Steal My Heart Blog Tour

Steal My Heart
By Heather B. Moore

Description:
Disaster seems to follow Evie Prosper’s dating life everywhere. A fresh start can only mean leaving Prosper forever, which is what she’s determined to do, until she meets Carson Hunt. He unknowingly saves her from another dating disaster, yet their paths keep crossing. Carson is relocating to Prosper of all places, and if Evie could change that one thing about him, she might rethink their connection.

Review: This is such a sweet story! I really adored Carson and how he stood up for Evie time and again and helped her--and her family--realize that she deserved to be treated better than she had been. Evie was such a realistic character, especially with how she wanted to find love but also got freaked out when a guy showed interest in her. That just made her seem very real and relatable. I liked seeing her work through her emotions and go after what she wanted.
Another fun book from Heather B. Moore! 4 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the author:
Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty publications. Her historical novels and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.
Literary awards: 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner


Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact/
Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com
Website: HBMoore.com
Instagram: @authorhbmoore
Twitter: @heatherbmoore
Facebook: Fans of H.B. Moore

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At Love's Command

At Love's Command (Hanger's Horsemen #1)
By Karen Witemeyer
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: June 2, 2020

Description:
Ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries who defend the innocent, but when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they seek out help from Dr. Josephine Burkett. When Josephine's brother is abducted and she is caught in the crossfire, Matthew may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.

Review:
Karen Witemeyer's new series starts out with a bang! This book was a thrilling read, with a little more action and a little less romance than the author's previous books, but that didn't make it any less enjoyable than her other books. Dr. Josephine Burkett and Matthew Hanger are both strong personalities, determined to help in their own ways, and while at first, they seem to be opposites--Matt a warrior and Josie a healer--but they complement each other and work well together. The plot was fast-paced with lots of action, softened with bits of God's love (often through Bible verses quoted by one of Matthew's men) that uplifted the characters as well as the reader. I loved how each character had his or her own quirks and they are fiercely loyal. As always, Witemeyer has written a heartwarming story that was a pleasure to read. I'm excited to get to know the other horsemen in later books!
 4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Noble Smuggler

The Noble Smuggler
By Sian Ann Bessey
Published by Covenant Communications

Description:
Despite living at her father’s inn her entire life, Elizabeth Doyle has always managed to avoid involvement with the smugglers who frequently gather there. Until now. When a handsome smuggler is brought to her with dire injuries, Elizabeth risks everything to hide him—completely unaware that the wounded man is not who he appears to be. When an opportunity arises to infiltrate the notorious smuggling gang he believes caused his father’s death, Jonas Ainsworth, the Viscount Langton, pretends to be one of them. But when he is wounded midcharade, Jonas’s life is placed in the hands of an unlikely savior: a smuggler’s daughter. Forced to flee before his wounds have fully healed, he does not think he will ever see her again—until she appears on his doorstep, seeking safe haven. Divided by their social standings yet united in their mutual desire to expose the leader of the smuggling ring, Jonas and Elizabeth are undeniably drawn to each other. Neither realizes, however, that they are dangerously close to uncovering explosive secrets from the past—secrets that will alter the course of their lives forever.


Review:
With great historical details, great characters, and a fast-paced plot with a bit of a mystery, this book is well-written and well-edited from start to finish. There wasn't ever a point that the story lagged; every scene really worked to further the story and provide pertinent information about the characters and the plot. Elizabeth is a quiet character but she is brave and has strength she's not even aware of, while Jonas is the consummate good guy, using his advantages in life to make things better. I really enjoyed seeing them working together and taking care of one another.
Great story. 4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

The Runaway Bride

The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ships #2)
By Jody Hedlund
Published by Bethany House

Description:
Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice. Vying for her hand are two very different men.
Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.
 As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need—a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?

Review: As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, it's no small thing to say that I enjoyed this one even more. I loved Arabella, with her wounded heart and lack of confidence, her desire to measure up, and her tender heart. I loved Pete, too--not just because of his sense of humor which kept me laughing but for the ways that he supported Arabella, from their first interaction, and helped her to believe in her own capabilities. I loved how he advocated for others, even when it meant he'd suffer the consequences. I also really liked the historical setting for the book and getting a glimpse at the interactions between members of different classes and different races, with the varied reactions. I particularly enjoyed Arabella learning to set aside social expectations and truly look at the people around her and at her own heart. With fantastic characters, great chemistry, and an engaging plot, this book was a pleasure to read! I can't wait for the next book!

Lakeshire Park

Lakeshire Park
By Megan Walker
Published by Shadow Mountain

Amelia Moore and her sister Clara are invited to a house party, and, desperate to be settled before their stepfather's impending death, which will leave them with nothing and no one to care for them, Amelia will do whatever she can to help Clara get a proposal from Sir Ronald. Unfortunately, the exceedingly annoying Peter Wood's sister Georgiana also wants to secure Sir Ronald's affections and will do anything he can to thwart Clara's and Amelia's efforts.
In order to give Clara the chance to spend time with Sir Ronald, Amelia has to spend time with Peter--and as much as he initially irritates her, she soon finds there's more to him than she initially thought. But with their situation dire, Amelia can't be swayed by her heart and must stick to the practical plans that will give her and Clara the security they need, especially when an opportunity for Amelia to make a match arises, too.

I'm super excited for another great Proper Romance! I loved seeing the interactions between Amelia and Peter--it was just great seeing how annoyed with him she was and that she had no idea he was totally falling for her. The romance was sweet and charming--oh, that Peter has some really good lines! I also liked (most of) the secondary characters; it was refreshing to read a Regency where most of the women were quite kind and not petty and belittling. The plot was great; it moved along well and was interesting. Fans of the Proper Romance series and Regency romances in general will not be disappointed!

4.5 stars.

I read an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Storing Up Trouble

Storing Up Trouble (American Heiresses Book 3)
By Jen Turano
Published by Bethany House
Publication Date: May 5, 2020

Description: When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Review: Jen Turano offers up another fantastic book, cementing herself not only as the master of humorous historical fiction but also as a wonderful storyteller. From the opening sentence, I found myself both chuckling at the situations that the characters found themselves and being totally invested in finding out where the book would take them. At the outset, Norman was incredibly frustrating--I wished I could reach through the book and bash him over the head--but I loved seeing the changes he made throughout the book and how he actually took to heart what Beatrix said and made significant changes in how he treated people--and the sweet gestures he made for others totally won me over. I also enjoyed seeing how Beatrix came to find her purpose, with focused actions she could take to further the cause of women. Secondary characters (particularly Theodosia) were also endearing. While there were plenty of madcap adventures and eccentric characters, the context of women's rights (or lack thereof) provided an engaging backdrop for the story. With tons of humor, great dialogue, a light mystery, and a quick pace, this book was just a ton of fun to read.
4.5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.