With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, Melissa Jagears

 

Book Description:  Humorous Historical Romance Novella 

Collection Offers Love and Laughs

Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor. In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever. Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives. 

Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage. And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers. 

My Thoughts:  A fun and light read for the reader who needs a laugh...somtimes a belly laugh from the antics of these proposals gone south.

The novellas are wonderful short stories of love and romance but there's a hitch!  These grooms.to.be aren't in the know or are truly lacking in the romance department.  

Love can be quite unexpected and sometimes quite unplanned.

The Husband Maneuver:  This story is about Marietta Hawkins who feels that she must take the lead in the romance department when the ranch foreman, Daniel Barrett, decides he is leaving forever.  Marietta comes up with a plan to lasso Daniel to the altar.
Her Dearly Unintended is a more serious story with Josiah Huckabee trying to save Katie Ellen Watson when a storm comes.  But with a washed out bridge and no way out they must stay put...and then a menacing stranger comes along.  Josiah and Katie [pretend to be married to save their reputations but also to save a life.  However, can a pretend marriage turn into a real marriage?

Runaway Bride is another mini story about a man trying to keep a woman safe by helping her escape from a "bad" man intent on marrying her.  Carrie and Big John, a solitary Texas Ranger, soon finds himself not just taking care of a lady but falling for this lady.  A cute story.

Engaging the Competition introduces us to a tomboy, Charlotte Andrews and Harrison Gray,,,they have been rivals for years.  And Charlotte is intended for another man.  But when Charlotte breaks Harrison's glasses, he cannot see thing.  Charlotte must help him with his teaching position making for a fun read.

A thoroughly enjoyable read with four great mini stories from four great western authors!

Fabulous Friday

 

WOW (Warm Oven Wednesday)

 

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas are the quick and easy way to get that apple pie flavor any time you want! It is an amazing fast dessert perfect for fall!

 Servings 4

 Author Parrish

Ingredients

• 8 Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas
• 8 tbsp tbsp caramel
• 2 cups apple pie filling
• cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Start with Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas and place it in a greased pan over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of caramel.
3. Next add 1/2 cup of the pie filling.
4. Top with another tablespoon of caramel.
5. Top with another tortilla and spray the top of that one with cooking spray or melted butter.
6. Flip the quesadilla over when first side is brown.
7. While second side is cooking sprinkle top side with cinnamon and sugar.
8. When second side is done cooking place onto plate that has a layer of cinnamon sugar on it.
9. Slice in 4ths and serve!

Recipe Notes

Servings: 4

The Lady in Residence (Doors to the Past) by Allison Pittman

 Book Description:  Young widow Hedda Krause checks into the Menger Hotel in 1915 with a trunk full of dresses, a case full of jewels, and enough cash to pay for a two-month stay, which she hopes will be long enough to meet, charm, and attach herself to a new, rich husband. Her plans are derailed when a ghostly apparition lures her into a long, dark hallway, and Hedda returns to her room to find her precious jewelry has been stolen. She falls immediately under a cloud of suspicion with her haunting tale, but true ghost enthusiasts bring her expensive pieces of jewelry in an attempt to lure the ghost to appear again.

In 2017, Dini Blackstone is a fifth-generation magician, who performs at private parties, but she also gives ghost walk tours, narrating the more tragic historical events of San Antonio with familial affection. Above all, her favorite is the tale of Hedda Krause who, in Dini’s estimation, succeeded in perpetrating the world’s longest con, dying old and wealthy from her ghost story. But then Dini meets Quinn Carmichael, great-great-grandson of the detective who originally investigated Hedda’s case, who’s come to the Alamo City with a box full of clues that might lead to Hedda’s exoneration. Can Dini see another side of the story that is worthy of God’s grace?

My Thoughts:   This was the most unusual story but such an exciting story!

Doors to the past and, yet, those doors are the future.

Two young ladies in different years and two young ladies trying to find the cupprit of the stolen jewels.  Hedda Krause is a young widow who loses the jewels and Dini Blackstone is a fifth-generation magician who is trying to find the story of the jewels.

The two women never meet but Dini Blackstone does meet the Quinn Carmichael the great-great-grandson of the detective who first investigated the stolen jewels.

Now the ghostly apparitions were kind of odd for me,  But I don't care for other world creatures...but this is important to the story line.

A well written, well thought put plot.  A little romance and a big mystery.  A unique story.  Whats not to love!

*This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing*

• Publisher : Barbour Fiction (February 1, 2021)
• Language : English
• Paperback : 256 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1643527487
• ISBN-13 : 978-1643527482
• Item Weight : 8.5 ounces
• Dimensions : 5.5 x 1 x 8.3 inches

Lady of a Thousand Treasures (The Victorian Ladies Series) by Sandra Byrd

 

Book Description:  Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry―the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

My Thoughts:  I like to switch up my reading every once in awhile.  So this time I chose a historical  novel set in the Victorian Age.

Sandra Byrd did some extensive research for this novel.  It's accurate and every so good.

Eleanor Sheffield's father has just passed away and it's up to her to keep the family antiquities business running.  But there is one small problem...Eleanor is unmarried and cannot run the business as a "lone woman."

Now there is a man who could help her but he broke her heart in the past and she isn't quite sure she should or could trust him.  But she really needs his help.

As only Sandra Byrd can she writes in the setting of the age she is writing about.  She keeps the times with the characters of her novel.  In other words it's not fakey but ever so real.

Loved this read!

• Series: The Victorian Ladies Series (Book 1)
• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9781496426833
• ISBN-13: 978-1496426833

Fabulous Friday

 

(WOW) Warm Oven Wednesday

 

The Devoted Life: A Creative Devotional Journal by Marjorie Weaver

 

Book Description:  This topically guided creative journal for teen girls offers inspiration and encouragement for those who desire to live their lives fully devoted to Christ. Amidst the loud, confusing voices of the world, trying to tell them which way is the right way to go, girls need to stop, rest, refuel, and reflect in the presence of their truest Friend and most loyal heavenly Father. Whether it’s through creativity, meditating on scripture, prayer, or writing, readers will join young author and artist, Marjorie Jackson, for a time of life-giving fun, faith-strengthening encouragement, and God-glorifying growth. As girls connect with their first love, Jesus, they will begin to understand that life is truly good with a God who is absolutely great! 

My Thoughts:   Every December I begin to think of what journal/devotional I'll use for the new year.

This year I chose The Devoted Life by Marjorie Jackson.

I was so excited when I received it.  It's a pearl pink color...not a tan color like the picture indicates.  It's beautiful!

I know this devotional is geared for girls but this year I wanted something a little different.

It's divided into 31 sections and each section has a devotional, Scriptures for going deeper and then journal prompts.  Journal prompts allow one to write down what is going on in life.

This is imitation leather but it's so nice.  I love the thin line feel, not bulky at all.

At the back of the book are pages with places to color and draw or write whatever on wishes.

This is absolutely beautiful!  And would make a lovely gift, too.

• Imitation Leather: 208 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1683226879
• ISBN-13: 978-1683226871

Deadly Encounter (FBI Task Force, Book 1) by Diann Mills

 

Book Description:   Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston’s airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man’s motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.

Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy’s community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.

My Thoughts:  I am so pumped that Diann Mills has started a new series . . . The FBI Task Force and this book, Deadly Encounter, is the first book!  

I love the way Diann Mills brings true to life incidents to life through the exciting world of words.

I got so caught up in Stacy Broussard and Agent Alex Leblanc's work that I actually "lost" a day reading.  Yeah, I became one of them!

It seems that as Stacy, who is a airport ranger volunteer, is checking the perimeter of the Houston airport comes upon a dead man lying by his motorcycle and an injured dog And there is also a drone with laser capabilities.  Stacy calls in the scene but when Alex comes in he sees an act of terrorism. 

Now that Stacy and Alex are on the case it seems that someone has sinister thoughts and they are on the hot trail of something "bad."

Alex begins to think that Stacy is the target but yet, things don't add up.

A wonderful, fast paced suspense read!

Read first chapter HERE

Fabulous Friday

 Yes!  especially teas & coffee!

The Healing Quilt by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Join retired Amish newlyweds Emma and Lamar Miller in Florida for the winter as they lead another quilting class with a new group of unlikely students: Jennifer, a pregnant new mom; Mike, a charter boat owner; Erika, a wheelchair bound teen; Kim, a waitress; Noreen, a newly-retired widow, and BJ, an artist facing illness. When old friends visit from Indiana, will romance also become a subject of class discussions?

My Thoughts:  Oh!My! I was super excited (okay waaaay beyond excited) when this book, The Healing Quilt, came in the mail the other day.  

I was just going to take a "tiny" peek at the first chapter after supper and before I knew it it was nine o'clock in the evening!  

Having read The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club and The Tattered Quilt: The Return of the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club I just knew that The Healing Quilt was going to be SOOOO good, too.  I was right! 

Emma and Lamar are an Amish couple who are newly weds...they are in the fall of their lives and since they are retired they head to Florida for the winter.  It always makes me smile (not sure why) to think of Amish people going to Florida for vacations.  Maybe it's the thought of all the beaches and the Amish still wear black stockings and caps?  

Again, Emma begins another quilting class with a miss mash of unlikely quilters.  And again, Emma and Lamar share their very solid faith with those who are hurting. . . my heart went out to Erika. 

And of course, there is romance!    

One does not need to read the previous two books to read The Healing Quilt, but you'll want to anyway!

This may be my favorite read yet!  Wanda Brunstetter does it again!  

{WOW} Warm Oven Wednesday

 

Deadly Deceit (Harbored Secrets) by Natalie Walters

 

Book Description:  Independent and tenacious journalist Vivian DeMarco is back in Walton, Georgia, for one reason--to do her job and get out. When her boss suddenly dies under suspicious circumstances, Vivian's only hope for finding the truth--and the next big story--is small-town law enforcement's lanky poster boy, Deputy Ryan Frost. But the deeper they dig, the more twisted the truth becomes, and Vivian finds herself fighting for not only answers but also her life. False leads, incriminating emails, and someone called The Watcher force Vivian to confront the secret of her past and decide: How much is she willing to risk for the sake of a headline?

My Thoughts:  Not having read book 1, I wondered if I would be lost in this story.  So happy to find that this is a stand alone read.  Yes, there may some references to book one but not enough that the reader can't figure out what it means.

I love Vivian DeMarco.  She's fun, feisty and she seeks the truth.  this the time the truth is about her boss' death.

When Vivian's boss dies unexpectedly and seemingly without cause she finds this suspicious.  So she goes on the warpath to find the truth.

It seems that Vivian will have to fight for every answer she seeks.  Fortunately, Deputy Ryan Frost believes her and hops on board to help her investigate.

And then the Watcher appears.  And confronts Vivian about her past.  

What a read!  What a story!  Loved, loved it!  I'll be looking for this great author's next book!

*A positive review was not required at all; all words and thoughts are my own and given without payment or compensation.*

• Series: Harbored Secrets (Book 2)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Revell (November 5, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800735331
• ISBN-13: 978-0800735333

The Mockingbird's Song (Volume 2) (Amish Greenhouse Mysteries) by Wanda E. Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Sylvia has been nearly paralyzed with grief and anxiety since the tragic death of her husband, father, and brother in a traffic accident. She tries to help in the family’s greenhouse while caring for her two young children, but she prefers not to have to deal with customers. Her mother’s own grief causes her to hover over her children and grandchildren, and Sylvia seeks a diversion. She takes up birdwatching and soon meets an Amish man who teaches her about local birds. But Sylvia’s mother doesn’t trust Dennis Weaver, and as the relationship sours, mysterious attacks on the greenhouse start up again.

My Thoughts:  After reading The Crow's Call by Wanda E. Brunstetter I was so excited to receive this next book.  

This is a wonderful story of love and grace.  And it's a somewhat   sequel to The Crow's Call.  The women who lost their husbands in the tragic buggy accident.  So, in a way the books should be read in order.

Poor Sylvia she was once a married woman and independent in the community.  And then she becomes a widow with two young children.  

And mothers!  Mothers try so hard to help but so many times they inadvertently get in the way.  Hence, Sylvia's mother, who also lost her husband, is giving Sylvia a headache by trying to run her life.

A wonderful story.  This is not a fast paced story so if you're looking for a fast paced mystery, this isn't it.  This is more of a cozy mystery with alot of Amish facts for those of us who love reading about the Amish community.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Fabulous Friday

2021 GOALS

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas

Caramel Apple Pie Quesadillas are the quick and easy way to get that apple pie flavor any time you want! It is an amazing fast dessert perfect for fall!

 Servings 4

 Author Parrish

Ingredients

• 8 Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas
• 8 tbsp tbsp caramel
• 2 cups apple pie filling
• cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions

1. Start with Mission® Super Soft Flour Tortillas and place it in a greased pan over medium heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of caramel.
3. Next add 1/2 cup of the pie filling.
4. Top with another tablespoon of caramel.
5. Top with another tortilla and spray the top of that one with cooking spray or melted butter.
6. Flip the quesadilla over when first side is brown.
7. While second side is cooking sprinkle top side with cinnamon and sugar.
8. When second side is done cooking place onto plate that has a layer of cinnamon sugar on it.
9. Slice in 4ths and serve!

Recipe Notes

Servings: 4

Brand New Read!

 If you only read one mystery this month...then read this book!

In the Shadow of Croft Towers by Abigail Wilson

 

Book Description:  When Sybil Delafield’s coach to Croft Towers was robbed by highwaymen, she should have realized that her new position as companion to old Mrs. Chalcroft would be no ordinary job. Upon Sybil’s arrival, Mrs. Chalcroft sneaks into her room in the dark of night, imploring her to relay messages to town that are to stay hidden from the rest of the family. Who exactly is she working for and what do the messages contain?

When fellow passengers of the robbed coach are later murdered, Sybil’s hunt for the truth takes on a new urgency. The only person she can rely on is Mr. Sinclair, Mrs. Chalcroft’s godson, but under all his charms he too leads a double life. Sybil must decide if he is the one honest voice she can trust, or if he is simply using her for his own advances.

My Thoughts:  A debut author, Abigail Wilson, takes into the regency era with mystery, suspense and a touch of class.

It's been awhile since I've read a regency romance but it's the New Year and a new author so this makes for a great read!  and the book cover is fantastic as well...inviting the reader to come on a journey of mystic.

Sybil Delafield is taking on a new job as companion to Mrs. Chalcroft but little does she know that this will be the ride of her life.

Danger, mystery, and a bit of romance.

This is a great read for all fans of mystery.....not just for regency romance readers.

Sometimes one must take a chance in life.  Chance meetings are, sometimes the best of meetings.  Such is the case for Abigail Wilson.

The twisting and turning of events keeps the reader turning the page in anticipation of the next event.

A grandastic new read!

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785223665
• ISBN-13: 978-0785223665

The Amish Christmas Matchmaker (Indiana Amish Brides) by Vannetta Chapman

 

Book Description:  With her wedding business thriving, Annie Kauffmann could never leave her beloved Amish community. So when handsome Amish cowboy Levi Lapp tries to convince her father to move the family to Texas, she must put a stop to it. If Annie finds Levi a wife, he might forget his dream of moving…but can she keep from falling for him herself?

My Thoughts:  In my book there is nothing better than a Love Inspired romance especially when it's about Christmas and is authored by Vannetta Chapman.  A win-win!

This fantastic story is almost an oxymoron...An Amish matchmaker?!?  But then again no matter what, we all need love in our lives.  

Annie Kaufman actually has a wedding business so it's not all love and games.  However, she doesn't seem to have any romance in her own life.  And it seems that Annie is quite happy with her life so when Levi Lapp begins to talk her father into moving-to Texas of all places!  Annie decides she'll have none of that nonsense.  But love can get in the way of most well laid plans.

In a fun loving sort of way, Vannetta Chapman captures the romance between two young Amish people and somehow gets their families involved too.

This is a great story to begin your holiday season!

*This book was provided for review The Blog Tour of 

The Amish Christmas Matchmaker*

• Series: Indiana Amish Brides
• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired; Original edition (September 17, 2019)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1335479430
• ISBN-13: 978-1335479433

Fabulous Friday