Series: Not listed as such, but follow-up to The Seamstress of Acadie
Publisher: Story Architect
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Genre: Historical Romance
Exiled from his native Acadie in Canada, Bleu Galant has little on his mind but survival as the tumultuous French and Indian War comes to a close. When his journey to Virginia’s Rivanna River settlement takes an unexpected turn, he crosses paths with Brielle Farrow—a woman whose presence stirs something in him he cannot explain nor express. Unable to forget her, his decision to help her takes them across an ocean and into a lavish world he’s never known. Will their intricate tie decide not only her fate but his future?
Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.
According to Publishers Weekly, “Frantz has done her historical homework.” With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.
*Subscribe to Laura’s seasonal newsletter and receive new release information, news about contests, giveaways, and reader events, sneak peaks and teasers, signings and appearances, and more!
My Impressions
“She prayed whatever he saw in her was bon. As bon as what she saw in him.”
I don’t think I’ve anticipated another book book as much as Laura Frantz’s A Fierce Devotion! Her inspirational historical fiction, The Seamstress of Acadie, captured my heart and imagination like nothing else! The Seamstress tells of the English expulsion of the Canadian-French Acadians. That story introduced Bleu, mixed-blood brother of Sylvie. A Fierce Devotion, a novella, picks up the thread of Bleu, another Acadian deeply scarred by the racial hatred exhibited by the conquerers. The “French and Indian War” (or the “Seven Years’ War) has just ended. The book is mesmerizing, lyrical, and a feast of beautiful descriptions. Absolutely stunning!
Despite his mixed heritage, Bleu is a sought-after bachelor in both his Acadian world and his Mi’kmaq world. Yet it is the indentured servant, Brielle Farrow, he discovers following happening upon a deadly raid scene, that grows on his heart.
Bleu is not the type to settle down though, and he is a much-sought after scout. Brielle doesn’t share his heritage, nor much of his French language, either.
I was laughing so hard at the one pivotal French sentence that Bleu shares in with his sister in Brielle’s presence! ( which Frantz explains in English!) It’s always amazing in life, when we miss one sentence or word that could change our whole attitude!!
How can these two find enough in common to even consider a relationship, when competition abounds and there are surprising factors that will put up even more barriers between them?
I loved the French phrases, but Frantz explains them for non-French speakers( a must for readers!)
Character growth? Given what both Bleu and Brielle have endured, there is going to have to be a lot of forgiveness learned, even for those who don’t ask for it. Sylvie ( Bleu’s sister) and he are discussing this issue one day: “For a long time I felt like you. I still do though my ire doesn’t burn as bright. I’ve only moved past it by choosing a new life here and letting the past rest.” (Sylvie)
I loved, loved, loved, this book!! There’s an old French rowing song I would borrow a line from, “Jamais je ne t’oublierai!!” ( NEVER will I forget you!)
I received a copy of the book from Just Read via Netgalley. I bought my own ebook, plus additional pb copies for myself and another’s keeper shelves. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Do you believe in coincidence?” “Nay. Divine instances, rather.” “This is one of them.”
“…you’ll find that the Almighty fills the emptiness with Himself along with countless other blessings.”– Sylvie
“Nothing is more important than family. When you’ve lost much you treasure those who remain.” Bleu
“The unknown was always frightening no matter how many times you faced it.”
My Rating
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Superior! Giving hearts for stars, because *le sigh!*
A rebellious suffragette and a steadfast sailor—tied by duty, divided by secrets, and tempted by a love that changes everything.
A born sailor, Jonathan Kennebrae thrives in his role running his grandfather’s shipping enterprise. That is until his grandfather delivers a crippling ultimatum—Jonathan will marry Melissa Brooke or lose his inheritance and everything he’s worked for. Though Jonathan finds himself drawn to Melissa, he can’t help feeling his intended may not be who she appears to be.
Melissa Brooke is tired of being voiceless. She’s been the perfect daughter all her life, doing what she’s told for the good of the family. Except she has a secret. Melissa lives a double life, teaching literacy to struggling immigrant women and fighting for the suffragette movement. If she goes through with the wedding, she’ll be forced to abandon her life’s work. Yet refusing the union could cost her any chance at an inheritance to fund her cause. To make matters worse, she can’t deny the tender feelings blooming between her and her fiancé.
Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetschloves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online where she spends way too much time!
More from Erica
Do you ever wish you could turn back time? That’s what I recently got to do, as I read through my very first published novel, The Bartered Bride, that is now being re-released by Wild Heart Books.
What a blast from the past. I was amazed at all the feelings that rushed back in as I revisited Duluth, MN in the last century. Melissa and Jonathan hadn’t changed a bit in sixteen years.
The story idea first came to me as I sat in church awaiting the start of the service. There I was, a not-yet-published-author, minding my own business when the plot sort of burst into my head. An arranged marriage set in Duluth, and using the “Gales of November” and the wreck of the Mataafa…
I jotted down a few notes, because face it, the best idea for a novel could pop into my head, and if I don’t write down the gist, I will forget it in two minutes.
I wrote The Bartered Bride in about six weeks, and I sent it through my critique group of the time. Then my agent submitted it to the publisher in the spring of 2008.
And we waited.
And waited.
And waited.
We heard nothing for months. My agent sent word that the publisher was still considering it, and I was to be patient. It wasn’t a no, but it also wasn’t a resounding yes!
I had already started the sequel to The Bartered Bride, a story called Marriage Masquerade, so I finished that one, and then with summer upon me, I wrote a new story, Clara and the Cowboy, about an heiress to a ranch and one of the cowboys who rode for her father. Maybe the publisher would like that series better. I heard nothing all summer on either of the two series I had proposed and submitted.
Then in September of that year, I went to the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference. The conference was being held in Minnesota, just a hop up the road from where I live. I ferried agents and editors from the airport to the hotel, I met people, I sat in workshops, all the time wondering if I would ever be a published author. Would my writing ever be ‘good enough’? Was I wasting my time?
Imagine my surprise when the publisher to whom I had submitted The Bartered Bride took the stage at a general session and announced that they were offering a contract to me for that book! Not only that, but when I had an appointment with the editor later, she offered not only a three-book contract on the The North Star Brides, but an additional three-book contract for the Brides of Money Creekof which Clara and the Cowboy was book one!
I had sold six books! The rest of the conference, you could have bought me for a dollar.
Melissa and Jonathan will always have a special place in my heart. They were the couple that started it all. I’m so glad they are getting a new start, and hopefully they will touch readers’ hearts as much as they have mine.
My Impressions
“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29: 11
Never have I been so happy to be living in the present day, as when I read a historical romance like Erica Vetsch’s The Bartered Bride. In 1905 Duluth, MN, it is still considered acceptable for marriages to be arranged as a business merger for high class families. Both the intended groom, Jonathan Kennebrae and the intended bride, Melissa Brooke, want nothing to do with this plan. Forced to socialize, an attraction is born, but when secrets are revealed, will the fledgling love overcome the shadows of distrust?
I loved seeing how Melissa, who is a pawn in the businessmen’s dealings, begins to find her voice and stand up for herself. Unfortunately, will she be able to differentiate between those out to use her and those who truly respect her and her beliefs?
Both Melissa and Jonathan are firm believers, and it is interesting to watch their prayers. Jeremiah 29:11 is one verse quoted more than once that both believe, yet when the path isn’t smooth, both wonder why God is failing. “Lord, how could You do this to me? You promised me hope, and a future. Plans that were for my good. He lied to me. All Your plans are dashed. It’s over. Did You lie to me, too?” It strikes me as ironic that because her plans are dashed, Melissa assumes that God’s plans are, too.
Jonathan, too, has a prayer that he prays for those around him who are attempting to driving his destiny. I love how he finally realizes God has answered his prayer- just not the way he expected!
I am always glad to have a character lead-in to the next story, and Noah’s appearance does that while adding an important element to the story. It may be summer now, but I could feel the snow and horribly cold winds and see the waves of the storm on Lake Superior, known for its coldness.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive opinion was required, and all opinions are my own.
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent! I didn’t want to live it, but I enjoyed reading about Jonathan and Melissa’s journey to love!
A buried secret in Harmony Springs could cost a pastor and a teacher their careers—and their second chance at love.
Lydia Jefferson buried her dreams long before the death of her husband. Now she’s locked her heart to men for good. In Harmony Springs, she’s finally found freedom from the shameful failure and loss of her past—until her childhood sweetheart arrives to be the new pastor.
Samuel Allen never thought he’d love again, not after his fiancée walked out of his life. But when his first church assignment sends him to Harmony Springs, he finds himself face to face with the woman who disappeared from his life seven years before. Could this be a second chance at love? Unfortunately, she wants nothing to do with him.
When an orphaned child brings Lydia and Samuel together again, can they face the pain of their past and learn to trust each other enough to build a home?
Lauralyn Keller loves to combine history and romance in stories that touch the heart. She lives in beautiful Colorado and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and reading.
More from Lauralyn
Baking is one of my favorite activities. I find it relaxing, and it’s so fun trying new recipes. You might have noticed that there are generally some kind of dish or treat in my stories that characters really like. For Lydia Jefferson in The Reverend’s Second Chance, that treat is a cookie called cinnamon jumbles. It plays a part in her love story with Samuel Allen, the new pastor for Harmony Springs.
I asked ChatGPT how to make the best cinnamon jumbles. Here’s what it came up with.
Cinnamon jumbles are such a cozy, nostalgic treat! They’re chewy cookies with the perfect balance of cinnamon sugar, and they’re pretty easy to make. Here’s a recipe that will give you soft, chewy cinnamon jumbles with a nice little crunch on the outside.
Best Cinnamon Jumbles Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for rolling)
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your cookies tender.
Roll the Dough: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for rolling. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
Bake: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
Softness: For softer cookies, don’t overbake them. The cookies will continue to cook a little as they cool on the baking sheet.
Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They should stay soft for about 3-4 days. 😊
I (Lauralyn) hope you enjoy this cookie recipe. Maybe you can even make them and enjoy a few with a nice cup of coffee or tea while reading The Reverend’s Second Chance. Lydia would approve.
God bless,
Lauralyn
My Impressions
“… ‘not forgiving hurts you in the end. It hurts your relationship with God too.’ He pointed to the cross over the altar. ‘Considering what He did for us—dying to forgive our sins—I think we should take our example from Him.’”
The easy, gentle romance and historical Western aspects of Lauralyn Keller’s The Reverend’s Second Chance were a breath of fresh air this week. I was certainly in the mood for this novel, which is easy to read and reminiscent of the style of Janette Oke or Kim Vogel Sawyer books. This is a marriage of convenience story, where much of the book’s action takes place after said marriage.
Lydia and Samuel had been childhood sweethearts who were separated by poor decisions and time. Shocked to find themselves together in the same small town, Samuel realizes his feelings for her never changed. Lydia, however, is determined to stay far away emotionally.
I was thankful to see that Lydia had good friends and a mother-in-law who loved her enough to see the roots of her problem with Samuel are anger and bitterness. “Forgiveness doesn’t come easily…you owe it to yourself to forgive him. It’s only going to eat at you more and more until bitterness is your constant companion.”– Dorothy
When the marriage occurs, Lydia brings no love. Instead, she brings a walled heart, determined not to be hurt again. Maybe she can forgive, but trust? Again, Lydia’s confidants point out that love is more than a feeling, but a choice. “Love is hard,” Cassie said. “It means making the decision every day to love the person you vowed to cherish. Sometimes you won’t feel it, but you can still choose it.”
With all the feels of Little House on the Prairie or When Calls the Heart, this story from the 1880s Montana Territory will serve up a generous slice of small town life with its challenges, friendships, and victories. I must applaud Ruby and Alice, 6-year-olds, as adorable scene stealers! My fave adult characters are John and Dorothy, with their non-judgmental ways and sage, godly advice.
Book 2 in the Second Chances in Harmony Springs series, I thought this book stood well on its own. Highly recommended!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Some family you’re born with. Some family you choose.” -Cassie
“…you can’t let fear hold you captive. We can’t change what’s going to be. But we can choose to trust, no matter what may come.” -John
“You can’t control the feeling of anger, but you can control how you act.” – Cody
Welcome to the Blog Tour for What Brings Us Joy by Teresa Wells, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: What Brings Us Joy Series: The Truitts of Texas #1 Author: Teresa Wells Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC Release Date: July 15, 2025 Genre: Christian Historical Romance
1895: After losing their Georgia home, eighteen-year-old Delia Truitt and her family move to Blooming Grove, Texas, to work for a relative on a ramshackle farm. Set on helping her family dig out of their impoverished circumstances, she plans to open a dressmaker’s shop, combining her sewing skills and her keen fashion sense. But owning a business takes money she doesn’t have.
Unless she can finish her quilt in time to enter the county fair. The prize money would be just enough to open her shop. Determined and resourceful, Delia sets her sights on success—until her heart takes an unexpected detour when she meets handsome Clarence Parker.
Bent on respectability, Clarence refuses to let his past get in the way of his future happiness, especially after falling for spirited Delia Truitt. But his hopes shatter when headlines declare members of his former gang have broken out of jail and are heading his way, set on revenge. Though Clarence doesn’t regret testifying against the outlaws, he fears his future with Delia is in jeopardy. Clarence will protect her from the killers, even if it means risking their future together.
Can Clarence keep her safe? And will Delia love him after she finds out about his past?
A former teacher and librarian, Teresa Wells treasures a story threaded with redemption and hope. She loves people, history, and studying the Bible. Teresa is a member of Novel Academy and American Christian Fiction Writers Association, where she volunteers behind the scenes. She lives with her family outside of Dallas, Texas. What Brings Us Joy is her first novel.
Connect with Teresa by visiting teresawells.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.
My Impressions
“There is nothing of worth apart from God. We were made to fear Him and keep His commandments. Apart from Him, we are nothing.”
I enjoyed this historical romance by new author Teresa Wells. A story of two individuals’ dreams, the novel is woven around the setting of a small Texas town just before the turn of the twentieth century. Each chapter starts with a quotation regarding “crazy quilts” a popular fad among women from about 1875-1900.
Delia Truitt’s family has been forced to leave their Georgia home and rely on the goodness of her father’s brother. Unfortunately, the job and home he offers them give little hope to the newcomers. Delia is independent and progressive. She may not be the best homemaker, but she has a wonderful ability to sew, and uses it to make crazy quilts. They are, as she tells her new beau Clarence, her identity.
Clarence Parker, meanwhile, has a background that he is forced to share with Delia’s family as he asks to court her. As Clarence explains more to Delia about his change of lifestyle, he says, “‘He said God could redeem my past.’ He stopped pacing and faced her. ‘Even though I can’t go back and change things, I can move forward in the right direction.’” Clarence, conscience clear, begins to dream of owning the hardware and carriage store, plus a wife and family.
Every good romance needs a meddler of some kind, right? There are a couple in this book, and one elicits my severe dislike. Why are her machinations not obvious sooner to the other characters?
Besides the romance progression, and dreams starting to fall in place for Delia and Clarence, we get to meet their families and see individual relationships. I really enjoyed meeting Delia’s sister and brothers. Delia’s parents are very caring and encouraging, though her mother is not a fan of her art.
Clarence’s family has had a tougher time. We meet Sallie, who befriends Delia, but there are underlying problems in this family rear their heads. One of Clarence’s early decisions has had repercussions that are lasting and divisive. Will the family ever heal from this? What about the baggage that Clarence carries?
Topics of truth, forgiveness, listening to God, and extending grace to others are sewn into the story’s fabric.
I recommend this book to historical romantic fiction fans and those who enjoy tales of old Texas. I received a copy of the book from JustReadTours. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“There’s joy in following the path he’s laid before us. God uses willing people, no matter what the task. He’ll put my talent to use, no matter where He sends me.” – Eleanor Baskin
“Independence is a powerful drug, Delia. It can be life-giving, and it can be lethal.”- Clarence
“Sometimes we must walk a hard road before we find joy. And sometimes, hard roads must be walked, whether or not joy awaited.”
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great! I’ll be looking for more in this saga of The Truitts of Texas!
Tour Giveaway
(3) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a print copy of What Brings Us Joy, and items related to the book!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 14, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 21, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: The Neighbor and the Gifts Series: A Christmas Cabin Novella Author: Danielle Grandinetti Publisher: Hearth Spot Press Release Date: July 15, 2025 Genre: Christmas Historical Romantic Suspense
Twelve days. Twelve gifts. One unlikely hero.
Wisconsin, 1930—When Manitowish Waters librarian Olivia “Ollie” Larson finds a package on the library steps, she expects the children’s books she ordered, not a taxidermied partridge. By the fourth gift from her unknown and unwelcome True Love, disappearing to her grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Northwoods is the only way she can escape him.
Deputy Titus Wilburn is happy to escort the lovely librarian to her grandfather’s house on his way to the neighboring Yarwood cabin. After all, he’s been smitten with her since they attended school together, and she needs his protection. However, the plan fails when Ollie’s uninvited suitor discovers her new location.
As the man’s actions become more desperate and his gifts more dangerous, an unexpectedly bedridden Titus decides to free Ollie from this menace, which puts the enemy’s sights directly on him. Ollie refuses to let her injured hero sacrifice himself, but with the days ticking closer to Christmas, she may have no choice but to accept whatever fate her suitor has in store for her if she wants to save Titus’ life.
One cabin in the Northwoods … a decade of Christmas miracles.
Danielle Grandinetti is an award-winning inspirational romance author fueled by tea, books, and the creative beauty of nature. Her stories combine romance, mystery, and suspense against the backdrop of the 1930s to tell the tale of finding home and hope in hard times. With a master’s in communication and culture and a passion for intercultural communication, storytelling has been her heartbeat for as long as she can remember. Married to her hero, Danielle is a second-generation Italian-American, a dairy farmer’s granddaughter, and a boy mom from Chicagoland who now lives along Lake Michigan’s Wisconsin shoreline.
Connect with Danielle by visiting daniellegrandinetti.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.
My Impressions
‘You are my …’ Her voice trailed off as words jumbled on her tongue. Her friend. Her Hero. Her … True Love?”
Do you remember being very young and painfully shy around a handsome young man you wished would look at you with interest? I do! Poor Ollie ( short for “Olivia”) Larsen is 20 and the shy librarian in the 1930s Wisconsin town of Manitowish Waters. Thrilled to see her interest, deputy Titus Wilburn, out and about on a snowy December day, they awkwardly greet each other before Ollie totally embarrassed herself by falling on ice in front of Titus, an old schoolmate.
Refusing Titus’s offer of an escort back to the library, in seconds upon her arrival she wishes she had accepted. There, on the steps, is a dead bird with a note.
What should have been a joyful holiday for Ollie thus begins to slowly evolve into a nightmare as an unknown admirer sends her gifts corresponding to the “12 Days of Christmas” carol. Sheriff Yarwood( whom we met briefly two years ago in The Sheriff and the Outlaw and again in last year’s novella, The Baby and the Guardian) wisely puts Titus, who he knows has a crush on Ollie, in charge of the case.
As more gifts are left on successive days for Ollie, Titus and Ollie both realize that this is not your normal suitor. It is decided Ollie should visit her grandfather’s remote cabin in the mountains. “Right now, he is trying to win you over. But if he suffers from the delusion that I suspect he does, then if you decline his overtures, I worry that he will turn violent.” Titus will stay at the sheriff’s nearby cabin for protection.
I just love the meddlers in this story!! As her hermit grandfather Osborne tells a visiting Titus, “She needs someone to show her what True Love really is.”(Meddlers are always fun, if it’s someone else’s life!)
I love the scene and atmosphere that Grandinetti sets. I could very well imagine being back in time, first in the small town , then in the remote cabin, around Christmas time. I could feel the angst of both Titus and Ollie as they try to maneuver through those awkward first moments, then try to figure out where they stand in the other’s mind and heart. The mystery is well-done, and adds good tension to the story. I also enjoyed meeting Osborne, and getting to peak beyond his crustiness to his soft feelings for his granddaughter.
I heartily recommend this novella series! While this novella could be read alone, it’s better in sequence. I’ll be rereading this whole little series at Christmas time, because all the feels!!
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I also bought my own ecopy and a few paperbacks (this a series to share)! No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“This was the most awkward, horrible love triangle she could imagine.”
“But you’ve made me feel like a hero because of how you see me.”- Titus
“…Ollie’s voice, her closeness, were the best medicine. He had to get better soon so he could be the brawn to her beautifully brilliant brain.”
“…Agatha Christie, has a sleuth named Hercule Poirot and he puts great stock in his little gray cells.” “We are taking detective advice from a novel?” – Ollie, Titus
My Rating
🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Superior! This is a Christmas historic romantic suspense novella with all the feels! Don’t miss The Neighbor and the Gifts by Danielle Grandinetti!
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a paperback copy of both The Baby and the Guardian & The Neighbor and the Gifts plus 1 set of series-inspired earrings!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 15, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 22, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
His path to redemption lies in the hands of the citified newcomer who believes the worst of him.
Caleb Morgan has had everything stolen from him—his strength, the job he loved, even his good name. He’s determined to even the score with the man responsible, until he meets the captivating new owner of the Double E Ranch. Though he’s drawn to her compassion, he fears she may never see beyond his supposed wrongdoings, unless he can prove his innocence and reclaim his honor.
Eliza Roberts is a teacher, not a rancher. But if she has any hope of selling the ranch she inherited from her grandfather and continuing on to her new life in California, she needs to restore it to some semblance of order. If only the man her grandfather advised her to trust wasn’t refusing to help her.
When an offer of courtship arises from the current foreman, Eliza sees the practicality in the offer. So why does her heart keep wandering back to Caleb? And why can’t she shake the feeling that something’s not right at the Double E Ranch? Will she have the courage to follow the clues behind the strange mishaps at the Double E—and possibly embrace a different life than she imagined?
Barbara A. Curtislives in Connecticut with her husband, and they have one grown son, a blessing to their hearts. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and NovelAcademy.
More from Barbara
Though Elizabeth Rose Roberts, the matriarch of the Double E Ranch, has passed before the Blooms of the Bitterbrush series begins, each story reflects the legacy she left for the generations to come. May the journey of these four descendants be an encouragement to your heart as you follow the struggles, love, and joy of Elizabeth’s family through the years.
In Angel from the East, Nellie loves baking pies and had a special request from one of the little Billings girls.
“I love pie! I hope it’s pum-kin tomorrow!” Virginia shouted.
Hopefully, Nellie had prior experience making a pumpkin pie or possessed a later recipe with detailed instructions, as this early recipe from an 1876 cookbook might not have helped much:
Peel and cut your pumpkin into small pieces and put into a kettle with a very little water; cook from six to eight hours, stirring frequently to prevent burning. When done, rub through a colander. One quart of pumpkin, five pints of rich milk, four eggs, three cups of sugar, one scant teaspoon of ginger and 4 tsp of cinnamon.
I hope you enjoy the stories—and perhaps a piece of pumpkin pie to go with them!
Blessings!
Barbara
My Impressions
“But yet, God offered hope. Forgiveness. For charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Inheriting a ranch from her grandfather, young Eliza Roberts leaves NYC for the untamed land of Idaho at the turn of the 20th century. Surprised at the run-down condition of the place Grandfather has spoken so glowingly about, Eliza decides to discover what changed the ranch’s fortune so quickly, before she heads on to California for a teaching job.
Eliza is pleased to find out that her grandparents were well-loved and respected members of the Caldwell, ID community. Their faith was evidenced to all by their actions. As Eliza hears stories of her grandmother’s great kindness and generosity, can she resemble her grandmother in more than just looks?
What secrets is the town so carefully hiding about the ranch’s history and former foreman? With two men obviously vying for her attention, which one, if either, is worthy of trust? Both Benton and Caleb greatly distrust the other, and the peace that Eliza brings with her is wearing thin. Can she trust God and the right people to help her find her heart’s desire?
I loved the gradual unveiling of the personalities of the different characters. Like peeling an onion, it has to be done slowly. We gradually see who Eliza decides to be, trusting God for wisdom. And these words were so timely for my life, yet today! “Remember, God cares for you so much. He’ll provide for your every need. Just ask Him.”
I’d love to have been a fly on the hitching post in this town! The gossip I might have been privy to, the people I might have seen and understood better by observing more closely (as in Gus, for one! Nellie had my attenae up, also! ) But it is the Rev. Thompson who doles out great advice: “And when you hear God’s words in a whisper, listen hard. And follow them. He’s the one who changes hearts.”
I also enjoyed the inclusion of Mrs. Billings and her three young, exuberant daughters! They light up the novel and lives wherever they appear!
I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“Love isn’t easy, but it’s worth pursuing.” -Rev. Thompson
“The old fight had waged in his heart—vengeance versus forgiveness. Every time he’d felt God’s spirit drawing him toobedience, the flesh put up a fight anew.”
“We’re safe in God’s hands alone.”– Nellie
“Trust and position are two different things.”– Gus
“That’s her legacy to you. To remember God’s goodness and faithfulness. You are so much like her.” – Gus
My Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Magnificent! I already have pre-ordered the second book, As Far as the West, the next book in the Blooms of the Bitterbrush series!
The cause of liberty brought them together. Will it also tear them apart?
Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies…and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart.
William Abbott always keeps his promises. He vowed long ago to never abandon those in need like his father did. So when new British acts of Parliament threaten Boston and endanger his family, he throws himself into serving the Patriot cause, using his position at the printing office to gather and spread intelligence. But when his clandestine role in the newly formed spy ring causes him to cross paths with the apothecary’s beautiful daughter, he may find himself fighting for more than the cause.
As tensions in Boston reach a breaking point, Will and Hannah find their bond deepening even as the noose tightens around the spy ring. When promises and determination are not enough to protect the ones they love, they’ll need to trust God if they are to survive what is to come.
Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.
More from Megan
In Secrets of the Revolution, my hero and heroine, Will and Hannah, are both drawn into participating in a Patriot spy ring in Boston. As I was planning their story, I drew inspiration from a group of famous real-life spies that operated in New York City during the American Revolution – the Culper Ring.
The Culper Ring was established in 1778 and successfully ran for five years without a single spy being discovered. Even today, we do not know the identity of all the members. They used a variety of methods to communicate, including ciphers, codes, and invisible ink, all of which served as inspiration for details in my story. I even used some of the numerical codes from the actual Culper Code Book to encrypt a letter that Will receives.
While researching the Culper Ring, I came across an especially interesting woman – Anna Smith Strong – and I knew she would be the perfect model for the part that Hannah plays in Secrets of the Revolution.
Anna’s role in the spy ring was to relay signals when information had been left at a specific location. Her family farm on Seaton’s Neck in Long Island provided prime location for her work, and she communicated through a brilliantly simple manner that went undetected throughout its operation. When a message was ready to be picked up amongst the coves of Long Island, Anna would hang a black petticoat on her clothesline, followed by a number of white handkerchiefs to indicate which location to use. Her clothing signal was easily spotted by fellow spy Caleb Brewster, who would periodically row out into the Sound, or Abraham Woodhull, whose nearby farm provided a clear view. The Culper Ring accomplished more than any other spy network during the war, thanks in part to Anna’s work.
As you discover Hannah’s role in Secrets of the Revolution, I hope that knowing Anna’s real history makes my story come to life all the more!
My Impressions
“That protest had been the spark, and it seemed each day, the flames grew stronger. How much would this fire of independence consume?”
I love a good historical fiction novel about the Revolutionary War period, and Megan Soja’s Secrets of the Revolution does not disappoint! Despite it being book two of the series, Harbor of Spies, Secrets stands alone well, while still leaving me with a desire to go back and discover the delights of book one.
Hannah Pierce is a young woman who is the sole support for her ailing apothecary father. With her oldest brother in England, unable to return, her mother’s death, and one brother who disappeared trying to reach the older, emotions are fragile in the Pierce home. Hannah’s father has been a wonderful, godly father, but his mind is becoming unsteady as it struggles to deal with the multiple losses. Hannah must care for the home, her father, fix any mistakes her father makes in medicine preparation and hide her father’s increasing mental lapses from the public. What a strong person Hannah is, and she is stronger as she remembers that God cares for the spaarows, and He will care for her. Wish: As more books are beginning to deal with dementia, and this can be a trigger, I wish these books would offer a trigger warning on their back cover description.
I love how Hannah and Will meet. Will works for a printer that supports the colonists’ cry for representation in England. Will is a man who is determined to take care of his stepmother, Mary, and step-sister, Libby. Before much time has passed, he has discerned a like-minded heart in Hannah and begins to fall for her a little more with each interaction. They encourage each other. “Thankfully, we serve a patient God whose grace is steadfast, even when we wrestle with the same doubts and mistakes time and again.”
Will promises to protect those he loves, and that circle quickly grows to include Hannah. But with the Redcoats first blockading the harbor, then arriving in Boston by the thousands, can he keep that promise?
Will has resented his father for years, for decisions his father made repeatedly, not putting his family first. But will Will do the same, as his desire to help the Patriot cause could prohibit his promises to Mary, Libby, and Hannah? My takeaway from this thread is that our perception of our earthly fathers can easily color our perception of our Heavenly Father.
Soja includes Will’s blended family as secondary characters and I believe we’ll see a few of them in book three, as well as some more of Hannah’s family. With some great twists, historical facts, smooth writing, relatable problems, and a cautious romance, plus truth nuggets, I highly recommend Secrets of the Revolution.
This isn’t a cliff-hanger, but, certain situations are definitely ripe! Bring on the Revolution! I need more!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“It was not a failure to close one chapter of her life and begin another. Sometimes the wisest decision was to walk away.”
“I refuse to allow my fear to keep you from doing what is right.” – Hannah
“God, You know the worries I wrestle with, the fears that keep trying to take root. Please pull them out. Keep them from growing in my heart and mind.”-Hannah
“Perhaps it is the times of weakness and lack that help us see our need for Him even more. When we cannot rely on ourselves, we must depend wholly on Him.”
My Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Magnificent! Highly recommended Revolutionary War period fiction!
Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: June 10, 2025
Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.
Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.
When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.
Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.
More from Karen
Having Fun with Character Names
I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beastreleased, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.
Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.
Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.
I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.
Happy Reading!
~Karen
My Impressions
“Your face does not define you, Griff. Your actions do. A woman of a discerning nature will see the man behind the scars. It’s up to you to determine what type of man she will find when she does so.”
I loved this historical, western, fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast by Karen Witemeyer. Aptly named to Love a Beast, I was very happy to have the similarities between the original and this new tale easy to spot. From the names and their meanings to the personalities, I was delighted as the book followed my expectations, but infused an American West flavor into the beloved tale.
The manner of Everett Griffin’s formation into a “beast” is so unexpected, at least to me! With a few surprises like that and deviations from the original tale, I had to keep reading to see how the plot and characters would develop. Witemeyer utilizes her trademark humor and style to bring lightness to an otherwise sad tale until we reach its joyful resolution. Comments like “his ego left room for little else inside the coach,” left me smiling for quite a few pages.
I love how this Belle, Callista Rosenfeld, loves books also, but is an artisan book binder of considerable skill. She enters Manticore Manor in her father’s stead, when he breaks his hand and cannot fulfill his much-anticipated and needed contract with the Manor’s owner.
Callista is such an interesting character. She is afraid, for the future, for the rumors she has heard, but her love for her father and books drives her to courage. Her faith, inspired by her deceased mother, propels her most of all. “Courage, Callista. Just because you can’t see any evidence of his presence doesn’t mean that God isn’t with you. We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.”
Will Callista look at Griffin’s disfigurement with disdain and fear? Can Griffin scare her away as he desires? Or will she be able to look beyond the outer wrapping and growls and see the lonely artist beneath? Can Griffin get past his fear of what he believes Callista might want, and become the man she needs? What about Griffin’s family, who had entertained hopes of him marrying into high society in the late 1800s?
Don’t miss this retold fairytale set in the American West with faith nuggets for today!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“A man can’t solve a problem by hiding from it.”– Lightfoot
“he’d started to find his worth in being a child of God. Chosen and beloved by a Father who looks not at the outward appearance but at the heart.” [I want to remember these words!!]
“Hope sees possibilities where fear sees only barriers. Hope trusts that God will rescue and restore, and it enables us to endure the interim. Despite what people say, hope cannot be stolen or destroyed. It will only be lost if you surrender it of your own free will. So hold tight, Callie. Never let it go.”– Mama
“The world might seem dark and frightful, but as long as you have hope, you have power. Power to persevere.”– Mama
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
The bandits who murdered her father are back, but can she trust the sheriff to protect her home and her heart?
Sheriff Heath Monroe believed the wrong man, and although California’s most notorious gang leader was eventually brought to justice, Heath’s error shattered the confidence of the people he serves. With reelection looming, Heath is desperate to prove his worth. So when he learns of a new threat to the citizens of California, he doesn’t hesitate to take action, even though he knows the job will endanger the lives of those he cares about—something he swore he’d never do again. Haunted by the ghosts of past mistakes and second-guessing every decision, Heath sets out to put an end to California’s most dangerous bandit gang, once and for all.
Virginia Baker works hard to keep her desert cattle ranch going, and even harder to keep all men off her land. When the bandits who murdered her father return to her valley, memories of a friendship cut tragically short drive her to work with the all-male posse pursuing the gang in search of justice. Despite her determination to remain guarded, Heath Monroe’s steadfast integrity and unexpected humility begin to crack her defenses. But can she rely on the widower leading them, or will his secrets confirm her belief that no man is to be trusted?
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
More from Kathleen
The Power of Unlikely Alliances: Breaking Stereotypes in Call in the Canyons
When we think of the Old West, we often imagine familiar archetypes: rugged cowboys, tough lawmen, and damsels in distress. These characters have been depicted time and again in Westerns but often missing the complexity that truly defines who we are as individuals. In Call in the Canyons, I wanted to push back against those typical stereotypes, creating a world where characters defy expectations, form unlikely alliances, and challenge preconceived notions about who can be a hero, a villain, or even a love interest.
Virginia Baker: A Strong, Independent Heroine Virginia “Ginny” Baker is a woman who embodies strength and resilience. She’s not the typical “damsel” you might expect from a Western; in fact, she works harder than most men to keep her desert cattle ranch going. Virginia is fiercely independent, having learned early on that the world isn’t kind to women who rely on others. A devastating attack on her father’s ranch that left her the sole survivor only solidified this belief. Yet even as she pushes people away, Ginny’s story is about growth—learning to trust, learning to forgive, and ultimately, learning to let others in.
Ginny doesn’t just defy the stereotype of the helpless woman; she is also a representation of the idea that strength can coexist with vulnerability. She has scars, both physical and emotional, from a past that refuses to be forgotten. And when the very men who killed her father return to the region she calls home, she is forced to work with a posse of men she doesn’t trust. Ginny definitely doesn’t see herself as someone who needs saving, but she eventually realizes that sometimes strength isn’t about facing the world alone—it’s about being open to help when it’s needed and accepting the joy that can be found in true fellowship.
Sheriff Heath Monroe: A Man on the Path to Redemption Sheriff Heath Monroe is a man haunted by past mistakes, carrying the weight of guilt and a deep fear of failure. His tragic history has made him wary of letting anyone, especially women, take risks. As Sheriff, he has tried to prove his worth, but his past continues to cast a shadow over every decision.
When a new threat emerges in Call in the Canyons, Heath must confront not only the dangers facing his community but his own reluctance to trust others’ decisions. Through his partnership with Ginny, he begins to see that redemption isn’t just about regaining respect—it’s about letting go of the past, learning to let others take risks, and, most importantly, learning to trust God.
Challenging Stereotypes and Breaking Barriers One of the most rewarding parts of writing Call in the Canyons was exploring how these two characters—Ginny and Heath—push against the boundaries of their worlds. Virginia’s fierce independence challenges the notion that women in the Old West were relegated to secondary roles. She’s not just a survivor; she’s an active participant in her own story, driving the action and decisions that shape her fate.
Heath, on the other hand, challenges the idea that a “hero” must be flawless. His struggles with guilt, loss, and self-doubt make him a hero not in spite of his flaws but because of them. His vulnerability makes him someone readers can empathize with and root for, as they see his journey not just as one of professional redemption but personal healing as well.
Both of these characters also challenge the notion that our past defines us. While acknowledging the very real impact that trauma has on us, their journeys demonstrate resilience and hope for joy-filled futures.
But the breaking of stereotypes isn’t limited to these two characters. Call in the Canyons is a world where characters of different backgrounds, races, and experiences interact and challenge each other. One of the novel’s key themes is that people should not be judged based on their race, their family, or even their past, and this is reflected in the relationships that develop over the course of the story.
An Unlikely Pair Ginny and Heath’s evolving relationship is an example of an unlikely alliance—a pairing that grows from mutual distrust into something deeply beautiful. She’s been betrayed by men in the past; he’s been betrayed by his own decisions. Yet as they work together, they come to see each other as more than just their past mistakes or preconceived notions.
This journey from mistrust to love is a key theme in Call in the Canyons, and it mirrors the larger narrative of overcoming prejudice and embracing the idea that redemption and healing are possible, no matter who you are or where you come from.
Why It Matters As readers, we often find comfort in familiar stories and familiar characters. But it’s the stories that challenge our assumptions and push us to reconsider what we believe that leave a lasting impact. In Call in the Canyons, I wanted to create a story that would give readers not only the exciting journey they expect in a Western but also something new, something to think about long after they’ve turned the last page
For that reason, Call in the Canyons is an adventurous story of healing, redemption, justice, faith, and love in all its beautifully messy forms.
To celebrate the release of Call in the Canyons, I am offering a giveaway package:
1 metal sign depicting Cowgirls and listing scripture that reinforces who God says you are
1 Hardback copy of When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Graceby Ruth Chou Simmons
My Impressions
“God’s love isn’t conditional on us always making the right choices. Sometimes…we do something wrong—or fail to do what’s right. But God forgives us and loves us regardless.”
This quote from Call in the Canyons hits on all the major lessons within the great storyline presented by Kathleen Denly. Welcome to Southern California, near San Diego in the 1870s. Both Ginny Baker, a man-despiser and social-norm defier and Sheriff Heath Monroe, clinging to his job for identity and fulfillment, will have to grow immensely in this tale from their beginnings of fear. They will have to realize God’s love despite their flaws ( and who-boy, as a friend of mine says,)do they have those in spades! Their pasts loom big enough to smother their future, plus the bitterness, and, in Ginny’s case, the need for vengeance drive their actions and words. No wonder Ginny bites the head off the posse that had come to help her, but especially its leader, Heath.
Both have an independent streak a mile wide, and Ginny, for one, has one basic tenet on her almost all-female ranch:
“He’d better not try giving her orders. Round here, folks answered to her.”
Heath has his own tenet: he will only work with those he trusts and they must trust him. So now Ginny has a double problem: as she sees Heath’s vulnerable, caring side, she’s attracted, but he holds some cards close to his vest, and doesn’t reveal everything in a straightforward manner. Trust him?! Plus, he has the added disadvantage of being born a male. Second strike!
Fortunately, secondary characters, some of whom we met in the last book like her sister Biddie and Gideon, help by encouraging Ginny to view others with a more tolerant and forgiving attitude.
Did I say tolerant and forgiving?! Heath is also going to face situations that cause him to examine his attitudes and choose to live by long-held prejudices or choose God’s path of seeing all people as made in God’s image. Denly makes a huge point about stereotyping. “defining a person by one part of who they are is dangerous—especially, when that part is something we disapprove of, such as sin. Labeling someone by their sins—real or imagined—makes it easier to deny their humanity and helps you justify treating them however you like.” Words for today?!
If you’re looking for the action, gun-slinging battles of the Old West, harshness of the land depictions, and great twists and intrigue, Denly’s got you covered in Call in the Canyons, too! I suggest that Call in the Canyons may be calling your name!!
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables and Wishes:
“If words were cattle, his herd would fill the state.” -most made me want to lol, use myself
“She’d always thought of peace as the absence of problems, but now she knew God’s peace existed alongside the problems.”– want to practice
Spot-on personal challenge:
“if you push people away, you can’t affect them for good. And if you’re not influencing others, you’re not leaving a real legacy.”
My one wish:
Would have liked to have had Spanish phrases and paragraphs translated next to original language .
“But you can’t just push people away because they made a mistake. No one is perfect. I didn’t need the Bible to tell me that. But rarely are people purely evil either.”
“Forgiveness doesn’t require you to trust her. Forgiveness is a…gift—a letting go of resentment and anger. It’s a…releasing of the desire for revenge. Trust is a separate thing and must be earned.”
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent! I will be considering these lessons for some time to come!!
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a metal sign, and a hardback copy of When Strivings Cease: Replacing the Gospel of Self-Improvement with the Gospel of Life-Transforming Grace by Ruth Chou Simmons!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Book: The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender (Outlaw Hearts Book 2)
Author: KyLee Woodley
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: May 20, 2025
An expecting widow, a rugged bounty hunter, and a set of secrets that might shatter her fragile heart.
The death of Aubrey Willot’s wealthy but abusive husband left her with an unborn child, an empty chateau, and the last name of a criminal. When she learns he double-crossed a ruthless business associate, she’s forced to accept the protection of the handsome and daring bounty hunter tasked with finding her late husband’s fortune. Though Aubrey swore never to trust another man, she can’t help but be drawn to the bounty hunter’s rugged charm.
After a tragic mistake cost him everything, Nathan Reed spent years running from his past. Now, he needs funds to care for his orphaned niece, and quickly. The chance to retrieve a set of stolen documents offers an opportunity he can’t resist. He’ll find those papers and claim the reward, even if it means deceiving the alluring young widow.
As danger rises, Audrey’s strength, honesty, and compassion break down Nathan’s defenses, daring him to embrace a future he never imagined—a loving wife and a family of his own. But when his secrets are exposed, will his chance at redemption and Aubrey’s heart slip through his fingers?
KyLee Woodley is a cheery romantic who loves to write about bygone days and heartwarming romance with a pinch of adventure. She teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas, where she lives with her husband of eighteen years and their three teenage children. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show, a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.
In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky Dog—a feisty feline named Hazel, and three adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books with her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.
More from KyLee
When I began writing The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender, I had little more than an idea for a pregnant widow and a kind yet wounded man who had some history as an outlaw. The series is called Outlaw Hearts, so someone had to have a history as a bad guy. At one point, Nathan Reed—the reluctant hero—wonders if he can be a “good man” and remembers the Bible verse that says, “Can a…leopard change its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” Jeremiah 13:23 (KJV). I have always thought this verse so sad. After all, it sounds like it’s saying, “If you have been doing evil, you cannot do good.” But, of course, we also know that “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV). So there is hope for Nathan!
As for Aubrey Willot, well, her spiritual journey is a little different. She has already started on it when the story opens, but her greatest challenge is overcoming the fear from her past and living in the hopeful present. During her time as an abused wife, she became someone different, and now she is getting back to who God wants her to be. Here is a glimpse of Aubrey’s psyche just a few weeks after she’d entered widowhood:
Aubrey dared not admit the freedom she felt since Louis’s death. She could choose her own dress without worrying about smirks, criticisms, or being told to change. She had the ability to take as much jam at the breakfast table as she pleased. On her first morning after Pa and Jesse had left, once the will was read and she learned she was the sole heir to Louis’s estate, she spread enough jam on toast to feed five people. Then, she’d cried.
Sad to think that anyone would ever have to reach a place where they feel the way Aubrey does in the beginning of her story, but worry not. Her happily ever after is a sure thing. If you would like to join Nathan and Aubrey on their way to falling in love.
My Impressions
“How long would she feel the sting of his betrayal? How long must she atone for his sins?”
Poor Aubrey Willot, pregnant, young widow of criminal French transplant Louis Willot. Kylee Woodlee draws her MC in such a way I couldn’t help but care about her as I read The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender. We have been transported back to 1875 near the Barbary Coast region of San Francisco. Having married for love, young Aubrey soon discovers that she is only a trophy wife, neglected, cheated on, and abused by her crime-inclined husband. With his death, she is free to occupy the lovely chateau near San Francisco that he built for her wedding present, then denied her access to, most of their marriage.
We meet bounty hunter Nathan Reed as he is searching Aubrey’s chateau for papers for a large bank manager, Ellsworth, who though he runs in high social circles, is known by some as one whose hands are as dirty as they come. Nathan’s complicated feelings for Aubrey start with seeing her, so pregnant, alone,and vulnerable that night for the first time.
As Aubrey attempts to set right her late husband’s estate at the large San Francisco bank, she simultaneously has to deal with the sudden visit of her vicious, controlling, French mother-in-law. Since Nathan is visiting Aubrey at the time, and Aubrey feels a safety connection, he is hired by Madame Willot to spy on Aubrey under the pretense of keeping her safe. May I say, “Cherchez la femme!”
From here, the tension builds as Aubrey struggles with whom to trust. Nathan seems safe, but she finds him not always truthful. He wins points for rescuing her-“Any decent man would defend you.” “We were in a …full of decent men, but only one came to my rescue.”( I left out the word that tells exactly the situation.) Yet, she finds out later that he has relationships and a past that could brand him into Louis’s criminal category. “Could she even tell the difference between a good man and a bad man?”
As a reader, I knew which category I wanted Nathan to be in, as well as his friend Beau. But yikes, their pasts keep coming up to throw aspersions on how they might respond in the future. As Nathan’s future is uncertain, it in turn throws Aubrey’s future into uncertainty. Can the two learn to be totally honest, learn to trust each other fully, or will their murky pasts keep riding to obscure the future they begin to hope for?
I enjoyed the way Woodley draws her characters. I was constantly questioning what would happen, because they are so 3- dimensional, not just totally good or even totally evil. It sure makes for great action scenes! It also produces great truth nuggets! (“Our worth is found in God, not the good or bad things we do.”– Aubrey- one example)
The inclusion of young children is often a hook for readers. There are two adorable babies in this story! I also enjoyed the photography angle and inclusion of some well-known historical figures.
Highly recommended for those who enjoy Western Historical fiction, with themes of atoning for the past, fear, spousal abuse, found family, true value, trust, and second chances.
I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit Tours. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.
Notable Quotables:
“There was nothing to do but rely on God. He was the only one who could help.”
“rotten apples come from rotten trees.”- Titus
“Most things in life of value take risk.”– Nathan
“No one should have to live in fear in their own home. Don’t sacrifice wisdom for politeness.”
My Rating
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magnificent!! I have found yet another historical fiction author to follow!! Yay, Kylee Woodley!!
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions 