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Showing posts with label Jennifer Moore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jennifer Moore. Show all posts
Friday, October 26, 2018

Cozy Christmas Collection Provides Swoony, Light Hearted Holiday Entertainment (with a Giveaway!)

(Image from Amazon)

I haven't even put up my Halloween decorations yet, but I just finished a cozy Christmas read that put me right into the holiday spirit!  A Christmas Courting is a collection of four short Regency romances set at Yuletide.  Three popular LDS romance writers—Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, and Jen Geigle Johnson—are featured, as well as newcomer Heidi Kimball (her first novel, An Unlikely Courtship, came out in September).  

As you can imagine, the four short stories in this volume are warm, upbeat tales that offer the kind of swoony, light hearted entertainment you crave during the chaotic holiday season.  While I liked some of them better than others, all of the tales are clean, uplifting, and cheerful.  Some deal with more serious issues, but in the end, all the tales guarantee happy, satisfying endings:
Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore concerns a young gentleman whose peaceful holiday is interrupted by a family of rowdy houseguests his mother has invited for the holidays.  Although, at first, Lord Covington is annoyed by the orphaned children, he soon grows to love them, with an especial fondness for the beautiful, enchanting eldest.  

A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton is about Keturah Hensley, a young lady who pines for her handsome childhood friend, Christopher.  When he asks her aid in helping him woo a wife, she worries this Christmas will be the worst she's ever experienced.  

Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson revolves around Lady Alice Tarrington, a young woman whose tarnished reputation has made her the center of London gossip.  When her childhood best friend, the man who swore he would return from India and marry her as soon as possible, finally comes to town, Alice fears it's too late for any kind of relationship between them. 

Second-Chance Christmas by Heidi Kimball centers around spirited Francie Lockhart, who fears her refusal of a marriage proposal from her best friend has destroyed their relationship forever.  When a beautiful guest shows up at Gerard's house for Christmas, a surprising jealousy rises up in Francie.  Has she been wrong about her true feelings for the man she's only ever considered a pal?  

While the first and last stories are my favorite, I enjoyed all four.  They're fun, playful tales set against magical, snowy backgrounds.  A Christmas Courting will appeal to any Regency romance lover and would make for an especially heartwarming read when enjoyed in front of a crackling fire, a steaming cup of cocoa in hand.  If you're not a fan but you've got one on your Christmas list, this volume would make an appealing gift.  

(Readalikes:  Reminds me of other Regency romances by the above authors as well as those by Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah M. Eden, and Julianne Donaldson)

Grade:


If this were a movie, it would be rated:


for vague references to violence and ruined reputations

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of A Christmas Courting from the generous folks at Covenant in exchange for an honest review.  Thank you!

-- 

Interested in more opinions about A Christmas Courting?  Follow along on the book's blog tour by clicking on the links below:


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Monday, April 16, 2018

Short and Satisfying, Jennifer Moore's Newest Another An Enjoyable Read (With a Giveaway!)

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

With her father and brothers away at war, it's up to Abigail Tidwell to tend to the family's isolated homestead.  Although she's more than capable of doing that and using the skills she's learned under her father's tutelage to help with doctoring needs in her small Ontario town, that doesn't mean she can't grumble about it.  Those cursed Americans.  If it weren't for them, peace would reign and life in Canada would return to blessed normality. 

As if conjured by her curses, Abigail discovers a U.S. soldier unconscious in her barn.  With an arrow stuck in his side, the bloodied man surely won't last the night.  As angry as she feels toward the Americans, Abigail knows she can't let him die.  She's a healer first.  If she manages to save the enemy soldier, then she'll do her civic duty and turn him in at nearby Fort Malden.

When Captain Emmett Prescott wakes up in a stranger's barn, he's shocked to find himself in the care of a beautiful woman doctor.  As much as he's drawn to her, however, he needs to escape and track down his men.  When he's informed that the youngest of his men is gravely ill and on the run, Emmett will do whatever it takes to save all of their lives—including forcing an enemy doctor to help.  

On opposite sides of a senseless, brutal war, both Abigail and Emmett will have to rely on the enemy if they have any hope of surviving.  

I always like Jennifer Moore's quick, entertaining historical romances and her newest, My Dearest Enemy, is no exception.  Since I've never read a book set during the War of 1812, the unique setting immediately drew me into the story.  The characters are less original, but they're sympathetic and likable, which made me root for their success and happiness.  Plot wise, the tale moves along at a clip with very little wasted action, ensuring the reader will want to keep turning pages.  At just under 200 pages, My Dearest Enemy is a fast, easy read that's clean, entertaining, and satisfying.  It's not terribly memorable or amazing, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.  

(Readalikes:  Reminds me of other books by Jennifer Moore.  Also of historical romances by Sarah Eden and Josi Kilpack.)

Grade:


If this were a movie, it would be rated:


for violence, blood/gore, and scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of My Dearest Enemy from the generous folks at Covenant.  Thank you!
--

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Wednesday, November 01, 2017

Regency Romance + Christmas Setting = Warm, Charming Combination

(Image from Deseret Book)

http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/p/lds-authors.htmlPeanut butter and jelly.  Cookies and milk.  Hot chocolate and marshmallows.  Some things just go together, you know?  I'm fairly new to Regency romance books, so I've never really considered what a sweet combination could result from pairing the genre with magical holiday settings.  If Christmas Grace, a collection of Regency love stories by various authors, is any indication, I'd call the mixture a very pleasant one indeed. 
Christmas Grace, a new collection of holiday tales by beloved LDS romance writers, includes four selections:

"Let Nothing You Dismay" by Jennifer Moore tells the story of Ben Talbot and Camilla "Millie" Prince, childhood sweethearts whose elopement ends with a tragic accident.  Reunited after eight years with no contact, the former fiancés have a second chance at love.  Are they brave enough to take it?

"Christmas at Canterwood" by Krista Lynne Jensen stars Julia Seaton, a governess who's taxed with keeping up the spirits of the children in her care while their parents are away from home at Christmastime.  When the handsome but too-serious vicar gets roped into Julia's plan to distract the kids, unexpected sparks start to fly. 

"Winter Angel" by Anita Stansfield concerns Mariah Pritchard, the 22-year-old daughter of a London baker.  When she encounters a poor, beaten man during her rounds of distributing bread to the homeless, she's surprised to discover he's a gentleman in disguise.  She's even more shocked by her heart's reaction to the down-on-his-luck stranger.

"Christmas Grace" by Chalon Linton begins with a carriage accident that brings a young widow into the care of a kind stranger.  When a storm strands Grace Hershaw at the estate of handsome, cheerful Gordon Burgess, the two work together to plan a holiday fete.  Will Gordon's charms manage to capture the widow's attention, let alone her heart?  

While I enjoyed some of the stories more than others ("Christmas at Canterwood" is my favorite), all four are filled with enough charm, hope, and love to warm even the coldest heart.  Short and sweet, they make for light but uplifting reading that is especially well suited for the busy holiday season.  A satisfying collection, this book would make a fun gift for anyone who enjoys clean, happy endings-guaranteed Regency love stories.  If you are looking for a quick, Christmas-y read to get you into the holiday spirit, look no further.  You've found it.

Readalikes:  Hm, this is the first Regency Christmas tale I've ever read, so I'm not sure what to compare it to ... Any ideas?

Grade:


If this were a movie, it would be rated:


for a small amount of violence

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of Christmas Grace from the generous folks at Covenant.  Thank you!

--

Interested in more opinions of Christmas Grace?  Follow along on the book's blog tour by visiting the stops below:

*Oct. 27th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com -- a little late, oops!

Monday, September 04, 2017

Highlands Romance a Swift, Swoony Read (With a Giveaway!)

(Image from Barnes & Noble

During the ten years he spent in foreign lands fighting for the Crown, Color Sergeant Conall Stewart dreamed of one thing: home.  Now that he's back in Scotland, he's devastated by what he sees.  While the Highlands are as beautiful as he remembers, his childhood house has been burned to the ground, his ancestral lands charred by the greed of his own countrymen.  With his family run off their land, maybe even killed, Conall has no idea what to do now. 

http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/p/lds-authors.htmlWhile he sends out inquiries, hoping to discover his family's fate, Conall rents a farm in a nearby town.  His home is one of the nicest in the village, naturally attractive to thieves.  When Conall discovers one such trespasser, he hauls the young boy home to his mother, sure the wee burglar will receive a sufficient scolding.  The soldier is shocked by Aileen Leslie's indignant response to his accusations.  Taken aback by the woman's negligent parenting and unwillingness to face the reality of Jaime's obvious criminal behavior, Conall washes his hands of the family altogether.

It's not long, though, before Conall finds himself coming to the aid of the widow and her son.  Before he knows it, he's developed a fondness for the boy.  His feelings for Jaime's mother have grown, well, far beyond fondness.  Before the relationship has a chance to go anywhere, though, Aileen's past comes calling.  With everything he cares about on the line, Conall must decide how far he's willing to go to save the people he loves.  

I've never been a big fan of romance novels, but I do enjoy a sweet Regency love story every so often.  Author Jennifer Moore is one of my go-to authors in this genre.  Having read most of her books, I know I can count on Moore to deliver an exciting, engaging tale featuring a brave, likable heroine; a courageous, dashing hero; a rich, exotic setting; and a positive, uplifting tone.  Moore's newest novel, Miss Leslie's Secret, is no exception.  It offers everything I love in a Regency romance—and more.  Although I've enjoyed all the books I've read by Moore, I think this one is my favorite.  I adored the setting, the characters, and the sweet romance between Conall and Aileen.  If you are in the mood for a swift, swoony read set in the always enchanting Scottish Highlands, I definitely recommend Miss Leslie's Secret.


Grade:


If this were a movie, it would be rated:


for violence and some disturbing subject matter

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of Miss Leslie's Secret from the generous folks at Covenant.  Thank you!

-- 

Would you like more opinions on Miss Leslie's Secret?  Follow along on the book's blog tour:
*Sept. 8th: http://readingismysuperpower.org/ , http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/

Would you like your own copy of Miss Leslie's Secret?  Enter to win a copy of the book plus a $25 Amazon gift card below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway .
Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Light, Sweet Romance An Enjoyable Read (With a Giveaway!)

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Sarah Whitaker is used to standing on her own two feet.  In breeches and work boots no less.  Running a sheep farm in the Australian Outback, in a colony overrun with poisonous spiders, venomous snakes, and exiled convicts, is not for the faint of heart. Sarah may be a lady, but she's also as tough as the wilderness surrounding her.  She has to be.  With no family to protect her, no guardian to instruct her, and no neighbors to come to her rescue, she's on her own.  And doing just fine, thank you very much.

http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/p/lds-authors.htmlAfter a money-earning stunt goes horribly wrong, Daniel Burton (who happens to be the brother of Meg, who stars in Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince) is scheduled to hang.  Overwhelmed with guilt and shame, he knows he deserves his fate.  When an influential relative intervenes, however, Daniel can't help but jump at the chance to start over.  Although he's required to serve a 14-year sentence in an Australian penal colony, he will not be treated as the other convicts.  Unlike them, he'll be allowed to own land, to work his own farm, and to make his own profits.  Determined to prove himself a solid, trustworthy man, he sets himself to the task.
Neither Sarah nor Daniel expect to become neighbors.  Nor could they predict the sparks that fly between them from the moment they meet.  As the two become reluctant friends, then much more, Daniel knows he has to tell the wary Miss Whitaker the truth about his past.  She's learned to trust no one as a general rule.  What will happen when he reveals the things he's been concealing?  Will their young romance wilt before it's even had a chance to blossom?

I'm not the biggest romance reader, but I do enjoy a fun Regency love story occasionally to balance out heavier, darker reads.  Jennifer Moore's novels always deliver a quick, adventure-filled tale peopled with likable characters and sweet romance.  I've read most of Moore's books, all of which I enjoyed.  Her newest, Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart, takes place in the Outback, giving the story an exotic bent that makes it even more intriguing.  The tale is predictable, sure, but who cares?  It's a light, engaging read that is romantic, clean, and delightful.  If you're looking for a breezy, swoon-y read, you really can't go wrong with a Jennifer Moore novel.  Her newest is no exception.
Grade:


If this were a movie, it would be rated:


for scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart from the generous folks at Covenant.  Thank you!

--


Interested in following along on the Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart blog tour?  Just click on the links below:

April 14thhttp://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/,http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/http://www.wishfulendings.com/http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/

Want to win your own copy of Miss Whitaker Opens Her Heart plus a $25 Amazon gift card?  Fill out the Rafflecopter below:

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Friday, September 09, 2016

Sweet, Entertaining Romance Another Charmer From Jennifer Moore (With a Giveaway!)

(Image from Amazon)

Although Diana Snow is an orphan of little consequence, her position as a chaperone to a wealthy young lady ensures she's exposed regularly to the finest of London society.  And there's nothing she abhors more than exposure.  She keeps her real emotions, her true self, concealed behind a polite mask at all times.  No matter how much the fashionable women sneer at her, Diana refuses to let their mockery penetrate her hard shell.  Her only desire is to do her job and do it well.  

While accompanying her charge on a visit to Greece, Diana has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger.  She's shocked at the attention Alexandros Metaxas pays her.  It's almost as if he's ... interested.  The connection she feels to the mysterious stranger makes her uncharacteristically bold.  When she spies Alexandros creeping around Corfu in the dark, she follows him.  Her foolish act has devastating results.  Captured by the most notorious pirates in the Mediterranean, she's flung into a dangerous adventure in a place ruled by conflict and curses.  

As Diana struggles to find her place in her colorful prison, she draws ever closer to handsome Alexandros.  Can their romance bloom in such an unlikely situation?  Will the tentative couple survive long enough to find out?  When push comes to shove, will Diana have the courage to break out of her shell and decide where—and with whom—she truly belongs?

Like Jennifer Moore's other Regency romances, her newest stars a brave heroine finding adventure and love in a foreign land.  Neither Diana nor Alexandros are terribly complex characters, but their journey toward Happily Ever After is entertaining nonetheless.  Both are sympathetic, likable, and brave—it's impossible not to root for their success.  Although the action sags a bit in the middle of A Place for Miss Snow, there's enough going on to keep the reader interested.  The novel is hardly a page turner, but it's a sweet, charming story that's clean and compelling enough.  I've enjoyed all the books I've read by Jennifer Moore; this one is no exception.  If you like romantic Regency love stories infused with interesting historical tidbits, you'll find plenty to love about A Place for Miss Snow.

(Readalikes:  Reminds me of Jennifer Moore's other novels, including Lady Emma's Campaign; Lady Helen Finds Her Song; and Simply Anna)

Grade:


If this were a movie, it would be rated:


for violence

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of A Place for Miss Snow from the generous folks at Covenant in exchange for my participation in the book's blog tour.  Thank you!

--

If you'd like more opinions on A Place for Miss Snow, be sure to check out all the stops on the book's blog tour:


If you're interested in entering to win a copy of A Place for Miss Snow as well as a $25 gift certificate to Amazon, fill out the Rafflecopter below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, April 15, 2016

Lady Helen A Clean, Compelling (Enough) Diversion (With a Giveaway!)

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Besides London and Bath, Lady Helen Poulter has never been anywhere.  Curious about the world beyond her Somerset home, the 19-year-old decides to accompany her mother and stepfather when they sail to the Brigadier-General's new military post in India.  Fascinated by the colorful sights and exotic sounds of Calcutta, Helen is delighted with her new home.  Unlike the other Englishwomen in town, she finds the city thrilling, its people intriguing, and their customs delightful.

Helen is immediately taken with another of Calcutta's magnificent sights: Lt. Arthur Bancroft.  With his handsome face and elegant manners, he's exactly the type of man she would like to marry.  But it's with Michael Rhodes, a 32-year-old captain, that she can really be herself.  Although crippled from a battle wound, the soldier has a calm, soothing way about him that always makes Helen feel safe.  A good thing, as she's discovering just how many dangers lurk in the shadows of India's blinding beauty.

As things heat up around her, both politically and socially, Helen discovers some harsh truths about her new home, about the two men vying for her heart, and, most of all, about herself.  When a deadly battle calls all the men Helen loves to the front lines, she fears the one she adores most will be lost forever.  Has she finally found her true love only to lose him?

Like Jennifer Moore's previous Regency romances, Lady Helen Finds Her Song is a sweet, upbeat love story.  Clean and compelling enough, it's an easy read, one that worked well as a fluffy diversion between all the heavy psychological thrillers I've been devouring lately.  The novel requires little from the ole brain cells, as its plot is about as familiar and predictable as they come.  While its unique setting offers the tale a pinch of originality, nothing else really sets it apart.  I would have appreciated a few twists in the story as well as more complexity from the characters.  A number of typos pepper the book, which take away from the overall experience.  All in all, though, Lady Helen Finds Her Song is a nice, enjoyable read.

(Readalikes:  Other Regency romances by Jennifer Moore, including Miss Burton Unmasks a Prince; Simply Anna; and Lady Emma's Campaign)

Grade:


If this were a movie, it would be rated:


for violence and scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of Lady Helen Finds Her Song from the generous folks at Covenant Communications.  Thank you!

-- 



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