Book Review: In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

In the Shadow of a Queen by Heather B. Moore

Book Description:

Based on the true story of the free-spirited daughter of Queen Victoria.

 

Princess Louise’s life is upended after her father’s untimely death. Captive to the queen’s overwhelming mourning, Louise is forbidden to leave her mother’s tight circle of control and is eventually relegated to the position of personal secretary to her mother—the same position each of her sisters held until they were married. 

Already an accomplished painter, Louise risks the queen’s wrath by exploring the art of sculpting, an activity viewed as unbefitting a woman. When Louise involves herself in the day’s political matters, including championing the career of a female doctor and communicating with suffragettes, the queen lays down the law to stop her and devotes her full energy to finding an acceptable match for her defiant daughter. 

Louise is considered the most beautiful and talented daughter of Queen Victoria, but finding a match for the princess is no easy feat. Protocols are broken, and Louise exerts her own will as she tries to find an open-minded husband who will support her free spirit. 

In the Shadow of a Queen is the story of a battle of wills between two women: a daughter determined to forge her own life beyond the shadow of her mother, and a queen resolved to keep the Crown’s reputation unsullied no matter the cost.

Zoie's Review:

Coming from someone who isn’t drawn to romance novels, I really liked this book. The book takes places over a span of about a decade. Princess Louise grows from a child into a woman. This book is written in a way that the time progresses naturally, even though it is over a significant amount of time. Louise’s points of view seem fitting for her age throughout the novel. There are plenty of tragedies that the characters have to deal with, but the tragedies aren’t overwhelming. The book is well balanced between tragedy, working past the tragedy, and everyday life. Even with the many characters (Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, their nine children and others), it is easy to follow their lives. Louise’s struggle to be independent while also being under the constraints of royalty is written in a way that it is admirable. Overall, this was a very good book, and I would recommend it. It’s easy to read and entertaining.

Rorie's Review:

I have always enjoyed historical fiction, so this story caught my eye. The way the story is written drew me in right away, and I finished the book in just a few days. While there really isn't anything "exciting" about this story, it was intriguing to read about Princess Louise's life. I can't even imagine being a royal and having little to no say in even the minute details of my life. I found it fascinating to learn about this family, and even read most of the chapter notes at the end of the book, because they helped give me more of a glimpse into the lives of Louise and her family. 

About the Author:

HEATHER B. MOORE is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She has lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, as well as in Hawaii, and attended school abroad at the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about history and is passionate about historical research. 

Learn more about Heather and her books at www.hbmoore.com.

Title: In the Shadow of a Queen 

Author: Heather B. Moore

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: October 2022

ISBN: 9781639930500

Source: I received an advanced review copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Heart of Gold by Stacy Henrie

Book Description:

They'll have to conquer more than the Klondike Trail to reach her father in time—they’ll have to overcome their past too.

After months of silence from her father in the Klondike, Tava Rutherford finally receives word from him. Only the outdated letter reveals that her father is ill and may be dying. Desperate to discover his fate, Tava resolves to make the journey to the wilds of northwestern Canada. But Jess Lawmen, her ranch foreman and the man who broke her heart, insists she doesn't go alone. Jess intends to keep his promise to look out for her—even if that means traveling thousands of miles with Tava, the woman he claims to feel just friendship for but has never stopped loving.

With their own ragtag group of travelers in tow, Tava and Jess confront one challenge after another as they join the hundreds of stampeders scrambling to reach the goldfields. But as the two of them come face to face with their past hurts and mistakes in their race to reach Tava’s father, they will have to decide whether to cling to safety or risk their hearts for something even greater. 

Review:

Stacy Henrie weaves an entertaining story about a young woman traveling across untamed wilderness to find her father after receiving word that he'd taken ill at his gold claim. This may have been the first book I've read that focused on the Klondike Gold Rush, and I found the travel that people went through to get to there to be quite interesting. 

To make the journey even more interesting, Henrie adds in the complication of Tava's traveling companion being her first love. Jess had made it clear that there could be nothing between them years before, but she still loved him.

Quite a bit of focus was given to Jess's secret past, and when it was revealed I was surprised that there wasn't more to it. But, that didn't detract too much, and I was given the happy ending that I craved.

Links:

Stacy's link: BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/stacy-henrie

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stacy-Henrie/e/B008ESZ46U

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5778153.Stacy_Henrie

Tour Schedule:

9/21 - Heidi Reads / Mom With a Reading Problem
9/22 - Wishful Endings / LDS and Lovin It
9/23 - Literary Time Out / Julie Coulter Bellon / My Book a Day / Singing Librarian Books
9/24 - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Bookworm Lisa / Empower Moms
9/25 - The Bibliophile Files / Kellie Dickes / Books are Sanity  

Giveaway:

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Review: The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown by Heather B. Moore

Book Description:

When twenty-six-year-old Donaldina Cameron arrives at the Occidental Mission Home for Girls in 1895, she intends to stay for only one year to teach sewing skills to young Chinese women. Within days, she discovers that the job is much more complicated than perfect stitches and even hems. San Francisco has a dark side, one where a powerful underground organization—the criminal tong—buys and sells Chinese girls like common goods. With the help of Chinese interpreters and a local police squad, Donaldina works night and day to stop the abominable slave and prostitution trade.

Mei Lien believes she is sailing to the “Gold Mountain” in America to become the wife of a rich Chinese man. Instead she finds herself sold into prostitution—beaten, starved, and forced into an opium addiction. It is only after a narrow escape that she hears of the mission home and dares to think there might be hope for a new life.

The Paper Daughters of Chinatown throws new light on the age-old scourge of human trafficking. The heroes who fought this evil and the victims who triumphed over it more than a hundred years ago offer a bright example of courage and determination for anyone wishing for a better world.

Rorie's Review:

This story was so good! I didn’t know anything about the paper daughters before reading this, and it was shocking and horrifying to learn about. I found myself putting the book down more than once so I could head over to good ol' Google and research different things, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act and foot binding. (Both of which horrified me.)

Donaldina Cameron was a saint, and I was continually amazed at her strength and perseverance, even when she was terrified. I found myself wishing we could have learned more about officer Cook. He was such an integral part of the story, and I felt like something was missing because we didn't really get to know anything about him.

This is a book that I recommend to everyone, and I also recommend researching all of the things that you will learn about in this book. Sometimes history is ugly, but it’s still important to learn about it so we don’t repeat that ugliness.

Andrea's Review:

I had never heard about Donaldina Cameron or the paper daughters of Chinatown until I was introduced to this book. Human trafficking is such a horrible part of our country’s history (and our present day), and learning about it is an important step in getting rid of the awful practice.

This book was very eye opening. Such horrible practices are and were performed in the name of greed. So many women and girls were lied to and then forced into prostitution to pad the pockets of evil individuals. Many others were like slaves, and all were treated abominably.

Historical fiction can be tricky. I love learning while I’m entertained, but it can be difficult for a story like this to be told. The presentation didn’t hold my attention the whole time, and I could read a bit and then put it down for several days. For a large portion of the book it alternated between Dolly (Donaldina) and Mei Lien (a fictional character). While fascinated by Dolly’s choices to turn her life over to the cause and all she went through in rescuing and sustaining the girls, Mei Lien’s story was more of a draw (until those alternate story lines ended and she became a minor character).

I’m a sucker for a happy ending and kept hoping that more would happen in Dolly’s personal life. She did find fulfillment with her “daughters”, but I was sad for her loneliness and failed relationships.

Tarah's Review:

I was not very excited to open this book. I was dreading the story inside because I knew it was going to be hard to read about. However, I was taken off guard by how this story was told, and once I did open this book up, it was hard to put down.

Human trafficking is such a hard topic to even think about, I can't imagine writing something about it. However, I feel like the author was able to get across the horribleness of it without getting graphic, which I appreciated. 

I also appreciated that at the end of the book the author has some ideas of what we can do to help. You can't read this book and not want to take some part in putting a stop to human trafficking. It is helpful to have a source at the end of the book that tells us how we can participate in learning more, and put an end to it.

Will I read this again? I'm not sure. It was beautifully written and powerful, but heart breaking at the same time. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. 

About the Author:

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She has lived on both the East and West Coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad at the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about history and is passionate about historical research.






Title: The Paper Daughters of Chinatown
Author: Heather B. Moore
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: September 2020
ISBN: 9781629727820
Source: We received copies from the publisher. All opinions expressed are our own.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Review: Her Quiet Revolution by Marianne Monson

Her Quiet Revolution: A Novel of Martha Hughes Cannon:

Frontier Doctor and First Female State Senator by Marianne Monson

Book Description:

When her baby sister and her father die on the pioneer trail to Salt Lake City, Mattie is determined to become a healer. But her chosen road isn’t an easy one as she faces roadblocks common to Victorian women. Fighting gender bias, geographic location, and mountains of self-doubt, Mattie pushed herself to become more than the world would have her be, only to have everything she’s accomplished called into question when she meets the love of her life: Angus Cannon, a prominent Mormon leader and polygamist.

From the American Frontier to European coasts, Martha’s path takes her on a life journey that is almost stranger than fiction as she learns to navigate a world run by men. But heartache isn’t far behind, and she learns that knowing who you are and being willing to stand up for what you believe in is what truly defines a person.

Her Quiet Revolution is the story of one woman’s determination to change her world, and the path she forged for others to follow.

Review:

Martha Hughes Cannon lived a fascinating life. I’m surprise that I don’t recall having learned about her before as there is so much that stands out-one of the first female doctors in Utah, a player in women’s suffrage, exiled as a polygamous wife, and the first female State Senator to name a few things.

The chapter notes at the end of the book said that Mattie requested that her journals be burned at her death. I am so curious about how she felt about her very unusual situation in a polygamous marriage. The secrecy and legal issues that caused her to flee the country with her baby seemed like ample cause to move on. I would have loved to have more information about why she stuck with Angus (although the book only mentioned rare occasions that they were together-for awhile I thought he’d abandoned her and their daughter, but then there was mention of her still being his wife and more children).

There were gaps and some of the transitions between events was choppy. I felt a little lost at times. Parts of the story seemed to drag on while other parts left off without closure. That said, it really was eye opening to learn about this amazing woman. She really went against the norm of her time in getting an education and becoming a doctor. She continued her education in oration, and made a big difference in women’s suffrage and in public health.

About the Author:

Marianne Monson received her MFA in Creative Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and primarily writes on topics related to women’s history. She has taught English and Creative Writing at the community college and university levels and is the author of eleven books for children and adults. She is the founder of The Writer’s Guild, a literary nonprofit, and writes from a 100-year-old house in Astoria, Oregon.

Title: Her Quiet Revolution
Author: Marianne Monson
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: February 2020
ISBN: 1629726095

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Charlotte's Promise by Jennifer Moore

Reviews * Giveaway

Charlotte's Promise by Jennifer Moore

Book Description:

One year ago Charlotte Bower’s life was ripped apart when Creek Indians attacked, killed her parents, and separated her from her young brother—now, she will stop at nothing to find him. After a year of captivity, she has finally made her escape. Her search will begin in New Orleans, where captives were taken after the raid. But how to reach a city hundreds of miles away? As she watches men boarding a waiting ship, Charlotte formulates a bold plan: if it’s men they need for the ship’s crew, it’s a man they’ll get. Taking on her childhood nickname, Charlie, it is all too easy to gain passage on the New Orleans-bound vessel. Easy, that is, until Charlie is caught . . .

From the moment he sets eyes on the new deckhand, Captain Alden Thatcher knows one thing for certain: Charlie Bower is no man. But for reasons of his own, he keeps her secret. As their journey progresses, however, the voyage is increasingly ill-fated. With danger ever present, Charlie and the captain find themselves relying on one another in ways they’d never imagined. As they draw closer to her goal, Charlotte is faced with the most perilous adventure of all—an adventure that may risk her heart.

Andrea's Review:

In Moore's book, The Shipbuilder's Wife, we are introduced to Alden, Captain of the Belladonna. He isn't a main character in that book, but we do get to see that he is a good friend and his adopted family means a lot to him. There is mention in that book of his personal heartbreak, and I was happy to see that Moore gave Alden his own story with Charlotte's Promise.

I was drawn in right away by Charlotte's dire situation. She proved to be brave and determined as she escaped from her captors in an effort to keep her promise to find her little brother. She disguised herself as a boy and managed to find work on a ship. Even though the work was physically exhausting and at times dangerous, she powered through knowing it was the path she had to take to get to her brother.

Alden showed himself to be a good man right away when he kept "Charlie" on to save her from her abductors even though he had realized she wasn't a boy, and when he kept up the ruse for her sake.

This was a quick read for me. It had wonderful build up and then seemed a bit rushed in the resolution. I would probably read it again, and will definitely read more of Moore's books.

Rorie's Review:

Jennifer Moore has a talent for drawing the reader into the story, and making us feel like we're experiencing everything right along with the characters. 

I've always been a sucker for stories where the female disguises herself as a male in order to escape something, so I was excited to have a chance to read this book. I really admired her strength and determination to accomplish whatever she set her mind to. (Plus, I've enjoyed all of the other Jennifer Moore books I've read, so I figured I'd be in for an enjoyable escape.) I not only enjoyed getting to know Charlie and Alden, but also each of the crew aboard the Belladonna. While most of the story focused on the relationship between the two main characters, Charlie also develops some significant relationships with some of the other sailors, which really helps give the story layers.

When I started reading this book, I didn't pay attention to what time period it was in, so I just assumed they were in the middle of the Revolutionary War. (Because when you think of a war between America and Great Britain, isn't that what you automatically think of?) It wasn't until I read the author's notes at the end that I realized it was the War of 1812 instead. Which makes complete sense, since Louisiana wasn't even a part of the U.S. until the early 1800's. Clearly, I need a refresher on my history. Anyway, as I'm certain I've just proven, this is a war that I really know very little about, so I enjoyed learning a bit more about some of the battles that took place then. 

The story line is engaging, and I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. This book will definitely make it onto my keeper shelf.

Tarah's Review:

I wasn't super sure what to expect with Charlotte's Promise because I didn't really love Moore's last book, and this was a continuation of some of the characters. Honestly though, you don't have to read the last one to enjoy this one.  This was, for me, a quick enjoyable read. I liked the story line, I enjoyed the characters, and I mostly enjoyed the pacing. Moore's last couple books seem to have great build up and then the story just ends. I felt that a little bit with this one, but not as much as previous novels.

I admired Charlie and her strength of character. I'm not sure I'd be able to endure everything she endured and continued to endure to find her brother. It still baffles me how she was able to fool that many people that she was a boy, because her language and the mannerisms that were described didn't seem very boyish, but I guess that was the point of the story.

Alden was also an enjoyable read. He makes for a great main character. In fact, even though I didn't like the previous book, both Charlie and Alden make me want to go back and reread it to refresh my memory and see Alden in action in the last book.

Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Charlotte's Promise
Author: Jennifer Moore
Publisher: Covenant Communications Inc.
Published: May 2019
ISBN: 1524409332
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Blog Tour: Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie

Beneath an Italian Sky by Stacy Henrie

Book Description:

--1908--

American heiress Clare Herschel made what she hoped was a love match when she married the handsome, witty Emmett Markham, the Earl of Linwood. A little over a year into her marriage, though, Clare finds herself wintering in Sicily—alone. She is sure the mild climate is the answer to avoiding another miscarriage and Emmett’s apparent indifference, so she’s determined to remain in Italy as long as possible. The last person she expects to show up at the villa is her husband, especially when Emmett confesses he’s there to convince her to return to England.

As the only surviving son of a marquess, Emmett has done everything his father has asked of him—even agreeing to run for a seat in the House of Commons. However, this latest task comes with a nearly impossible caveat. He must convince his wife Clare to come back to England with him in order for them to appear to be a happy couple for his political campaigning. Emmett isn’t confident Clare will agree to the plan, though, not when she seems to want nothing to do with him or the life they’d begun building before she abruptly left him for Italy.

When a massive earthquake strikes Messina, Sicily, claiming the lives of thousands, Clare and Emmett must set aside their mutual misgivings about their marriage in order to survive and lend a helping hand to others. But in the wake of the destruction, they begin to realize they’ve been given a chance to decide if their love is stronger than the upheavals of the past. 

AMERICAN HEIRESS SERIES:
Night at the Opera
Beneath an Italian Sky
Among Sand and Sunrise (October 2019)

Review:

Stacy Henrie is a talented author. Her American Heiress Series is fascinating. The world of titles is so far beyond my scope that the idea of traveling from America to England to find a husband with a title is somewhat crazy. But, it sucks me in.

I appreciated the author's notes about the earthquake in Messina, Italy, "one of the worst natural disasters in modern history." She said that many events included in her book are based on actual accounts.

I liked the main characters, although I would have preferred their story to be told chronologically instead of through many flashbacks. I really felt for Clare-she left all she'd known and even though she felt she married for love, having to live up to the expectations of society and her overbearing in-laws, in addition to health issues, would have taken a toll on anyone.

This is a clean, quick read, and eye opening with the historical setting.

Tour Schedule:

April 22nd - Heidi Reads

April 23rd - Peggy Urry

April 24th - The Bibliophile Files / Min Reads and Reviews

April 25th - Getting Your Read On / Katie’s Clean Book Collection / My Book a Day

April 26th - Wishful Endings / Literary Time Out / Singing Librarian Books

Title: Beneath an Italian Sky
Author: Stacy Henrie
Publisher: Mirror Press
Published: April 2019
ISBN: 1947152599
Source: I received an eCopy from the tour host in exchange for an honest review.
 

Purchase: Amazon

Blog Tour: A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd

A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd

Book Description:

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaii, and he taught her everything he knows how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiancé, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook's translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John's guilt over the death he caused, and Maile's guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle a secret she's kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.

Rorie's Review:

What an enjoyable story. I have visited Hawaii several times, and absolutely love it there. I have heard a bit about the story of Captain James Cook, and I think I learned about the story of the battle on the cliffs as well (unless there was more than one battle that ended that way...) and this story helped humanize and bring to life these events. This is one reason why I enjoy reading historic fiction so much.

I really enjoyed riding along while the relationship between Maile and John developed. She was such a strong woman, and I can't even imagine how hard it was for her to heal and care for the very person that killed her fiance, but she was able to (eventually) look past the horror of that battle and get to know the real John Harbottle.

This was one of those stories that I had a hard time putting down. I have read a few of Ilima's other books, and she definitely has a talent for telling a story and bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend this book - especially to my friend, who shares the same name as the main character. :)

Andrea's Review:

A Song for the Stars is an excellent addition to the Proper Romance line from Shadow Mountain. It is quite different from the other books in the line, but a wonderfully written account that kept me intrigued. I loved that the main characters were the author's fourth-great-grandparents.

I don't recall having known about how Captain James Cook was killed. The author does note that she adjusted some things for the sake of the story, but much of what was shared (both about Cook and the history of the people) was eye opening and makes me want to learn more.

This is very different from Todd's dystopian novels, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn't help but think of Moana and Pocahontas (the Disney versions) while I was reading the book. I loved the strong female lead, and the sweet romance that developed (against the odds). I'm looking forward to reading this again.

Tarah's Review:

I have never read a story set in the Hawaiian Islands, let alone where the main character is Hawaiian. I loved it. I loved delving into the culture (why couldn't the women eat bananas? I'm going to have to google that...I don't think it ever said why). My favorite thing about this story though, was how Maile and John were both able to look past their selves and see the why of the other culture. How great is it that even though one culture does something horrifying, after a moment of feeling that horror, John was able to ask the reason behind it and find out the love and respect that comes from the gesture instead of the first impression. Maile does the same thing, even when she doesn't agree with what's going on. She jumps onboard and makes it work by seeing others and how things could be. I just loved those moments in the story (and there were many).

I will admit that I struggled with the point of view for the first quarter of the book. I'm not sure why. It seemed a little choppy way to tell the story, although normally I don't mind a story like that. It's quite possible I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it, but after a little bit I got into story and forgot about the point of view.

This was a beautiful story, set in a beautiful setting, and I can't wait to read more from this author, and I can't wait to read this particular story again.

Title: A Song for the Stars

Author: Ilima Todd
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published: April 2019
ISBN:1629725285
Source: We received copies from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book 

Book Review: Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen

Book Description:

Chaya Lindner is a teenager living in Nazi-occupied Poland. Simply being Jewish places her in danger of being killed or sent to the camps. After her little sister is taken away, her younger brother disappears, and her parents all but give up hope, Chaya is determined to make a difference. Using forged papers and her fair features, Chaya becomes a courier and travels between the Jewish ghettos of Poland, smuggling food, papers, and even people. 

Soon Chaya joins a resistance cell that runs raids on the Nazis' supplies. But after a mission goes terribly wrong, Chaya's network shatters. She is alone and unsure of where to go, until Esther, a member of her cell, finds her and delivers a message that chills Chaya to her core, and sends her on a journey toward an even larger uprising in the works — in the Warsaw Ghetto.

Though the Jewish resistance never had much of a chance against the Nazis, they were determined to save as many lives as possible, and to live — or die — with honor.

Review:

It's been awhile since I paid full price for a book, but I was so impressed with A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen that when I heard she had a new book out, I jumped on Amazon and ordered it.

Resistance takes a different perspective than any other book I've read about Jews in Europe during World War II. As the name suggests, this book focuses on the resistance of Jews against the Nazis instead of those being hidden or those trying to survive the camps.

I wasn't familiar with couriers before-those women or girls who could pass as Aryan that helped by smuggling forged documents, supplies, and people. I was touched by the part of the book where Chaya smuggles a baby out of the ghetto in a backpack.

My eyes were opened to so many things in this book. The main characters were all so young. What courage they had to join this resistance!

I did want more at the end, but I was educated and touched by the strength portrayed in this novel. I can see myself reading this again, and hope that Nielsen writes more about WWII.

I had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. a few weeks before I read Resistance. I believe this book had an even bigger impact on me due to this unforgettable experience. Words cannot express how awful this time in history was, and how important it is that we do not forget what happened so that it doesn't happen again.

Title: Resistance
Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Published: August 2018
ISBN: 1338148478
Source: Personal Copy

Purchase: Amazon

Blog Tour: Night at the Opera by Stacy Henrie

Night at the Opera by Stacy Henrie

Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie, comes NIGHT AT THE OPERA, an American Heiress Novel.

NIGHT AT THE OPERA - An American Heiress Book 1 (1908)

When American heiress Gwen Barton aids an injured gentleman in an opera box in London, she shares a kiss with the stranger that changes her life. More determined than ever to be herself, in spite of the limp she’s sustained since childhood, she will marry for love and not a title. She also resolves to learn the identity of the man she helped—and kissed. Surely he can’t be the irritating Avery Winfield, though. But as circumstances continue to throw Gwen and Avery together, she begins to wonder if there is more to this man than she first thought. 

While most of London only knows him as the nephew of a duke, Avery Winfield is actually working for the Secret Service Bureau to ferret out German spies from among the ton. It’s a profession that gives him purpose and a reason to remain a bachelor. But the more he interacts with Gwen Barton, an heiress from America, the more he begins to question his plans and neglected faith. Then he learns Gwen is the young lady from the opera box who helped him. Now his most important mission may have nothing to do with saving Britain from danger and everything to do with risking his heart for the woman he met that night at the opera.

Andrea's Review:

What a beautiful cover! It would definitely catch my attention at a bookstore or library.

Night at the Opera is clean, Christian historical fiction and an enjoyable, quick read. I hadn’t heard about American heiresses traveling to England to find husbands for a title and higher social status. Such a crazy idea, especially given that that wasn’t very long ago.

I really liked that Gwen didn’t care about a title or higher social status. She was trying to be a good daughter, but stayed true to herself instead of going along with a relationship that didn’t have real feelings or meaning. Her disability probably played a big role in her attitude-a good example that our trials can make us stronger.

I liked Avery as well. He also wasn’t caught up in the social desires, which made him more likable. He had a strong loyalty to country and was willing to risk his life for it. It was good to see him grow throughout the novel.

The mystery of the identities at the opera was an entertaining way for our main characters to meet, and the discovery kept things interesting.

Rorie's Review:



I must admit, I laughed at what Gwen did to wake Avery when he passed out. I never in a million years would have thought of doing something like that, especially with a complete stranger. It actually does play an important part in the story, but every time it was brought up, I kind of rolled my eyes.

Other than that, I enjoyed the story. The relationship between Gwen and Avery developed at a believable pace. Their personalities complemented each other, even if neither of them could see it for quite a while.

My heart ached for Gwen when she was searching for a solution to her childhood injury, but I'm actually glad it turned out the way it did, because she was able to come to the realization that she was much more than her injury.

The author keeps the reader guessing about who the bad guy is up until the very end when he was revealed. I thought I knew for sure who it was, but I was wrong.

I enjoyed this story and would read more from this author.

Tour Schedule:

Oct. 15 - Books are Sanity / Heidi Reads

Oct. 16 - Literary Time Out / Why Not? Because I Said So

Oct. 17 - Min Reads and Reviews / The Bibliophile Files

Oct. 18 - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Getting Your Read On / My Book a Day

Oct. 19 - Singing Librarian Books / Wishful Endings

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Tour Giveaway:

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Title: Night at the Opera
Author: Stacy Henrie
Publisher: Mirror Press
Published: October 2018
ISBN: 1947152394
Source: We received an e-copy from the tour host in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Blog Tour: The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

Blog Tour July 9th to 13th

   

The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham 

Book Description:

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.  

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart. Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love. 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Barker Publishing

Review:

The Hope of Azure Springs is an enjoyable debut novel. Fordham created an interesting story with characters you couldn't help but care about. The pacing at times was slower than I wanted, but I was intrigued by Em's situation and kept picking it back up.

I don't recall learning about orphan trains before, so I'm grateful that this story made me want to learn more about that event in U.S. History.

I felt bad for Em. Losing first her dad, then her mom, living on the streets and then separated from her last relative, her sister, as she was the last pick on the orphan train. She’d been through so much and then had such a hit to her confidence by that situation.

I didn’t really like Caleb at first, but he grew on me-just like he did for Em. The more we get to know a person, the more (or less) attractive they can become. Their relationship felt realistic and not rushed.

This is a sweet and clean story. I’d probably read more from this author.
 
Praise for The Hope of Azure Springs:

“With unusual charm and warmth, Rachel Fordham opens the door to Azure Springs, a place as memorable as the people who inhabit it—namely the unique Em, a hero of a sheriff, and an assortment of heart-tugging, endearing townsfolk. A memorable story of faith, family, and happy endings!” ~Laura Frantz, author of The Lacemaker

“The Hope of Azure Springs is full of love and laughter, hope and happy endings. This delightful book about the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love will keep you turning pages until the very end. After you read Rachel Fordham’s satisfying story, you’ll want to give the world a hug.” ~Jennifer Beckstrand, author of A Courtship on Huckleberry Hill

“A tender story about loss, life, and the beauty that lies within each of us.” ~Stacy Henrie, USA Today bestselling author and RITA award finalist “Authentic. Strong. Memorable. The Hope of Azure Springs and its refreshingly realistic heroine will remain in readers’ hearts long after they’ve reached the stirring conclusion. With eloquently drawn scenes that will tug at a reader’s heart and a beautifully redemptive love story, Rachel Fordham’s debut offers a tender look at the meaning of beauty and self-worth.” ~Joanna Politano, author of Lady Jayne Disappears

“As The Hope of Azure Springs unfolds, readers will find a well thought out and intricately put together love story about an uncommon heroine. Fans of Melissa Jagears and Jane Kirkpatrick will enjoy Rachel Fordham’s books now and for years to come.” ~Dawn Crandall, author of the award-winning series The Everstone Chronicles

   

Author Rachel Fordham 

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling, she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.   

CONNECT WITH RACHEL

Website * Facebook * Newsletter

Amazon Author Page * Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule:

July 9th
I Am A Reader - Spotlight
My Life. One Story at a Time. - Review
Cover Lover Book Review - Review
BookHounds - Spotlight
Susan Heim on Writing - Spotlight
Diana's Book Reviews - Spotlight

July 10th
Locks, Hooks and Books - Review
Literary Reflections Book Blog - Review
Literary Time Out - Review
Julie Coulter Bellon - Review
T's Stuff - Spotlight
Tianna Holley, Author - Spotlight

July 11th
Pause for Tales - Review
The Becca Files - Review
Why Not? Because I Said So! - Review
A Writer's Life - Spotlight
Hearts & Scribbles - Spotlight
Katie's Clean Book Collection - Spotlight
Min Reads and Reviews - Spotlight

July 12th
Simple Wyrdings - Review
Reviews by Room With Books - Review
Paulette's Papers - Spotlight
Here We Go Again Ready - Spotlight
FLY HIGH! - Spotlight

July 13th
Mythical Books - Spotlight
Bound 2 Escape - Spotlight
Stacking My Book Shelves! - Spotlight
Cassandra M's Place - Spotlight
Bookish Reviews by Denise Blogs - Spotlight

   

Blog Tour Giveaway:

  

$25 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash 

Ends 7/24/18 

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.    

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