Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks

Beyond the Lavender Fields 

By Arlem Hawks 

Published by Shadow Mountain 

Publication Date: February 1, 2022 

Description: 

1792, France 

Rumors of revolution in Paris swirl in Marseille, a bustling port city in southern France. Gilles Étienne, a clerk at the local soap factory, thrives on the news. Committed to the cause of equality, liberty, and brotherhood, he and his friends plan to march to Paris to dethrone the monarchy. His plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory. 

A bourgeoise and a royalist, Marie-Caroline has been called home to Marseille to escape the unrest in Paris. She rebuffs Gilles’s efforts to charm her and boldly expresses her view that violently imposed freedom is not really freedom for all. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to follow her beliefs, Gilles catches her in a dangerous secret that could cost her and her family their lives. As Gilles and Marie-Caroline spend more time together, she questions her initial assumptions about Gilles and realizes that per-haps they have more in common than she thought. 

As the spirit of revolution descends on Marseille, people are killed and buildings are ransacked and burned to the ground. Gilles must choose between supporting the political change he believes in and protecting those he loves. And Marie-Caroline must battle between standing up for what she feels is right and risking her family’s safety. With their lives and their nation in turmoil, both Gilles and MarieCaroline wonder if a révolutionnaire and a royaliste can really be together in a world that forces people to choose sides. 

Review:

This is a very well-written historical romance. The French Revolution is not my favorite setting for a book, so I was a little apprehensive going into this but with how much I liked Arlem Hawks' previous book, Georgana's Secret, I couldn't pass this up, and I'm glad I didn't. Gilles was such an interesting character to me; his doubts and his concerns and questions just made him so realistic. (I think his questions about his own beliefs will resonate with readers battling with their own political beliefs and how they may agree with certain elements of a political party but not all.) I really enjoyed the ways Caroline challenged his thinking and how they came to understand each other better. The romance was sweet (and sometimes funny), which was a great balance to such a heavy setting. Really well done. 

4.5 stars.

About the Author: 

ARLEM HAWKS began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications, with an emphasis in print journalism, and she lives in Arizona with her husband three children. 

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com 

Advance Praise: 

“With each successive encounter, Gilles has with Marie-Caroline...makes him realize that people, like politics, are full of complexities and nuances. Historical fiction fans will revel in Hawks' (Georgiana's Secret, 2021) refreshingly different, perfectly evoked period setting that seamlessly captures both the drama and danger of revolutionary-era France, while romance readers will appreciate the sweet love story the author expertly threads through the plot.” —BOOKLIST 

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/fjr6vMhBn0Y 

Purchase links: 

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Deseret Book

Forget Me Not (The Gents #1) by Sarah M. Eden

Forget Me Not (The Gents #1) 

By Sarah M. Eden 

Published by Covenant Communications 

Publication Date: September 7th, 2020 

Description: 

Nottinghamshire, 1785 

 Julia Cummings has long been acquainted with loss-her mother, her brother, her sister, her friend, all gone too soon. But the loss that pushed her grief to the limit as a young girl was that of her best friend, Lucas Jonquil, who abandoned her without looking back. Now, eight years later, Lucas has returned to Lampton Park, and Julia has steeled herself-she will never forgive the man who broke her heart. 

After losing too many of his friends and family to early deaths, Lucas vowed to live life to the fullest. And after traversing the world, he has returned from his adventures to find his family and home as he left them-except for Julia. The little girl he left behind has blossomed into a captivating lady, a lady who makes it clear she despises him. With little hope of reconciliation, the former friends are blindsided when their parents make a shocking announcement. Lucas and Julia have been betrothed without their knowledge and are to marry immediately. Now Lucas must rely on the help of his closest friends to win the heart of a lady who loathes him--a lady he’s coming to love more deeply every day.

Review: 

This book tugged at my heart so much! Having read Sarah Eden's Jonquil Brothers series, which features Julia's and Lucas's future sons, I was eager to read how Julia and Lucas fell in love. So the fact that it didn't go smoothly--and that Julia spent so much of the book unhappy--actually hurt! I felt really sad sometimes, totally empathizing with Julia. However, Sarah Eden is a master at writing witty banter and providing comedic relief, so the book definitely had its lighthearted moments to make me chuckle. Since this is the first book in a new series, I'm assuming we'll get to see more of the happy moments between Julia and Lucas in future books, as they interact with the rest of the Gents.

I enjoyed slipping into a new era (and appreciate Sarah Eden's research skills that leave me confident she gets the details right) and meeting the rest of the Gents. Good start to a new series. I can't wait for more! 

4.5 stars. 

I read an ARC provided by the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Whispered Dance of Bees

The Whispered Dance of Bees
By Carol Warburton
Published by Covenant Communications
Publication Date: June 1, 2020

Description:
Had fate and nature not conspired, Alyce Redgrave would have been a child of wealth and privilege. But the night of her birth was shadowed by an eerie Devils Moon and her christening day marred by a fierce hailstorm—ill omens that led the superstitious peasants to seek Alyce's life. Desperate to save her infant daughter, Alyce's mother flees with her baby, finding shelter and goodwill at the isolated farm of strangers...
 There, Alyce's life is filled with secrets, unanswered questions, and a sense of foreboding. Her worst fears are realized when she narrowly escapes the clutches of a murderer by fleeing into the forest. Fate steps in once more to change the course of her life when Alyce is found and taken in by Elspeth, a wise woman with the uncanny ability to commune with nature. Trained by Elspeth in the art of healing, Alyce remains haunted by the puzzle of her past until she discovers her mother's lost pendant. With the help of this object and the aid of the enchanting William Pascoe, Alyce finally holds the key to who she once was and who she will become.

Review: While there's less romance than I would have liked (Alyce doesn't meet William Pascoe until about halfway through the book), the book is still enjoyable. While it's set in the early 1700s, not a time period I've read much about, the details about life at the time--from the speech to the superstitions to daily life--were rich and helped me slip right into the book. The plot moved along well, and all in all, this was a satisfying read. Good choice for those who like historical fiction, particularly something in a not-so-commonly-written-about era. 4 stars. I read an ARC provided by the 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.

An Uncommon Woman

An Uncommon Woman
By Laura Frantz
Published by Revell
Publication date: January 7, 2020

Tessa Swan's life isn't an easy one--living on the western Virginia frontier in the 1770s means she can never quite let down her guard, as there could be trouble with the neighboring Indian tribes at any time. Although she throws herself into working alongside her family members, she also yearns for more, perhaps even a life away from the dangers she's known for her entire life. When Clay Tygart comes to take command at the fort named for him, Tessa finds her heart yearning for him. Captured by the Lenape Indians but later returned to white society where he became a hero in the French and Indian War, Tessa is instantly drawn to him. But Clay fears entangling himself with a woman--even Tessa, who is different from any woman he's known--will put him, her, and even the settlement at risk as he needs to focus on his job.

Laura Frantz is an absolute master at establishing the setting and taking readers there. I haven't read many books set in this time period, but because her writing is so detailed and yet accessible to any reader, I quickly slipped right into the story and felt at home in the setting, understanding what was going on and thoroughly enjoying the look at life in this time and place. Tessa and Clay are both terrific characters--I love how Tessa is so strong and will just speak her mind. She and Clay were a great pairing--both strong and stubborn and even better together. The romance was sweet and slow, and the plot was really captivating. This book is really well-written and just great all around. One of my picks for the best books of 2020.
5 stars.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Upon My Heart Forever--Blog Tour and Giveaway!

Upon My Heart Forever
By Amber Lynn Perry

Book description:
 When Clara Moore learns of her brother's unthinkable scheme—to take her to England and force her into a hasty marriage—she knows she must escape New York. But when she finds out who has accepted the job of taking her to Boston, she almost rethinks her own hurried plan. For the handsome man who comes to her aid is none other than her former love, Ethan Barrik. He left her heart in shambles six years before. Can she trust him a second time? Ethan Barrik is no stranger to struggle. But tracking the enemy, and war-time spying are nothing compared to the pain of regret. Ready at last to leave his past behind, he accepts one final job for a friend, only to discover the person he's really helping is the woman he still loves. Despite her ire, he knows he must make every attempt to make it right—and hope she will find a way to forgive him and give their love another chance.

My thoughts:
This was a very good historical novella. The author did a great job of conveying the characters' emotions and keeping the plot moving. Really enjoyable.
I read an ARC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.


 Author links:
Goodreads
Facebook author page
Website
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Amazon author page
Purchase link

Tour Schedule

May 6th - Heidi Reads / The Bibliophile Files

May 7th - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Wishful Endings

May 8th - My Book a Day / Singing Librarian Books

May 9th - Literary Time Out / Getting Your Read On

May 10th - Peggy Urry

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Blog Tour and Giveaway for Just in Time: The Rescue Begins in Delaware

The Rescue Begins in Delaware (Just in Time Book 1)
By Cheri Pray Earl and Carol Lynch Williams

Premise:
Dover, Delaware 1776: George and Gracie need to rescue their parents. Instead, they find themselves time-traveling into the middle of the American Revolution. Not only that, but one of the twins changes into an animal with each time travel. This time Gracie is a horse. They end up helping Caesar Rodney make his famous ride into Philadelphia to vote “yes” for the Declaration of Independence. But time is running out to rescue their parents.  

My thoughts:
This was a fun book to read; although I read it by myself, I can easily see this book being one my children will enjoy in next year or two. I particularly liked the historical information--I'd never learned about Caesar Rodney's hurried ride from Delaware to Philadelphia, so that was interesting to learn a little about him and his efforts to support American independence. I think my kids will find that interesting but also be really pulled in to the time travel and mystery elements of the story. Good start to a series; I look forward to reading the rest of the books.

I read a copy provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

About the Authors: Cheri Pray Earl graduated with her master's degree in creative writing from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1995 and has taught creative writing and literature courses for the BYU Honors Program and the English Department for more than 25 years. She was awarded BYU Honors Professor of the Year in 2005 which she brags about every chance she gets. Cheri writes the middle-grade novel series, Just In Time, with Carol Lynch Williams and published a non-fiction children’s book for American Girl in 2009, co-authored with the late Rick Walton. But in real life she writes young adult and adult novels. She won her first real writing contest, the Utah Original Writing Competition, in 1994 for her YA novel, Flat Like Me, and took Honorable Mention in 1997 for her YA novel, The Swan. She’s currently working on an adult mystery novel and a contemporary adult novel. Cheri’s most recent children’s book, Mr. Dietsche, is a middle-grade novel based on her childhood in Dodge City, Kansas that her agent, Steve Fraser from JDLIT, is this very minute shopping around. That’s Secret Agent Steve. See more of Cheri's stories at dustingforfingerprints.wordpress.com 

 Carol Lynch Williams is the author of more than 30 books for middle grade and young adult readers. Her novels include The Chosen One, Never that Far, Messenger and Never Said. Her most recent book is the novelization of the movie Once I Was a Beehive. Carol has an MFA from Vermont College in Writing for Children and Young Adults and teaches creative writing at BYU. She runs Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers, a week-long writing conference for the not-faint-of-heart writer (www.wifyr.com). As well she is a mentor for those who want to write for kids and teens. Her best creative effort, however, are her five daughters.

Find the book here:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43895093-george-and-gracie-just-in-time
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Rescue-Begins-Delaware-Just-Time-ebook/dp/B07ML8WJBD/

Connect with authors here:

Twitter Cheri Pray Earl 
 Twitter Carol Lynch Williams 

Check out the blog tour here:

Feb 18: Bloggin' Bout Books / Peggy Urry Writer

Feb 19: Min Reads and Reviews

Feb 20: LDS Writer Mom

Feb 21: My Book a Day

Feb 22: Literary Time Out / The Bibliophile Files

And finally, enter the Rafflecopter giveaway here:
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A Song for the Stars by Ilima Todd

A Song for the Stars
By Ilima Todd

Maile is relieved when James Cook and his sailors leave her beloved Hawaiian island; while most of her people believed Cook to be their god, Lono, Maile wasn't convinced and is glad the men are gone. However, the men soon return--and the islanders aren't so welcoming this time. A battle ensues, and Maile's fiancé Ikaika is killed by one of Cook's men; Maile takes that same man hostage when her life is threatened.
John Harbottle has quickly come to appreciate Hawai'i and its people, so he is sickened by the battle and the deaths, particularly the one he caused. Although he killed to protect his captain, he doesn't want any more conflict between the people. Although Maile is wary of him at first, she reluctantly cares for him throughout his healing process. His genuine kindness and interest in her people show Maile there is much more to him than simply being her enemy.

This book was lovely, made even better by the fact that it's inspired by a true story. It was so interesting to see how the native Hawaiians viewed the Europeans and to learn more about their life and culture. The backdrop for the story (both the setting and the plot elements) was really beautiful, and then seeing John and Maile's growing feelings was just fantastic. I loved how it moved slowly, from wariness to appreciation to friendship to love, and I really enjoyed the teasing between Maile and John. This was just a highly enjoyable story from start to finish.

5 stars. One of my picks for the best of 2019.

I read an ARC via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Bound Heart by Laura Frantz

A Bound Heart
By Laura Frantz


Lark MacDougalls loves her home on the island of Kerrera. She keeps the bees and works in the stillroom at laird's castle, and while it's a simple life, there's nowhere else she'd rather be. Loyal to the laird, Magnus MacLeish, Lark does what she can to try to help his wife, Isla, bear him an heir, but after multiple miscarriages, Lark feels there's little she can do to help Isla. When Isla dies unexpectedly, Lark is accused of killing her, and Magnus, in his attempt to protect Lark, also finds himself imprisoned. While spared the noose, Lark doesn't know what she'll do when she and Magnus are indentured and sent across the Atlantic to a new world and a new life.

This book was phenomenal! The descriptions and the characters are amazing; from the very beginning, Laura Frantz did a terrific job of transporting me to Scotland alongside Lark. It was just amazing how she drew me into the setting as much as the plot. Everything about the story was so interesting--from the Scottish daily life with the poverty alongside the beauty to the harsh British laws that punish the Scots to life as an indentured servant. There's just so much here to fall in love with--including Lark and Magnus, who were both strong, wonderful characters and they were so well-developed and really felt like real people. I really loved getting to read their story and see how things played out for them.

5 stars. A fantastic book to kick of 2019--this one sets a high standard for everything I read from here on out!

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

The Promise of Home

The Promise of Home by Michele Paige Holmes

Katie and Collin MacDonald set out for Nova Scotia, leaving behind their beloved Highlands and hoping they can find a new home and peace with it--and that once they cross the ocean, they can somehow find Collin's twin brother Ian, who, after trading places with Collin, is bound for Virginia as an indentured servant.
Ian nearly died on his voyage--he would have if Elizabeth Campbell hadn't saved him and hidden him away, sneaking him food and care whenever she could. Although she's a member of the Campbell clan, whom Ian has always hated, he finds that his plan of escaping and making his way back to Scotland will be more complicated than he anticipated, because he can't just leave Eliza, and others who were forced into indentured servitude simply for being poor, to face fourteen years of undeserved indentured service. Although he yearns for Scotland, he also realizes it's time for him to look out for others and not only himself.

This is the third book in a series (and you DO need to read the other two first), and it's the best. I really loved the other two books, but this one was even better. I liked being able to see more of Katie's and Collin's story, but also really loved delving into Ian's story and seeing more about what had made him the person he is and also seeing him change and grow. Great story with a gripping plot and great characters.
Highly recommend!

5 stars.

I read a copy from the publisher; all opinions are my own.

Road to Gretna Green

Road to Gretna Green (Timeless Regency Collection)
This collection features three historical romances:


Saving Grace by Lucinda Brandt
When a family wedding brings Royston Meredith face to face with Helen, Lady Dysart--the woman he had planned to marry until she married someone else. He is still drawn to her, but he also doesn't know how to speak to her. Helen wants to know why Royston broke her heart. As they cautiously start to explore their history, Royston's younger sister Grace heads off to Gretna Green with the steward's son, and Royston and Helen must work together to keep her from creating a scandal.

Fools Rush In by Julie Daines
Eliza Barnes will do just about anything to avoid marrying Mr. Barrington--including accepting a fake proposal from Richard Arden who needs a wife in order to collect his inheritance--his younger sister Lucy. As Richard and Eliza set out to save his sister, Mr. Barrington follows after them, and as they face unexpected obstacle and adventures, they find themselves reluctant to end their fake engagement.

A Lady of Scandal by Heather B. Moore
Bridget's husband died only four hours after their wedding--which actually brought relief to Bridget, who never wanted to marry the rake in the first place. As her year of mourning ends, she is focused on helping her sister make her debut in society, but that brings her face-to-face with her former husband's cousin, Lord Hugh Wilde. Hugh initially blames Bridget for his cousin's death, but when his other cousin sets off for Gretna Green with Bridget's sister, the two become allies in stopping the couple--and begin to see past their animosity toward one another.


This was another great Timeless Regency Collection. I really liked the Gretna Green theme, and the stories were a lot of fun. They're all clean, sweet romances reads, with great characters and story lines. Although Gretna Green ties the stories together, they are all distinct and they all feel fresh. There were some really great lines and moments that totally made me sigh. If you're looking for something quick and fun to read, this is a terrific choice.

4 stars.

 I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Scarlet

Scarlet by  Jen Geigle Johnson

With the French Revolution in full swing, people are being carted off to the guillotine every day. The Pimpernel can't stand by and do nothing--and so she, along with a league of like-minded people, set out to save as many as they can. A master of disguises, Lady Scarlet Cavendish slips in and out of France, risking her life to save others. While she has various disguises, the one seen most often is the one she wears in polite society--that of a vapid, fashion-obsessed woman. This disguise has served her well, keeping anyone from suspecting her role as the Pimpernel, but when she finds herself falling in love with Matteo Durand, whom she has rescued from France, she longs to be able to share her true self--but can she do so? Or does Matteo have secrets of his own? 

This is sort of a retelling of The Scarlet Pimpernel, which I read twenty years ago and I don't really remember anything about it, other than who the Pimpernel was. Therefore, I can give no opinions on how this compares to the original, what they have in common, or how they are different. But I can say that this is an intriguing story. Scarlet is a strong character, and I liked seeing her various disguises and methods for saving others. I also really liked the fact that she wasn't always successful--simply because it made it more realistic. If she'd been 100% successful, it would have seemed too good to be true. The French Revolution is so horrifying, but Johnson did a great job showing the realities without being overly gruesome; she didn't make it too graphic but also didn't downplay it. Well-written and engaging, this is a great choice for fans of historical fiction.

I received a review copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

4 stars.

The Lacemaker

The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz

Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson, the daughter of a staunch Tory is engaged (not very happily) to one of her father's associates, Miles Roth. She misses her mother, whose support of the Patriot cause led her husband to ship her off to England. When many Tories flee Williamsburg, Liberty is still at home when her townhouse is raided and most of the servants flee. While her fiancé bows out of their betrothal, his cousin, Patriot Noble Rynallt can't turn his back on the young woman. Although the world as she has known it is falling apart, as she tries to find a place for herself as a lacemaker, Liberty finds herself drawn to Noble and to his cause, even as her father demands that she aid him and the Tories.

Laura Frantz's stories are beautifully crafted, and this book is no exception. The details make it so you feel like you're right there with the characters. Noble was pretty dreamy, with his quiet strength and goodness, and Liberty's story, as she must decide what she believes and who she is loyal to, was engaging and well-told. I think this is my favorite of Laura Frantz's books! 4.5 stars.


I read a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

A Moonbow Night

A Moonbow Night
Laura Frantz

Temperance (Tempe) Tucker and her family built and run an inn on the Shawnee River. Tempe does what she can to help her mother, brother, and father (who frequently goes into hiding since he's wanted in Virginia for a crime), but she can't help but long for death, to join her beloved fiancé James, who was killed in an Indian attack a few years before. Sion Morgan is a surveyor, charged with charting out Kentucke, but with Indians on the warpath (encouraged by the British), he has to change course. Determined to still do some surveying, he needs a guide. Tempe has no desire to be his guide, but, forced to do so by her family, she guides Sion and his group, and as she does so, she and Sion--who has known tragedy of his own--come to find hope and peace in one another.

I haven't read many books from this time period, so it was a little bit hard for me to get into the book at first--I wasn't used to the language, wasn't familiar with the geography, and didn't really know anything about surveying or early settlers in the Kentucke region. Some genres, settings, and time periods, I can just slip comfortably into, but that wasn't the case here. But that's okay! If you're not familiar with it either, and are tempted to give up reading it, don't! It's totally worth sticking it out. It was a really interesting time to learn more about. It's very richly detailed and really helps the reader envision what the time was like, showing day-to-day life and the very real dangers and struggles, alongside the hopes and dreams, of the characters. Tempe is smart, resourceful, and so competent, all things I really liked about her, and Sion, the strong, silent, determined type, which made me love him. Really fascinating book.

I read a copy through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

4 stars. Clean read.