release day – Madi's Musings

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.

Poison’s Dance is part of the Tattered Slippers retellings.

What are the Tattered Slippers?

The Tattered Slippers are six retellings of The Twelve Dancing Princesses by six different authors, each one fantastic and magical. You don’t want to miss any of them!

For a chance to win four of these wonderful books, go here.

Poison’s Dance, by Tricia Mingerink, releases today.

Author Bio

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn’t writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country.

Find her online at: Website || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Amazon

REVIEW:

Title: Poison’s Dance (Beyond the Tales, Book Three)

Purchase:

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53251983-poison-s-dance

About:

Poison's Dance If he falls to the lure of the curse, the dance might trap him forever.

Alex has survived his first year as high king. The new counsel has improved cooperation between the kingdoms, and peace seems achievable. When the Tuckawassee queen sends him an invitation he can’t refuse, Alex must once again face his greatest threat for the sake of peace.

Princess Tamya of Tuckawassee, along with her eleven sisters, has danced from sunset until sunrise every night of her life. It is her gift and her curse. When Queen Valinda wishes to use the power their cursed dance gives them to rule all of Tallahatchia, Tamya must decide if she will do what is right even if it betrays her own sister.

Daemyn Rand has survived a hundred years’ worth of battles. All he wants to do now is safely marry his princess. Will he be forced to choose between the love of his life and the high king he has loyally served for years?

They have faced certain death before. This time, they might not make it out alive.

Don’t miss this re-envisioning of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale.

Positive Elements:

A character sacrifices his life for others; a character does all she can to help her people.

Negative Elements:

None.

Spiritual:

Characters worship the High King; characters pray; the Beyond (Heaven) is mentioned; there is a salvation story; a character talks with the Highest Prince.

Violence:

A character mentioned plotting another’s demise; it is mentioned a kingdom’s preferred method of killing is by poison; past attempts at treason and injuries are hinted at; attempts to poison and curse characters are made; a character is shot and kidnapped; a character is poisoned; threats of death are made.

Other:

Characters kiss.

Rating:

Five Stars.

Conclusion:

Poison’s Dance is the third in a unique fairy tale retelling series. I enjoyed the interesting spin on the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale, but my favorite aspect of the book is Alex. He’s grown so much since Dagger’s Sleep, and his character arc is nothing short of wonderful. I look forward to seeing where his story leads.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review