Genre: Western / Historical / Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca Date of Publication: August 1, 2017 Number of Pages: 352 Duel McClain buries his wife and infant son, climbs in the saddle, and rides off. Locked in grief, he drifts from one Texas town to another as the months pass. He rides into a border town and gets in a card game in the saloon. On the last hand, the opponent across from him runs out of money. The man reaches down for a baby and plunks her in the center of the table. Whoever wins the pot, gets her too. After Duel wins with the Deadman’s Hand, he tries to give the baby back. But when the man tells him he’ll sell her, Duel keeps his prize. On the way back to his home, he runs across a woman covered in blood. She only says her name is Jessie and the blood isn’t hers. The deep fear in her eyes touches Duel and he has to do something. He strikes a bargain—he’ll take her anywhere she wants to go in return for helping with the child. Jessie sees honor, respect, and kindness in his eyes. And the moment she holds the baby in her arms, her heart melts. Once they reach Duel’s home, she confesses she killed her husband and tells him the law will come. Desperate to save her, he offers marriage and she accepts. They settle in and love develops. But each day grows more tense. Lawmen are coming and they can’t stop them. Soon, she’ll face the hangman’s rope. Knight on the Texas Plains EXCERPT
Duel held her so tightly she could hardly breathe, as if by doing that he could prevent the nightmare from consuming her. “Shhh. Don’t think about it. He’s not worth wasting a pennyweight of thought over.” He cradled her face between his hands, forcing her to look at him. “I have you now and you’re safe.”
She didn’t want to see Duel’s stricken look, to know that she’d caused it. “Open your eyes, darlin’.” His gentle tone could have tamed the wildest, meanest maverick. She wiped her tears and braced herself. Yet strangely, the amber lights held nothing frightening. What shone forth was something poets had expressed for centuries in sonnets of love and adoration. “I feel unworthy of you.” This time a tremble appeared in his deep voice. “You still want me? After everything I’ve told you?” She prayed for a miracle. “Jess, you’re not an animal to be turned out or sold.” Duel kissed her tenderly. “You’re not disappointed? I know how much you want a son.” “Darlin’, I promised to stand by you in sickness and in health, for better or worse, until death do us part. I didn’t vow to do all that just till I changed my mind. Besides, what you told me only makes me love you more.” Unless her hearing had suddenly gone bad, he’d just declared his love for her. “You love me? For real?” “Is that so hard to believe? Of course, I love you.” “But Annie?” “That part of my life is over. I loved her once. That was then, this is now. I see that. You’re my wife, and I’m damn proud for you to wear my name.” He peered at her sternly, his gruff addition erasing all doubt. “One more thing. I wed you because I wanted you, lady, not because I felt pity or that you needed a protector.” “Thank you.” The words came out no louder than a whisper. Her gratitude ran deep, making the simple statement seem inadequate for the deep emotion she felt. “Don’t have to thank me. I haven’t done anything. Just wish I could bring Foltry back from the dead and horsewhip him.” He tenderly pressed his lips to her open palm. “What you had to suffer—God help me—no woman should ever have to endure.” A little later, languid peace wound its way through Jessie. Their lovemaking session had left her totally exhausted, but in a good way. Snoring softly beside her, his arms holding her safe, Duel exhibited the same contentment. The harsh lines on his features seemed softer, meshing with his sensitive inner spirit. He’d shown uncommon compassion for her this night. Despite the driving urges she knew he battled, he’d respected her mental fears and let her go at her own pace. Overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness, she caressed his cheek. How she loved this man, her knight of the Texas Plains. His tender lovemaking made her feel more than a fairy-tale princess in a storybook. The toasty flush inside made her feel the most beautiful woman in the world. About The Author
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Niagara Falls was a breathtaking and beautiful experience. I can write a thousand words on the mysterious, majestic creature that it is, but instead I will sum it up and just say GO! Everyone needs to see it at least once. You don't need to spend a lot of money investing in the tours and commercialism that surrounds it. You can simply walk up to the edge and view all the falls for free. We went during the off season so no fireworks nightly, but they didn't need it. They have lights and it's beautiful to watch and fall asleep to.
We walked from our hotel down to the viewing area and that is where I'll share some recommendations. We were staying at the Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls and should have done more research because we just assumed we could walk straight down the hills to the viewing platform but ended up walking about two miles parallel through the city and a park to finally get down to the park entrance. The little trolley you can ride straight down was closed for the off season, but on the way back up we latched on to the souvenir shops wifi and realized that the shuttles will drive you for free the same distance we had just walked...oh well. The shuttle stop is right outside the souvenir shop and the main hub where you purchase tours, so getting back to the hotel was a breeze.
Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
I was terrified of getting a bad room or picking a bad hotel because one FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and two all hotel websites are going to show you the best case scenario pictures that might make things appear better than reality. I was extremely relieved after checking into this hotel though. Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls did not have a double sided hallway which looked weird at first but completely made sense once walking into the rooms. There is not a bad room in this hotel because every room faces the falls. There were floor to ceiling windows and it was the perfect distance away from the falls the you could see everything beautifully.
This hotel definitely has their priorities straight with the huge windows and private in suite lounge area facing them. I started reading our first night and had to put my book down because it was just such a beautiful sight and a once in a lifetime experience. My husband and I ended up falling asleep in the chairs to the sound and lights of the falls. The next day after all our walking around town and exhaustion and cold wearing us down, the bathrooms at the hotel are heavenly. There was a shower and a Jacuzzi tub that I took full advantage of. The rooms are extremely welcoming, comfortable, and spacious. I definitely hope to revisit the area and stay at this hotel a second and third time.
Lastly, we had a breakfast included and it was AMAZING. We had a buffet certificate which unlocked so much food we didn't eat again till much later in the day. The waitstaff was superb and friendly not only making sure we were taken care of, but enjoyed bragging about the falls and making sure we didn't miss any of the top things to do in the area.
Wineries
When researching the Niagara area, I came across the term "ice wine" several times, but assumed it to be a slushy type ice that was flavored with wine. I was so wrong and it was freaking DELICIOUS!!! On our last day before flying back we hit as many wineries as we could. We were definitely interested in the Peller Icewine Lounge, but it didn't open until later in the day, so we only did a sampling there. All the wineries we went to were gorgeous. I've never been to an area with so many choices in wineries so close together. They were all located in mansions and all the grapes were grown onsite which made for beautiful estates.
Our favorite by far was Inniskillin. We toured there along with our tasting, which is where we learned truly what ice wine was for the first time. We had our tasting, then googled how many bottles you can legally bring back through customs and bought the maximum allowance. :) This is another location where the wine was delicious, but the staff made it even more memorable. We were given a tour by a young man who was going to school to be a winemaker and his passion for wine was infectious. We stayed after the tour and had another set of tastings from him to make sure we tasted every single thing they offered. They had a great souvenir shop, several choices of aged wines, picnic tables, wifi, and so much more. The best part about this winery is it is one of very few that you can actually find in the states. We happened across a bottle in Specs a few months after we got back and it was a flashback of great memories.
We walked from our hotel down to the viewing area and that is where I'll share some recommendations. We were staying at the Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls and should have done more research because we just assumed we could walk straight down the hills to the viewing platform but ended up walking about two miles parallel through the city and a park to finally get down to the park entrance. The little trolley you can ride straight down was closed for the off season, but on the way back up we latched on to the souvenir shops wifi and realized that the shuttles will drive you for free the same distance we had just walked...oh well. The shuttle stop is right outside the souvenir shop and the main hub where you purchase tours, so getting back to the hotel was a breeze.
Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
I was terrified of getting a bad room or picking a bad hotel because one FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and two all hotel websites are going to show you the best case scenario pictures that might make things appear better than reality. I was extremely relieved after checking into this hotel though. Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls did not have a double sided hallway which looked weird at first but completely made sense once walking into the rooms. There is not a bad room in this hotel because every room faces the falls. There were floor to ceiling windows and it was the perfect distance away from the falls the you could see everything beautifully.
This hotel definitely has their priorities straight with the huge windows and private in suite lounge area facing them. I started reading our first night and had to put my book down because it was just such a beautiful sight and a once in a lifetime experience. My husband and I ended up falling asleep in the chairs to the sound and lights of the falls. The next day after all our walking around town and exhaustion and cold wearing us down, the bathrooms at the hotel are heavenly. There was a shower and a Jacuzzi tub that I took full advantage of. The rooms are extremely welcoming, comfortable, and spacious. I definitely hope to revisit the area and stay at this hotel a second and third time.
Lastly, we had a breakfast included and it was AMAZING. We had a buffet certificate which unlocked so much food we didn't eat again till much later in the day. The waitstaff was superb and friendly not only making sure we were taken care of, but enjoyed bragging about the falls and making sure we didn't miss any of the top things to do in the area.
Wineries
When researching the Niagara area, I came across the term "ice wine" several times, but assumed it to be a slushy type ice that was flavored with wine. I was so wrong and it was freaking DELICIOUS!!! On our last day before flying back we hit as many wineries as we could. We were definitely interested in the Peller Icewine Lounge, but it didn't open until later in the day, so we only did a sampling there. All the wineries we went to were gorgeous. I've never been to an area with so many choices in wineries so close together. They were all located in mansions and all the grapes were grown onsite which made for beautiful estates.
Our favorite by far was Inniskillin. We toured there along with our tasting, which is where we learned truly what ice wine was for the first time. We had our tasting, then googled how many bottles you can legally bring back through customs and bought the maximum allowance. :) This is another location where the wine was delicious, but the staff made it even more memorable. We were given a tour by a young man who was going to school to be a winemaker and his passion for wine was infectious. We stayed after the tour and had another set of tastings from him to make sure we tasted every single thing they offered. They had a great souvenir shop, several choices of aged wines, picnic tables, wifi, and so much more. The best part about this winery is it is one of very few that you can actually find in the states. We happened across a bottle in Specs a few months after we got back and it was a flashback of great memories.
Genre: Romantic Suspense / Christian
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: August 1, 2017
Number of Pages: 336
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
When a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan’s life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she’s made a career out of taking care of others. But after she has an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her—and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he’s not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.
In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories—and the depths of the heart—Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley’s past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won’t quit.
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: August 1, 2017
Number of Pages: 336
Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
When a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan’s life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she’s made a career out of taking care of others. But after she has an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her—and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he’s not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.
In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories—and the depths of the heart—Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley’s past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won’t quit.
My Review
Chasing Secrets had me captivated from the prologue. This story showcases so much action but holds the perfect amount in suspense to hook you. It was not in my plans to read this book in one sitting, but I couldn’t put it down. There were so many mysterious potentials that I had to find out where the story would lead.
Chasing Secrets was intriguing and full of heart and growth. The story held the perfect amount of backstory that created a depth that drew you in like quicksand. I loved how the budding romance and the glimpse into a character’s foundation in God intertwined to accentuate the suspense in this story perfectly. I cannot resist a good suspense and this did not disappoint. I’m keeping this on my to-read list because the best books are worth a second read. The author put so much thought into this plot that I loved the little hints that start to resonate as you continued reading and I’m interested to see what hints I might have missed as I tried to devour this book as fast as I could.
Chasing Secrets was intriguing and full of heart and growth. The story held the perfect amount of backstory that created a depth that drew you in like quicksand. I loved how the budding romance and the glimpse into a character’s foundation in God intertwined to accentuate the suspense in this story perfectly. I cannot resist a good suspense and this did not disappoint. I’m keeping this on my to-read list because the best books are worth a second read. The author put so much thought into this plot that I loved the little hints that start to resonate as you continued reading and I’m interested to see what hints I might have missed as I tried to devour this book as fast as I could.
About The Author
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Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, and Hidden Identity series, as well as Always Watching, Without Warning, and Moving Target in the Elite Guardians series.
She is the winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Award. She lives in South Carolina. |
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August 1 - August 10, 2017
(US Only)
CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:
08/01 - Excerpt 1 - StoreyBook Reviews
08/02 - Review - My Book Fix Blog
08/03 - Author Interview 1 - The Librarian Talks
08/04 - Review - Missus Gonzo
08/05 - Guest Post - Chapter Break Book Blog
08/06 - Character Interview - Hall Ways Blog
08/07 - Review - Reading by Moonlight
08/08 - Author Interview 2 - Books and Broomsticks
08/09 - Review - The Page Unbound
08/10 - Excerpt 2 - CGB Blog Tours
08/02 - Review - My Book Fix Blog
08/03 - Author Interview 1 - The Librarian Talks
08/04 - Review - Missus Gonzo
08/05 - Guest Post - Chapter Break Book Blog
08/06 - Character Interview - Hall Ways Blog
08/07 - Review - Reading by Moonlight
08/08 - Author Interview 2 - Books and Broomsticks
08/09 - Review - The Page Unbound
08/10 - Excerpt 2 - CGB Blog Tours
Steam Whistle Brewery
Touring headsets so the tour guide doesn't have to scream over a crowd = Awesome. Free beer during the tour = Unexpectedly more awesome. Free samples before the tour = epicly awesome.
We went on a crowded, cold holiday (11/11) ((also my husbands birthday)), so there were more people than expected because the states usually don't get that holiday off work. I was not expecting them to be busy during the day even if it was on a Friday. We easily bought a tour once we arrived and was assigned to a tour 30 minutes delayed, which gave us just enough time to sample a free shot of beer from the bar and look around. I'm not sure if the majority of people inside were locals or tourists, but it seemed there were quite a few whispers as to what the upper deck was and if people could go up there since it seemed like possibly more seating. We never worked up the nerve to actually ask a bartender, but during the tour found out (being upstairs is the first place you go) that the upstairs is for the tour tasting where you get your free beer. So, I'm glad we didn't try to go up there at first because we would have just been shooed right back down.
Anyways, back to the tour. The beer was mediocre. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but it was not bad. It was a simple light table beer that was easy to drink with a tiny hint of hops. The environment and friendly attitude of the tour guide and staff made it taste just that much better that made you want to stay after the tour and have another glass.
They are experts at souvenirs. I love their coloring, it's so different and bright from a lot of breweries and the story of their location is fun to explain that it's literally in an old train depot was pretty fun. I say they are experts at souvenirs because we collect glassware from all the breweries we visit and we couldn't pick just one from them because they had such unique shapes and choices that we came home with multiple. (see pictures) We have a pint glass, shot glass, and milk carton glass from them.
We went on a crowded, cold holiday (11/11) ((also my husbands birthday)), so there were more people than expected because the states usually don't get that holiday off work. I was not expecting them to be busy during the day even if it was on a Friday. We easily bought a tour once we arrived and was assigned to a tour 30 minutes delayed, which gave us just enough time to sample a free shot of beer from the bar and look around. I'm not sure if the majority of people inside were locals or tourists, but it seemed there were quite a few whispers as to what the upper deck was and if people could go up there since it seemed like possibly more seating. We never worked up the nerve to actually ask a bartender, but during the tour found out (being upstairs is the first place you go) that the upstairs is for the tour tasting where you get your free beer. So, I'm glad we didn't try to go up there at first because we would have just been shooed right back down.
Anyways, back to the tour. The beer was mediocre. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but it was not bad. It was a simple light table beer that was easy to drink with a tiny hint of hops. The environment and friendly attitude of the tour guide and staff made it taste just that much better that made you want to stay after the tour and have another glass.
They are experts at souvenirs. I love their coloring, it's so different and bright from a lot of breweries and the story of their location is fun to explain that it's literally in an old train depot was pretty fun. I say they are experts at souvenirs because we collect glassware from all the breweries we visit and we couldn't pick just one from them because they had such unique shapes and choices that we came home with multiple. (see pictures) We have a pint glass, shot glass, and milk carton glass from them.
Ripley's Aquarium
I'm from Houston, not sure if that matters or not, but this was my first trip to Canada. My husband and I were only in Toronto for two days so my list of things consisted of attractions we could only experience in Canada. The Aquarium did not make my list. I figured if I've seen one then I must have seen them all and I'm more afraid of everything that can eat you in the ocean than interested in getting to know the different creatures.
Since this was a trip for my husband's birthday though, I gave him full reigns with our itinerary once we got there and had printed out a TripAdvisor list with the top things to do in the area while circling a few of my favorites. Although, the aquarium was on the list, it was not circled or researched any further. Once we checked into the Delta Marriott and made it up to our room, he noticed the roof of the aquarium and replaced the visit up the CN Tower with the aquarium. This was our first stop and I was hoping it'd only take thirty minutes because we had breweries and the hockey hall of fame (more fun things) to see.
Ha. We spent over three hours walking around and my husband ended up having to pull me along because I became mesmerized. I stopped at the vertical tunnel of fish swimming sychronized and was envisioning Finding Nemo as they made shapes together and I was taking videos of the shark exhibit from the entry because it looked so scary and shallow and I was glad to be on the other side of the building. I had no idea there would be a tunnel that would surround you with the sharks and sea life. They had interactive exhibits where you could pet sharks and get a manicure from shrimp. I had a blast and felt like a kid. I immediately wanted to fly my two nieces up there, so I could experience the bewilderment again through their eyes.
I thought Seaworld was cool until now...take me back to the Toronto Aquarium!
Since this was a trip for my husband's birthday though, I gave him full reigns with our itinerary once we got there and had printed out a TripAdvisor list with the top things to do in the area while circling a few of my favorites. Although, the aquarium was on the list, it was not circled or researched any further. Once we checked into the Delta Marriott and made it up to our room, he noticed the roof of the aquarium and replaced the visit up the CN Tower with the aquarium. This was our first stop and I was hoping it'd only take thirty minutes because we had breweries and the hockey hall of fame (more fun things) to see.
Ha. We spent over three hours walking around and my husband ended up having to pull me along because I became mesmerized. I stopped at the vertical tunnel of fish swimming sychronized and was envisioning Finding Nemo as they made shapes together and I was taking videos of the shark exhibit from the entry because it looked so scary and shallow and I was glad to be on the other side of the building. I had no idea there would be a tunnel that would surround you with the sharks and sea life. They had interactive exhibits where you could pet sharks and get a manicure from shrimp. I had a blast and felt like a kid. I immediately wanted to fly my two nieces up there, so I could experience the bewilderment again through their eyes.
I thought Seaworld was cool until now...take me back to the Toronto Aquarium!
First love. Second chance? As the daughter of a hoarder, Phoenix Fuller had a tough childhood. So when the handsome, popular Riley Stinson became her boyfriend in high school, she finally felt as though she had something to be proud of. Phoenix was desperate not to lose him-especially once she found out she was pregnant. Yes, she might have acted a bit obsessive when he broke up with her. But she did not run down the girl he started dating next. Unfortunately, there was no way to prove her innocence. Now, after serving her time in prison, Phoenix has been released. All she wants to do is return to Whiskey Creek and get to know her son. But Jacob's father isn't exactly welcoming. Riley doesn't trust Phoenix, doesn't want her in Jacob's life. He is, however, ready to find someone to love. And he wants a good mother for his son. He has no idea that he's about to find both!
400 pages
Published March 31st 2015 by Mira Book
400 pages
Published March 31st 2015 by Mira Book
My Review
This Heart of Mine can be a stand alone book and it stands alone. I've seen books incorporate a past love child as well as reconnecting relationships that didn't work out in the past, but nothing quite like this. This is a whole new spin on making it work. There is a rivalry among friends that leaves you guessing who she will end up with and I would have been truly fine with either candidate.
This story didn't focus on love, which was unexpected and made it so unique. It was centered on a woman's drive to rebuild her broken life and as she went along love just so happened to bloom. She has a handful of hard battles to face with the brother of the girl she supposedly murdered wanting to run her out of town, hopefully convincing her son and those around her of her innocence, and beginning to try to build a relationship with her son. She had not been able to work and barely even drove before going into jail, so she has a lot to make up for when she got out.
She is filled with a lot of self-doubt and hesitancy, which gets a bit frustrating at times how unsure she is with every situation she is presented with. This love story picks up right where it left off in its high school daze, but this time instead of listening to his family, he has the chance to stand up and defend his love which he does quite chivalrously.
This story has some love, action, suspense and mystery (even a murder), but mostly the drive Pheonix has towards her uphill battle is the most mesmerizing and memorable part of this story. She's not head strong and stubborn facing this town that despises her, but she has her way of still getting things done which made her more realistic and relatable. I gave This Heart of Mine four out of five stars.
This story didn't focus on love, which was unexpected and made it so unique. It was centered on a woman's drive to rebuild her broken life and as she went along love just so happened to bloom. She has a handful of hard battles to face with the brother of the girl she supposedly murdered wanting to run her out of town, hopefully convincing her son and those around her of her innocence, and beginning to try to build a relationship with her son. She had not been able to work and barely even drove before going into jail, so she has a lot to make up for when she got out.
She is filled with a lot of self-doubt and hesitancy, which gets a bit frustrating at times how unsure she is with every situation she is presented with. This love story picks up right where it left off in its high school daze, but this time instead of listening to his family, he has the chance to stand up and defend his love which he does quite chivalrously.
This story has some love, action, suspense and mystery (even a murder), but mostly the drive Pheonix has towards her uphill battle is the most mesmerizing and memorable part of this story. She's not head strong and stubborn facing this town that despises her, but she has her way of still getting things done which made her more realistic and relatable. I gave This Heart of Mine four out of five stars.
