Christian Historical Romance

Review + Giveaway – Counterfeit Faith

June 1, 20231 Comment

Madi’s Musings is participating in the tour for Counterfeit Faith by Crystal Caudill, which is hosted by JustRead.

Read on to find, in this order, more about:

the book
the author
the review
the giveaway

About the Book

Title: Counterfeit Faith
Series: Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age #3
Author: Crystal Caudill
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 16, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

She’s losing her faith in mankind. He’s lost his faith in God. Can working together restore them both?

As matron of Final Chance House of Refuge, Gwendolyn Ellison has dedicated her life to serving the children deemed delinquents by society. She’ll protect them with everything she has. So when she suspects someone is using Final Chance for criminal deeds, she’s determined to investigate and put a stop to it. But villains don’t like to be crossed–and they’re willing to kill to get their way.

Gwendolyn knows she can’t quit fighting. More than her own life is on the line if counterfeiters go free. She must find someone she can trust to help her expose the criminals and protect the children under her care.

Charming and chivalrous Secret Service operative Josiah Isaacs has never been able to turn his back on a woman in trouble–and capturing counterfeiters is his job, after all. The danger he’s truly worried about is his growing attraction to Gwendolyn when his heart wants to remain faithful to his deceased wife.

As both peril and interest grow, he begins to consider whether a second love may be possible–if they can live through this case. At the same time, he’s put off by her faith in a God he no longer trusts. How can a future together even be possible when their beliefs are at odds?

“Page-turning action combines with depth and richness to create a full-bodied, rewarding read.”

–Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

“Readers who love romance, suspense, and a graceful amount of faith won’t want to miss this story.”

–Toni Shiloh, Christy Award-winning author

“With a host of sympathetic and likable characters (and a few not so likable), a riveting plot that clips along at the perfect pace, and a relatable faith thread, this book [is a] completely enjoyable read.”

–Kimberly Duffy, Carol Award finalist and author of A Tapestry of Light

PURCHASE:

Check out the rest of the series:

Counterfeit Love

Counterfeit Faith

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

RATING:

4 Stars

REVIEW

Counterfeit Faith contains an interesting plot, lovable characters, and odious villains who’ll make you want to clobber them with Red (if you know, you know). I especially enjoyed the research that went into this book. The historical Secret Service and Pinkerton agencies have always intrigued me.

PLOT
The plot is Christian historical romance mixed with suspense. I don’t usually read suspense, and I’ve certainly never heard of it mixed with Christian historical romance before, so I was holding my breath as I read. These poor characters! I dare say my heart still hasn’t quite recovered yet.

CHARACTERS
Gwendolyn has the prettiest name, and I liked how Caudill made her a strong female character, but not a feminist. Josiah is a solid MMC and I liked his character arc.

The kids were adorable, I want Wilhelmina’s story (pretty please), and other characters like Mrs. Flowers made me laugh. I still have mixed feelings on Mrs. Issacs, though. Hopefully she’ll eventually come fully around.

FAITH
This book had plenty of faith, and I loved it. I mentioned Josiah’s character arc, and this was where he really grew.

There are plenty of prayers, characters attend church and mass, and God’s will and timing are reflected upon. This looks like a short list, but there is a ton of faith packed in this book.

ROMANCE
Completely clean and sweet, just the way I like it. Characters kiss once.

CONTENT WARNING
An opiate addiction is discussed, characters are injured by the nasties, characters are cut, kicked, beaten, and battered, there is a counterfeit ring, and there’s a brief mention of a young man raping two women, who are then forced to become prostitutes.

Caudill handles everything with tact and non-gratuitous references. Nothing was improper and everything is tastefully addressed.

CONCLUSION
Counterfeit Faith is a book I believe all fans of Christian historical romance and suspense will enjoy, and I recommend it to everyone seeking clean romance with plenty of faith.

*I receive a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with JustRead. The opinions expressed are my own.

GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive print copies of Counterfeit Love, Counterfeit Hope, and Counterfeit Faith, a set of bookmarks, 2 stickers with quotes, and a magnet with a QR code to a “test your Secret Service knowledge” quiz!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight May 31, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 7, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Cover Reveal: Over the Horizon

May 24, 20234 Comments

Today is the cover reveal for Over the Horizon by Penny Zeller.

About the Book

Series: Horizon Series

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

A most unusual proposal…

Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.

During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three orphans. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.

Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three children? Will love arise from a desperate situation?

In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor.

Coming soon, the newest series by the author of the Wyoming Sunrise, Love Letters from Ellis Creek, and Montana Skies Christian Historical Romance Series.

Preorder

Review: A Tender Hope

May 16, 2023Leave a comment

As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it’s time for a change.

Series: Cimmaron Creek Trilogy

Author: Amanda Cabot

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Publisher: Revell

About

As far as Thea Michener is concerned, it’s time for a change. With her husband murdered and her much-anticipated baby stillborn, there is nothing left for her in Ladreville. Having accepted a position as Cimarron Creek’s midwife, she has no intention of remarrying and trying for another child. So when a handsome Texas Ranger appears on her doorstep with an abandoned baby, Thea isn’t sure her heart can take it.

Ranger Jackson Guthrie isn’t concerned only with the baby’s welfare. He’s been looking for Thea, convinced that her late husband was part of the gang that killed his brother. But it soon becomes clear that the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated–and he’ll need Thea’s help if he’s ever to find the justice he seeks.

Amanda Cabot invites readers back to Cimarron Creek for a tender story of loss, betrayal, and love in the majestic Texas Hill Country.

Rating

4 Stars

Review

This was an enjoyable Christian historical romance.

The characters (the ones that should be liked) are sweet and perfect for their roles. It was good to meet up with Thea again after Paper Roses, and Jackson is quite the likable hero. Aimee and the cast of secondary characters are good too, although I wasn’t that fond of Edith Harris. Persnickety old hen needed a wallop to the upside of her noggin.

The plot was a gentler, slower pace, allowing the reader insight into Thea’s healing. I must admit I was a bit disappointed because the ending felt a little anticlimactic.

I am in no way a Texas person, nor would I ever want to live there due to the heat and tornadoes, but Cabot made Cimarron Creek sound lovely.

One of my favorite parts is a certain adoption thread. I adore pro-adoption stories, and this book is endeared to me because of it.

FAITH
Characters pray, attend church, and rely on God.

CONTENT
There are insinuations of rape. Not graphic, and Cabot handled it so tastefully, but younger readers do beware. Because of this a secondary character has a child out of wedlock.

Characters are injured through knife-and-gun related injuries. Two characters we never meet are murdered. A gang’s past crimes are discussed. There is the potential for infidelity from a character we never meet. Like I said before, Cabot handled everything tastefully, and I thought no aspect was questionable or gory. Mature teens can read this without issue.

ROMANCE
Very clean, which I liked. A few kisses, neither of which go “too far” in description.

CONCLUSION
This was the only Amanda Cabot book available at the library, and you can bet I’ll be returning for the rest when they’re returned (why must others have the audacity to check out the books I want to read?).

A Tender Hope is a book I recommend for every fan of sweet Christian historical romance.

Jump Into Spring Giveaway

May 11, 2023Leave a comment

CROWN is part of the Jump Into Spring giveaway, which features eight CF books—all of which you could win.

The Jump Into Spring Giveaway runs 5/8 through 5/13. The 1st place winner will receive all eight books (authors’ choice of format) and the 2nd place winner will receive three books (authors’ choice of format) of their choosing. A variety of genres, from fantasy to historical romance to suspense and more, are featured.

Never fear if you don’t have social media–there are author newsletters and blogs you can follow to gain points. Most importantly, for an additional set of points, you have to answer this question: What is your favorite thing about springtime?

ENTER

Review + Giveaway: Dawn’s Untrodden Green

April 13, 20238 Comments

Madi’s Musings is participating in the tour for Dawn’s Untrodden Green by Carolyn Miller, which is hosted by JustReads Publicity Tours.

Read on to find, in this order, more about:

the author
the book
the giveaway
the tour
the review

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn’s novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.

Connect with Carolyn by visiting carolynmillerauthor.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

About the Book

Not much happens in Theodosia Stapleton’s tiny Northumberland village. Certainly not to her. She has resigned herself to spinsterhood, caring for her ailing mother in the home of her grandfather, known to the locals as “General Contrary.” When her dear friend dies and leaves behind a daughter, it’s simple enough to take the child into her own quiet world. That is, until her ward’s famous uncle unexpectedly arrives and throws Theo’s tidy orbit completely off-kilter.

Fame was the last thing Daniel Balfour sought when he fought in the Peninsular War. But his brave exploits caught the attention of the King, and now the honors he was given hound him everywhere . . . even on his rushed trip to rescue his orphaned niece.

Theo’s quick wit and warm smile reassure him that Rebecca is in good hands, and he finds himself free to swiftly return to London and his responsibilities. But those caring hands are beginning to look like they could also safely hold his heart, and he’s tempted to linger. Unfortunately, marriage is simply not in the cards; the army is spouse enough for him.

Then an accident and a scandal lead both Theo and Daniel to discover that their best-laid plans may not have been what God designed for them after all.

Title: Dawn’s Untrodden Green
Series: Regency Wallflowers #3
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: April 11, 2023
Genre: Christian Historical Romance

The Giveaway

1) winner will receive a print copy of all three books in the Regency Wallflower series by Carolyn Miller, plus swag including stickers, cards, a pen, and more. (books 1 & 2 will be signed, and a book plate from the author will be included for Dawn’s Untrodden Green

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight April 10, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 17, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway

The Tour

Visit the Other Participating Blogs

Rating

4 Stars

Review

Shenanigans, gossip, and emotional calamity ensues when a well-intentioned plan goes a tad awry. Will two hearts be broken in the process?

PLOT

The plot was nicely-paced in a gentle, slow manner that allows the reader to soak in the characters’ every day and really “meet” the characters where they’re at.

SETTING

I found the setting delightful, if not a bit waterlogged. The description of fog and mist and cool days almost made me want to travel there.

CHARACTERS

Theodosia, or Theo, was the most relatable. She didn’t fit society’s standards for beauty, and she was practical and no-nonsense. In a way, she reminded me of myself. Daniel, too, was a great character. I liked his humility.

The slew of secondary characters were solid as well. The cantankerous, growly old goat known as Grandfather really grew on me, and I think he did admirably as the book progressed. The cast of pompous toads, bumptious cads, and prattling peahens, otherwise known as fellow villagers, were easy to dislike. Odious cretins.

FAITH

The faith is the strongest part of this book. I thoroughly appreciated the constant reminder that man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his path. Characters pray, attend church and hear good sermons, and grow in their faith.

WHAT I WASN’T FOND OF

The prose was too loquacious, overall, for my preference. While it certainly provided some utterly hilarious descriptions of certain biddies and trouble-causing folk, I had to reread many pages because there were just so many words often in use where only a handful would suffice. I don’t know if that’s typical to Regency books, though, so Regency lovers likely won’t have any problem with it.

There is a hint about the marriage night that exceeded my comfort. While it likely won’t bother others and may go over younger readers’ heads, and I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily inappropriate, it did jolt me.

OTHER

I want to sing this book praises for so clearly illustrating that appearance and looks do not increase our value. Alas, I sing as well as a strangled frog, so I will put my thoughts into writing instead. Neither Theo nor Daniel meet society’s physical expectations. Theo is plain with a birthmark, and Daniel hasn’t the tall, dark, and hunky appearance the village thinks all heroes possess. Instead, these two are unremarkable in society’s opinion. But Miller deftly illustrates that our worth is in God, and not determined by some random selection of physical traits deemed more desirable than others. It is a reminder everyone needs at some point in their life.

CONCLUSION

A novel filled with faith, humor, befuddling blockheaded buffoons, and romance, I believe every Regency reader will enjoy Dawn’s Untrodden Green.

* I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with JustReads. The opinions expressed are my own.

Review: A Groom by Surprise

March 30, 20232 Comments

A proxy bride, a surprise groom, and the secrets that could tear them apart.

Author: Laura Ashwood

Title: A Groom by Surprise

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Length: 222 pages

Age: 14 and up can read this, although it is not marketed as a YA

ABOUT

A proxy bride, a surprise groom, and the secrets that could tear them apart.

Sarah Clark is utterly alone. Her sister’s dying wish was for Sarah to take her place as a proxy bride. But Sarah isn’t so sure that she can go through with deceiving her sister’s would-be husband and his family…especially when she begins to fall for her new husband, Levi Nelsen.

Levi Nelsen has given up on marriage. After two failed attempts at securing a bride, he’s resigned to being a bachelor — that is, until his attorney brother tricks him into signing a marriage by proxy certificate. Suddenly, he finds himself with a wife he didn’t want.

Can a marriage built on deception become something meant to be?

A Groom by Surprise is a wholesome, proxy bride, Christian western historical romance that can be read as a standalone. Download today and get ready to accompany Sarah and Levi on their journey to happily ever after.

A Groom By Surprise was previously published under the title A Bride for Levi.

RATING

5 Stars

REVIEW

What do a marriage by proxy, a meddlesome sibling, and two failed attempts at matrimony have in common?

Levi Nelson, who is content living a bachelor’s life. When his brother shows up with unexpected news, Levi may be tempted to use his hoe for more than tending the garden, as his nosy brother needs a solid rap on the noggin.

Unfortunately, events are in motion that cannot, at this time, be undone. But that’s fine. Because this new bride of his won’t stick around anyway.

Right?

***
PLOT
This is a delightful spin on the mail-order bride trope. Don’t read this book without a box of tissues nearby, though, because it is a tear-jerker at parts. Sweet and gentle, this is a wholesome romance.

SETTING
Ashwood did a fantastic job showing the differences between Philadelphia and a little town in Minnesota. It wasn’t difficult to imagine the stark differences, and I really liked how she used Sarah’s questions to tell the reader more of the differences.

CHARACTERS
Sarah is such a sweet, dear character. She needs a huge cup of hot chocolate and a big, big hug. I admired her tenacity and bravery, even when dealing with heart-wrenching loss.

Leviticus “Levi” was a great character too. I found his name particularly amusing and clever.

The secondary characters, while not receiving a ton of page time, were fleshed out well. Anja seems like the grandma everyone wants and while I wanted to take a shovel to Zep’s head at times, I see the reason (however poorly-executed on his part) to help his brother. Hannah seemed nice, too.

FAITH
Verses are quoted, characters pray and attend church, and God’s will and plan for our lives is discussed.

OTHER:
Characters kiss, a barn catches fire, and a man is injured. Nothing is graphic and I found the romance tasteful and just right.

A character lies, but it is shown how lying is not right.

CONCLUSION
A Groom by Surprise is a short, enjoyable Christian historical romance. This is my first Ashwood book, and it won’t be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am grateful the author kept the romance pure and sweet. That is how romance in Christian fiction should be portrayed.

If you are a fan of Christian historical romance, then this is a book needing to be on your TBR. This is an excellent story with endearing characters and a delightful plot.

Review + Spotlight: Seize the Love

February 14, 2023February 14, 202314 Comments

I am so excited to announce the release of Seize the Love, a collection of Christian stories revolving around the four types of love. My story, A Tender Heart, is featured in this collection. Eventually, I plan to expand upon it and publish it as a novella.

Who was he kidding? He was a soldier, a man scarred by war. He wasn’t some fancy poet or scholar.
A Tender Heart

ABOUT

Honoring the Love of the Savior

Agape. Eros. Philia. Storge

All forms of love… Seize the Love pulls readers into an anthology of stories all showing love. A love that honors God even as the reader flips the pages to find the story of a dying request, a random encounter, finding proof of God’s love, reunited siblings, caring for others, finding hope, love among the hard and easy, and more stories.

No matter the form of love, you’ll find stories sure to warm your heart, bring a smile or a tear, and hopefully remind you of the love of the One who created you.

Matthew 22:37

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

Featuring various love stories sure to please the whole family.

Goodreads

Purchase

Sometimes a man was called to sacrifice something dear to him so another could be blessed.
A Tender Heart

REVIEW

Overall Rating:

5 Stars

This rating is given not because I’m in this anthology, but because there are several other stories worthy of five stars. My thoughts and mini review of each story are below. The individual ratings of each will be posted on my blog come release day.

There are:

(5) 5 stars

(3) 4 stars

(4) 3 stars

***

This Tender Heart by Yours Truly
No rating to be given since I’m the author.

This Tender Heart is a historical romance set at about 1867-8.

___
A Baker’s Heart by Andrea Renee Cox
A nice little story about two siblings and adorable sheep. The lambs’ names were adorable and I can just imagine little fluff balls leaping through spring fields. I did find the main female character’s name to be a confusing mouthful, though.

Rating: 3 Stars
___
Loving Amelia by Faith D. Cox
This is a sweet short that will make you sniffle. The interaction between Cassidy and Cory was both cute and sad and yes, I ship them.

Rating: 4 Stars
___
Small Sacrifices, Great Love by Y.A. Daniels
A story centering on familial love. I liked the faith and the bond between family members. The writing was more telling than showing (I’ll reiterate there’s nothing wrong with a mix of both), so that made it a little slower for me to get into.

Rating: 3 Stars
___
Everly in Love by Abigail Harris
This one made me laugh. The interactions between brother and sister, and then brother and uncle, kept me chortling. As the eldest sibling, I can well imagine Everly’s irritating with a certain, semi-well-intentioned snoop. The romance was sweet too.

Rating: 5 Stars
___
A Wooden Heart Can Still Bloom by C.K. Heartwing
This one is so good. I absolutely love all of the faith and Heartwing’s stance against evolution and Darwinianism. It also hit a more personal note, because as a fellow writer, I could feel Wilder’s pain at the rejections. Well done, Heartwing.

Rating: 5 Stars
___
To Love & To Cherish by H.S. Kylian
A story about a couple, past pain, and a dance. I did find the prose to be choppy and the writing style stiff.

Rating: 3 Stars
___
Raindrop World by Katja Labonte
This is another lovely addition to this collection. The theme of how gratitude and slowing down was beautifully woven through the short. And Neriya’s name is beautiful as well. The faith content was superb and I think everyone will relate with Neriya’s feelings of giving their all for someone and then being passed over.

Rating: 5 Stars
___
The Understudy by Deigan Marie
A story about siblings and ballet. I liked the relationship between the sisters. Sometimes the writing style threw me off: She lifted her head. Squared her shoulders. And danced., and I’m not fond of oh my gosh, but other than that, I liked the focus on not being bitter when things don’t go the way we want.

Rating: 4 Stars
___
Everlasting by M.L. Milligan
Another wonderful story. I adored the sibling bond in this one. Milligan has strong writing that immediately draws you in.

Rating: 5 Stars
___
Out of Silence Rising by Kaytlin Phillips
This one made me tear up. Not because of the plot, which was so sweet and gentle and pure, but because of the inclusion of Rise by Danny Gokey, which plays a pivotal role in this story. That song has deep personal meaning to my family after a hard time, and reading that part brought back those memories.

Anyway, these tears are your fault, Kayti. Well done.

Rating: 5 Stars
___
Wanted: A Typewriter by Angie Thompson
A story about a typewriter, AI, and an aspiring editor. I’m not a fan of AI.

Rating: 3 Stars
___
Proof of His Love by Lilly Wiscarver
I love the pro-life message. Countless kudos to Wiscarver for being so bold in standing for life.

(Content warning: a character is pregnant through pre-marital relations)

Rating: 4 Stars

***
CONCLUSION
Overall, this is a sweet story focusing on all four types of love. If you’re looking for a God-honoring anthology, this is the one for you.

Prescott shoved a hand through his hair. The appendage trembled as memories threatened to revisit. “In the war, I used to wonder where God was. Surely He wasn’t on the battlefields littered with carnage and the lifeless bodies of ally and enemy alike.”
A Tender Heart

Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you read Seize the Love yet? If so, which stories were your favorite? And, since it’s Valentine’s Day, let me know which couple from The Redwyn Chronicles and The Shattered Lands is your favorite! Also, don’t forget that The Redwyn Chronicles, ebook format, are all on sale for $0.99 for Valentine’s Day.

Cover Reveal: Dreams of the Heart

January 11, 2023January 10, 20235 Comments

Today is the cover reveal for Dreams of the Heart by Penny Zeller, which is Book Two in Zeller’s Wyoming Sunrise series. (My review of the prequel, my review of the first book). This is an utterly gorgeous cover, and I think it will fit the story perfectly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers.

You can connect with her here: https://linktr.ee/pennyzeller

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes the hardest battles take place in the heart.

Poverty and abuse at the hands of her drunkard father leaves Hannah Bane trapped and alone. Without hope, she prays for a miracle just on the off-chance God will hear her. Will the handsome new deputy, who seems to be watching her every move, be Hannah’s one chance to escape the only life she’s ever known?

For as long as he can remember, John Mark Eliason has wanted to be a deputy sheriff. When a job opens in the nearby town of Poplar Springs, he eagerly accepts, but finds his greatest mission won’t be tracking down criminals and bringing justice to the ruthless Wyoming town, but saving a beautiful young woman he barely knows.

Will an unexpected answer to a difficult situation show how love can endure—and even thrive—in an unconventional situation? Or will fear and uncertainty keep two hesitant hearts apart?

In the sequel to Forgotten Memories, author Penny Zeller weaves a tender tale of faith, romance, and humor in a memorable story that reminds us God hears every prayer and has a plan for every life.

Preorder DOTH

Add to Goodreads

*Ignore the two ratings. Those are from vile spammers and trolls who are heaps of manure.

Have you read the other two books in this series yet? And are you excited for John Mark’s story? What are your favorite historical romance tropes? What do you think of the cover? (The topmost graphic is from the book’s A+ content.)

Review: Love’s New Beginnings

December 13, 20228 Comments

Where it all began…

Book: Love’s New Beginnings (Wyoming Sunrise, Prequel)

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

ABOUT:

Where it all began…

Lydie Beauchamp recently moved with her aunts—sisters Myrtle and Fern—to the untamed Wyoming Territory. When a teaching position in nearby Willow Falls captures her attention, can she leave her aunts, one of whom just suffered a broken heart, and embark on this new adventure? Will she find the courage to persevere in the midst of challenges, one being a handsome challenge named Solomon Eliason?

Reverend Solomon Eliason has the goal of making a difference. Hired as the pastor of Willow Falls, he must convince the congregation that he is able to undertake the role of a reverend. When he’s nominated to be the adult in charge of the annual prank tradition at the school, he embraces the idea, thinking the new teacher will be an elderly crotchety woman like his former teacher. What he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is that the teacher is far from crotchety and elderly.

When Lydie’s and Solomon’s paths cross in an unexpected way during the prank tradition at the Willow Falls school, can Solomon redeem himself in the eyes of the lovely new teacher?

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Solomon’s story in this tender tale that reminds us that God can and does use willing hearts for His purposes.

Rating:

5 Stars

Review:

What a sweet beginning to the Wyoming Sunrise series!

Love’s New Beginnings introduces the reader to Lydie and Solomon, who are integral secondary characters in the novel, Forgotten Memories. Following Zeller’s customary writing style of faith, humor, and romance, the reader is treated to a novella that will repeatedly make them go, “awww!”

The characters are darling. I empathized with Lydie and Solomon is just a sweetheart. I enjoyed learning about how their arcs were formed and how they were molded into the way they are in FM. There is a well-formed string of secondary characters too. Some will make you snort in amusement. Others will have you eyeing them and wondering if they’ll ever come around. And there are a few who will make you want to crack a slate over their heads Anne-of-Green-Gables style.

The plot is sweet. We follow Lydie and Solomon through a hilarious misunderstanding, their insecurities, and their attempts to settle into a Wild West town.

The setting is well-done too. I could picture myself on the stagecoach (though I was grateful I wasn’t actually on the stagecoach), at the school, in the town, and so forth.

CONCLUSION:
In short, Love’s New Beginnings is a tender, gentle, faith-filled romance that will sweep the reader into the world of two uncertain characters and the captivating Wyoming Sunrise series.

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed herein are my own.

Cover Reveal: Love’s New Beginnings

October 7, 2022October 7, 20226 Comments

Where it all began…

Today I am posting the reveal of a prequel for one of my favorite historical romance series: Wyoming Sunrise by Penny Zeller.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Take a glimpse into where it all began with Lydie and Reverend Solomon’s story in this tender novella releasing just in time for Christmas.

If you loved Forgotten Memories and you’re anticipating Dreams of the Heart, travel to the Wyoming Territory where new beginnings abound in the town of Willow Falls.

Full description coming soon. Stay tuned!

Releases: December 13, 2022

Preorder

Goodreads