Beauty in the Binding

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

Book Spotlight: The Inns of Devonshire: Timeless Regency Collection

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Inns of Devonshire: Timeless Regency Collection (Book 18)
Authors: Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, & Deborah M. Hathaway
Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Mirror Press (October 5, 2021)
Length: (300) pages
Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
Tour Dates: October 4-17, 2021

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Three novellas, three times the romance, and three times the love . . . in this brand new Timeless Regency Collection

The Seventh Star Inn, by Sally Britton

After years of looking after one another, Susan Baxter and her mother view their neighbors in Totnes as family. When a new landlord inherits the leases on their homes and businesses alike, Susan dreads knowing her world could change at the whim of a stranger. But when she meets Collin Stonecroft and his inquisitive daughter, her feelings shift quickly from cautionary to hopeful. Collin has lived in the confines of London boarding houses all his life, and he’s determined to give his daughter more. They check into the Seventh Star Inn with plans to return to London as soon as possible, but both find Miss Baxter and her local history lessons far too enchanting to leave behind. When Susan learns of Collin’s proposed changes to her beloved neighborhood, will she be able to help him see that some things are perfect the way they are?

The Truth about Mr. Blackmore, by Annette Lyon

Leigh’s life at the Old Grey Inn is drudgery broken by flights of fancy thanks in part to novels by Simon Blackmore. When Mattias McGrady comes to the inn for a fortnight, Leigh captures his attention. A relationship develops, and she dreads the end of his stay, which will mean a return to an unhappy life. An urgent letter to Mattias leads to him inviting Leigh to an event that stands to change both of their lives forever. If all goes well, Leigh will have a life of her choosing after all. But half-truths and lies have a way of complicating matters. When their plans go awry, Leigh loses her reputation and Mattias almost surely loses his career. Can either of them find happiness?

The Coachman’s Choice, by Deborah M. Hathaway

Ever-reliable Mary Thorne has helped her widowed mother run The Golden Mermaid Inn for years. She spends her days greeting guests, ensuring the inn runs smoothly—and dodging flirtatious remarks from passing coachmen. But she’s far too busy to pay any attention to such men, even the enticingly attractive Mr. Northcott. Known far and wide for his horsemanship, punctuality, and dallying reputation, Robert Northcott relishes his life as a coachman, especially his freedom to flirt with numerous women from inn to inn, all without the messy details of commitment. There’s just one woman who's immune to his charms: the lovely, single landlady of The Golden Mermaid. Robert is determined to win Mary over, just as heartily as she is determined to keep her distance from him. But his carefree life is threatened when his pursual of Mary becomes more than just a game...

ABOUT THE SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been publishing the Timeless Regency Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories set in early 19th century England. Featuring bestselling authors from the historical romance genre, the series has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.

AUTHOR BIOS

Sally Britton is a wife, mother, and author who loves the world of romance, received her BA in English from Brigham Young University, and reads voraciously. She started her writing journey at the tender age of fourteen on an electric typewriter, and she’s never looked back.

Sally primarily lives in Oklahoma with her husband, four children, and Izzie the Aussie Shepherd. She loves researching, hiking, and eating too much chocolate.

Annette Lyon is a USA Today Bestselling author. She's won a Whitney Award (2010) and is an eight-time recipient of Utah's Best of State medal for fiction and short stories. She's the author of more than a dozen novels, even more novellas, a cookbook, a grammar guide, and some 120+ articles. She's worked as a professional editor for publishers and bestselling authors and graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.

Deborah M. Hathaway graduated from Utah State University with a BA in Creative Writing. As a young girl, she devoured Jane Austen's novels while watching and re-watching every adaptation she could. She finds inspiration for her novels during her travels with her English husband to the United Kingdom, where she draws on the beauty of the country in such places as Ireland, Yorkshire, and her beloved Cornwall. Be sure to sign up for Deborah's Newsletter to stay updated on new releases, free and discounted Clean Romance novels, and more!

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB

TOUR BLURB

Join the virtual book tour of THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE, a collection of novellas by bestselling authors Sally Britton, Annette Lyon, & Deborah M. Hathaway, October 4-17, 2021. Thirty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in Regency romance, historical romance, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of the release of the 18th book in the bestselling Timeless Regency Collection with a spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new anthology set in Regency England.

Oct 04 Fire and Ice (Review)

Oct 04 Austenprose (Excerpt)

Oct 04 Timeless Novels (Review)

Oct 05 Lu Reviews Books (Review)

Oct 05 Beauty in the Binding (Spotlight)

Oct 05 For Where Your Treasure Is (Excerpt)

Oct 06 Probably at the Library (Review)

Oct 06 Our Book Confessions (Review)

Oct 06 Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Oct 07 Literary Time Out (Review)

Oct 07 Reading with Emily (Review)

Oct 08 Bringing Up Books (Review)

Oct 08 Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

Oct 09 Becky on Books (Review)

Oct 09 Books and Socks Rock (Review)

Oct 10 The Christian Fiction Girl (Spotlight)

Oct 10 Heidi Reads (Review)

Oct 11 My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

Oct 11 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Review)

Oct 11 Wishful Endings (Review)

Oct 12 So Little Time… (Excerpt)

Oct 12 The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Spotlight)

Oct 12 Laura's Reviews (Review)

Oct 13 Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Oct 13 Storeybook Reviews (Excerpt)

Oct 13 Rosanne E. Lortz (Review)

Oct 14 From Pemberley to Milton (Spotlight)

Oct 14 Chicks, Rogues and Scandals (Excerpt)

Oct 14 Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

Oct 15 A Darn Good Read (Review)

Oct 15 Relz Reviewz (Spotlight)

Oct 15 Reading is My Superpower (Review)

Oct 15 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Oct 16 My Bookish Bliss (Review)

Oct 17 The Book Diva Reads (Spotlight)

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Monday, October 4, 2021

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: The Single Dad's Holiday Match by Tanya Agler

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Single Dad's Holiday Match

(Smoky Mountain First Responders #1)

By Tanya Agler

Contemporary Romance, Sweet Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

September 28, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

'Tis the season… For unexpected love!

Officer Jonathan Maxwell is just as devoted to his job as he is to his two young daughters, leaving zero time for a social life. Until he meets Brooke Novak. The newly hired community center director is a single parent, too, and also part of his latest investigation. Jonathan needs Brooke’s help if he's going to close his case by Thanksgiving…but she might be the biggest distraction from keeping his mind on his job.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt from The Single Dad's Holiday Match

What just happened?

Had it been so long since he’d been attracted to anyone other than Anne that he’d forgotten how to act around a woman as vibrant and caring as Brooke? Had his heart shriveled to a size smaller than the Grinch’s? At least the Grinch had a heart at the beginning.

All he had to do was get in the car and wait to make sure Brooke drove off safely. That was the easy option, the option that would keep him from risking loss again. Brooke exited the building, her purse in hand.

Eating crow wasn’t as tasty as his favorite chocolate puff cereal, but even he knew he needed to smooth things over with her.

That was the easy part. The hard part would be doing everything within his control to keep from falling for her.

Bookstagram Tour

Check out the Bookstagram Tour HERE, which has its own giveaway!

October 4th:
@travelerswife4life
@wishfulendings
October 5th:
@pickagoodbook
@bookisheclectic
October 6th:
@heidireadsblog
@savingsinseconds
October 7th:
@suziewaltner
@jhannabass
@stories.buddy

October 8th:
@bookwormjourney
@curlygrannylovestoread

About the Author

Tanya Agler is a write-at-home mom, wife, and beagle and bunny wrangler who writes sweet contemporary category romance, three of which have been published by Harlequin Heartwarming. She moved often as a child, attending twelve different schools before attending the University of Georgia where she received degrees in journalism and law.

She lives in Georgia with her wonderful husband and her four kids (Kath, MJ, Cupcake, and Chunk). She often talks about her new rescue beagle, Linus, on Twitter and Facebook. One of her favorite things to do is to curl up with a glass of iced tea and a dessert while watching a classic movie (think all the way back to Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, snappy dialogue, and shoulder pads).

She loves visiting new parts of the country while attending writers’ conferences.

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Sheriff’s Second Chance by Tanya Agler, winner's choice of print (US only) or ebook

Ends October 13, 2021

ENTER HERE

Friday, October 1, 2021

September 2021 Reads and October 2021 TBR

My September 2021 Reads:

It's a rare happening when I read as much non-fiction as I read fiction. Two of my non-fictions were biographies that I thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, this was an extremely good reading month!

The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication by Alexander Larman - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks: Young Readers Edition by Jeanne Theoharis - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Review to come.

Hangin' by a Moment by Susan May Warren and Andrea Christenson - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

Since You've Been Gone by Tari Faris - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson - ⭐⭐⭐

Expected October 2021 Reads:

In October, I plan to read:

One Transforming Love by Erin Elise Kiu.

Every Word Unsaid by Kimberly Duffy.

Cinders Like Glass by Clarissa Kae.

Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen.

The Water Keeper by Charles Martin - My local book club's October selection.

The Heart of a Cowboy by Jody Hedlund.

What will you read this month?

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Book Review: A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book:

The best moments in dance are the unscripted ones.

At their core, all theater romances are tragedies. Ella Blythe knows this. Still, she cannot help but hope her own story may turn out different than most--and certainly different than the tragic story of the Ghost of Craven Street Theater.

After a chance encounter with one of the ballet company's handsome dancers late one night, Ella is swept off her elegantly pointed toes. The dance they share and the promise he makes to her feel like a new beginning. Yet as she faces mounting challenges in the ever-shrinking ballet company, Ella cannot deny the uncanny feeling that her life is mirroring that of the ghostly ballerina.

Is she dancing ever closer to the edge of her own disastrous end? Or will the secrets that are about to come to light offer release from the unyielding grip of the past?

My Thoughts:

Several days have passed since I finished A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano and I’m still thinking about this novel. Written mainly in first person point-of-view (POV), this story catapulted me directly into Ella’s mind and experiences. She’s a determined, relatable heroine whose pursuit of ballet dancing and potential romance with a handsome dancer bring her to Craven Street Theater, a place that holds secrets she must grapple with.

The complex mystery in A Midnight Dance unfurls with finesse as Ella discovers truths of the past and present. I loved how the mystery tied together with Ella’s career dreams, spiritual questioning, and budding romance. The spiritual lessons that unfold apply both in Ella’s story, a work of historical fiction, and in modern-day lives.

A Midnight Dance by Joanna Davidson Politano surprised me in the best of ways and stands as one of my favorite reads in 2021. This story held my attention from Ella’s first midnight dance, through every plot twist, right on into the beautiful finale. Five stars!

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.

Thursday, September 23, 2021

Book Spotlight & Author Interview: Redeeming the Prodigal by Jodi Basye

About the Book:

A soiled dove at rock bottom. A mountain man broken and lonely. Can an unexpected encounter be their second chance at love?

Jo Bradford never thought she’d end up a fallen woman in a mining-town brothel. But after running away from a family who loves her and falling into the clutches of a sinister outlaw, Jo found herself left with a devastating choice. Starvation or prostitution. After a brutal attack in the brothel leaves her with an ugly scar, she’s cast out of the Parlor House, her only sanctuary from the outlaws she escaped from.

Gideon Cross blames himself for his pa’s disappearance.

When he decided to search for his father, he left Jo behind with hopes of returning for her. Instead, news arrived that she was missing, and Gideon was left broken-hearted. After years of grieving, he is finally ready to move on and start the family he’s always wanted, even if it isn’t with Jo.

When a twist of fate brings Jo and Gideon face to face again, can the grace of God mend their broken pieces and lead them to reclaim love, or will their past failures be too much to overcome?

This gripping saga, full of heart-pounding adventure, will take you on an emotional journey of love and redemption in the majestic Rocky Mountains.

Purchase Link: Amazon

Excerpt (Chapter 6):

Jo turned back from the corral fence at the livery and started back toward the Thorntons’ house. Her spirits and her steps were a little lighter than they had been earlier. She’d been apprehensive about visiting the preacher and was shocked to have received so much compassion from a man she’d expected to toss her out on her ear.

Could Abigail be right? She had found a clean and beautiful life. She had the love of a kind man, a home to tend, and she didn’t seem to be carrying this heavy load Jo was carrying. Could Jo shuck this burden and have a fresh start after all?

Wearing one of Abigail’s dresses and the concealing hat and veil, she had the benefit of blending into the crowd as she walked down the busy street. As much as she hated the fussy frills of hats and bonnets, the anonymity it provided her here had become a comfort since the attack.

Shouts of fire rang out, and a billow of black smoke rose from a building down the street. Panic traveled between the citizens of Cripple Creek like a lightning bolt through a herd of longhorn cattle. The town had been rebuilt over the last year after nearly all of it had burned to the ground. The threat of losing everything again caused chaos to break out in the street.

A man brushed past Jo as he ran down Bennet Avenue toward the firehouse. People poured out of the businesses onto the boardwalks. The loud clanging of a bell and the thunder of hooves had everyone on the crowded street scattering to clear a path for the fire wagon.

A child’s cry rose above the chaos and noise. A small boy, ripped away from his parents in the press of people, stumbled into the road.

The fire wagon barreled down the street, sliding around the corner with mud flying from an erratically shaking wheel. Jo ran into the street to grab the child. The rushing horses spooked and shied as Jo jumped in their path and yanked the boy back before their hooves could trample him. She slipped in the mud and rolled, clutching the boy to her. There was a loud crack as the axle snapped and the large back wheel splashed into the muddy street.

Pulling the boy to her, she looked wildly around for the person who should be responsible for him. Surely there would be a panicked mother calling out for the boy, but the street was in chaos. The high-strung horses were squealing and stamping as men ran to assist the firemen with the wagon. Someone was shouting for water. With the fire wagon disabled, the rescue of its water tank would be postponed.

The child wailed and clutched Jo’s skirts, tears streaking down his muddy face. Where was his mother?

Jo looked him over to make sure he wasn’t injured and noticed a scrape down his chubby leg below his short-pants. What should she do? The sheriff was directing people and attempting to organize the pandemonium. She scooped the boy up into her arms and made her way to him.

“Excuse me, Sheriff?” Jo placed a tentative hand on the tall man’s arm. She had never met him and was apprehensive about interrupting his concentration.

Glancing down at her distractedly, he gave a short, “Yes,” in response.

“I can’t find this boy’s mother—” Jo hesitated, knowing no respectable woman would approve of Jo holding her child, much less being left responsible with him. “He’s hurt. I’m going to take him to Doc Thornton’s and get him taken care of. If you find his parents or anyone looking for him, will you please tell them where I’ve taken him?”

The sheriff gave a brief nod and went on pointing and shouting to other men.

Jo looked around one more time. No one in sight looked like a distraught parent. The boy’s frantic crying had calmed now to an exhausted, hiccupping sob, and he laid his head on her chest as she walked to the Thorntons’ house down the side street.

Once inside, Jo explained the situation to Abigail, who guided her to the examination room. Jo gently attempted to pull the boy away from her to deposit him on the table, but he clung tighter to her, burying his face in her neck. The gauzy veil attached to her hat was soaked with his tears and pinned down under his weight. She gently tried to peel his chubby fingers from her shirtfront, but it was no use.

“Sit down here, Jo. We don’t need to frighten him any more than he already is.” Abigail motioned Jo to a chair in the corner and left the room, presumably to find her husband.

Jo sat down and shifted the boy so John would have access to the abrasion on the child’s knee. She leaned her head back against the cushion of the high-backed chair. The veil of her hat was caught beneath the boy’s head as he pressed it into her chest, and she gently shifted him, removing the hat and veil. He didn’t even look up but snuggled back against her and slipped a thumb into his mouth. She wrapped an arm around him and relished the heavy weight on her chest. Was Abigail right? Was this a possibility in her future? The endearing attachment of the boy lit a spark of hope deep within her.

Abigail’s voice carried into the patient room from the front parlor.

“Yes, Mrs. Johnson, little Robert is safe and sound. Come this way.”

Jo smiled for the boy’s sake, but she was also reluctant to let go of the presence that warmed her heart.

“Mama!” The boy tearfully reached out, and Jo handed him over, smiling at the happy reunion.

“We didn’t even know he’d slipped out.” The woman’s voice shook. “He was playing on the floor by the door of our shop when people started shouting about a fire.” The woman’s voice broke, and she squeezed her son tighter. “He must have slipped out behind us when we stepped onto the porch—I—I didn’t even know he was gone at first.” She buried her lips in the boy’s wispy blond hair and kissed the top of his head.

Robert’s sniffling eased, and he smiled and patted his mother’s own, tear-streaked face.

“I am so grateful to you, Miss ….”

Jo cleared her throat. She had only ever gone by “Copper Kate” in this town, but the Thorntons and Pastor Walton were right. This could be her chance to move forward.

“Jo, Josephina Bradford.” She stumbled over the introduction as she rose to her feet.

“My name’s Johnson, ma’am. Martha Johnson.” Martha bobbed her head.

Martha looked up to meet Jo’s eyes, and a momentary flash of shock crossed her face. Little Robert’s calm demeanor split into a frightened wail. Heat flooded Jo’s neck as realization struck her like a stab to her heart. Their reaction could only be due to the sight of her scar.

It was a dreadful sight, which was why she always wore the veil. How stupid had she been to take it off when someone besides the Thorntons could see her?

“Excuse me.” Jo turned and rushed down the hall to her room.

“Wait, Miss—” The woman called behind her, but Jo shut herself in, locking the door.

About the Author:

Jodi Basye pens authentic western romances full of heritage, heart-pounding adventure, and a little happily ever after.

She's a born and bred country girl with a western heritage and a love for stories that stay true to her cowgirl boots and ranching roots. She's been writing all hours of the night since I was sixteen years old. Old habits die hard.

Now, she's the blessed wife to a rugged mountain man, a homeschooling mama, and living my dream of writing books by my wood cook-stove in the wilds of Alaska.

Author Interview:

Q: What was the inspiration behind Redeeming the Prodigal?

Jodi: Jo’s story has been on my heart for many years. There was a time in my life where I felt like I’d gone too far and fallen from grace. I knew I couldn’t lose my salvation, but I wasn’t sure I could ever be used by God again. In Redeeming the Prodigal, I wanted to shine light into what might be a dark time for some readers and encourage them that His grace is sufficient for all of our sins—no matter how big or small.

Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?

Jodi: As this was my debut novel, I wanted to take my time and get it right. So, from start date to publish date, it was almost two years. Although, I also wrote two novellas during that time as well.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?

Jodi: I would have such a hard time choosing. I think the quote that best captures Jo’s struggle to accept love is this: “She was damaged. Plain and Simple. It wasn’t fair to Gideon for her to clutter his life with her broken pieces.”

Q: What do you hope readers take away from Redeeming the Prodigal?

Jodi: Even when we feel we’ve fallen too far from God, He is always there. Even in the famine of our faith, He offers us the Bread of Life.

Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know?

Jodi: Although I live in Alaska now, I was raised a Colorado country girl. I spent more time riding horses than playing with dolls. So, the western themes in my books are very near to my heart.

Q: What are you reading now?

Jodi: Penelope’s Pursuit by Chautona Havig

Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Jodi: Four (and that is not enough, there are boxes stacked in corners full of books as well.)

Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Jodi: I love the adventure of living in Alaska. We live a very “outdoorsy” life with camping, hunting, fishing, foraging, and gardening.