Book Review with featured author, Carrie Lighte: Her Amish Suitor's Secret

Her Amish Suitor’s Secret by Carrie Lighte

Publisher & Release: Love Inspired, June 01, 2020

Time and setting: Present Day, Maine

Genre: Amish fiction

Length: 224 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Sometimes the truth comes at a cost.

Can she forgive him

when she learns his true identity?
Posing as an Amish groundskeeper at Rose Allgyer’s lakeside cabin retreat, Englischer Caleb Miller is determined to clear his brother’s name of theft. But as he’s drawn to Rose’s good nature, the burden of his ruse gets heavier—especially after learning Rose was deceived by her ex-fiancé. Still guarded, will Rose trust Caleb with her heart when she discovers he isn’t who he claims to be?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Amish-Suitors-Secret-Serenity-Ridge-ebook/dp/B081D5YPHF

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-amish-suitors-secret-carrie-lighte

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/her-amish-suitor-s-secret

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48829268-her-amish-suitor-s-secret

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/her-amish-suitor-s-secret-by-carrie-lighte

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy for the purpose of reading and reviewing Her Amish Suitor’s Secret by Carrie Lighte prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.

Her Amish Suitor’s Secret is a well written Amish fiction with engaging characters and a plot that will touch your heart. The pacing kept me engaged from the first page to the last. There’s a bit of a mystery too.

Rose Allgyer’s character is just what I expect with an Amish heroine, mostly. She’s dedicated to her faith and family. However, she’s not looking for a suitor or husband after the rough breakup with the last man who courted her. She’s determined to save enough money to start her own business. 

Caleb Miller is not the typical Amish hero. First, he’s an Englischer impersonating as an Amish man. Since he is fluent in German, he pulls it off. Since his fake image is necessary to save his brother from prison, he must succeed and find the culprits that will prove his brother’s innocence. I enjoyed his character and could feel his desperation.

The romance between Rose and Caleb is a slow build, typical of an Amish romance. While I liked both characters, I didn’t feel a powerful connection between them. Although I wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy Amish fiction with a strong spiritual message and an intriguing mystery to solve, then you will like Her Amish Suitor’s Secret. This is the third book in this series, but this novel and easily a stand-alone read. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Carrie Lighte enjoys traveling to Amish communities across the United States and she hopes to visit a few in Canada soon, too. When she isn't writing, reading or researching, she likes to hike, kayak and spend time at the beach.

She loves hearing from readers and can be found at carrielighte.com or on Twitter.

Social Media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/carrielighte

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carrie-lighte

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16753307.Carrie_Lighte

Book Review featuring author, Alexa Aston: The Lyon's Lady Love

The Lyon’s Lady Love by Alexa Aston

Publisher & Release: Dragonblade Publishing, May 14, 2020

Time and setting:  Regency England, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Length: 131 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Enter the world of the most notorious gambling den in London, where matches are made... unusually. Welcome to the world of THE LYON'S DEN: The Black Widow of Whitehall Connected World, where the underground of Regency London thrives... and loves.

Can an earl put aside the ghosts of the past and accept a future with his scandal-plagued wife?

On the night of her come-out, Lady Emma Spencer learns her father has bilked numerous peers. Not only is she humiliated, but her father flees England, leaving Emma penniless and homeless. She finds work as a companion and years later, she winds up with a fortune. All she lacks now is the children she so desperately desires. That means finding a husband—and she turns to The Black Widow of Whitehall, Mrs. Bessie Dove-Lyon, who pairs women touched by scandal with men in desperate need of money.

Upon his father’s death, Marcus becomes the Earl of Rutherford and finds he’s bankrupt, thanks to his father losing the family fortune to poor investments and gambling. Though Marcus had wanted to wed for love, he turns to an infamous matchmaker, who arranges a marriage for him. Lady Emma Spencer is everything he dreamed of in a woman, and Marcus gallantly refuses to discuss her past, telling Emma he is her future.

But secrets have a way of coming out and Marcus learns he’s married to the one woman he never would have chosen.

Can Marcus put aside the ghosts of the past and accept a future with his wife?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Lyons-Lady-Love-Den-ebook/dp/B0877BPCLL

Read for FREE through Kindle Unlimited

Add to Goodreads & BookBub:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53207852-lyon-s-lady-love

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-lyon-s-lady-love-the-lyon-s-den-by-alexa-aston-and-the-lyon-s-den

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks goes to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of The Lyon’s Lady Love by Alexa Aston for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced them.

The Lyon’s Lady Love is a well-written novella with compelling characters and a plot that will pull at your heartstrings. The pacing is excellent keeping me enmeshed from the first page to the last.

Lady Emma Spencer’s character is endearing, and her backstory is heartbreaking. From the time she lost her mother, she had no one to watch out for her. On the night of her come-out, her father returns and grabs his belonging and rips her mother’s jewels from her neck, leaving her to face the men who arrive to capture her father. My heart ached for her bewilderment and fear.

Marcus, the Earl of Rutherford is a fantastic hero. When his father dies, he discovers he’s inherited nothing other than the entailed estate and London townhouse. He must find a wife with a generous dowry. While he’d dreamed of a union with a woman he loves, that must be put aside. I could feel the pain and loss, and the fear of providing for his mother and tenants. When he meets the heroine, he’s relieved to find such a charming young woman through the matchmaker. His optimism for the future touched me.

The romance between Emma and Marcus is sweet and fulfilling, perfect for a Regency historical. Each have suffered through no fault of their own. I truly wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy historical romances set in the glittering Regency period with engaging characters and a heartfelt plot, then you will love The Lyon’s Lady Love as much as I did. I look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

Mrs. Dove-Lyon said, “You have one hour in which you may get to know one another. In that time, you will also share a single kiss. At the end of the hour, you should know if you suit one another or not.”

A kiss?

Emma had never been kissed. Ever. The thought of sharing a kiss with Lord Z flustered her. She could feel her cheeks heating.

She felt Lord Z’s eyes upon her, which caused her face to flame further. All thoughts of conversation fled as she inhaled the subtle spice of his cologne. He was broader than he’d appeared from a distance and took up too much space. He was much too close for her to think.

“Tell me something about yourself,” she said.

“I am an only son of a peer. I adore my niece and nephews. Having children is part of the reason I am here tonight.” He smiled ruefully. “And I seek a bride with a large dowry.”

“Many young women making their come-out possess one.”

“They were all so young. So green. I am thirty, Lady A, and felt old enough to be their father. I long for a woman I can converse with. One who wants to be a good wife and mother and yet remain her own person, interested in all manner of ideas.”

Lord Z squeezed her hand. “Family is very important to me. Are you open to this possibility?”

“It is the only reason I seek a husband,” Emma said. “I have longed for children.”

He smiled and it was as if the sun had come out from behind the clouds. It filled her with a warmth she’d never known.

“Do you have anything else you wish to ask of me, Lady A?”

She didn’t. Her heart told her he would be her choice.

“No, Lord Z.”

“Then I suppose we must accomplish the task Mrs. Dove-Lyon assigned to us.”

Emma’s pulse quickened.

“May I kiss you, Lady A?”

Author Bio:

Award-winning, internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She loves reading, watching movies, and attending sporting events when she’s not watching Survivor, The Crown, or The Great British Baking Show.

A former history teacher, Alexa’s historical romances are set during the Regency and Medieval Eras—where she brings to life loveable rogues and dashing knights.

Social Media:

Website: https://alexaaston.com/

Newsletter: https://madmimi.com/signups/422152/join

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoralexaaston/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexaAston

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoralexaaston/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alexa-aston

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15846438.Alexa_Aston

Book Review: A Summer Amish Courtship by Emma Miller

A Summer Amish Courtship by Emma Miller

Publisher & Release: Love Inspired, May 1, 2020

Time and setting:  Present Day, Amish Country

Genre: Amish Fiction/Contemporary Romance

Length: 224 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Sweetheart

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

A lonely schoolmaster. A widowed mother.

Will working together be a lesson in love?

After a sudden heartbreaking loss, young widow Abigail Stolz must somehow help her troubled son adjust—even if it means working with Jamie’s stern schoolmaster, Ethan Miller. Much to her surprise, Ethan is actually a sensitive man who is also grieving—and lonely. But will family duty and the past keep them from a chance at happiness together?

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://smile.amazon.com/Summer-Amish-Courtship-Love-Inspired-ebook/dp/B07YX6FZ4P

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-summer-amish-courtship-emma-miller

KOBO: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50831922-a-summer-amish-courtship

Vikki’s Musings

Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of A Summer Amish Courtship by Emma Miller and for the opportunity to read and review this delightful Amish romance. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

A Summer Amish Courtship is an enchanting novel with endearing characters and a heartwarming plot. Ms. Miller’s writing style flows well, and the pacing pulled me in and kept me engaged until the end.

Abigail Soltz’s character is that of a concerned mother and young woman still grieving for her husband. She’s a bit too easy on her son and prone to making excuses for her young son. She clashes with the schoolteacher. She soon discovers the teacher is kind and has a wealth of patience. 

Ethan Miller is an endearing hero, a young widower who feels his responsibilities to his family keenly. He is determined to learn why Abigail’s son is misbehaving and correct it. When he figures out the young boy can’t read, he offers to tutor him.

The romance between Abigail and Ethan grows from their mutual pain of loss to find out they have growing feelings for each other. It blossoms in a most delightful way, which I found satisfying. I wanted them to find a way to overcome the obstacles standing in their way.

If you enjoy Amish fiction with characters that will touch your heart, when you will love A Summer Amish Courtship as much as I did. I have come to love this genre, and this romance is a fine example of the genre. Happy reading!

Author Bio:

Emma Miller is a wife, mother and a grandmother who lives a quiet life in Delaware. She's the author of the Hannah's Daughter's series and is at work on her next Amish romance novel.

Book Review: The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake

The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s, December 31, 2018

Time and setting:  Regency, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:  333 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

When two childhood sweethearts find themselves together after years apart, does their romance have a chance to be rekindled now that he’s a duke and she’s a governess? Olivia Drake’s new Unlikely Duchesses series begins with The Duke I Once Knew, where first love is always the sweetest...

For years, Abigail Linton devoted herself to caring for her parents and her siblings’ children. Now, eager to create a life of her own, Abby seizes upon a position as a governess on a neighboring estate. Unfortunately, her absentee employer is Maxwell Bryce, the Duke of Rothwell, the notorious rake who once broke her youthful heart. But since he hasn’t set foot on his estate for fifteen years, Abby assumes she’ll never have to lay eyes on him ever again. Then, from out of nowhere, Max appears. He is stunned to come face to face with the girl next door he fell for years ago—before he went away, and she stopped writing to him. . .even though Abby swears that he is the one who left her without a word. Could it be that this spirited, witty spinster has won Max’s heart all over again—and that they may have a second chance at love?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Duke-Once-Knew-Unlikely-Duchesses-ebook/dp/B07DN9TNHV

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39863390-the-duke-i-once-knew

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I’ve read by Olivia Drake in quite some time, and I enjoyed it. Thanks goes to the publisher, via Net Galley, for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The Duke I Once Knew is an entertaining Regency romance with engaging characters and an intriguing plot. The writing flows beautifully, and the pacing is excellent. The book has just the right amount of details, while still allowing me to use my imagination.

Abigail Linton’s character is endearing. While she has an overbearing family, who think they know what is best for her, she is determined to make her own way. She is also a good friend to the young lady under her care. 

Maxwell Bryce is an awesome hero. He has any of the characteristics I love in a male protagonist. Although he is definitely a rake of the first order, he takes his responsibility to his sister and the dukedom seriously. When he discovers his father kept his letters from reaching Abigail and did not give him hers, I could feel his confusion and pain.

The romance between Abigail and Maxwell is lovely. The sexual tension shows the expertise of the author to understand it is one of the most desirable characteristics of historical romance. The soft touches, the lingering kisses are what it’s all about in that sub-genre, and this book has them in abundance.

If you enjoy Regency romances with engaging characters, then you will enjoy The Duke I Once Knew as much as I. I look forward to reading the next book in this delightful series. Happy reading!

Book Review: My One and Only Duke by Grace Burrowes

My One and Only Duke by Grace Burrowes

Publisher & Release: Grand Central Forever Romance, November 6, 2018

Time and setting:  Regency, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:  465 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

One minute, London banker Quinn Wentworth is facing execution. The next, he's declared the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Quinn has fought his way up from the worst slums, and now he's ready to use every dirty trick he knows to find the enemy who schemed against him.

Jane Winston, the widowed and pregnant, crosses paths with Quinn while her father is preaching to the prisoners. Believing his days are numbered, Quinn offers her marriage as a way to guarantee her independence and provide for her child. Neither thinks they'll actually have a future together.

He's a wealthy gutter rat out for vengeance. She's a minister's daughter who must turn a marriage of desperation into a proper ducal union. Are they doomed from the start or destined for a happily-ever-after?

Also includes the bonus novella Once Upon a Christmas Eve from New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt!

When his carriage wheel snaps in a snowstorm, Adam Rutledge, Viscount d'Arque, is forced to seek shelter at the home of the most maddening, infuriating, and utterly beguiling woman he's ever met.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/My-One-Only-Duke-novella-ebook/dp/B07B8F42K2

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39035673-my-one-and-only-duke

Vikki’s Musings

It’s been quite some time since I’ve read a novel by Grace Burrowes, glad I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley for this one! I appreciate the opportunity to read and review My One and Only Duke prior to publication. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this romance and found the plot interesting. The ultimate villain in this work was a surprise, which is always a joy. The suspenseful scenes are well-written and very exciting, keeping me on pins and needles. Ms. Burrowes has the ability to make common day occurrences interesting, and she does this in My One and Only Duke with her usual expertise. 

Jane Winston is a delightful Heroine. She is such a sensible woman and takes things in her stride. Her patience with her father is admirable, and her ability to give the hero what he needs is touching.

Quinn Wentworth makes a great hero. He is a warrior determined to protect his family, even if it costs him his life, and it almost does. He quickly sees Jane’s value and adds her to the loved ones he needs to keep safe.

I enjoyed the gently, growing relationship between Jane and Quinn and they are perfect for each other. While this novel didn’t have quite as much sexual tension, it was still a satisfying love story between two individuals who certainly need and deserve to find love. I loved the affection between the pair, and the unhurried tender moments.

If you enjoy Regency romance with all the elements that appeals to lovers of this historical period, then you will like My One and Only Duke. I look forward to reading the next book in this fascinating series. Happy reading!

Book Review: A Bone to Pick by Melinda Leigh

A Bone to Pick by Melinda Leigh

Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, October 30, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Connecticut

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  101 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Deputy Tessa Black gave up her career as a detective with the Seattle PD and returned to the Pacific Northwest island she calls home to care for her ailing mother. Tessa thinks her mother’s illness is the worst thing she’ll face—until she responds to a routine call in the state park and discovers a local man harpooned to a sign.

As the murder investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the victim harbored secrets. Together with her FBI agent best friend, Cate, and park ranger Logan Wilde, Tessa must connect the pieces before the murderer strikes again. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she finds herself—and the ones she loves—in harm’s way.

Pressure mounts as Tessa attempts to juggle the current case with her search for the truth behind her childhood friend Samantha’s disappearance twenty years ago. Can Tessa find the murderer and uncover answers about Samantha without jeopardizing everything she holds dear?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Bone-Pick-Widows-Island-Novella-ebook/dp/B07FM148RF

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40849216-a-bone-to-pick

Vikki’s Musings

Another fantastic book by Melinda Leigh. Thanks go to the publisher, via Net-Galley, for the chance to read and review this outstanding book. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

What a great book! I thoroughly enjoyed this new exciting novella by Ms. Leigh. The characters are intriguing, the plot is gripping. I always know I'm in for a treat with one of Ms. Leigh's romantic thrillers.

Tessa Black’s character was easy to like. She was willing to sacrifice her career in Seattle so she could be there for her mother who has dementia. Tessa certainly has a lot in her cup, but her determination to solve the murder while caring for her mother is commendable.

Logan Wilde is a great hero, one I quickly liked. He is willing to go to any lengths to help Tess solve the murder. It’s easy to see that he is attracted to Tessa.

While this is a stand-alone novel, I wish I had read Kendra Elliott’s, Close to the Bone. I will be purchasing it when it releases on October 23^rd. Happy reading!

Book Review: Cowboy Christmas Jubilee by Dylan Crush

Cowboy Christmas Jubilee by Dylann Crush

Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, October 30, 2018

Time and setting:  Present Day, Texas

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  384 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.25 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Merry Christmas from your new friends in Holiday, Texas:
The most celebratory town in the South!

When Jinx Jacobs's motorcycle breaks down outside Holiday, Texas, the last thing she wants is to get stuck in the cheery little town, especially during the holidays. The whole place has gone Christmas crazy, but all she has to do is stay out from under the mistletoe—and do her best to keep that unnervingly attractive cop off her back.

Single dad and sheriff's deputy Cash Walker doesn't have time for romance, and yet something about the tempting loner twists his stomach up tighter than a tangle of tinsel. He may have finally found the missing piece in his life...but with Jinx so determined to avoid putting down roots, convincing her to stay may just take a Christmas miracle.

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Cowboy-Christmas-Jubilee-Holiday-Texas-ebook/dp/B07FGFYZK4

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38396713-cowboy-christmas-jubilee

Vikki’s Musings

This is the first book I have read by Dylann Crush, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, the book description intrigued me, and I always love Christmas stories, especially one with a child. I was not disappointed! My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I loved Cowboy Christmas Jubilee from the first page to the last. Ms. Crush’s writing is emotional and pulled at my heartstrings a lot. The plot is intriguing and kept me flipping the pages on my Kindle, waiting for what would come next. This one has a bit of a mystery to solve which is always fun. It’s a joy to read a novel where I fall in love with both characters immediately.

Jinx Jacobs is an interesting character. Her sweet and generous nature does not fit her outward appearance in the least, which made this story even better. She is a cross between spunky and waif with her sad backstory and her determination to never show any vulnerability. She clearly craves love but does not want anyone to know.

Cash Walker is a great hero. He loves his family and his little girl fiercely and would protect them with his life. He’s a true warrior at heart. When he finds he’s attracted to this mysterious stranger who clearly has plenty of secrets, he is unable to resist her.

The romance between Jinx and Cash is delightful. The chemistry between the pair sizzles. While they are opposites in so many ways, they are perfect for each other. Jinx so deserves to have such a good man. I’m so glad they found their happy ending.

If you enjoy Christmas romances with great characters, a quirky small town and an awesome plot, then you will love Cowboy Christmas Jubilee as much as I did. In fact, I liked this one so much, I just bought the audio version of the first book in this series. Happy reading!

Book Review: It's All about the Duke

It’s All about the Duke by Amelia Grey

Publisher & Release: St. Martin’s Press, May 29, 2018

Time and setting:  Regency England, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:  Full length

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Nearing thirty, the Duke of Rathburne is finally ready to make amends for the wager that caused him and his best friends such scandal—but taking on a ward who needs a husband is a feat he’s not sure he can manage. The last he saw of Miss Marlena Fast, she was a spirited little ruffian, not the sort of bride most bachelors on the marriage mart sought. But one glance at the lovely lady she has become is enough to convince him otherwise… 

Orphaned young and shuffled from family to family, Marlena counts on her fierce independence and quick wits to keep herself content. Being the responsibility of a notoriously wicked duke who upended so many lives is an unexpected challenge when she realizes he arouses her decidedly feminine desires. Marlena must be careful. She has her own scandalous secret to protect. If he finds out, will it shatter her chances of a happily-ever-after with the notorious rake?

Buy Link:

https://smile.amazon.com/Its-All-About-Duke-Rakes-ebook/dp/B0776Z9M2N

Add to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36687882-it-s-all-about-the-duke

Vikki’s Musings

This is the third book in The Rakes of St. James series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, the book description intrigued me, so I accept to read and review. This is a light regency novel that puts the reader into the glittering world of the London ton.

I struggled with the premise for It’s All about the Duke. I have a difficult time believing her previous guardian would choose a rake as her new guardian, but I held judgment. Unfortunately, I never grew more accepting.

Marlena’s character is supposed to be independent, feisty and quick-witted. For me, those characteristics were not present, so I never truly identified with Marlena and never became invested. Fortunately, I did find several secondary characters who kept me entertained and the story moving along at a decent pace.

The Duke Rathburne is a likely hero. I particularly enjoyed his dry wit and patience with Marlena’s aunt, self-absorbed, flitty character, but humorous with no ill designs toward her niece, just a bit thoughtless of Marlena’s wants and desires.

Now, for me the romance was fine, just not throbbing with sexual tension and passion. I did not feel a strong chemistry between the hero and heroine, which made it difficult to care about whether they found their happy ending.

Nonetheless, this is a decent read with several nice moments and a secondary romance with two of other characters that I found interesting. No doubt, It’s All about the Duke is well-written and flowed well. It also has a nice feel of the Regency period, which will appeal to other readers of this sub-genre of romance. Happy reading!