"The Yellow Lantern" by Angie Dicken ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Barbour has agreed to offer one print copy of  this book to one lucky blog reader (US ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends September 6, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) 

Here's a sneak peak at the author's note (NO spoilers are included!)...

Dear Reader,

I suspect you wonder what in the world is true about Josephine's tale. There are several factual threads that make up such a yarn. The true crime of body snatching was more rampant than rare throughout history, and as I dug into research, I discovered how common this practice was amidst the 19th century medical community.

Because of the lack of medical advancement, doctors sometimes mistook a person as being truly dead, ending in the alarming outcome of "live" burials. These types of horrific mistakes along with the desire for finding cures, led many doctors to hire body snatchers, or "resurrection men," to obtain corpses for research purposes. I was surprised to come across a case where several stolen bodies supplied an entire medical society, but more disturbing was that fact that some dody snatchers would even murder for the chance of payment.

Outraged relatives of the deceased pressured officials for justice, and by 1815 in Boston, an acto to protect the "Sepulchres of the Dead" passed, declaring body-snatching illegal (see www.truecolorscrime.com  for the actual act). Several snatchers ventured to New York to continue supplying doctors around Boston.

As precautions were made to protect gravesites, body snatchers would hire women to pose as mourners and keep watch for any obstacles that might thwart a quick retrieval.

It is a very real fact that body sntaching was not always a lonely business, but one that depended on a type of network.

Many other factual tidbits are laced in Josephine's tale. If you'd like to contact me or learn more about my books, sign up for my newsletter at www.angiedicken.com.

My review...

Josie Clay has a shocking discovery and learns she’s the victim of Dr. Chadwick’s (her employers) deception. He plans to take her life, but she agrees to help him in exchange for him letting her live. She must stick with it in order to save her father, who was taken to debtor’s prison. However, her father owes bodies, not money, and now that task falls on Josie.

Josie takes a job at Gloughton Mill in 1824. She’s there to spy on the factory’s operations, as well as be on the lookout for grave robbers. She must secure some bodies for medical experimentation if she hopes to pay off her father’s debts.

Each book in this series is by a different author, and I’ve enjoyed them all so far. Parts of this book, however, did have some lulls, and it was occasionally hard to tell the connection between some of the characters.  For the most part, I enjoyed Josie and her development. This book does have a Christian theme running throughout, but it wasn’t as strong as anticipated. Sadly, the suspense element wasn’t as strong as in the prior books in the series, and the relationship between Josie and her employer (Braham) felt a bit forced at times. The author's note was quite informative, as it has been in prior books in this series.

This is the third installment in the Barbour’s “True Crime” series. All the books are based on historical facts, and this one (like the others) was unfamiliar to me, so I learned a bit along the way. I look forward to reading the final book in the series.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

Free preview of the book

About Angie...

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in England. Now living in the U.S. heartland, she's a member of ACFW, sharing about author life with her fellow Alley Cats on The Writer's Alley blog and Facebook page. Connect with her online at www.AngieDicken.com, twitter.com/AngieDicken, or facebook.com/dicken.angie

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Writing Prompt Wednesday

If you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:

They say everyone who looks into their family history will find a secret sooner or later. 

Happy writing!

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I've Read That I'd Like In My Personal Library

Happy Tuesday! Today's Top Ten Tuesday link-up theme is Books I've Read That I'd Like In My Personal Library. I read a LOT of books each year, and I own many of them. However, some of the books I review are ebooks. So, my list is comprised of books I've read, but I don't have them in print (at least not yet!). The majority of these books are 2018 or 2019 releases.

So, here we go, in no particular order...

My review...

4.5 stars

Before We Were Yours is a book that is likely to stay with the reader long after the final page is turned. It's poignant and heartbreaking, yet totally engaging. Beautiful prose and well-drawn, captivating characters quickly pull the reader in. It's easy to see why this book has been at the top of the list of best books and long hold lists at the library.

Told via dual timeline (past and present), this is not an easy story, by any means, as the horrors the children faced are almost unimaginable. (I did find Rill's story a bit more engaging than Avery's, but they are carefully woven together.) Prior to this book, I'd never heard of Georgia Tann, the Tennessee Children's Home Society, or the illicit adoptions associated with them in the 1920s-1950s. Facts are woven throughout to enlighten the reader on historical events. Wingate's story shows how, through it all, God never forgot these children. Family (those you are born into and those which are chosen) is a key theme.

My review...

4 stars

This is a fun book for those who enjoy crocheting. However, for books such as this, I much prefer hard copies, as they're easier for me to reference while working on a project.

Overall, this is a cute book. I've wanted to try amigurumi patterns for some time, and this seemed like a good way to start. The images and directions are clear, unlike some patterns I found online in the past. They're done in a way, and with tools, that the average crocheter should be able to use and follow. There is a great selection of animals (one for each letter of the alphabet). I haven't made any of the items yet, but I'm looking forward to trying many of them. The author does a nice job of providing a basic introduction to amigurumi in the special way that the patterns are made (with increasing and decreasing stitches, switching of colors, etc.)

(Note: This review is based on a general read through of the book and directions, as well as the variety of the selections included.)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

My review...

4 stars

As a former special education teacher, I found this book to be heartbreaking at times. It's an emotional read that may surprise or shock some readers in its accounts of how people like Lucy were treated. Characters are well developed, the pace stays steady throughout, and emotions were realistic.

The book was based on actual place, which is just horrific to learn. Sadly, some things detailed in the book still occur throughout the world today. I thought the author accurately portrayed the mid-to late-70s. The story is quick read, told in alternating years to give the reader the "then and now" story.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

My review...

4.5 stars

This is my first Sager book, but it will not be my last. This is one of the best books I've read in 2019.

Jules just lost her job and boyfriend, and she is now homeless with few options … until the perfect opportunity comes along. Her friend Chloe isn't so sure, as things that sound too good to be true usually are. Jules disagrees and accepts a job as an apartment sitter at the iconic Bartholomew, an historic apartment building overlooking Central Park. While there are a few strange rules, Jules believes the pay ($12,000 for three months) is more than worth it … until unusual things begin happening and another apartment sitter suddenly disappears. Her search for answers could place her right in the middle of a sinister situation. Can she get out before it's too late?

I enjoyed the fact that the story was told in first person POV. I like the structure of the book (going back and forth in time). I had a hard time putting this book aside, as it totally pulled me in. Jules is an easy character to like, and I found the mystery and twists in this book creepy and unique. I certainly didn't anticipate the ending. A definite page-turner for me!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

My review...

5 stars

I'll be reviewing this book on my blog on September 5, 2019, so come back then to find out my thoughts on this fabulous book (5 stars!). It's a book you won't want to miss.

My review...

4 stars for the overall series

I've read this series a couple times, and I've watched the movies a number of times. It's a series I'd like to have in print (and I'd LOVE to get it autographed one day). When I read the first book, I was a bit skeptical, as it was outside my typical reads ... but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. This book was the stepping stone to expanding my reading horizons 😃

My review...

4.5 stars

Romanov was one of my most-anticipated reads for the beginning of 2019, and it didn't disappoint!

This is a reimagining of the final Czar of Russia and his family, with a focus on the youngest daughter Nastya (Anastasia). I didn't know a lot about the Romanovs (short of the movie Anastasia), so wasn't totally sure what to expect. I loved the fantasy mixed with history mixed with a few facts. The book is well-researched, and Brandes points out in her notes just what is real and what information is stretched. The story shows the hardships the Romanov family endured. There was far more of a family focus to the story than I'd expected going into the book. Mystery and tragedy, and a bit of romance, combined to make this a truly engaging tale. I kept telling myself, "One more chapter," and I was sad to see it end. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

My review...

4 stars

This is the first solo book I've read from Lee, but it will not be the last. (Prior to this, I've only read a book she co-wrote with Ted Dekker.)

The story alternates between Wynter's asked (inside the cult) and present (outside the cult), so the reader is updated on the backstory without having info dumps. The quick pace of the story keeps the reader actively engaged. Characters and scenes are well drawn and easy to visualize. I particularly liked Wynter, who was a strong, determined heroine. Overall, the premise was a unique one for me (a girl cast out of a cult combined with an apocalyptic angle). While fiction, and some parts a bit harder to believe that others, Lee gives the reader a lot to think about (the danger of false prophets, how far people will go to fulfill their own wants, disease, etc.)

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

My review...

3.5 stars

I was so excited to read this book, as I really enjoyed the first on the series. It's certainly best to read the books in order. A person would likely be lost if they tried to read this one as a standalone.

I really like Selene and how she is trying to figure out who she is in her search for the truth about the Light, as well as the internal struggle of what it would mean to go against her family and the legacy she was told she must fulfill. I liked how Busse showed the growth of Selene's relationship with Damien, too. The characters are realistic and the pace appropriate. I can't wait to read the final book in the series!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

My review...

4 stars

I've never read any of Ware's prior books, but I'll be looking them up after reading this one! The ending plot twist was one I certainly wasn't expecting. The story kept me engaged the entire time. I liked how the story was structured (with the main character writing a letter to try and convince an attorney to represent her, as she is in prison for murder). And the smart house? Totally creepy! If I'd ever considered one (which I haven't), this book would change my mind. It was a bit unbelievable that parents would hire a nanny and then leave her alone with their kids almost immediately after she starts, but everything else was so well done that this angle could be forgiven and overlooked. I will be adding other books by this author to my TBR pile.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

What about you? Who are some books you'd love to have in your personal library? These could be books you've borrowed from a friend, checked out from the library, or even own as an ebook. Share your answers below.

Monday Motivation

"The individual who says it is not possible should move out of the way of those doing it."

— Tricia Cunningham

Have a wonderful week!

First Line Friday

Happy Friday! It's time for First Line Fridays, hosted by Hoarding Books.

It's time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today on First Line Friday, I'm featuring Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano.

And the first line is ...

For one blessed moment I was beautiful.

About the book...

A rag woman in London's east end meets a handsome stranger who offers her a chance to remake herself at Rothburne Abbey. But something about the abbey is unsettling. Will uncovering its secrets ruin her life?

Let me know the first line of the book closest to you and then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating.

If you're a blogger or just a social media-er, we'd love for you to join us, too!

Takeover Thursday with Tamera Lynn Kraft ... and a GIVEAWAY!

To celebrate the release of her latest book, Tamera has graciously offered to give away an electronic copy of her book. You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends August 29, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you and pass on your information.)

About the book...

Will war bring them love or will they be Lost in the Storm?

Lavena, a journalist during the Civil War, wants to become a war correspondent. She finally gets her chance, but there's a catch. She has to get an interview from a war hero who has refused to tell his story to every other journalist, and she has to accomplish this impossible task in a month or she'll lose her job.

Captain Cage, the war hero, has a secret that will destroy his military career and reputation. Now, a new journalist is trying to get him to tell what he's been hiding. He wants to ignore her, but from the moment she came into camp, he can't get her out of his mind.

Leading up to the turbulent Battles for the city of Chattanooga, will Lavena and Cage find the courage to love and forgive, or will they be swept away by their past mistakes that don't want to stay buried?

Meet the Ladies of Oberlin, the causes they're willing to fight for, and the men who capture their hearts.

My review...

Women in the war zone was not something commonly done, but Lavena was determined to be the best female war reporter. She, and others, will be faced with decisions she never thought she’d have to make. Will some of them lead to finding love, and not just truth?

I’ve never read anything by Kraft before, but it’s obvious she did her research on this Civil War era novel. Her descriptions are vivid, and the characters are well-crafted. Secondary characters are well-integrated. There’s enough action to keep fans of historical novels engaged. Lavena is a strong, independent, and intelligent heroine—just what I like in my lead characters.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

Other books in the series...

Red Sky Over America: Ladies of Oberlin Book 1

The Aftermath: Ladies of Oberlin Book 3 (coming in 2021)

Forks in the Road (to be released in October): This novel is a Western that tells the story of what happened to Jed and his brothers. Jed is one of the characters in Lost in the Storm.

Soldier’s Heart: This is the story of a minor character in Lost in the Storm who comes home from the war with PTSD.

Q&A...

What would you say has been the most rewarding part of writing?

Every story I tell has a theme that shows God working throughout history. I love researching historical events and seeing how God has weaved Himself throughout our nation’s history. I love when someone reads one of my stories and gets that.

My faith permeates through everything I write because it’s a major part of who I am. Even when I don’t write something “Christian”, my faith still shines through the pages.

What made you decide to become a writer?

I have always loved to write. I remember writing my first novel when I was ten years old. It was awful. I think what sparked my love for books was my grandmother. She only had an 8^th grade education and was a coal miner’s wife, but she loved to read. I remember sitting on her lap in her rocker and her reading great novels like Black Beauty to me.

In high school, I took all the English and literature classes I could to prepare for my career in writing. I even major in English in college in preparation of being a writer.

At some point in my twenties, my writing career was put on hold for decades. Between raising children and becoming a children’s pastor on staff at my church, there just wasn’t time. I still couldn’t keep from writing. I would write children’s church curriculum and puppet skits for my lessons. Some of it even got published.

Finally about twelve years ago, I resigned as a children’s pastor and started a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where I travel to other churches to do teacher training, kid’s crusades, and children’s ministry consultations. I also am launching Revival Fire for Kids children’s church curriculum in about a year. This keeps me very busy during the summer, but the rest of the time, I have time to write fiction.

My writing career is back on track and moving along. I feel like God has brought me full circle. I put Him first in raising my children and ministering to other children, and He is fulfilling the desires of my heart by opening up doors for me to write again.

Where do you get your ideas for your books? How did you decide to write Lost in the Storm or the Ladies of Oberlin Series?

I get my ideas from historical events. I love studying history. When I read about an event in history, I wonder what it would have been like for the people living during that time.

The way the Ladies of Oberlin Series began was when I thought about writing about strong Christian women in the 19^th century. The more I researched, the more I noticed almost every women I read about had a connection with Oberlin College. That intrigued me enough to research Oberlin. What I found astonished me.

Oberlin College was the first college to give degrees to men, women, and blacks before the Civil War. Almost every missionary who went overseas between 1860 and 1900 was a graduate of Oberlin College. Oberlin’s president was the fiery Second Great Awakening evangelist Charles Finney. Oberlin graduates were involved in abolition, women’s suffrage, prohibition, education, laws protecting children, and many other causes of the late 1800s.

I knew I wanted to write stories about women who graduated from Oberlin shortly before the Civil War. The first novel, Red Sky Over America, is about America Leighton the year before she graduated. She went home to Kentucky to try to convince her father to free his slaves. In the second novel, Lost in the Storm, Lavena Falcon is a woman’s rights activist and a journalist during the Civil War and wants to be a war correspondent. In the third novel, The Aftermath, which will be released in 2021, Betsy Teagan fights for prohibition after the war. Each lady has a love interest to keep things interesting.

What advice/tips do you have for budding authors who are just starting out?

Don’t give up too early. It takes years to get to a point where your writing is good enough to be published. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you work hard, continue to improve, and don’t let discouragement stop you, you’ll make it. I’ve always believed that the published authors are not the ones who are the greatest or who have the most potential. They’re the ones who work hard and persevere.

What are your future plans?

I am currently writing the first of a series of novels about women who came to Jamestown in 1619 to marry. The series is called Jamestown Brides, and the first novel is The Seasoning of Elizabella.

About Tamera...

Award winning author Tamera Lynn Kraft has always loved adventures. She loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. There are strong elements of faith, romance, suspense and adventure in her stories. Some of the novels she has written are Red Sky Over America, Alice’s Notions, and Lost in the Storm. You can check Tamera out on her website at http://tameralynnkraft.net.

Tamera been married for 40 years to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and three grandchildren. She has been a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors other children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist and has written children’s church curriculum. She is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

Where you can find her online...

Website

Newsletter

Goodreads

Word Sharpeners Blog

Facebook

Twitter

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Tuesday Tip: Poisonous or Venomous?

You may have heard the words poisonous and venomous used interchangeably, but they're not the same.

Poisonous means its deadly to eat or touch.

Venomous means it has a deadly bite or sting.

"King's Shadow" by Angela Hunt

My review...

I've only read a few books by Hunt, but I've enjoyed them, and this was no exception. I haven't read the others in this series, and I wasn't lost, as this can be read as a standalone.

This story was told from two POVs, Salome (the sister of King Herod) and Zara (a child who becomes Salome's handmaid), and I really liked that, as it gives a more complete picture of the time period and Herod's reign. I liked the addition of Roman characters, such as Cleopatra and Marc Antony, and their connection to Herod. I enjoyed the growth of the characters, particularly Zara.

I'm likely to go back and read the other books in this series, as I'm not as familiar about some of the biblical characters represented, and I'd be interested in reading Hunt's take on them. Scenes were beautifully detailed, which made them easy to envision. Based on this particular book, it's obvious that Hunt is able to bring the characters to life, making for an engaging and informative story. It's apparent the author did a lot of research on the 400 years between the Old Testament and New Testament, weaving facts and fiction together to create this series. I appreciated the insight given in the author's notes at the end.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Amazon purchase link

"The Bull Rider's Secret" by Jill Lynn ... and a GIVEAWAY!

Jill has agreed to give away one print copy of this book (US ONLY). You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. (Giveaway ends August 23, 2019. If you are the randomly chosen winner, I'll contact you.) 

Will the truth keep them from a second chance?
The next Colorado Grooms romance

Letting bull rider Jace Hawke back into her life breaks all of Mackenzie Wilder’s rules—just like he broke her heart years ago. But he’s working at her family’s ranch while recovering from a rodeo injury…and chipping away at Mackenzie’s tough-girl exterior with each passing day. Which is the bigger mistake: falling for Jace again…or letting him go without a fight?

Excerpt...

     "Do you want to go home? I feel bad dragging you out here when you're so exhausted."

     "Actually, the nap helped." Her shoulders inched up sheepishly. "I feel rested. Sorry I conked out though."

     "The two-hour ride was pretty boring without anyone to talk to."

     "Two hours?" She said up straighter, took in the rock formations and evergreens that lined the drive. "Where exactly did you take me? I've been asleep that long?"

     "I'm kidding. It was only about forty-five minutes."

     "Oh." She whacked him on the arm. "If you're trying to thank me, you should probably tone down the jerk and up the doting, adoring admirer."

     "Noted." If only sparring with Mackenzie was a full-time career. Jace would have job security for life. "You ready, old woman? Or do I need to get you home in time for Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! and a TV dinner?"

     She flashed a sassy smile. "I'm ready. You're going to be sorry you ever started this with me, Hawke."

     He had no doubt she was right.     

     

Amazon purchase link

Q & A with Jill...

Q:  How did your latest story come to be?

A:   Mackenzie was such a strong Wilder sibling that I wanted to write a match for her who broke through her tough-girl exterior. Enter Jace Hawke. He’s all the things she’s not, and she’s never been able to resist him. (Which only makes her more upset!)

Q:   Ha! I bet it does. Which character in the book is most like you?

A:   I’m most like Mackenzie in trying to be tough and do everything myself. But she’s way stronger than me. 😊 I’m more of a wuss than she is!

Q:   Who would play your characters if a movie was made of this book? 

A:   Drew Van Acker and Blake Lively

Q:   Ooh, good choice. Favorite line from your book? 

A:   Loving someone else isn’t an option. I don’t even like other people half the time. - Mackenzie

Q:   That's a great line! What's the takeaway you hope readers get from your book? 

A:   I hope readers are reminded that we’re much stronger with God than without him.

Q:  So true! What can you tell me about your writing process?

A:   I love quiet when I write. Time to myself—to get into the process—is the best thing for me. I don’t listen to music, although I know a lot of authors do. I’m more of the hunker down and zone out into the writing type of author. I love it if I can write without distractions!

Q:  I'm one of those people who need music in the background 🙂What can you tell me about your next project? 

A:   Readers will “meet” Evan Hawke in this book and hopefully will be pleased to find out that he’s getting his own story. I recently signed a contract for books 4, 5, and 6 in the Colorado Grooms series, so that’s what I’m working on now.

 Congratulations on the contract. I'm sure readers will be pleased with that news. Thanks so much for taking the time to share a bit with my readers.

My review...

Lynn’s latest is the third installment in the “Colorado Grooms” series, though it could be read as a standalone.

Mackenzie Wilder is not impressed to see the man her brother hired to help out on their ranch: Jace Hawke, her ex-boyfriend who broke her heart when he left town—and her—to follow his dream of riding bulls. Will she give in to those old feelings she still harbors for Jace, or will she let him walk out of her life again?

Jace needs a job while he’s recovering from an injury, and the Wilder’s ranch seems like the perfect opportunity, even though Mackenzie’s attitude toward him makes things a bit challenging. Can he break through her tough exterior?

This is a sweet, quick read with relatable (flawed but authentic) characters and scenarios. Mackenzie is a strong, spunky heroine who’s easy to like. As with most Love Inspired reads, there is some predictability, but that doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of this story. Themes include trust, faith, and second chances. Readers of the series will appreciate seeing some familiar characters, though it’s not necessary to read the first two books in the series first.

Lynn has a way with words that pulls the reader in. Here are two of my favorite lines that show how Jace has his work cut out for him:

• Whoo-ee. The amount of loathing streaming from Mackenzie was enough to heat the town of Westbend in the dead of winter.
• "If you're trying to thank me, you should probably tone down the jerk and up the doting, adoring admirer."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

About Jill...

Jill Lynn is an award-winning author, hot mess, loud laughter, and coffee addict who lives with her husband and two children near the beautiful Rocky Mountains. She writes the kind of stories she likes to read—ones filled with grace, humor, and happily-ever-after. Her new release, The Bull Rider’s Secret, is in stores now, and her current giveaway can be found at Jill-Lynn.com/news.

Where to find Jill online...

https://www.facebook.com/jilllynnauthor

https://www.instagram.com/jilllynnauthor/

Current Giveaway & Newsletter: http://jill-lynn.com/news/

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Writing Prompt Wednesday

If you're feeling stuck in your WIP (work in progress) or just want to shake things up a bit, here's something different to try today:

She could smell gas even before she opened the door.

Happy writing!

"Lord of Her Heart" by Sherrinda Ketchersid ... and a GIVEAWAY! (@JustReads blog tour)

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Lord of Her Heart by Sherrinda Ketchersid, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

 

Title: Lord of Her Heart 

Author: Sherrinda Ketchersid  

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas 

Release Date: May 14, 2019 

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

He’s fighting for his future—she’s running for her life.

Lady Jocelyn Ashburne suspects something is amiss at her family’s castle because her father ceases to write to her. When she overhears a plot to force her into vows—either to the church or a husband—she disguises herself and flees the convent in desperation to discover the truth.

Malcolm Castillon of Berkham is determined to win the next tournament and be granted a manor of his own. After years of proving his worth on the jousting field, he yearns for a life of peace. Rescuing a scrawny lad who turns out to be a beautiful woman is not what he bargained for. Still, he cannot deny that she stirs his heart like no other, in spite of her conniving ways.

Chaos, deception, and treachery threaten their goals, but both are determined to succeed. Learning to trust each other might be the only way either of them survives.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

EXCERPT

The rusty lock would not budge.

Jocelyn blew a strand of unruly hair from her eyes and paused to still her racing heart. No matter how many times she’d practiced in the privacy of the garderobe, nothing had prepared her for the trembling of her fingers or the time wasted looking over her shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she pried the tip of her knife back into the lock, listening for the quiet catch of the spring.

“Jocelyn, make haste.” Sister Mary stood guard several paces away.

Though the smaller postern gate at the back of the abbey was far from the dormitory, sometimes sisters were known to walk the nearby flower gardens for nightly prayer. Jocelyn prayed that none would be so inspired that night. “Do not fret. I shan’t fail.”

Her heart drummed in her ears. She fought down the panic welling inside as she wiggled the tip of the blade. The lock jolted open. Closing her eyes, she almost wept with relief. Thank you, Lord. She pushed against the heavy gate, wincing as it creaked, piercing the heavy mantle of silence.

 Jocelyn turned to Mary who stood with her clasped hands pressed against her heart. She ran to her friend, hugging her tightly. “Pray for me. Pray for success in my quest.”

Mary clutched Jocelyn to her. “The important thing is that you get to safety.” She loosened her hold and smiled through her tears. “I will hold you close in my heart and pray for you constantly.”

“And I you, my friend.” Jocelyn grabbed her sack and ran.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Sherrinda Ketchersid is a lover of stories with happily-ever-after endings. Whether set in the past or present, romance is what she writes and where her dreams reside. Sherrinda lives in north-central Texas with her preacher husband. With four grown children, three guys and a gal, she has more time and energy to spin tales of faith, fun, and forever love.  

CONNECT WITH SHERRINDA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Lord of Her Heart, a 9 oz Cozy Day candle, and a personalized hand-lettered Moleskin journal!

Be sure to check out each stop on these tours for more chances to win. Full tour schedule on this tour is linked below. Giveaway begins at midnight August 13, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on August 20, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. 

For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.