Wednesday, November 14, 2018

HISTORICAL ROMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA!


Chivalry, Adventure, and Romance! Sir Walter Scott was one of the first authors to popularize this genre when he wrote Ivanhoe. Historical romance is about the adventure of living in a different time period. This was a time when chivalry and valor were important. It was when a man defended a woman’s honor at all costs. Suko’s Notebook wrote, “Is it just me, or are love stories set in the past more romantic than those set in the present day?” This is an Historical Romance Extravaganza.

One Last Dance: Felicity Brooks is a talented artist but her career is cut short when her father passes away. Realizing the importance of family, she travels home to care for her mother. When Felicity meets their new neighbor, a fine-looking bachelor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. But that is not all. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom…a precious treasure that her father discovered in his attic, her life takes a new turn.

 

“One thing that always keeps me reading this author’s books is her characters; they are engaging, funny and passionate. I especially liked Mr. Adams’ character as he was both witty and charming with an air of mystery about him. I was impressed by Felicity’s character. She was a strong woman who has seen some of the world. From the moment they meet you can tell at some point sparks will fly, and they will challenge each other’s perspectives on the problem at hand, which made this book rather gripping. One Last Dance kept me guessing until the end and left me wanting to read this book all over again.” --Author Katrina Hart

Melinda and the Wild West: The Award Winning Original Version: Melinda Gamble wants to make a difference in the world. Without hesitation, she accepts a job as a schoolteacher in the small town of Paris, Idaho. She has many challenges such as trying to help a rebellious student, coming face-to-face with a notorious bank robber, a vicious grizzly bear, and finding herself in a terrible blizzard that leaves her clinging to her life. No matter the trial that comes her way, she is ready to fight for what she believes in. But it’s a rugged rancher who challenges Melinda with the one thing for which she was least prepared—love.

“From the first page I was captivated by this book. I had to continue reading, rushing to turn the page, I had to see what next adventure would catch up with Melinda. The plot is interesting: mixing history with fiction, adventure with romance. It is a great honor to highly recommend this book to readers of historical fictions and romance. Ms Clarke, this is a piece to be proud of, well done!” --Debra Gaynor, Reader Views


Edith and the Mysterious Stranger: Edith is a nurse and has gone home to assist her cousin who is “with child.” Edith has wonderful qualities but never gives a man a second chance because her expectations are so high. However, all that changes when a mysterious stranger starts writing to her. For the first time, she gets to know a man's inner soul before making any harsh judgments. Whoever he is, this man is a mystery and the best thing that has ever happened to her. The question that puzzles her is whether or not he's as wonderful in person as he is in his letters.

“Who wouldn’t like letters from a mysterious secret admirer? And reading a story about one was almost as good! Loved that storyline and how stories with other couples on various stages of their love story were woven in. Great performance by a pro reader who can even sing when needed!” --Author Brooke Williams


Jenny’s Dream: Jenny has a dream, to escape her small hometown and become a writer. She develops a friendship with a young farmer who is new to the area and has secretly fallen in love with her. After she realizes that her friend means more to her than she thought, she must now choose between a career and romance. Which dream should she pursue? The only thing standing in her way is an unpleasant memory, which has haunted her since childhood. She must learn to forgive before she can choose which dream to follow. Meanwhile, a legendary ten-foot grizzly is seen in the area and its boldness has frightened the community.

“Jenny’s Dream tells a beautiful story that incorporates the value of loyalty, love, family and forgiveness into it. I found myself greatly enjoying the romances between Jenny’s parents and between Jenny and Will. I also enjoyed how the author put real experiences, taken from her family, into the plot. This is a great touch because it makes the story seem real. It is a wholesome novel that will be able to be enjoyed by family members of all ages who would enjoy a great historical romance. I think this series is destined to be a classic.” --Review by Paige Lovitt, Reader Views


Sarah’s Special Gift: Sarah is a beautiful and successful dance teacher. She is deaf, but this does not stop her from living life to its fullest. While visiting the Roberts family, David finds himself entranced with this very special lady and ends up defending her honor. He finds that Sarah has gone through many trials as she teaches him the importance of not dwelling on the past and how to love life. Meanwhile, David learns about the legend of the Bear Lake Monster and wonders why the community believes in such a thing. He is determined to prove there is no Bear Lake Monster.

“This story really resonated with me, having a daughter who used to dance with a professional dance company as a student and who has partial hearing loss. Much like Sarah in the story, my daughter endured much difficulty communicating with others for 10 years, yet she never experienced difficultly expressing herself in dance. As she did with the other audiobooks in this series, Carolyn Kashner did an admirable job narrating. She provided varying voices for all characters and inflected just the right amount of emotion in all the right places. Bravo!” --Lil Miss Molly Reviews


Elena, Woman of Courage: The Roaring Twenties was a time of great change, when women raised their hemlines and bobbed their hair. When Elena Yeates settles into a small western town as the newest doctor, a few problems arise. The town is not ready for a female doctor, let alone one so strong and independent. She must struggle against the prejudice to establish her new practice. As she fights to prove herself, the town’s most eligible bachelor finds it a challenge to see if he can win her heart.

“Clarke’s books are enjoyable to read, and although they're wholesome, they're never boring. Linda Weaver Clarke is outstanding at presenting the characters' thoughts, especially when it comes to romance, and she captures the highs and lows of romantic life rather adeptly. The author also pays close attention to historical accuracy.” --Suko’s Notebook


PERIOD ADVENTURE ROMANCE
The Rebels of Cordovia: Centuries after the legendary Robin Hood, a group of men and women find themselves fighting for the same cause. Robin’s Rebels realize they must fight against the tyranny of a wicked king and help the people survive this oppression. Set in the 1700s in the small country of Cordovia, groups of rebels begin springing up, but its Robin’s Rebels who get the attention of the king.

In this battle for freedom, a tender love story begins to blossom. Daniel, a rogue and a leader of the Freemen, doesn’t realize that the sweet feminine woman he has met and is falling for happens to be the leader of Robin’s Rebels. Realizing the importance of uniting all the rebel groups, Daniel tries to recruit Robin’s Rebels but they refuse. Now he has to find a way to convince them. When he finds out the leader is actually a woman, what will his reaction be?

“I so enjoyed this fun book! It has adventure, romance, mystery, and action.  No boring moments here. Placed back in the days of wicked and oppressive kings, the rebels work together for the freedoms of the common people.  Will they succeed against the governing forces? The romance is sweet and the action is plenty.” --Sunnie Reviews


The Highwayman of Cordovia: In the country of Cordovia, the people enjoy their new-found liberty, but all is not well. A group of powerful men plan to take over the small country and replace the leader with a king. With the help of a bold highwayman and a young woman, they try to save their country from being taken over by a power-hungry leader. As they strive to stop the Kingmen and thwart their plans, Christine finds herself falling in love with Austin Knight. The only problem with their relationship is that she thinks he is her knight in shining armor instead of a highwayman. If she finds out his trade, what will her reaction be? As a pastor’s daughter, will love override her values?

“Christine doesn’t realize that the dreaded highwayman she loathes is actually Austin Knight, the young man whom her affections have long been aimed. It sets up a nice conflict that adds depth and fun to the ongoing political drama that plays out. There are plenty of twists and turns to hold your interest, while the overall read is a simple pleasure that will provide a delightful escape into a world of dashing heroes and brave heroines.”  --Author Laurie L.C. Lewis


The Fox of Cordovia: In this swashbuckling romance, a sinister plot has just been uncovered and its up to a former patriot and a young nurse to discover who is behind it. Caroline is engaged to the future mayor of Laketown, a man of influence and greatly respected. But all that changes when she overhears a conspiracy behind closed doors. After being discovered, she runs for her life. Caroline needs to report her findings, but whom can she trust? When she asks Jesse Conover for help, the adventure begins.

I loved this book. It is full of adventure, drama, intrigue and suspense. We've got kidnapping plots, pirate ships, daring rescues and romance. The author weaves an exciting tale and a sweet romance together in a way that will appeal to all readers and is suitable from age 12 up.” --Inishowen Cailín, Just Book Talk



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Saturday, November 3, 2018

A Love Story That Grabs At Your Heart!




I LOVE THIS FANTASY SERIES written by Author Serena Clarke. She is a fairly new author. When all three books became available as an audiobook, I just knew I had to listen to them. I can surely say this is my favorite fantasy romance series. The story in each book is exceptional. There is a tender love story, an enchanting kingdom, mystical creatures, adventure, suspense, and mystery between these pages for both young and old alike.

A Quest to Fulfill:
The Treasure of Isian is the first book in the Isian series. Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by giants, elves, dragons, and a vengeful water-witch. Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom?

This story is captivating and has many twists and turns. It gives a new dimension to fantasy characters. It was difficult to put down. Not only is it a fantasy, but a sweet love story that can be enjoyed by all. The devotion of Elani to her Prince was enjoyable, making the reader wonder when the Prince will see her as something more than a servant.” – Review by Author Linda Weaver Clarke

Listen to a sample of The Treasure of Isian

An Arranged Marriage:
What I love about this book is how each person realizes that they must give a little and accept the other’s differences before this marriage can work. This story will pull at your heartstrings like it did mine. In The Alliance of Isian, the second book in this series, the queen decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies.  Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials?


I love a good story with an arranged marriage in it--especially if it involves royalty. How could I not love this one? Gabrielle is offered up to marry handsome Prince Alec in order to forge an alliance that will help in the coming war. Their relationship progresses slowly and naturally and I really enjoyed watching it unfold. I loved the mystery and adventure and thought there was just the right amount of fantasy. Of course, my favorite parts were the romance. I loved how kind and gracious this couple was and how they worked together to find a solution to the problems at hand. I really liked the first book, but I loved this one! So far, they just keep getting better!” - Katie Watkins, Katie’s Clean Book Collection

Listen to a sample of The Alliance of Isian

Romance, Adventure, and Mystery:
The Secret of Isian is the last book in this series. Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intensions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war. Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies. With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?


You will see battles with interesting characters and mythical creatures. This fantasy is an exciting story that will keep you on your toes and wondering what will happen next. And of course, there is some romance! You will want to keep reading until the end of the book to find out where the interesting twists and turns will lead you.” –Sunnie Reviews
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Listen to a sample of The Secret of Isian


About Author:
Serena Clarke is from Sunny Southern Utah and has taken several writing classes in college. She has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and is a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team. She not only is an author, but also creates book covers for authors. She is passionate about learning, education, art and design. To learn more about Serena, visit her website at https://serenaclarke.wordpress.com.

LEARN HOW TO GET A FREE AUDIO BOOK FROM AUDIBLE! Receive this audiobook free if you join audible.com. Membership includes two free audiobooks and you can choose from 150,000+ titles. Go to Serena’s Audible Page and find the book you’re interested in and sign up for some free audiobooks.

Check out Serena’s Audible Page at https://www.audible.com/author/Serena-Clarke/B009DW3CJ2