through the first two years—now revised and updated

Love Letters to My Baby by Vickey Banks invites expectant mothers to put down in words how their child is wanted, dreamed about, and loved. Designed to be used from the first news of baby through the first few years of infancy, this beautifully designed, full-color journal offers space for moms to record special memories and pen messages for the child who inspired them. Each section begins with a verse of Scripture, provides a brief devotional on the stages of pregnancy and young motherhood, and lists questions and prompts for reflection and writing inspiration.

Special features include:

• Illustrated family tree spread and pages to attach ultrasound and baby photos
• A record of baby’s “firsts,” including first laugh, first steps, first words, first church attendance, and other important milestones
• Space to list special gifts for baby along with the loved ones who gave them
• Pages for baby shower guests to pen prayers or other sweet messages
• Activity in which mom can trace baby’s hand inside her own for a lasting keepsake
• Brand-new full-color watercolor designs
• New “Note from Dad” section in the back for fathers to pen their own special letter to baby

Within these beautifully designed pages, moms will find space to write down first impressions and share heartfelt messages and prayers for a new baby. With the resulting collection of letters and memories, Love Letters to My Baby will become a precious keepsake that mothers and their children will cherish forever.

My thoughts:  This is a special book to record the firsts of a new baby or grandbaby.  LOVE LETTERS TO MY BABY is written in letter form with plenty of room to write thoughts and memories and more and lots of places to put photos!  The new mom in your life will love this book and baby will cherish it someday.  Recommended to a new mom in your life and as a great baby shower gift.  Available soon, preorder now.   You will love this!  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

After the Shadows (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing)

 

After the Shadows 

(Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #1) 

March 21, 2023

by Amanda Cabot (Author)

Emily Leland sheds no tears when her abusive husband is killed in a bar fight, but what awaits her back home in Sweetwater Crossing is far from the welcome and comfort she expected. First she discovers her father has died under mysterious circumstances. Then the house where the new schoolteacher and his son are supposed to board burns, leaving them homeless. When Emily proposes turning the family home into a boardinghouse, her sister is so incensed that she leaves town.

Alone and broke, her family name sullied by controversy, Emily is determined to solve the mystery of her father's death--and to aid Craig Ferguson, despite her fears of men. The widowed schoolmaster proves to be a devoted father, an innovative teacher, and an unexpected ally. Together they must work to unmask a killer and escape the shadows of their own pasts in order to forge a brighter future.

Bestselling author Amanda Cabot transports you to 1880s Texas Hill Country for a brand-new series that will have you flipping pages to solve the mystery and get to the happily-ever-after you long for.

My thoughts:  AFTER THE SHADOWS Is the first book in a new series by popular author Amanda Cabot.  The book starts as formula historical fiction, with a mandatory death, but it quickly springs from there to unexpected twists and turns, unsolved mysteries, and dual romances. There are incomplete story lines, but since this is the first book in a series, you have plenty to look forward to and anxious for the next book. I fell in love with Craig and the host of female characters. AFTER THE SHADOWS is a must read. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

 

When Tomorrow Came

March 28, 2023

by Hannah Linder (Author)

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them―bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she's never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They've waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come--but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

Marilyn's thoughts:  My heart broke right at the beginning of this Christian historical fiction tale. Nan and Heath childhood was not a happy one in London East’s End during the early 1800’s.  Linder brought light into their life before the end with a cast of characters that were honorable while some were devious. The scenes were vibrant with plenty of action and conversations that I lived in the moment with the characters feeling their anguish, joy, tears and faith being tested. Mr. Stanhope and Gilbert were my favorite characters throughout the story. Fans of historical fiction set during the Regency Era will want to read When Tomorrow Came.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

One More Time for Joy (Paradise Valley #3) #Amish

 

One More Time for Joy 

(Paradise Valley #3) 

March 28, 2023

by Amy Lillard (Author)\

In an uplifting inspirational romance that will make your heart smile, award-winning, USA Today bestselling author Amy Lillard’s “Whoopie Pie Widow’s Club,” a group of women who share solace, friendship, and faith in the close-knit community of Paradise Valley, Missouri, rallies around a local widowed baker to help care for her wheelchair bound son. As she works with her brother-in-law to renovate her house to make it more accessible, they find their mutual strength of faith draws them together in unexpected ways. Perfect for fans of Charlotte Hubbard, Amy Clipston, and Shelley Shepard Gray.

At the heart of a Missouri Amish community, a circle of caring friends—the Widows’ Club of Paradise Valley—sees each other through life’s storms, in this uplifting series from award-winning author Amy Lillard . . .

Joy Lehman has pressed on faithfully since losing her husband, raising their children and running a thriving bakery alone. Even caring for her oldest son, Johnny—seriously injured after a fall—has not shaken her fierce independence. Johnny will walk again, she’s sure. Until then, a meeting of the Widows’ Club at her home makes it clear that Joy must consider some costly renovations. Her brother-in-law, Uriah, is happy to provide the lumber and the labor—if Joy will accept his help.

Uriah understands family challenges—he’s a widower himself, and father to four daughters. Yet he can see that Joy’s struggle lies deeper than house repairs, in learning to accept an altered future for her son. As Uriah’s daughters begin helping in the bakery, and Joy and Uriah’s bond grows deeper, a new possibility glows bright—the unexpected happiness that lies in embracing one strong, united family, filled with support and love . . .

Marilyn's thoughts:    This second chance at love story brought tears and laughter. Joy is an independent woman with a successful bakery after losing her husband. Uriah has his hands full being a single dad. I appreciated how Lillard had Johnny B as a handicap teen due to a fall. The scenes were vivid and expressive in Lillard's creativity style. The kindnesses of the community, antics of the cousins, misunderstandings, faith, challenges, and unexpected romance made this an awesome story.

One More Time for Joy is the third book in the Paradise Valley series, but it can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary ARC copy from the author and Kensington Publishing without any obligation to write a positive review. I have expressed my own thoughts.

Limited time offer!!!!

Only 2,99    Limited time offer!  Grab your copy here:

  https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Wedding-Promise-Hidden-Springs-ebook/dp/B07QFPZ6N8/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=c8igg&content-id=amzn1.sym.bc5f3394-3b4c-4031-8ac0-18107ac75816&pf_rd_p=bc5f3394-3b4c-4031-8ac0-18107ac75816&pf_rd_r=QHRJFVGDZQ5HM7JD0H03&pd_rd_wg=AKBac&pd_rd_r=12351cc0-9db2-42b8-bfbc-92fb534a7116&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m

 

Could this bride's wedding disaster be a blessing in disguise?

Grace Lantz always imagined her wedding day would be a blissfully happy occasion. But after a tornado swept through town, she finds herself relieved that the ceremony is delayed. After all, her groom-to-be hasn't even bothered to check on her. Instead, it's the handsome volunteer Zeke Bontrager who selflessly offers Grace his strong shoulders to lean on.

Zeke came to Hidden Springs to assist a community in need. He didn't expect to meet his soul mate. Determined to ignore his feelings, Zeke promises to help reunite kind, beautiful Grace with her groom. But after spending time together, Grace confesses that she might not want to marry her fiancé after all. Can Zeke convince her that her true love is standing right in front of her? And can she find the courage to follow her heart?

Her Unlikely Hero: A Christian Contemporary Romance (Easter in Gilead)

 

Her Unlikely Hero: A Christian Contemporary Romance 

(Easter in Gilead) 

February 26, 2023

by Valerie Comer (Author)

Redemption and second chances abound in this small-town, single-mom romance with a former bad boy set at Easter.
Connor Hamelin’s Kansas farm boss offers wages through the winter if he’ll try out for the annual passion play. Connor’s been drifting, but sticking around sounds good. Figuring he can channel Judas, he auditions… and is cast as Jesus. Ugh, but maybe he’ll finally understand all the religious nuts in his life.

Single mom Zoey Matthews helps in the wardrobe department for the local passion play as well as participating in crowd scenes with her young daughter. Zoey might be intrigued by the unlikely guy cast as Jesus in this year’s production, but she’s not looking for romance, especially not with an unbeliever too similar to her bad-boy ex.

Connor doesn’t deserve a chance to make amends for his past nor another chance at love. He definitely doesn’t deserve the forgiveness of the Savior he’s portraying… but God is a God of redemption and second chances.

Her heart longs for a hero. He’s no one’s idea of a champion.

Visit Gilead, Kansas, and enjoy five romances behind the scenes at the town's annual passion play! Five beloved authors of Christian contemporary romance have teamed together to present Easter in Gilead. Read all five for a rich experience.

USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer is the author of dozens of Christian contemporary romance stories that focus on engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith — clean, wholesome, sweet, and inspirational romances. If farm romance, cowboy romance, or small-town romance are what you love to read, you’ve come to the right place!

Check out her Christian romance series:

1. Sweet River Ranch Romances, ongoing, starting with A Surprise Wedding for the Cowboy
2. Farm Fresh Market Romances, ongoing, starting with A Wide and Pleasant Place
3. Cavanagh Cowboys Romances, complete 6-book series, starting with Marry Me for Real, Cowboy
4. Saddle Springs Romances, complete 6-book series, starting with The Cowboy’s Christmas Reunion
5. Pot of Gold Geocaching Romances, complete 4-book series, starting with Topaz Treasure
6. Urban Farm Fresh Romances, complete 12-book series, starting with Secrets of Sunbeams
7. Farm Fresh Romances, complete 6-book series, starting with Raspberries and Vinegar
8. Garden Grown Romances, complete 4-book series, starting with Sown in Love
9. Miss Snowflake Pageant Christmas Romances, complete 3-book series, starting with More Than a Tiara
10. Riverbend Romances, complete 5-novella series, starting with Secretly Yours

Why not order HER UNLIKELY HERO today and enjoy Easter in Gilead?

My thoughts:  HER UNLIKELY HERO  is an Easter romance chock-full of the gospel and redemption story.  Part of the reason I love Valerie Comer's books is because of the strong faith message and a true-to-life romance, complete with drama and heartbreak.   I fell in love with Connor in this story and Wren was a tiny sweetheart.  I loved HER UNLIKELY HERO and highly recommend for a read now book--or to tuck into your favorite romance reader's Easter basket.  Grab your copy and one for a friend now!  I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.