Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London

Welcome to the Blog Tour and Giveaway for Never an Amish Bride by Ophelia London, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Never an Amish Bride
Series: Honey Brook #1
Author: Ophelia London
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Release Date: June 30, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Amish Romance

Welcome to charming Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, where bestselling author Ophelia London will bring you on a moving and unforgettable journey through faith, forgiveness, and ultimately love.

Everything changed for Esther Miller with the death of her beloved fiancé, Jacob. Even years later, she still struggles with her faith and purpose in the small, tight-knit Amish village of Honey Brook—especially now that her younger sister is getting married. All she wants is to trust in the Lord to help her find peace...but peace is the last thing she gets when Lucas, Jacob’s wayward older brother, returns to town.

Lucas Brenneman has been harboring a secret for years—the real reason he never returned from Rumspringa and the truth behind his brother Jacob’s death. Honey Brook still calls to him, but he knows his occupation as a physician’s assistant must take precedence. With sweet and beautiful Esther he finds a comfort he’s never known, and he feels like anything is possible...even forgiveness. But she was Jacob’s bride-to-be first. And if she knew the truth, would she ever truly open her heart to him?

USA Today bestselling author Ophelia London brings a sweet, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny take to the popular Amish romance cannon.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository  

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EXCERPT 

The most important thing was to remain calm. The second was to make sure—if the buggy overturned—that it would fall over on his side, not Esther’s. Maybe due to the recent rain, Lucas felt the moment the right-hand wheel hit a deep, soft spot of dirt. Next he heard a loud crack. Esther shrieked and leaned into him, clutching his arm. 

“Keep ahold of me!” he shouted, feeling her grip tighten.

As if in slow motion, the left side of the buggy began to tip up. After another loud snap of wood, despite all his efforts, everything began sliding to the right. The sound of bending iron coupled with Esther’s screams was deafening as the buggy rotated.

When all was finally silent, Lucas opened his eyes. He was facedown, staring directly at a pair of closed eyelids, while he lay flat over Esther’s body.

“Hey,” he said, trying to roll off, but he was wedged in there pretty darn tight. “Are you okay? Esther, can you hear me?” When she didn’t answer, he sprang into action, fearing the worst. Had she hit her head or had a dangerous internal injury? It hadn’t been a hard landing, but after working in trauma for two rotations, he knew anything was possible.

Before he’d had time to even get to his feet, he heard a soft laugh. The sound slowed his panicking heart.

“What’s so funny?” he asked, lifting himself onto his elbows so he could look at her.

While she continued to giggle—tears in her eyes now—he rolled onto his knees and got to his feet. After a quick assessment, he noted that her body wasn’t at any awkward angles; therefore, nothing major was broken.

“What’s so funny?” he repeated, wanting to join in her laughter out of pure relief.

“Everything,” she said. “That was so much fun.”

“You were screaming bloody murder.”

“While having fun.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

USA Today bestselling author Ophelia London was born and raised among the redwood trees in beautiful northern California. Once she was fully educated, she decided to settle in Florida, but her car broke down in Texas, and she’s lived in Dallas ever since. She enjoys cupcakes, treadmills, reruns of Dawson’s Creek and obsessing over her Italian Greyhound, Peanut. Ophelia is the author of NEVER AN AMISH BRIDE, her very first Amish romance! As wells as the Sugar City series, the Perfect Kisses series, the Abby Road series, and other adult, NA and YA sweet romances.

CONNECT WITH OPHELIA: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram  

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $20 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight June 30, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

First Line Fridays: A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy:

"Nora Shipley's ears buzzed as though a thousand bees were trapped inside her head."

Have you read this book? Book blurb below and you can read my review here.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

Nora Shipley has one goal--to carry on the legacy of her late father by taking over the scientific journal he started. To that end, she's fought to be taken seriously among her male classmates and graduate as valedictorian of Cornell's entomology program. When pressures to settle down rise to a fever pitch, she impulsively joins a research expedition in Kodaikanal, India, to prove herself in the field and win a scholarship.

But India holds several surprises--she is impressed not only by the beauty of its natural wonders, but also by the gentle nature she discovers in the rival classmate who accompanied her, Owen Epps. Instead of exploring, however, she is forced by the expedition leader to stay at camp and illustrate exotic butterflies the men of the team find without her. During the many quiet days, Nora befriends Sita, a young Indian girl who has been dedicated to a goddess against her will.

In this spellbinding new land, Nora is soon faced with impossible choices--between saving Sita and saving her career, and between what she's always thought she wanted and the man she's come to love.

Tour Finale Blitz with Giveaway: A Cowgirl's Dream by Edith MacKenzie

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What inspired you to write A Cowgirl's Dream? 

I have been involved with horses for most of my life and love happy ever afters. As an Aussie, I wanted to write a character that embodied a lot of the cowgirls that I know. I also wanted to write a story about the strong women in rodeo, their sisterhoods and men they choose to love. 

@wildflowerbookshelf - Review

"...loved it! You know my love of cowboys, and this just made me love them more! There were sweet moments and swoon worthy moments!"

Reviewingbooksplusmore - Review

"I loved Frankie’s character . . . I also loved the friendships in the book. . . . If you love horses, you will enjoy reading A Cowgirl’s Dream. This book is the first book in the series. I look forward to reading the next book."

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"If you want a light romance with diverse characters, and you love cowboys, then A Cowgirl’s Dream is a new book you’ll want to check out. It’s not your typical cowboy story . . . Instead of Texas men, we have a ranch full of Brazilian cowboys & an Aussie cowgirl who ‘barrels’ in to the mix. . . . the romance is sweet with plenty of sparks and the rodeo/horse training aspect to the story is full of energy."

Splashes of Joy - Guest Post

A mock magazine interview for Luciano – The love interest

Luciano Navarro – Is he Brazil’s brightest rodeo star?

Rodeo News, March 2020

Not since the great Eduardo Cabrera dominated the bull riding scene, have we seen a Brazilian rider storm up the rankings the way Luciano Navarro has. Along with his compatriot, Joao Rojas, lately it seems every event has set the green flag flying. I was lucky enough to get a chance to sit down with Luciano after his win at Houston and interview him.

Since you started making a splash at rodeos, everyone has compared you to Eduardo Cabrera. Do you think the comparison is justified?

Obviously I appreciate being compared to a champion like that. Senhor Eduardo has been a great mentor to myself and Joao, helping us find our feet in a strange country. I hope that I can make him proud. . .

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama - Excerpt

Why was it that she only owned jeans and T-shirts? Most girls have at least one dress! Giving up, Frankie dramatically flopped face-first onto her bed, deciding she would just spend the entire BBQ in that position. Honestly, there was nothing else she could do.

“Do I even want to know?” Deb popped her head into the room.

“Doff weeve muy loon,” she mumbled into the bedspread.

“Duff’s a loon? Do we even know a Duff? Hey, Megan, do you know a Duff?” Deb called down the hall.

“No, why?” came the reply from the kitchen.

“Ha-ha, you’re so funny,” Frankie grumbled, raising her head off the bed. Her hair now closely resembled a bird’s nest freshly fallen from a tree. In a storm. A bad one. Maybe cyclonic. “I said Leave. Me. Alone.” She theatrically dropped her head back down.

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

Inspiration for the Series

I really wanted to write about a core group of women that focused on the ups and downs of close female friendship. It was important to me that these women still had their own identities, dreams and struggles, all while finding love. It was always going to be about cowgirls since horses have been my passion ever since I can remember. I’m an Australian and my husband uses the most outlandish Aussie slang of anyone I’ve ever met. When we travel, most of the time no one has a clue what he’s talking about. I thought it would be fun to use some of that in my characters. . .

Hallie Reads - Review

"Get ready for a wild, romantic ride in Edith MacKenzie’s A Cowgirl’s Dream! . . . The story that unfolds between Frankie and Luciano is certainly a fun one. The author’s experience with horses shines through the rodeo aspects, and Frankie and Luciano prove to be an easy couple to root for page after page. . . . Overall, an enjoyable afternoon cowgirl-romance read. Definitely worth checking out if you’re interested . . ."

Uplifting Reads - Review

"I read the whole thing while sitting poolside on a mini-vacation. I still like to read about the competitions in addition to the romance. I have already grabbed the free prequel and am looking forward to the releases of the next in the series."

underneath the covers - Excerpt

He looked at Gabi for permission. “Is she free tomorrow?”

She checked her phone. “I don’t have anything booked in for her.”

“Good. I will pick her up after lunch,” he nodded his head decisively. “I look forward to showing you around, Querida.”

“Eager little bugger, isn’t he?” whispered Deb.

“Doesn’t waste time,” agreed Megan.

“Have you guys finished?” Beet red, Frankie attempted to return to her meal.

“I think so.” Deb turned to Gabi. “Now, let’s talk about you and Joao.”

Hearts and Scribbles - Excerpt

As Gabi walked off to find some drinks, Frankie self-consciously moved to one side of the food table. Curiously, she looked around at the various groups of people gathered. She found herself on the other end of a gaze with frankly the most magnetically attractive man she had ever laid eyes on. The stranger had the swarthy complexion of most of the assembled guests. He gave a slow, seductive smile while he returned her candid appraisal, a hot-blooded gleam flaring in his dark, smiling eyes, the corners crinkling into lines that looked well-used. The man had a smile that would put a Hollywood actor to shame.

Candrel's Crafts, Cooks, and Characters - Interview

What is it about cowboys and cowgirls that is so appealing in the romance genre? 

The strong silent type clad in snug denim? Strong capable women that know their own mind. Especially in Australia I think it is how we still like to think of ourselves. There is a sense of romance to that type of lifestyle.

Book Lover in Florida - Excerpt

Frankie’s temper began to rise. “You are unbelievable.”

“Thank you. I hear that a lot.”

Her mouth dropped open at his arrogance and she shook her head. “I didn’t mean it in a good way. Look, good talk, let’s not rush to do this again.” She spun on her heels and walked back up the aisle. 

“I did not think you were the type to run away Frankie,” he called after her, laughter in his voice.

Christy's Cozy Corners - Guest Post

SOME AUSTRALIAN SLANG (WHICH YOU MAY OR MAY NOT READ IN THE A COWGIRL’S DREAM)

Australia is a beautiful country filled with wildlife that wants to kill you (I won’t even go into the wild animals you won’t find at the zoos, deemed too fierce for capture, such as drop bears, hoops snakes and yetis. Google them at your own peril if you wish to find out more) and food that many outsiders consider inedible (I’m looking at you vegemite and fairy bread). However, it is the language used in the land down under that causes the most difficulty for visitors.

Remembrancy - Excerpt

“Really?” Frankie groaned in frustration as the water splashed from the bucket she had just set down in the stall, soaking the leg of her jeans.

Honestly, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Maybe in the interest of expediency, she could do both at the same time? Thank goodness Delila had settled in happily, already munching on the hay net Gabi brought over. The same Gabi now popped her head over the stall and laughed at her drenched state.

“You know they have showers here, right? No need to wash in a bucket of cold water.”

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

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A Cowgirl's Dream

(Barrels and Hearts, #1)

By Edith MacKenzie

Contemporary Romance, Western

Paperback and ebook, 154 Pages

June 24, 2020

An Aussie cowgirl far from home. A handsome Brazilian bull rider. Can they have a rodeo love story of their dreams?

Frankie dreams of being a champion barrel racer. When the opportunity of a lifetime knocks on her door, she moves halfway across the globe to chase it. After having her heart broken, she’s determined to focus on her ambitions. That means no time for cowboys, even if he is bloody cute.

Luciano is well on his way to getting everything he has ever dreamed of. That is, until an Aussie cowgirl crashes into his world, setting his soul on fire. He knows what it takes to get to the top and Frankie has it in spades. Now, all he has to do is convince her to see beyond the suave exterior and give him a chance.

Finally, Frankie has a shot at the championship buckle, but when photos appear of Luciano on the internet, she has to decide whether to stay or walk away. Is she kidding herself, can she have it all? Can Frankie find her courage to trust in love and still chase her Cowgirl’s dream?

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

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Other Books Coming in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

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About the Author

Edith MacKenzie or Eddie Mac to her friends is an Australian author of sweet and wholesome contemporary cowboy romance. They say in literary circles to write what you know and Eddie has certainly taken that to heart. Before embarking on a writing career she trained horses professionally and brings that wealth of knowledge to her writing.

Now a mum to a boy and girl, as well as wife, she delights with her tales of strong cowgirls and their adventures in finding love. When not weaving the love stories of her characters, she enjoys hanging out with her family and animals, as well as reading, fishing and camping

Just remember once a cowgirl, always a cowgirl.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | BookBub| Instagram

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Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally to those eligible to use one of Amazon's branches

Ends July 5, 2020

ENTER HERE

Book Review: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

About the Book:

Sense and Sensibility. Frankenstein. The Scarlet Letter. You’re familiar with these pillars of classic literature. You may even be able to rattle off a few quotes, but do you really know how to read them? Do you know how to read them as a Christian?

Through this beautifully designed series, bestselling author, literature professor, and avid reader Karen Swallow Prior will guide you through a selection of classics. She will not only navigate you through the pitfalls that trap readers today, but show you how to read them in light of the gospel, and to the glory of God

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My Thoughts:

I chose to read Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad strictly because I am a fan of Karen Swallow Prior’s work. After reading her informative, spoiler-free introduction, I knew it would be a heavy read, but I hoped that I might get something out of it. 

The story was terrible. Cruelty, racism, greed, hatred… and it was all in the extreme. Although the publisher altered/replaced some of the most offensive words, the story and the characters’ actions demonstrated unfathomable disregard for human life. I couldn’t stomach it and it took me a long time to read through.

Karen Swallow Prior’s introduction is well-written. It provided information on the author’s life, a historical background of the work, an overview of themes in the work, and suggestions to consider while reading Heart of Darkness.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

June Reading Recap & Expected July Reads!

My June 2020 Reads: 

In June, I finished:

1. A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


2. Start With Me by Kara Isaac - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review to come.


3. The Story Hunter by Lindsay A. Franklin - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


4. The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.


5. The Story Raider by Lindsay A. Franklin - ⭐⭐⭐⭐. 


6. At Love's Command by Karen Witemeyer - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


7. The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper - ⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.


8. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Karen Swallow Prior - ⭐⭐ - Read my review.

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Expected July 2020 Reads:

In July, I hope to read:

1. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster - I started reading this one in early May, but didn't get very far in before life went crazy. I just started reading it again and it's quite interesting!


2.  A Bride of Convenience by Jody Hedlund - I love Jody Hedlund's books!


3. Ruby Moon by Jennifer Knipfer - Both this book and it's sequel have been sitting on my shelf for months! Sometimes I get soooo behind! 


4. A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden - My local book club's pick for July!


5. Coming Home to Maverick by Sophia Summers - Looking forward to this one too!

What will you read this month?

Book Review: The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper

About the Book:

A cursed opal, a gnarled family tree, and a sinister woman in a green dress emerge in the aftermath of World War I.

After a whirlwind romance, London teashop waitress Fleur Richards can’t wait for her new husband, Hugh, to return from the Great War. But when word of his death arrives on Armistice Day, Fleur learns he has left her a sizable family fortune. Refusing to accept the inheritance, she heads to his beloved home country of Australia in search of the relatives who deserve it more.

In spite of her reluctance, she soon finds herself the sole owner of a remote farm and a dilapidated curio shop full of long-forgotten artifacts, remarkable preserved creatures, and a mystery that began more than sixty-five years ago. With the help of Kip, a repatriated soldier dealing with the sobering aftereffects of war, Fleur finds herself unable to resist pulling on the threads of the past. What she finds is a shocking story surrounding an opal and a woman in a green dress. . . a story that, nevertheless, offers hope and healing for the future.

This romantic mystery from award-winning Australian novelist Tea Cooper will keep readers guessing until the astonishing conclusion.

Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble
(Affiliate links included)

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My Thoughts:

The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper features an eye-catching cover for this dual timeline, historical fiction novel. The story was a slow start for me as I struggled to find a connection between the two storylines. Somewhere around the 40% percent mark, my interest in the novel heightened. The story’s strength lies in the questions, searches, and mysteries, but I think greater character development would have enhanced the story.

Bert ranked as my favorite character in The Woman in the Green Dress. Though he was a secondary character, he drew the two timelines together and I liked him more and more as I traveled through the story. I also liked how certain characters’ histories and motives, some of which were surprising, remained a mystery until the proper reveal. 

The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper is written for the general market and published by Thomas Nelson. It’s mostly clean with only an occasional crude word in the dialogue. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this ebook by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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About the Author:

Tea Cooper is an Australian author of historical and contemporary fiction. In a past life she was a teacher, a journalist and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling.

Connect with Tea: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

First Line Fridays: Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner

Happy Friday! 

First Line Fridays is hosted by Hoarding Books and participants share the first line from a nearby book.

Today, I'm sharing the first line from Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner:

"My Norman had never understood why I liked to hang laundry on the line when I had a perfectly good dryer inside."

Have you read this book? Book blurb below and you can read an excerpt on the publisher's site.

What are you reading this weekend? I'd love for you to share your book's first line!

Happy reading!

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About the Book:

Rediscover the power of story to open the doors of our hearts.

Betty Sweet never expected to be a widow at forty. With so much life still in front of her, she tries to figure out what's next, never imagining what God had in mind.

When her estranged sister returns to town, Betty finds herself taking on the care of a five-year-old nephew she never knew she had. In 1960s small-town Michigan, they make an odd pair. Betty with her pink button nose and bouffant hair. Hugo with his light brown skin and large brown eyes. But more powerful than what makes them different is what they share: the heartache of an empty space in their lives. Slowly, they will learn to trust one another as they discover common ground and healing through the magic of storytelling.