1806, Grace by the Sea, England

A surprise encounter with a man who had disappeared thoughtlessly years ago sets to motion roller coaster feelings and adventure for Hester Todd. But she is a sensible widow—a mother of her young daughter, Rebecca. Award-winning author, Regina Scott, has put something extra special into this Grace by the Sea, book 5. I looked for adventure and found everything from mild tension to tense worry about the characters that I found so easy to bond with. I looked for unique, engaging, and believable personalities from the good yet imperfect to those of shady character and behavior. They were all wonderfully satisfying.  

Rich banter between Viscount Rob Peverell and Hester and also his sister, Elizabeth Peverell, proved quite entertaining. And guess what, I’m sure that I laughed in all the right places. There were serious situations and concerns that wound throughout this tale with historical stress concerning spies from France who wanted to harm England—pacing the story in a pleasing page-turning rhythm for me.

The novel unfolded naturally and kept me guessing and wanting to know more. The hope for romance and worry about danger awaited around each plot twist. The strong main characters moved as though of their own accord. Support characters, Mrs. Denby and Lord Featherstone, as well as a courageous group of ladies, added so much spice to this adventure, making this story such a favorite. A definite re-read!  

I highly recommend this story and the whole of the Grace by the Sea series! I would not be surprised if Regina’s characters will win your heart as they did mine!
 
 
 

I’ve not often read a book like Trey Gowdy’s It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask. But this book just grabbed my attention. Maybe you’re like me, wondering about people’s motives, considering the best methods to communicate important ideas, and puzzling out mysteries arranged along this journey called life. There is just something pleasing about understanding why others feel or believe the way they do. Plus, I had to ask myself, “How did he accomplish a whole book about asking questions?” An inquisitive mind just has to know.
 
Well, I’m so glad that curiosity dragged me to Amazon so that I could get Trey Gowdy’s book. Now while I’m tending to the mundane duties like cleaning or dishes, Kindle is reading to me about his interesting life and how he came about discovering the importance of asking the right questions the right way. How to respect others as he communicated with them. 
 
This will be a short review. I’m not going to try to do an author interview with him because I’m sure that he’s super busy sharing news and accomplishing work, and asking his family questions. 😊 I had to say that! But I really want to let you know that this has been an essential book for me to read, and I highly recommend It Doesn’t Hurt To Ask. Trey Gowdy shares how to develop skills for communication and persuasion. He encourages us to pause and listen—really listen—to others to find those answers that we otherwise stress to know.
 
Who is this book for? Anyone who wants to communicate better. Do you want to discover opinions and thoughts buried in others that have been elusive to you and have hindered your connection at work or in personal relationships? People may be itching to share—with you. Now could be the right time for you to reach out and question someone in a non-offensive way. Doesn’t that sound intriguing? 
 
I found this book to be interesting, humorous, and informative. There are just some books that once you read them you are never the same—in a positive and good way!

Regina Scott’s characters and plots always entertain. And there is just something about this Grace by the Sea tale that displayed pushing forward through life that isn’t all roses. The main character, Rosemary Denby, is a woman to admire. Her vulnerabilities, call to duty, and unselfish love made this reader feel a bit of the courage and pluck she displayed. Rosemary’s employment as a governess caused me to wrap my mind around how difficult life was in 1804 for a woman. Life can change instantly and Rosemary’s situation had changed, which challenged her to grow. Her unique interests and emotional stamina certainly surprised people who knew her during the story. And those same interests deepened the connections with several unexpected people.  

Drake, Earl of Howland, is interesting, ladened with responsibilities, and has a heart that is golden! Everything a hero is made of. His daughter made me grin more than a time or two! If you are looking for a sweet romance, this is the author, and these are the stories that will make you laugh and hold your interest! Regina deeply researches for her historical novels that each character slips easily into their world to lead the reader into their adventure. I highly recommend The Governess's Earl ​and I hope you will enjoy turning pages long into the night with Regina too!

 
Located at James Towne, Virginia Colony in 1634—this is a story with everything!  I kid you not! Though this is an earlier time period for Laura—one of my favorite historical novelists ever—she captures the interactions between rich and poor, slave owner and servant. As always, she delivers suspense with her own elegant intuition. Main characters and support characters work through gripping difficulties relatable to our current times, making this a fascinating read.

Main Character, Selah Hopewell, is robust, reliable, and hard-working with her family store and matching tobacco brides with the too-numerous suitors. Scottish born and well-established landowner Xander Renick provides some stability between the Powhatan nation and James Towne. Circumstances bring Selah and Xander together, but nefarious people and circumstances work to keep them apart.
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Laura weaves the customs and landscape of the 17th century to enhance this story, revealing both the beauty and ugliness of James Towne. Human character from every spectrum is displayed on a canvas of memorable proportions! On a lengthy and demanding day, I’d decided to reward myself with Laura’s TIDEWATER BRIDE. I came upon such critical concerns for my imaginary friends that, let me tell you—I could hardly sleep! Laura is a master of combining turbulent times and intriguing characters that prompt me to say TIDEWATER BRIDE is a must-read! 

​DiAnn Mills Christmas Stories is a delightful collection of 10 short adventures that are entertaining and endearing! Isn’t this the perfect time to find your Kindle copy? The price is right for $1.49 and I’ve read my copy through a couple of times already! 

This short story collection is varied concerning humor, seriousness, and time periods! ASAP, I will provide these entertaining shots that can be enjoyed when you have little time to read but want a little adventure in your life!

I'll keep you posted about when I release this short and entertaining read!

Who now will confess breaking into your Christmas reads? LOL! If you won’t, I will!
A Wreath of Snow by best selling author Liz Cutis Higgs, is a favorite that I wish to read each and every year! I had planned on starting this tradition last year but didn’t make it! Busy just gets in the way. But though this is already pre-Thanksgiving Day—I’m on it like a duck on a June bug! LOL, this novella is a quick and satisfying read that I hope you will allow yourself to enjoy this year! 
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So, curiosity has me wondering what your next favorite Christmas read will be?  

To find Liz Cutris Higgs: 
https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/
https://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/category/podcasts/

I'm borrowing this from her beautiful website! 
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For eight Sunday evenings, October 11 through November 29, I’ll be teaching The Women of Christmas Sundays@Seven on Facebook LIVE at 7pm ET/6pm CT/5pm MT/4pm PT. Thousands of women joined us the first night. We’d love to see next week!

Regina had me at the rainbow-colored mud pots—and then again at Alberta’s pies! NOTHING SHORT OF WONDROUS is a feast for my imagination. Just the mention of the craggy rocks, Fairy Falls, Grand Prismatic Spring, and the numerous geysers spiked my interest and put me squarely in every scene. These are places I’ve never seen except for occasional photographs. Oh, what a lush experience to visit—via novel—this diverse and comely land with a tale mixed with romance and suspense during an interesting period of time in American history.

Regina is particularly talented with her many characters. There are young, old, and in-between age groups placed in challenging situations that make the story hum. Mixing a notorious poacher, US Calvary, and big business interests along with a struggling smaller hotel owner and you have a backdrop to the action and suspense these characters must navigate through! 

Yes, I was given this book by Regina Scott and Revell Publishing House to read for an honest review if I’d like to provide one! Well, as you can see, I was thrilled to give a review on NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS, American Wonders Collection, Book 2 by Regina Scott! Thank you, Regina, for another wonder-filled tale that kept me turning pages and wishing and hoping I can visit Yellowstone Park for myself! I highly recommend NOTHING SHORT OF WONDEROUS! And just think dear reader—Christmas is coming! Do you want to bless a relation or friend with adventuresome romance? 

Here is my link for my review for Regina's first novel in this series! A DISTANCE TOO GRAND, American Wonders Collection.
http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/10-2019

On Regina's website, I enjoyed historical elements posted on her blog page. http://www.reginascott.com/

Regina Scott's bio:
Regina Scott is the author of more than 45 historical romances set in Regency, England; pioneer Seattle; and the Old West. A stickler for getting it right, she’s sailed on a tall ship, driven four-in-hand, and learned to fence, all in the name of research. She and her husband of more than 30 years live in the South Puget Sound area, on the way to Mt. Rainier.

FINDING WINGS is an engaging story centered around the youngest of the Chandler sisters, Britt Chandler. Rafe Stuart is a hero with an unforgiven past. He serves penance by saving lives as a first responder, but that just doesn’t take away the pain. I love the humor and banter shared between these 3D characters. There are serious concerns that rock their story-world pages just as such situations and trials would upend ours.  So much responsibility is draped over Britt’s shoulders, and she is about to discover if she is strong enough to carry the load. Every mention of Mark Twain catches my attention and causes my heart to say, "Yeah!" But I don't believe in taking away the next reader's fun by telling exactly what you will find between the pages!

I can picture the cozy Cottages on Poplar Brook Road with the glistening river in the background. I can hear the laughter and good-natured jabs and feel the concerns and worry that these two main characters experience.
 
Deborah Raney again succeeds in writing engaging characters who I naturally wish to root for! Deb is an author who writes about lives and challenges that most people can relate to! The events captured on her pages tug at the heartstrings and stir a desire to read more to discover how the characters will find their way through tough and emotionally-triggered situations.

I want to thank Deb and KREGEL PUBLICATIONS for sending this fine read for me to evalauate! I absolutely enjoyed this book and recommend FINDING WINGS highly! Besides, I'm the youngest of my siblings and really enjoyed Britt's growth as the challenges rolled in! I believe you will also if you give Deborah Raney's novels a try! 

​How do you want your readers to connect with you?

I LOVE social media and have many ways for readers to connect:
http://www.deborahraney.com
http://tinyurl.com/DRreadergroup
http://instagram.com/deborahraney
http://www.pinterest.com/deborahraney/
https://twitter.com/authordebraney
http://amazon.com/author/deborahraney
http://tinyurl.com/DRGoodReads
http://novelgarden.blogspot.com
http://inspiredbylifeandfiction.com/
 
My review for CHASING DREAMS, Book 2 in A CHANDLER SISTERS NOVEL series:
​http://www.susanmarlene.com/book-review--author-interview/archives/01-2020