In the Waves of Tristwick + Giveaway

What is a fisherman to do when he catches a mermaid in his net? Let her go—or fall in love?

A Regency Romance
Cornwall, 1815

As a well-respected fisherman in the Cornish seas, Trevik Honeysett provides a living for many poor families in the southwest of Cornwall. Despite the most powerful fishing companies attempting to cut off his own ability to fish, Trevik refuses to give up. However, when he discovers a mysterious, injured woman entangled in his net, things become much more complicated—especially when suspicions arise that she is, in fact, a mermaid. Knowing he might very well lose his workers to their superstitious beliefs, Trevik decides to uncover just who the woman is. The only problem is…she can’t remember.

In truth, Morvoren Hollow knows exactly who she is. She merely needs to keep her identity a secret long enough to accomplish what she’d set off to do. Fortunately, pretending to be a mermaid will keep Society away long enough to do just that. Her lie becomes harder to manage, however, as her injury takes longer to heal—and as the nosy but handsome fisherman reels closer to the truth.

The two clash head-to-head as Trevik refuses to believe Morvoren is actually a siren from the sea. But such a thing would be easier to imagine than what he finally discovers about her past. Fearful of what might happen next, Morvoren must decide her next step. She can either learn to trust again—or end up truly alone.

My Review:

published in 2022

This is the kind of story that carries a reader into a fictional world to such an extent that you feel like you’ve time travelled. The way Hathaway captures the essence of time and place is phenomenal. Descriptive storytelling that doesn’t overburden the plot but leaves an indelible impression on the reader. I swear I could hear the waves crashing on the shore and smell the tangy sea air while I listened to ‘In the Waves of Tristwick.’

(Excellent performance by narrator Vicki-Jo Eva, by the way. She delivered on accent and dialect and portrayed a vast number of characters from all walks of life with convincing zest. I was enthralled.)

The author captures the Cornish culture and folklore in such a captivating way. Morvoren’s dramatic rescue from the sea stirs up old legends and stubborn superstitions and it isn’t long before half of the community is convinced she actually is a mermaid. For her part, Morvoren embraces the myth as the perfect guise to hide her true identity so she can remain hidden from her uncle.

Of course, Trevik doesn’t hold with such nonsense and is suspicious of Morvoren’s true intentions and the conflict she has created among the fishermen.. Their bickering banter is pure delight as the enemies to more trope plays out to perfection in a slow-burn kind of romance full of conflicting emotions.

Rich history, sea faring lore and engaging characters all combine to deliver a charming Regency romance with a unique twist.

Where Stillness Speaks + Giveaway

An unwanted engagement. A new life where she struggles to belong. One lie that might save her–but binds her with the very man who wants her gone.

The last place Audra Bancroft wants to be is trapped in the glittering world of the elite—paraded as little more than a decoration on some gentleman’s arm. She longs to be truly known and understood, but as the niece of a wealthy businessman, she is anything but. When her uncle announces her betrothal to a man she despises—a man whose power could ensure she never escapes the gilded cage—she makes the only choice her heart can to disappear.

Hiding her true identity, Audra takes a position on a family-run farm in another state, where faith runs deeper than blood and work is done with calloused hands. Though unaccustomed to the honest toil of the laboring class, she is determined to prove herself. Winning over the sharp-eyed eldest son, Tobias Haystead, is another matter entirely. He finds her suspicious, far too outspoken—and a threat to his family’s carefully guarded secret.

When Audra’s past catches up to her, she tells a desperate lie to save herself—one that binds her fate to Tobias in a way neither of them saw coming.

A tale of courage, faith, found family, and unexpected love. WHERE STILLNESS SPEAKS is perfect for fans of wholesome clean historical Christian romance with depth and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers journey.

My Review:

You know that feeling you get when you come across the special kind of story that consumes you? Where the emotions leap off the page and into your heart and your reading journey becomes full of heartache and hope, right along with the heroine? Where sometimes it’s hard to catch your breath because you desperately need to know that everything is going to work out? And you want it to right away only not really because you don’t want the story to come to an end? Well, ‘Where Stillness Speaks‘ was that kind of read for me. And now I’m emotionally wrung out and not quite coherent as you can tell from my rambling.

I think what touched me the most was the significant inspirational thread that is so tightly woven into the very fibre of the story that the novel couldn’t exist without it. The Haystead family are struggling homesteaders who have known their share of grief and strife. Yet their unwavering faith acts as a beacon to a very lost and frightened Audra. She’s the epitome of a ‘poor little rich girl’, fleeing a deplorable arranged marriage with no idea of what comes next. Tabitha Haystead takes her in, with mixed reactions from her adult offspring. Evangeline is ecstatic, Felix is amused but Tobias is suspicious. Audra is caught in the middle.

Yes, this is Audra and Tobias’ love story, but honestly, I was drawn to the Haysteads as a whole even more. Such wonderful family dynamics and Tabitha’s matriarchal wisdom and steady inspiring words gave me lots to ponder in my own life. And I so love when fiction grows my faith!

Welwood has a lovely writer’s ‘voice’. Her artfully crafted words and phrases are immersive and the depth in characters and backstory beg to be savoured. I enjoyed every second I spent with Audra and the Haysteads.

There’s friction and drama but lighthearted moments too as well as the lure of an impossible romance. And while, no spoilers here, Welwood graciously provides Audra and Tobias with a heartfelt HEA, we find Evangeline in a particularly tenuous situation at the conclusion of ‘Where the Stillness Speaks’ which leaves me scrambling to get a hold of book two in the ‘Tabitha’s Kin’ series asap!

Belle’s Christmas Carol + Giveaway

While all of London waits for snow, an orphanage in need holds holiday cheer, sparks of love, and secrets waiting to be discovered.

When Ebeneezer Scrooge’s former fiancée, Belle Beaumont, unexpectedly inherits a struggling London orphanage, she dreams of giving the children of Haven House the most splendid Christmas they’ve ever known. But her vision of snowflakes and merriment quickly collides with reality: Fire damage has rendered part of the building unsafe, and the paperwork is years behind.

Barrister Rafe Munro is fighting to clear an innocent man and searching for a child, who may be his relative. His pursuit leads him to Haven House, where Rafe offers to help Belle sort through the chaotic records that might lead to the missing child. Amid the mayhem of running an orphanage full of mischievous children and eccentric staff, will Belle and Rafe find love and the answers they seek this holiday season?

With characters from Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this festive historical romance Christmas novella of family and second chances from Michelle Griep is set in Victorian England.

My Review:

What a Dickensian wonder! Griep has created a story that seamlessly fits into the Victorian storytelling style. Words and phrasing reflect the era and help to create the atmosphere that so many of us feel when we think of Dickens’ classic Christmas Carol. And the way she fits a young Ebenezer into Rafe and Belle’s story is quite brilliant!

Rich with a gamut of emotions. Belle with her unexpected inheritance and the lively (understatement!) young orphans who live there. Not to mention the well-meaning but bumbling servants who might take more supervision then all the children combined. Poignant moments mix with hearty laugh-out-loud ones. And then there’s Rafe, an earnest young lawyer desperate to make a difference in the world, only to find himself unexpectedly at the orphange’s doorstep in the midst of complete bedlam. His orderly existence takes a turn for the worse…or maybe I should say better since it comes with Belle.

The perfect combination of heart and hope at Christmastime, ‘Belle’s Christmas Carol’ is destined to become its own kind of seasonal classic in years to come.

I listened to the audio book narrated by Jennifer Smith who did an amazing job with the variety of characters of all ages and accents. Such a fun and entertaining listening experience!

Twelve Days and Twelfth Night + Giveaway

She needs a star for her wartime Christmas show. He needs a second chance. Together they stage a production neither expected.

World War II USO director Maggie Oliver faces an impossible task: stage a Christmas show in San Diego for thousands of sailors, with dwindling resources and a quickly approaching deadline. To star in the show, she enlists Prescott Duke, a former Hollywood heartthrob whose career ended in flames after an accident left him scarred and adrift. He eagerly accepts Maggie’s invitation and seizes the chance to reclaim what war has stolen from him.

Inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Maggie and Prescott craft a show at a Shakespearean theater that promises to lift spirits. But as rehearsals progress, Maggie discovers a secret that could transform her production into something unforgettable. With opening night approaching and unexpected feelings complicating everything, Maggie must decide how far she’ll go to rewrite not just her show but the outcome for everyone involved.

A romantic World War II Christmas novella of Hollywood stars and a holiday production. Perfect for fans of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the opposites-attract trope, redemption, and second chances.

My Review:

Such a beautiful, meaningful Christmas story! Loved the clever way the author used the popular Carol, ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ and Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ as the framework for the story. Absolute brilliance.

I got a real sense of those old timey black and white movies starring Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney where they put on a benefit show – thinking ‘Babes in Arms‘ and I know there are some others. That paired with the classic ‘White Christmas’ starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Sundin has captured the spirit of these morale boosting movies. I feel like this novella highlights a kind of heartwarming simplicity during the most complex of times and that made it so impactful.

A compelling story with the kind of relatable characters on a redeeming arc that a reader can learn from. Lovely Christmas touches, inspiring message and the sweetest of romances.

I listened to the audible edition of ‘Twelve Days and Twelfth Night” expertly narrated by Leah Horowitz and enjoyed it so much! Her performance did justice to Sarah Sundin’s beautiful storytelling – an excellent partnership that produced a delightful listening experience.

Romancing Daphne

As her first London Season looms before her, the thought of the impending social whirl fills Daphne Lancaster’s timid heart with dread. She hasn’t her sisters beauty nor their talent for conversing easily. Even her family’s enviable connections may not be enough to prevent disaster.

But Daphne’s misery turns to surprised delight when the first event of her Season brings an unexpected visitor to her door—James Tilburn, whose tender kindness stole her heart in her youth. When the handsome young gentleman expresses his desire to court her, Daphne is elated. Their feelings for each other quickly grow, and it appears that, much to Daphne s disbelief, her happily ever after is within reach.

Yet nothing is as it seems. The couple finds themselves caught in a tangled web of greed and deceit, leaving James and Daphne to determine whether they are willing to risk everything for true love.

My Review:

published in 2017

This will go down ha an epic series in my ridiculously huge collection of Regency Romances. Eden has a talent for creating the kind of characters that are easy to relate to and cheer for and the Lancaster family are unforgettable. I particularly adore how much the ever brooding Duke of Kielder, our beloved Adam, appears in Daphne’s story. He’s forever hovering in the background and manipulating situations and it is hysterical! I practically squealed every time he showed up in a scene.

Don’t get me wrong, I love gentle Daphne and her tender romance with James. Their courtship is threatened by subterfuge and greed and watching these two work their way through it all kept me anxiously engaged on the outcome, even though I knew a happily ever after was a guarantee.

I read…listened…to this series all out of order and though ‘Romancing Daphne’ is the third book out of five, its my last visit with the Lancaster family…for now anyway. So, books can be read out of order though I’d recommend reading ‘Seeking Persephone’ first to get acquainted with the series….and Adam! 🙂

The Bachelor Spy + Giveaway

Spies Infiltrate Havensbooke Hall. . .and Another Mystery Adventure Begins

Stephen Blake’s life goal is to protect people, especially those closest to him, but war in 1915 England doesn’t follow any rules. When Blake is informed that a noted German spy may have taken up residence at Havensbrooke Hall—his cousin Lord Astley’s estate, which is being used as a convalescent war hospital—he’s sent there to uncover the plot.

Lady Grace Astley has become a force to be reckoned with while Frederick is out on the war front. With Havensbrooke as a hospital, she’s shocked by the devastation the war is bringing home; but ever hopeful, she is determined to help these weary soldiers find some relief. However, not everything is as it seems inside Havensbrooke. Precious items soon start disappearing. . .and not just the kind that are worth a lot of money.

Through a case of mistaken identity, a comedy of errors, a kidnapping, and a race for time within the crumbling subterranean passageways beneath Havensbrooke, can Blake and Gracie work together to root out the criminals, thieves, and spies before time runs out?

My Review:

Well, I’m kind of gutted that it’s all over now though, as far as series conclusions go, this one is brilliant. All the action and intrigue we’ve come to expect from Freddie and Grace, only we’re getting Stephen’s story as well. And oh my goodness, that opening scene – jaw dropping. I didn’t know how he’d ever come back from that!

Fast forward a few months and Stephen turns up at Havensbrooke Hall which has been turned into a convalescent hospital. I found parts of this story heartbreaking because of the war setting. For four books I’ve been glorying in Freddie and Grace’s happily ever after, adventurous though it may be. But now war has raised its ugly head and Freddie is called to serve and Grace is manage heart and home and a hospital that might also contain a German spy.

Basham does a wonderful job of infusing warmth and humour in among the more dire plot points. Grace’s bookish musings are just as delightful and Stephen’s romance is…unorthodox! Lots of page-turning goodness to keep a reader fixated on the story until the kind of humorous/tender conclusion Basham is known for. Happy, happy sigh. Definitely a series I will revisit again.

Forevermore + Giveaay

There’s no one quite like Hope Ladley.

A veritable dandelion in the wind, she blows from one farm to the next, roaming the Texas countryside as an itinerant cook. When she rides her mule, Hattie, onto the Stauffer farm, Hope knows this is the place the Lord wants her to be.

Jakob Stauffer, though grateful for a cook to assist his pregnant sister and young daughter through harvest, is baffled by Hope’s unconventional methods as she gets things done around the farm. Yet he can’t deny the way her sunny disposition and unstinting love make changes of a different kind…even within his own heart.

My Review:

published in 2008

Hope has to be one of the most innovative characters I have ever met in the pages of book! Part of her charm is the way she mangles idioms on a regular basis. And I’m in awe at how many idioms the author came up with and then found ways to twist them into hilarious faux pas that ironically make sense and Hope blithely spews them throughout the whole book. Absolutely brilliant! Not only funny and endearing, but such a clever way for a reader to connect with a character.

I love the whole premise of Hope bringing healing change. She’s a ‘magical’ character, kind of like a Mary Poppins on a grander scale. And maybe a fairy godmother with common sense. Not to mention Amelia Bedevil for the older set. 🙂 I don’t think my descriptions can do justice to Hope. She’s exceptionally unique and you just need to meet her for yourself.

A Token of Love + Giveaway

In 1885 London, Lillian Freemont embarks on a treacherous journey to reunite with her long-lost niece who was abandoned at the Foundling Hospital eight years ago. Fueled by her sister’s plea and armed with the gold token that identifies her niece, Lillian teams up with investigative reporter Matthew McGivern to expose the grim reality of the shadowed streets of London. As Lillian and Matthew unravel the mystery of Alice’s disappearance, their partnership blossoms into one of shared purpose and undeniable attraction.

In present-day London, Janelle Spencer finds herself unexpectedly running the Foundling Museum. When filmmaker Jonas Conrad arrives to document the museum’s history, their collaboration takes a surprising turn as they uncover articles from the past that shed light on a haunting connection to the present. As Janelle becomes caught between exposing the truth and protecting the museum’s reputation, she must decide if she can risk everything for love and justice.

In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two eras bridged by the quest for love and truth.

My Review:

Carrie Turansky is a phenomenal storyteller and the way she wove the dual timeline elements together made ‘A Token of Love’ unputdownable. (By the way, the tie-in to that title is heartbreaking and a perfect reflection of the story within.) I was equally invested in both timelines and love the way the Foundling Hospital has turned into a museum in present day.

The historical details are riveting on their own, but make a huge emotional impact when seen through the lives of these characters. Even our twenty-first century heroine, Janelle, is touched by the stories of the past as she fiercely strives to uphold the reputation of her beloved museum.

Controversies arise in both the Victorian and modern day era and it’s up to Lillian and Janelle to take a stand as they advocate for vulnerable women and children. And, oh my, the mystery and suspense is intense in the Victorian timeline! There’s a magnificent ‘stand up and cheer and then go have a good cry’ moment towards the end. And Turansky weaves significant and meaningful spiritual elements throughout the entire story. Nothing over the top preachy; more quietly steadfast and thoughtful. And so impactful.

All this and there’s even two romances as well! A reader can’t ask for much more than that. Unless she’s looking for an audio book narration to deliver an extra thrill. And yes, that means, I added ‘A Token of Love’ to my audible library and thoroughly enjoyed Susan Lyons’ performance.

The Stranger I Love + Giveaway

When both attempt to flee their past, can love’s pursuit catch them?

Estelle Lowry has traded her privileged life for anonymity, running away to become Miss Estelle Lewis—governess and companion. But her carefully laid plans unravel when she discovers a man beaten and left for dead. Defying every rule of propriety, she rescues him, bringing him to safety. A connection sparks between the two strangers, yet his injuries keep his face obscured. Before he fully recovers, she is forced to leave in search of employment—without a name, a past, or any way to find him again.

Six months later, Estelle arrives at Rosemont Manor, determined to guard her heart—and her secrets. But her resolve falters when she finds herself drawn to the last man she should want: the brooding and unpredictable Lord Camden.

Atlas Camden has no time for distractions. Due to his complicated past, he is determined to shoulder his responsibilities and keep his family safe. The arrival of his sister’s new companion sets him at odds with himself. Miss Lewis is as headstrong as she is captivating—and far too often at the center of trouble, drawing both his attention and concern. His mother would be scandalized if she knew he was even entertaining romantic notions about a woman in service, let alone one who is half-Irish. Besides, a man with his history has no right to offer his heart—and even less to hope for one in return.

When secrets are revealed and trust crumbles, running from their past is no longer an option. Estelle and Atlas must choose between the new paths they’ve forged or the broken history to which they are still bound.

The Stranger I Love is full of longing, redemption, and courageous love. It is the first book in The Runaway Brides series and is a clean Victorian romance without explicit content.

My Review:

Swoonaliciously toe-curling and this romance reader’s idea of a dream story. Definitely the kind you need to savour. From the characterization to the banter (be still my heart, when Atlas turns on the charm!) and all the delicious descriptions that set every scene, Walker’s storytelling is infused with exquisite details that kept me earnestly engaged all the way through.

And…eeeeppppp….the first in a new series aptly titled ‘The Runaway Brides’ and the author has done a magnificent job of setting up the next book with some delightful foreshadowing.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the audio edition’s dual narration. Lola Jones and Eli Thorne did a fantastic job bringing all the characters to life and I got the sense that they were enjoying the story as much as I was, which always add an extra thrill to my listening experience.

Part of Your World + Giveaway

She saved him from the sea. He awakened her heart. Now a villainous scheme threatens to destroy them both.

Seawater runs through Muriel Quinn’s veins-a fact that has long concerned her father, who longs for his youngest daughter to abandon the waves and embrace the respectable life expected of a grown woman. Yet even when banished from her beloved sea, Muriel feels its pull upon her soul. Drawn to the shore, she witnesses a boating accident and dives in to save a man from drowning. As she brings him back from the brink of death, a dream stirs to life in her heart.

Despite his family’s wealth and social standing, Zane Erickson pursues a career in architecture, having no interest in cementing a match with any of the bridal candidates his mother foists upon him. Until a mysterious beauty saves his life and vanishes before he can learn her name. Determined to find her, he is stunned when the matchmaker his mother hired arrives with the very woman who has haunted his dreams. But he soon learns there are darker forces than romance at work in this meeting.

Entangled in a blackmail scheme that grows more deceitful and dangerous by the day, Zane and Muriel must fight not only for their love, but for the lives of those they hold dear.

My Review:

A captivating Little Mermaid retelling with an innovative Western spin. Loved spotting the similarities to the classic (Disney version) and am in awe of Witemeyer’s creative genius, especially when it comes to the villain. So clever.

The romance is full of tension and yearning – a bit of a love at first sight / star-crossed lovers kind of feel – that kept my emotions engaged and me anxiously devouring Muriel and Zane’s story. And I love the way the author blends humour into the mix too.

‘Part of Your World’ delivers all the elements I enjoy in a story – engaging characters (including some memorable secondary ones like Grampa Clem), a gentle faith thread and just the right amount of suspense to keep things interesting. Not to mention the sweet (and swoonworthy) romance!

I am thrilled that Karen Witemeyer is continuing these Texan Fairy tale retellings independently. She has a knack for mixing classic tales with the Historical Western genre which is all kinds of fun to read. Hoping for many more reimaginings in my reading future.