FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

Closing out a very hot month. Who is ready for fall?

courtesy of josealbafotos-suitcase-1412996_640 on pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Christmas Cafe Complications

 Good morning, friends!

One last Christmas story for July. Where has this month gone? I've already chosen our end-of-summer reads for August. 

AMAZON

BLURB:

This small-town Christmas romance is full of festive surprises and unexpected moments of joy! When Amanda, the determined owner of a cafe in the struggling town of Snow Falls, discovers her long-time rival Eric is closing down his bookstore, she is determined to revive the town’s charm with a big Christmas festival fundraiser.

Despite their initial reluctance, Amanda and Eric are forced to co-organize the event. As Amanda and Eric clash over festival plans, their walls come down, and they realize they share a common goal. 

In a world that can be tough and unpredictable, this sweet romance will remind you of the power of love and leave you with a heart full of hope.

There was a lead-in to the blurb throwing in extra keywords and if you read similar authors then you will love this book.

The cover really set the scene and I loved the small town feel.

First off, when I read a blurb I don't want to know anything except what about this particular story makes me want to keep reading.  What I've shared above is what I want to know. Who the characters are, their conflicts and a hint at how they might make their story work.

While the author does create a beautiful, wintery Christmas setting, there are a couple of problems. The point of view mixes and mingles in very little fashion, often times even throwing in an omniscent point of view. For a story to flow smoothly, a reader doesn't want to be jarred around. You can have multiple points of view (though I don't recommend omniscent being one of them) but the transition from one character to the next should not leave me wondering what character I'm supposed to be in. The author started out fine but the further I got into the story, the more I had the feeling of being told a story, not pulled in to be a part of it. 

The mayor's character really irritated me. While I'm sure she is under great pressure to save the flailing town of Snowfall, that did not give her the right to be nasty to Amanda. I got the impression she was modeled after the mayor in The Good Witch, though that character was hauty, not mean.  Couple that with Eric throwing Amanda to the wolf to take the heat for weather none of them had any control over just rubbed me the wrong way.

Christmas Cafe Complications is Book 2 of a 17-book collaboration. 

I'm giving Christmas Cafe Complilcations...

.8

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Cassidy Berg

 Good morning, friends!

Popping in a bit late this morning as I'm traveling. I finally had a room I could get cold enough to sleep well so I slept in. Do you like a cold room when you sleep, or do you prefer a more 'normal' temperature? I'd love to know. 

This week we are getting to know Cassidy Berg.

No, you aren't seeing things nor did I input the wrong picture. While I did find one thumbnail of Cassidy, the photo was too small to post. Instead, she uses one of her book covers as her 'headshot'. Great marketing, if you ask me. We'll get to Book 2 in a 17-book series tomorrow. In the mean time, here's a bit about Cassidy Berg.

BIO:

Cassidy Berg is a captivating, sweet romance author who weaves heartwarming tales of love, Christmas magic, and the sweetness of life. Her passion for all things Christmas and candy is evident in every page of her enchanting novels, making her a beloved figure in the world of wholesome romance fiction.

Cassidy's writing is infused with the enchantment of Christmas. She believes in the power of the holiday season to mend hearts, rekindle lost love, and create new beginnings. Whether it's a cozy small-town Christmas setting or a bustling cityscape adorned with twinkling lights, Cassidy's stories transport readers to worlds where the magic of the season reigns supreme.

I'm already loving her style. You'll find more about this week's author by clicking any of the links below.

GOODREADS   AUDIO

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE   

I'll be back tomorrow with a review of Christmas Cafe Complications.

All my  best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning!

I was really out of touch last week. I spent over four hours trying to get into my email that I've not had full access to for over a month. That whole fiasco kind of took over my scheduling time on Sunday. I'm back on track. I hope things are going well for you.

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

After two grueling weeks back to back, I'm taking a little breather this week. You can put in the hours for this business, but breaks to breathe and regroup are also necessary. Maybe with someone you love.

courtesy of summerstock-par-1694334_640 - pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Mistletoe Puppy

 Good morning!

There's nothing like a good Christmas story to make a 101* day seem less miserable. We didn't stay that high very long and I spent most of the day watching storm trackers as tornado warnings were all around my daughter in Kentucky. Everyone is safe thanks to trackers like Chris Hall, Jordan Hall, and Ryan Hall (though not related, as far as I know)

AMAZON

BLURB:

Two wounded people, no longer able to risk love, plus one little girl and her puppy. Can she bring them together in time for Christmas?

Kate Larssen lives in Mistletoe Falls, a small, charming town in northern Minnesota, and runs a no-kill animal rescue, a cause dear to her warm and loving heart. After too many romantic disappointments, she has far more important things to focus on: The abandoned and abused animals she wants to save. And the return of an angry ex-con she helped send to prison.

Deputy Brad Bailey recently left big city life and moved to Mistletoe Falls with his six-year-old daughter. His wife died just before Christmas last year, and his only goal is to raise his grieving six-year-old daughter and help her heal. While on duty, he brings a stray dog and her puppies to the animal shelter, and meets Kate, the pretty manager. He hopes taking Janie to visit the puppies will lift her spirits, though soon realizes his mistake when she begs to adopt them all. Kate tries to help fill the void in Janie's life, though she's determined to keep things on a friendship-only basis.

When Kate's house is set on fire, Brad desperately tried to track down the arsonist before anything terrible happens to her. And suddenly, a friendship teeters on something more...

I found The Mistletoe Puppy to be a great read. Roxanne Rustand knows how to build the base of a sugar cookie, adding sprinkles of information when they are needed most. An example in this story is how we learn about Brad and Janie's story out when we need to know something specific about their pain and heartache. Kids may be resilient but nothing prepares them at any age for the loss of a parent. Even as adults we can't always comprehend why something had to happen. 

The setting for this family coming together is perfect. Bright colorful lights or the softer white lights all tell the story. Add fairytales from a little girl's perspective, a Princess puppy, and two people finding their way after relationship problems and you have the perfect sweet romance. But no romance is complete without stumbles along the way. A Hollywood actor once said "If the apple is on the table, there is a reason the apple is there." In this case, the 'apple' was represented in the carvings throughout Kate's home. Not only were they a sign of protection, but of the evil that lurks in her kingdom, and that a knight in shining armor (or badge) will protect her. 

Roxanne Rustand brought all the elements of a true fairytale together to form a heartwarming read in the confines of one hundred pages. That, my readers, is pure talent. 

The Mistletoe Puppy is Book 1 in a four-book series. I'm linking all of the books below, and when I take a break in December, I plan to curl up on the sofa enjoying the Christmas lights and reading every one. 

#1 The Mistletoe Puppy

#2 A Christmas in Montana

#3 An Irish ChristmasBlessing

#4 A London Christmas

#5 A Scottish Christmas

#6 Christmas in Paris

I'm giving, The Mistletoe Puppy...

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Roxanne Rustand

Good afternoon.

With storms the past couple of days, and again today, I've lost track of time. 

I've read Roxanne's books from her early publishing days. Here's a bit about her:

Roxanne is the USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author of forty romantic suspense, mystery, and heart-warming, emotional relationship novels in the clean & wholesome and inspirational romance genres. 

She got her first horse at the tender age of six, and grew up riding bareback with wild abandon throughout her small Minnesota town year around. It was like giving a child car keys! She has never been without a horse since. She showed horses for many years, and later, she and her husband raised quarter horses and thoroughbreds until their kids came along. 

She's living her childhood dream, living on an acreage in the country with her husband, three horses (all elderly pasture ornaments now), a golden retriever rescue, and six fluffy barn cats--a much smaller menagerie than when their three kids were still at home. Ranches, animals, and small-town life frequently find their way into her books.

While you're waiting for tomorrow's review of The Mistletoe Puppy, please check out the links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   IG   

GOODREADS   BOOKBUB  PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~Angela

 

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

I'm deep in trying to finish the book this week as I take part in Sarra Cannon's Virtual Retreat.

I hope the photos I post inspire you to write something.

Courtesy of stux-beach-3369140_640 - pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Christmas at Newport Beach

 Good morning, friends!

I have a bit of a twist for you today, as well as a confession. 

When I go searching for books I put in key words such as Christmas Novella KU romance.

What I failed to do this week was ask for romance. The first one that came up turned out to be a cozy mystery. I also seldom look at the blurb until after I've copied it to my file. I search the page count and that's pretty much it. 

AMAZON

BLURB:

When the Harding sisters return to Newport Beach for the holidays, they expect cozy traditions by the sea — twinkling lights along the boardwalk, carols drifting from the chapel, and stockings hung in their beloved family home. What they don’t expect is a sealed letter hidden in the attic…a letter that whispers of betrayal, a missing heir, and the shocking possibility that the beach house they love may not belong to them at all. 

From the career-driven eldest sister to the free-spirited youngest, from the cousin no one trusts to the aunt who raised them all, each woman must face the past she’s been running from. And when old flames reappear under the glow of Christmas lights, second chances stir hearts already weighed down by secrets.

As snow falls over the sandy shores of Newport Beach, the Harding family is pulled into a web of twists and turns that will test their bonds, rekindle lost loves, and challenge everything they thought they knew about loyalty, forgiveness, and home.

While this wasn't a romance, the story was about love and family and how the love sometimes isn't what you think.

Coral Harper writes beautiful description. I could smell the salty air as the waves crashed against the shore and feel Claire's angst as she struggles figure out who is following her as she and Jake move from clue to clue trying to find answers to a twenty-year mystery and who was responsible for everything leading to her father's death. If I want to read another cozy, I'd turn to Coral Harper books in a heart beat.  Christmas at Newport Beach is Book 3 in a 6-book series. She is a very prolific writer with great titles. I encourage you to check out her Amazon Author Page link below.

I'm giving Christmas at Newport Beach...

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Coral Harper

 Good morning, friends!

Trying to get back on track between events. The writer's conference was full of great information; lots to think about. The Hearties Virtual Retreat is this weekend giving me an opportunity to apply some of what I learned. 

One thing was BIC HOK... if you know what that means, tell me in the comments. In able to treat this like a business, I have to be writing, prolifically.

Coral Harper does this well. Check out her author page in the link below to see just how she treats her writing as a business. Another thing we talked about was what image to use in place of your headshot for privacy reasons. Coral uses her logo image.

Let's learn a bit about Coral Harper

BIO:

Coral Harper is an author of feel good beach reads along with other clean and wholesome fiction. When not publishing books, Coral enjoys soaking up the sun with family and traveling the world. Be sure to check out The Seahorse Cottage, Trip of a Lifetime, Stargaze Island, and The Nantucket Estate.

You can find out more about Coral Harper by clicking any of the links below. 

FACEBOOK   GOODREADS   AUDIBLE   

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning!

I had a great time at the RSJ Convention last weekend. So much great information for both indie and traditional published/ and new folks to the romance genre. Our next conference will be in 2028, However, there are mini events planned throughout the year. I'll keep you updated.

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

Day two of the RSJ conference. Great session yesterday on copyright and free-use given by attorney Desarie Green. Also, great tips on self-publishing from a woman who's well-versed on the subject and has won multiple awards; Saharra Sandu. When I purchased the early bird package last July, I opted in for the recordings. I can go back and listen as long as RSJ lives.

This week is all about Summer!

Courtesy of  jade0626-beach-420173_640 on Pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

RSJ ROMANCE WRITERS'S CONFERENCE

Good morning, friends.

I had the realization yesterday I'd not chosen Spotlight Authors or books for this week; the whole month actually.

CONFERENCE LINK

I will be in the RSJ Romance Writers' conference all this week. In preparation for the event, everything else just fell by the way. I will get the Friday Photos scheduled for your inspiration as well as the rest of the Thoughtful Monday posts. Spotlight Authors and Reviews will resume next week. 

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

As we celebrate our Nation's 250th birthday, please be safe.

All my best!

~Angela

RETURNING TO HISTORY - Part 5

Good morning, friends.

I'm taking a step away from the Korean War history to bring you a special 4th of July Tribute.

The video below posted to YouTube nine years ago. After learning the process of bringing  Pfc. Chance Russell Phelps home was properly done, the details precise (not a Hollywood make believe), I knew things I needed to look for and include in An Ozarks Homecoming.

The story of Pfc. Phelps' return home is documented in the film, 'Taking Chance' staring Kevin Bacon. The emotional thread runs through the movie like a trip-wire. Strong, powerful, tugging at every conceivable emotion regarding the loss of life but more importantly the sacrifice our men and women are ready to make to insure our freedom. 

You can rent or purchase a copy of the full movie HERE.

All my best

~Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Alanna

 Good morning, everyone!

Can you believe we just stepped in to July? Crazy!

I'm choosing the books for this month. Here's a tip - they're going to be Christmas related. Hallmark is releasing new movies this month as well. I'll be showcasing them each week.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Overall of the three-book series premise.

An unforgettable collection of Sweet Historical Western Romances set against the rugged backdrop of the Old West. Each story is a unique journey of faith, love, and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Alanna

She has nowhere to go, but he doesn’t trust her. Can love bloom amid suspicion?

Donald Dill has heard every excuse in the book from would-be brides. Now jaded and skeptical, he’s ready to send his new mail-order bride back. Alanna Foley, however, is determined to stay. With her niece in tow after her sister’s death, Alanna has no other options. She’s strong and resilient, but Donald’s lack of trust stings deeply.

Amid the perils of land grabbers, dangerous wildlife, and another woman’s shocking claim to Alanna’s niece, love quietly takes root. But can they overcome their fears and listen to their hearts before it’s too late?

My first thought was, how many men and women, went through the lack of trust from a mail order companion only to find they weren't the right fit? How many stuck it out anyway and found their happy ever after in the end?

After more than one unhappy potential alliance, Donald is very wary and is determined to send her back because he doesn't trust her reasoning for having a child in her arms. But Alanna sees something in him he doesn't recognize on his own. His life may have been all about order and preciseness prior to her arrival but she soon helps him understand that things need to shift when a child is involved. Baby Winnie sees something in Donald as only a child can. When she first grasps his finger, he is lost, even if he won't admit it. He'll do anything for that infant and he proves it when she develops milk poisoning. 

I wanted to smack the traveling preacher who was supposed to join Donald and Alanna in marriage, or as Donald intended initially, send her back with him. When the preacher sets his mind on marrying Alanna himself, things don't sit right. The the man of the cloth brings an uppity potential bride for Donald in Alanna's place. I didn't know trading brides was an option. Apparently the Padre thought so.

You'll find the boxed set by clicking on the link below the picture.

AMAZON

I loved this story. Kathleen Ball has a way with taking you on a smooth ride, then throw in a curve to beat all curves. I hope to feature her again soon.

In the mean time, Alanna is the first story in the three-book novella series, Brides of Pine Crossing. I'll be reading the remaining two before sending this book back to KU.

I'm giving ALANNA - Bride of Pine Crossing...

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Kathleen Ball

Good morning, friends!

We are closing out June with another Western Romance author. I hope you've enjoyed the bridal series.

Let's learn more about Kathleen Ball.

USA Today Best-Selling Author of Heartfelt Western Romance 

Kathleen Ball is a celebrated USA Today Best-Selling Author and Amazon Kindle All-Star, renowned for her deeply emotional and unforgettable storytelling. With a unique talent for weaving tales that capture the rugged beauty of the West and the enduring strength of the human spirit, Kathleen has become a beloved name in both Historical and Contemporary Western Romance.

Her novels transport readers to a time of simplicity, courage, and unwavering values, where love triumphs over adversity and faith carries characters through their darkest hours. Each book delivers a heart-stirring journey that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately rejoice as love conquers all.

Whether set on a sun-drenched ranch or amidst the untamed frontier, Kathleen’s stories are rich with vivid imagery, compelling characters, and the hope of a happy ending. Her heartfelt narratives resonate with readers who cherish tales of redemption, second chances, and unbreakable bonds.

When you pick up a Kathleen Ball novel, prepare for a page-turning experience that will leave you inspired and longing for more. Explore her works today and discover why she is one of the most celebrated voices in Western Romance.

Her website lists seventy-nine books to her credit. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing one of the stories from her three-book box set - Mail Order Brides of Pine Crossing.  In the mean time, click on any of the links below to learn more about this week's author.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS   

AUDIO    BOOKBUB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE   

All my best!

~ Angela

 

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

We have officially moved into Summer. What are your plans? 

All my best!

~ Angela

RETURNING TO HISTORY - Part 4

 Do you know how the Korean War began?

The inspiration for An Ozarks Homecoming began when I stood along side the road and watched the procession bringing CPL Donald Eugene Matney home to Seymour MO. I'd never seen support such as CPL Matney received on his journey. Even his Uncle commented in a presentation he gave at the Broomfield Veterans Museum in April of 2017 how the state of Missouri did his nephew (his wife's nephew) proud. 

From what I understand, nearly every overpass from St. Louis to Seymour had people lined up with flags and saluting as he passed below. I didn't realize at the time the importance of that motorcade, only that a serviceman was coming home. Here's a news clip from one of our local new stations KY3 (Springfield MO)

You only need to see the first 6 minutes or so.

By the time I'd driven the ninety minutes back home (I was on my way home from Springfield) I had a story idea in my head. My brain always goes to the 'What If... " when something catches my attention.

So, how did the Korean War begin?

Here's what I found from (historycrunch.com *) websight as well as (Wikipedia **)

The main reason the United States got involved in Korea was the purpose of doing everything possible to keep communism from spreading around world. *

United Nations Security Council Resolution 82 was a measure adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on June 25, 1950. The resolution demanded North Korea immediately end its invasion of South Korea **

The resolution called on the North to immediately halt its invasion and to move its troops back to the 38th parallel. Seen as a diplomatic victory for the United States, the resolution was completely ignored by North Korea. This brought the UN and the US to take further action, setting the state for massive international involvement and the expansion of the Korean War.

The Korean Conflict was not suppose to be an all-out war. We were to be a police action... at least that's what the government told our boys. 

In my research I learned so much about the Korean War and how our boys coming home failed to receive the welcome they should have. Very little is said about WW1. We hear about the economy boosts after WWII and what a political fiasco the Vietnam War was - the deplorable conditions for our soldiers, yet the Korean War truly has become 'the forgotten war'. After doing my research, I won't ever forget what our boys went through only to be treated as if their sacrifice didn't matter. 

The following video is actually in regards to a WWII veteran but I wanted to share - This Old Army Hat by Bill Anderson. 

We'll continue this next Wednesday...

All my best

~Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Doctor's Distracting Bride

Good morning, friends!

Already been a week and it's only Wednesday! Thankfully, I had a story to distract me.

AMAZON

BLURB:

Dr. Stephen Ambrose likes his world orderly. His medical instruments are labeled, his routines timed, and his patients cared for with quiet efficiency. What he never expected from Miss Mabel’s matchmaking service was a whirlwind bride who brings more laughter than silence and more peppermint lozenges than medical charts.

Della Tate has spent years volunteering in San Francisco’s free infirmary, learning every trick of nursing without ever earning a certificate. She’s cheerful, determined, and convinced that God has called her to help others, even if her new husband would prefer she sweep floors and keep quiet. But the people of Hickory Creek adore her, even as she turns Stephen’s carefully controlled life upside down.

When a mother and child nearly lose their lives in childbirth, the resulting controversy summons Stephen and Della before the Texas Medical Board. The hearing could cost him his license and her the chance to serve beside him. As uncertainty looms, both must decide whether love and faith are strong enough to withstand the weight of doubt—and whether God’s plan for them is larger than their fears.

With humor, heart, and a touch of Miss Mabel’s divine mischief, The Doctor’s Distracting Bride is a Christian Western romance about courage, calling, and discovering that sometimes God’s best prescriptions come wrapped in laughter and love.

They ask for quiet, obedient brides. Mabel sends them the ones with fire.

The Doctor's Distracting Bride is Book 6 in the Bride's of Miss Mabel's Registry.

London James has an interesting voice with her books. First off, Miss Mabel doesn't connect couples necessarily what they ask for. She has an innate ability to read between the lines to make the perfect match.

She also uses a unique trope. Rather than the 'Cinderella', 'Enemies to Lovers', etc, she uses stories from the Bible. For this one, she called on the Book of Ruth. Definitely a unique way to tell a contemporary (or in this case Historical romance) love story. I found her way of getting the couple's attention to their own predicament refreshing.

While she tells a great story, I did find a couple of editing issues, including an entire paragraph duplicated, one right after the other on a page. There were a couple minor editing issues as well. For the editing only, I'm giving a slightly lower quill rating this week. 

I'm giving The Doctor's Distracting Bride...

. 8

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - London James

 Good morning, friends!

I seem to be picking up Historical fiction lately. I had to work to find this author's information. The website listed on her Amazon author page is incorrect. I found the correct one by doing a Google search. How did we find information before Google? I'm hoping all the links below are correct. You will notice in her bio she writes under three different pen names, publishing everything under Long Valley Press.

Let's get to know London James:

Welcome to my humble abode on the interwebs! Who am I, you ask? Well, I'm a wordsmith who creates literary magic in my fuzzy pants while surrounded by my furry feline friends and beloved equine companions. I pen Sweet Historical Romance and Sweet Contemporary Romance under the pen name London James, while my alter ego, Angela Christina Archer, delves into Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Historical Romance.

Hailing from the wilds of Nevada, reading was never my top priority when I had horses to ride and shows to attend. But when I did find a quiet moment, I devoured the Saddle Club Series, Sweet Valley High, and the classics like Anne of Green Gables, The Box Car Children, and Little House on the Prairie. Writing always fascinated me, but it wasn't until 2009 that I finally took the plunge and started penning my debut novel.

When I'm not lost in the world of words, you'll find me on my ranch with my doting hubby, two beautiful daughters, and an assortment of farm animals. As a homeschooling mom, I keep busy from dawn till dusk, tending to my garden, baking up a storm, and ensuring my furry and feathered friends are happy and healthy. Though I've retired from showing horses, I still hit the trails with my trusty paint horse, Honky, and love teaching my daughter how to ride her handsome horse, Chubs.

I'll be back tomorrow with my review of The Doctor's Distracting Bride. In the meantime, please visit the links below to learn more about London James, her various pen names, and wide variety of books.

WEBSITE   LINKTR.EE   FACEBOOK    GOODREADS  

INSTAGRAM  TIKTOK   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

 

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Wagon Master's Wife

 Good morning, friends!

First off, I apologize for posting the wrong book title in yesterday's spotlight post. I had copied the bio and info from when I featured Christine last month, failing to proof my post. 

Today, we are reviewing...

AMAZON

BLURB:

A runaway bride in hiding. A wagon master with rules. One wagon train journey could cost them everything—or lead them straight to love.

Amanda Crumb is desperate to escape. Trapped under her brother’s cruel thumb and facing a future she never chose, she’ll risk everything for a chance at freedom on the Colorado trail. When stern wagon master Charlie Holstead refuses to let her join his train, Amanda makes a reckless choice and hides in one of his wagons.

Charlie Holstead trusts order. Scarred by loss and determined never to marry again, the seasoned wagon master has one rule above all others: no unmarried women on his train. But when he discovers a fiery stowaway with nowhere else to turn, Charlie’s carefully laid plans begin to unravel. Protecting Amanda becomes far more dangerous than sending her away.

Even though Amanda is falling for Charlie’s steady strength, quiet faith, and the way he makes her feel safe for the first time in years, her brother’s threats and her own fears could destroy their fragile trust. And although Charlie is drawn to Amanda’s courage, tender heart, and fierce determination, the pain of his past and the risks of loving someone in danger keep him from claiming the future he wants.

Will Amanda and Charlie trust God—and each other—before the unforgiving frontier tears them apart?

One of the first things I noticed in the beginning of the book was the blurb, 'if you enjoy books by Karen Whitmere or Shanna Hatfield...'

I am a fan of both of those authors. Karen Whitmer ( Karen Whitmer-Gow/ Elizabeth Grayson) was a dear friend of my sister and I had the pleasure of getting to know her as well. Almost thirty years ago, I received a gift of embroidery scissors from Karen for one of her books. I can't remember the book now, but I cherish those little scissors. Sadly, Karen passed in 2025. I met Shanna at the last RT Convention in Dallas and have featured on the blog several times. 

With that information, and having reviewed The Farmer's Wife last month, I was not surprised to find this book just as enjoyable. 

Christine Sterling is one of the best novella authors I've read. She has the format down to a science. 'This is where we are, this is what's happening, this is where we find our happy-ever-after'.

I loved Amanda's determination to escape her brother and thwart his evil plan to use her as a bargaining chip in a high-stakes poker game. The fact he eluded to the fact the winner could do whatever they wanted with her was down right disgusting. However, Christine let this add to the characterization of why Amanda was desperate to get away, and why she chose Charles as her 'knight in shining armor'. 

Which brings me to Charlie Holstead. He may not be in the market for a bride, much to his mother's dismay, but when he hears Amanda's brother's evil plan he sets his reservations aside to save her. He has his own history with the man. He won't let history repeat itself.

How Christine brought the two together was perfect. Mind you, if I'd crawled out of a wagon to go relieve myself and walked into a 'tree with arms', I'm not sure I'd have the control Amanda possessed. One more little nugget of showing the heroine's strength.

Christine Sterling is masterful and I hope to read more of her books, including the rest in this series as well as the first one we featured last month. She writes tight, while leaving nothing out in any of her series'. I encourage you to go to her Amazon Author Page link below and begin a summer full of entertainment and enjoyment. If you don't have time to curl up with a larger book, her stories are perfect.

I'm giving The Wagon Master's Wife...

You'll find more about Christine Sterling by following any of the links below.

FACEBOOK  INSTAGRAM  GOODREADS    AUDIBLE

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE 

All my best!

~ Angela