A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

1 Comment on A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

A Winter by the SeaGoodreads ~ Apple ~ B&N ~ Google Play ~ Kobo ~ Amazon

1819 – England

Royalty comes to Sidmouth, bringing unexpected danger and the sweet possibility of romance. . . .

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent and their daughter–the future Queen Victoria–rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal family’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited secrets and intrigue into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers longs to become an author. A local publisher offers to consider her novel if she will first write a Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily agrees and begins researching the area with help from the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she’s long held dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Captivated by the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund

1 Comment on Captivated by the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund

GoodreadsCaptivated by the Cowgirl ~ Apple ~ B&N ~ Google Play ~ Kobo ~ Amazon

1878 – Colorado

Now that her sisters are both married, Felicity Courtney manages the Courtney Boardinghouse alone. After nearly collapsing from exhaustion while caring for an invalid man and his wife who are staying at the boardinghouse, Felicity posts an advertisement for a hired hand.

Philip Berg, a prince in disguise, is hiding in Fairplay while attempting to stay one step ahead of an assassin. When the spirited Felicity Courtney tacks up a notice that she is hiring help, he offers to do the job as he is unable to leave her in such distress. Although he knows his presence could pose danger and that he needs to move on from Fairplay, he can’t tear himself away.

Felicity has no intention of employing the handsome but exasperating Philip Berg, but when an early winter storm hits, she finds herself battling the elements and is grateful for his assistance. Love begins to blossom, but secret revelations and encroaching peril threaten to tear them apart forever.

Cavern’s Curse by Lauralee Bliss

No Comments on Cavern’s Curse by Lauralee Bliss

Cavern's CurseGoodreads ~ Amazon

1843 – Kentucky

Jared Edwards has been played the fool. Mammoth Cave’s doctor promised miracles for consumption victims and he believed it. But instead of celebrating the recovery of his aunt Mattie, he’s burying her and being sent away amid his uncle Dwight’s accusations. Driven by guilt, Jared is determined to close the death cave and restore his family.

Rose Barnett longed for finer things after a life of poverty. Mammoth Cave seems to bring this as she and her family work to keep the cave open for visitors and curiosity seekers. But under the threat of Jared and others, she may see her dreams vanish.

Will this cave of a curse become a cave of restoration and bring Jared and Rose together when the odds are the greatest?

A Summer at Thousand Island House by Susan Mathis

No Comments on A Summer at Thousand Island House by Susan Mathis

A Summer at Thousand Island HouseGoodreads ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Amazon

1885 – New York

She came to work with the children, not fall in love.

Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to use her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.

But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?

A Season at the Grand by Sherri Wilson Johnson

No Comments on A Season at the Grand by Sherri Wilson Johnson

GoodreadsA Season at the Grand ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Amazon

1905 – Alabama

Can the perfect picture reveal the truth before it’s too late?

Photographer Amelia Harris has had enough of her aunts’ meddling matchmaking. So when The Photographic Times commissions her to spend the summer on Mobile Bay taking portraits of the elite and capturing nature for penny postcards, Amelia happily accepts. But this job is not as simple as it appears, and Amelia must defend against naysayers if she’s to ever gain respect in a man’s world. And that doesn’t leave any room for romance.

Point Clear Resort General Manager Titus Overton never wanted the position he inherited when his cousin passed away. If it were up to him, he would be traveling with the Audubon Society to far-off places, enjoying the solitude of nature instead of providing relaxation for his guests. And now he has to deal with the big-city photographer stomping her way through sand dunes that house the migratory birds nesting there. But when she reveals an admiration for his feathered friends, it reawakens a longing in his heart he’d buried after the death of his fiancé.

When threats arise against Amelia and the other resort guests, Titus knows he must step in to help. But she insists they trust God for deliverance. How can he turn to a God who took away his first beloved?

As the danger closes in, he must find the courage to overcome his past before someone gets hurt—especially the woman he’s come to love.

The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear

No Comments on The Counterfeit Tory by Shannon McNear

GoodreadsThe Counterfeit Tory ~ Amazon

1781 – South Carolina

Lizzy Cunningham resents any man who thinks he can get by with a wink and a smile. Doubly so the ones who try to get close to her—she knows she’s homely and difficult of temper, and that not a man has been made who can bear with her for a lifetime.

Jedidiah Wheeler (Sam’s cousin from The Highwayman) has always depended on his easy charm to get him through. He’s also used to girls falling all over themselves when he glances their way, so it’s a shock to find one who responds with definite hostility. It might also be a bit of a challenge … especially when he discovers her connection to an infamous Tory leader he’s tasked with bringing down.

As Jed gains the trust of the Tories, he sees that Lizzy is far more than the snarling tavern maid she pretends to be. Truth be told, in her unguarded moments she’s one of the most fetching misses he’s ever met—and bravest, when his own life is on the line. How can he complete the mission without endangering her? And dare Lizzy risk family loyalty for a kindness she’s sure is too good to be true?

Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse

1 Comment on Mark of Grace by Kimberley Woodhouse

Mark of GraceGoodreads ~ Apple ~ B&N ~ Google Play ~ Kobo ~ Amazon

1907 – Arizona

When everything crumbles, her chance for a new beginning hangs in the balance.

Ruth Anniston survived an injury that left her physically scarred, broken, and angry at God. Now, she finds herself working behind the scenes as a kitchen and dining room supervisor at the El Tovar Hotel, hidden away from curious eyes and with little hope of finding love. When money begins to disappear from the hotel, Ruth’s entire livelihood is put at risk when she lands on the list of suspects.

Frank Henderson has at last succeeded in obtaining his dream job as head chef at the El Tovar. But competition in the kitchen is fierce, and one mistake could cost him his future. As the thefts at the hotel continue, and his affection for Ruth grows, Frank’s career–and his heart–are in jeopardy.

As tensions run high, Ruth and Frank must work together to save the El Tovar. They find themselves growing closer . . . but can their combined ingenuity overcome the odds against them?

A Gem of Truth by Kimberley Woodhouse

1 Comment on A Gem of Truth by Kimberley Woodhouse

A Gem of TruthGoodreads ~ Apple ~ B&N ~ Google Play ~ Kobo ~ Amazon

1907 – New Mexico

Escaping her shattered past is much more difficult than she imagined.

Julia Schultz has a reputation for being a storyteller, or as others see it, a liar. But with her dark and painful past, stories are all that have kept her company throughout her life. Longing for a fresh start and a second chance to earn real trust, Julia takes a job as a Harvey Girl at the El Tovar Hotel, where she’s challenged to be her true self.

Learning the trade of a master jeweler is hard work, but Christopher Miller takes pride in running his family’s small shop and earning the respect of the people around him. But when he discovers that he has six weeks to buy his building from his landlord before it is sold, he must find a way to save his grandfather’s legacy.

United by the discovery of a legendary treasure, Chris and Julia find hope in each other. But when Julia’s past catches up with her, doubt creeps into Chris’s heart. Can he really trust her and her stories?

Anchored at Mackinac by Carrie Fancett Pagels

No Comments on Anchored at Mackinac by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Anchored at MackinacGoodreads ~ Amazon

1895 – Canada

Two women, Sadie Duvall, a young maid, and Ada Fox, the mature housekeeping manager, at the Grand Hotel must make life-changing decisions involving their work and the men in their lives. As 1895 comes to a close, will hearts be broken when choices are made—or will all hoped-for wishes be fulfilled?

With her father missing and her mother dead, impoverished Sadie scrabbles to provide for her sisters. She has known wealthy bachelor Captain Robert Swaine most of her life–he’s her best friend’s young uncle. When he returns to the island, she doesn’t believe his interest in her is sincere, despite all the assistance he’s given her and her sisters because he’s frequently in the company of a beautiful actress staying at the hotel. Sadie wishes to pursue her own path–a position as a nursing student at a new asylum in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Having endured a traumatic early childhood, Ada Fox entered into marriages with very successful, wealthy, much older men after the mother of her first, and only true, love sends her away from the nearby Poor House and to a secretarial school. Secretly the wealthiest woman in the world, Ada Fox has taken on a Housekeeping Manager position so that she can be closer to her first love, widower and innkeeper Peter Welling.

The Marquis’s Pursuit by Lorri Dudley

No Comments on The Marquis’s Pursuit by Lorri Dudley

The Marquis's PursuitGoodreads ~ Apple ~ B&N ~ Kobo ~ Amazon

1830 – Caribbean

She’s desperate to keep her secret hidden, but he’s a determined Marquis.

As the son of a duke, Maxwell Oliver Weld, Marquis of Daventry, is allowed entry into the finest of London’s ballrooms, access to political figures, and advice from the best physicians. Yet, his wealth and contacts won’t heal his friend, Charlie, who’s dying from consumption. Hopeful for a miracle, Max persuades Charlie to sail across the Atlantic to stay in the Artesian Hotel on the island of Nevis and bathe in its famous healing springs. Max’s optimism is washed in doubt as the truth unravels about the hotel, its hot springs, and the beautiful caretaker.

The blaze of Evelyn Mairi Sheraton’s fiery side has long since been snuffed out. Hunted by a vengeful man from her past, only fortitude and the island’s sanctuary have kept Evelyn alive. She will do whatever it takes to keep her precious secret safe, even work for the demeaning Artesian Hotel owner, Edward Rousseau. However, when a jaunty marquis and his ailing friend arrive, sparks ignite, but Evelyn fears the revealing of her secrets will burn her to ash.

The elusive Evelyn may tend to Charlie’s well-being, but she stirs Max’s protective nature. He’d like nothing more than to remove her from the wretched employment of Edward Rousseau, yet that might endanger Charlie’s health even more. Refusing to give up on a miracle, Max waters her guarded heart, certain beauty will rise out of ashes. But when her secrets come to life, will love be worth the price?

By the Sweet Gum by Ane Mulligan

No Comments on By the Sweet Gum by Ane Mulligan

By the Sweet GumGoodreads ~ Amazon

1929 – Georgia

She’s bound by duty. He’s tethered to a dream.

In the beleaguered mill town of Sweetgum, Georgia, Genessee Taylor dreams of a life beyond running the mill-owned hotel with her family. Though the work is honest, the owner of the mill is not. Genessee and her father long to see stronger labor laws passed to protect the innocent children who are injured and dying in the mill. When the owner learns of their activity, he will stop at nothing to silence them.

Tommy Mack works at the mill and dreams of playing professional ball and marrying Genessee. When he’s contracted by a big-league team, his dreams are within grasp. Just as Tommy and Genessee’s wedding is on the horizon, tragedy strikes Sweetgum. Tommy can’t stay and Genessee can’t leave.

Is there any way for them to battle through loss, deception, and sacrifice to find their way back to each other?

Along the Rio Grande by Tracie Peterson

No Comments on Along the Rio Grande by Tracie Peterson

alongtheriograndeGoodreads ~ Amazon

1899 – New Mexico

Recently widowed Susanna Jenkins has decided to follow her family to the booming town of San Marcial, New Mexico, for a fresh start and to aid in her family’s sudden change in fortune. They are tasked with managing her uncle’s new Grand Hotel, and it takes all her patience to try to help her parents see the good of their circumstances and relinquish their sense of entitlement.

Owen Turner works as a boilermaker for the Santa Fe’s train shops in San Marcial. He’s immediately attracted to Susanna upon meeting her, but he hesitates to risk opening his heart again. Especially as painful memories are stirred up of his own late sibling when Susanna’s brother is assigned to work under him.

When misguided choices put Susanna’s family in an even more precarious situation, she needs someone to rely on. But if Owen can’t face the past, he’ll miss out on his greatest chance at love.

The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers

1 Comment on The Lady’s Mine by Francine Rivers

ladysmineGoodreads ~ Amazon

1875 – California

When Kathryn Walsh arrives in tiny Calvada, a mining town nestled in the Sierra Nevadas, falling in love is the farthest thing from her mind. Banished from Boston by her wealthy stepfather, she has come to claim an inheritance from the uncle she never knew: a defunct newspaper office on a main street overflowing with brothels and saloons, and a seemingly worthless mine. Moved by the oppression of the local miners and their families, Kathryn decides to relaunch her uncle’s newspaper—and then finds herself in the middle of a maelstrom, pitted against Calvada’s most powerful men. But Kathryn intends to continue to say—and publish—whatever she pleases, especially when she knows she’s right.

Matthias Beck, owner of a local saloon and hotel, has a special interest in the new lady in town. He instantly recognizes C. T. Walsh’s same tenacity in the beautiful and outspoken redhead—and knows all too well how dangerous that family trait can be. While Kathryn may be right about Calvada’s problems, her righteousness could also get her killed. But when the handsome hotelier keeps finding himself on the same side of the issues as the opinionated Miss Walsh, Matthias’s restless search for purpose becomes all about answering the call of his heart.

Everyone may be looking to strike it rich in this lawless boomtown, but it’s a love more precious than gold that will ultimately save them all.

Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel

1 Comment on Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1920s – Traveling

Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.
 
A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.

A Giant Murder by Marji Laine

No Comments on A Giant Murder by Marji Laine

GoodreadsA Giant Murder ~ Amazon

1926 – Texas

Would you like a shot of… death with that, sir?

Josephine Jacobs was just doing her job, serving at an exclusive party, so why is she now being accused of shooting TG Taggert?

At a party full of suspects in the murder of Taggert, Josie served the food giant everything but an eternally “parting shot.” Who really killed TG Taggert? His wife? His son, Jack? What about Harper Davis? Rumor has it, she was having an affair with him—motive for her or Taggert’s wife! The list of those who seemed to hate him keeps growing, including a chemist and a chef!

With her long-time friend, Officer Porter O’Brien, Josie sets out to clear her name and find out who really killed “the giant”.

Rocky Mountain Restoration by Lisa Flickinger

No Comments on Rocky Mountain Restoration by Lisa Flickinger

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1899 – Canadian Rocky Mountains/At Sea

Josephine Thorebourne doesn’t deserve happiness. Not after the mess she’s made.

Mid-voyage, on the steamship Jameson, she learns of the tragic loss of her family’s money. Money she stole with the hopes of turning a profit. What should be a delightful voyage up the Canadian coast turns into a journey of regret. Josephine seeks the solace of the man she loves, only to find out he’s an imposter. Left with no other choice, she must return to her home town of Stony Creek and face the anger of those she’s betrayed.  

Owen Kelly was given the opportunity of a lifetime to steward on the SS Jameson. The work meant he could escape his difficult upbringing along the wharves of Chicago. When his heart falls for the woman in cabin eight, Owen must decide if he will continue his work on the ship or follow the love of his life to her Rocky Mountain home.

As Josephine faces the repercussions of her decisions, the future becomes uncertain. Owen is the one person who knows everything and yet still sees the good in her. Will their love survive the challenges the Rocky Mountain town throws in their path?

Biltmore Girl by Dawn Klinge

No Comments on Biltmore Girl by Dawn Klinge

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1968 – New York

Elka Hansen, a former teen cover girl, is done with modeling. Now she’s a hostess for the Palm Court restaurant in the beautiful Biltmore Hotel. As she sees it, Elka’s other job is to watch out for her younger sister, Colleen, an idealistic but reckless college student at Barnard.

With her sister, Elka attends her first civil-rights protest, and there, she runs into Jacob Lewis, a co-worker from the Biltmore. He’s a student at Columbia University and a friend of Colleen’s. Jacob becomes an unexpected ally when rescuing her sister from trouble becomes more than Elka can handle independently. Out of this turmoil, a romance grows between Jacob and Elka, but can it last?

Journey of Peace by Connie Stevens

No Comments on Journey of Peace by Connie Stevens

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1880s – North Carolina

Pointed fingers of condemnation accuse Margaret Rose Fellrath of aiding and abetting her outlaw brothers despite the lack of convicting evidence. When her brothers escape jail, all options are stolen from her except one: she must leave Raleigh and go where nobody has ever heard of the Fellrath brothers. The tiny mountain town of Hot Springs, North Carolina, seems the perfect spot for a new start. Introducing herself as Rose Miller, she finds employment as a chambermaid at the posh Mountain Park Hotel and Resort. She prays she can keep to herself and remain “invisible,” and somehow satisfy the head housekeeper’s impossible demands.

Cullen Delaney’s groundskeeper job at the Mountain Park Hotel and Resort is safe and predictable, but his second job—working part-time with the town sheriff—instills instincts that his father would have taught him if an outlaw’s bullet hadn’t cut Pa down. When he meets Rose Miller, his suspicious nature is piqued by her reticent behavior. What is she hiding?

Despite efforts to remain aloof and distant from everyone at the Mountain Park, Rose’s memories of her mother and the faith they shared nudge her to step beyond safe shadows. Mama always said doing something kind for someone else would make her forget her own troubles, and Rose can’t keep herself from doing what she knows Mama would tell her to do. But demonstrations of kindness bring unwanted attention, and Rose realizes she has broken her own rule. If her identity is revealed, she’ll have no choice but to run again. How she wishes she could trust someone—Cullen most of all.

For the Love of Emma by Starr Ayers

No Comments on For the Love of Emma by Starr Ayers

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1938 – North Carolina

A rose-covered grave, seventy-nine letters, and a scribbled note unearth buried emotions and the timeless beauty of first love.

When Caroline Myers discovers a box of letters in her deceased mother’s trunk, she’s captivated by the romance that unfolds between her mother, Emma Rose Walsh, a nineteen-year-old waitress, and Noah Anderson, a handsome young soldier.

Determined to read between the lines, Caroline and her sister, Kate, set out on a search that leads them to the North Carolina foothills and the padlocked gate of the Anderson family cemetery. Will the one who holds the key keep them from unearthing long-buried secrets and fulfilling a request their mother tucked inside the box sixty-four years earlier? Will they find closure—or encounter a surprising revelation that plunges them deeper into the past?

Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott

No Comments on Nothing Short of Wondrous by Regina Scott

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1886 – Wyoming Territory

It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate’s aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

A Reckless Love by Beth White

No Comments on A Reckless Love by Beth White

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1870 – Mississippi

In the fine tradition established by her Southern grandmama, Aurora Daughtry has recently orchestrated the marriage of her eldest sister and facilitated her middle sister’s engagement. She also rejoices in her part in transforming the family’s dilapidated plantation manor into a luxurious and lucrative resort hotel. Just when it seems there is nothing left to absorb her considerable talent for managing people, in walks federal deputy marshal Zane Sager.

But Zane is not at Daughtry House for a vacation. He’s tracking a killer and collecting two key witnesses to a federal judge’s murder.

Aurora takes it upon herself to disabuse the cynical lawman of his conviction that the world–and God in particular–is out to get him. But just as she’s on the verge of cracking Zane’s defenses, the man he is after reminds him that no one he loves is safe. Ever.

Daughter of Cana by Angela Hunt

No Comments on Daughter of Cana by Angela Hunt

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

27 – Israel

Thomas and Tasmin, twin siblings hired to oversee a wedding feast in Cana, worry when the host runs out of wine . . . until a guest tells Tasmin to have the servants fill the pitchers by the gate with water from the cistern. Reluctantly, she obeys and is amazed when rainwater turns into the finest wine ever tasted in Cana.

When Thomas impulsively decides to follow the teacher from Nazareth, he and Tasmin argue–since the twins have been together since the womb, Tasmin can’t accept losing her brother to some magician-prophet. Aided by Jude, younger brother to Jesus of Nazareth, she decides to follow the Nazarene’s group and do whatever she must to mend the fractured relationship and bring her brother home.

Secrets of My Heart by Tracie Peterson

No Comments on Secrets of My Heart by Tracie Peterson

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1879 – Oregon

Nancy Pritchard finds herself a widow with a world of problems when her deceased husband’s schemes start to come to light. As she searches through the pieces of her loveless marriage, Nancy realizes there is a lot that she didn’t know about this man.

Seth Carpenter is a childhood friend of Nancy’s who has recently returned to Portland. He’s delighted to see her again, and as a lawyer, he is able to help her sort through the legal aspects of her husband’s death. But there’s more to him than meets the eye, and his job will take him into a darker side of Nancy’s life–a side she didn’t even know existed. As they search for the truth behind her husband’s death, their attraction to each other creates complications, and the threat to Nancy increases. Can Seth be honest with her about who he really is and why he’s come to Portland? And can Nancy bear another betrayal?

Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings

No Comments on Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

Found in paperback in Serving Up Love

1898 – Kansas

Willow finds herself drawn to the hotel’s new busboy, Graham, but little does she know he’s a railroad heir working undercover to track down criminals using his trains. As he sets out to find the truth, another truth soon becomes equally urgent–will the Harvey Girl he has come to love care for the railroad heir as much as she cared for the lowly busboy?

Grand Encounters by Jen Turano

No Comments on Grand Encounters by Jen Turano

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

Found in paperback in Serving Up Love

1908 – Arizona

Finding herself the object of society’s pity after her fiancé falls for another woman, Myrtle seeks out adventure working as a Harvey Girl, content to hold fast to her vow of remaining a confirmed spinster–until she meets Jack, a self-made man and a frequent guest at the hotel who makes that vow difficult to uphold.

Grand Encounters is a novella from humorous historical romance author, Jen Turano, about a down-on-her-luck heiress who finds unexpected love working at a Harvey House restaurant near the Grand Canyon in 1908.

A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson

No Comments on A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson

Goodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

Found in paperback in Serving Up Love

1929 – New Mexico

After traveling the West for the past ten years, working as a Harvey House girl, Gretchen Gottsacker learns her next assignment puts her back in the town of her childhood. She quickly forms a friendship with a precocious girl named Katiann, until one of their visits leads her face to face with Katiann’s father–the man who abandoned Gretchen on the eve of what she was sure would be a marriage proposal. Now a widower, Dirk Martinez is intent on gaining her trust and forgiveness. Can she risk getting swept up in their strong attraction once again, or will the danger of an impending flood decide her future for her?

Carry Me Away by Dorothy Adamek

No Comments on Carry Me Away by Dorothy Adamek

carrymeawayGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1877 – Australia

Inspired by the incredible true story of an Australian shipwreck and those who survived to tell the tale.

When the Black Swallow sinks off the Australian coast in 1877, Australian midshipman Tom Darley rescues English passenger Ada Carmichael from the disaster that claims her entire family. News of the only two survivors enchants the world, but Ada needs to hide before secrets and old foes find her. Tom is chasing big dreams of a crumbling house he will convert into a small hotel ~ but the promising start he’s acquired now sits at the bottom of the sea.

Inexplicably entangled, Ada and Tom lean upon each other to make sense of the tragedy that’s displaced them. But when scheming journalists observe their affection they drag Tom into life-altering riches and a news-worthy romance he cannot resist. So he arranges for Ada’s protection where only he might find her ~ the quiet Phillip Island farm of his friends Shadrach and Finella Jones.

And that’s where real trouble finds them. When heroic promises fail to shelter, and love refuses to be silenced, only surrender will pluck Ada and Tom from where life has wrecked them.

The Innkeeper’s Promise by Cara Lynn James

No Comments on The Innkeeper’s Promise by Cara Lynn James

innkeeperspromiseGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1899 – New Hampshire

During the summer of 1899, Lydia Barlow, a young innkeeper, hopes to persuade her absentee co-owner to keep their failing hotel open and operating.

She’s had a romantic crush on him for years and always thought he’d someday become an active partner and work with her to make a success of their old-fashioned, family hotel. She and her mother have managed without Dane Paxton’s assistance or interference—but unfortunately, without his expertise.

But Dane hasn’t come to the Mountain View Inn to help them improve their management skills—or court Lydia. He tries to convince her to buy his share of the inn so he can invest in another hotel project in Florida. When he discovers the Mountain View Inn is going bankrupt, he insists they must cut their losses and sell. Lydia and her mother are devastated.

While Dane is searching for a buyer, he slowly realizes how much he cares for Lydia. She feels the same way.

But will their love be strong enough to overcome their clash of personal goals?

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

No Comments on Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

everfaithfulGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1933 – Wyoming

A man who can’t read will never amount to anything–or so Nate Webber believes. But he takes a chance to help his family by signing up for the new Civilian Conservation Corps, skirting the truth about certain “requirements.” Nate exchanges the harsh Brooklyn streets for the wilds of Yellowstone National Park, curious if the Eden-like wonderland can transform him as well.

Elsie Brookes was proud to grow up as a ranger’s daughter, but she longs for a future of her own. After four years serving as a maid in the park’s hotels, she still hasn’t saved enough money for her college tuition. A second job, teaching a crowd of rowdy men in the CCC camp, might be the answer, but when Elsie discovers Nate’s secret, it puts his job as camp foreman in jeopardy. Tutoring leads to friendship and romance, until a string of suspicious fires casts a dark shadow over their relationship. Can they find answers before all of their dreams go up in smoke?

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

1 Comment on Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse

almosthomeGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1944- Alabama

With America’s entrance into the Second World War, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam’s munitions plants–and they’re bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler’s grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse.

An estranged young couple from the Midwest, unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi, a shattered young veteran struggling to heal from the war–they’re all hoping Dolly’s house will help them find their way back to the lives they left behind. But the house has a past of its own.

When tragedy strikes, Dolly’s only hope will be the circle of friends under her roof and their ability to discover the truth about what happened to a young bride who lived there a century before.

A Ready-Made Texas Family by Angel Moore

No Comments on A Ready-Made Texas Family by Angel Moore

areadymadetexasfamilyGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1882 – Texas

A Partnership of Necessity

For the sake of her orphaned siblings, Charlotte Green will do anything to save her family’s Texas hotel—even hire her childhood nemesis, Nathan Taylor. Sure, he’s grown into a charming, handsome man since then, but it won’t change the past…or her present situation. Like it or not, Charlotte must work with Nathan, but that doesn’t mean she has to enjoy it!

After love burned him, the only commitment Nathan will make is to his career. He won’t be distracted…even if Charlotte is as lovely as she is feisty and the hotel is beginning to feel like home. But when a new opportunity pits his ambition against his heart, will Nathan choose Charlotte and her family?

Under the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

No Comments on Under the Midnight Sun by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

underthemidnightsunGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1929 – Alaska

Tayler Hale is ahead of her time as one of the first women naturalists. She has always loved adventure and the great outdoors, and her remote job location also helps keep her away from the clutches of the man to whom she once made a foolish promise. It seems she must keep running, however, and in secret, her boss from Yellowstone arranges for a new job . . . in Alaska.

The popular Curry Hotel continues to thrive in 1929 as more visitors come to Alaska and venture into the massive national park surrounding Denali. Recent graduate Thomas Smith has returned to the hotel and the people he considers family. But when a woman naturalist comes to fill the open position and he must work with her, everything becomes complicated.

The summer brings unexpected guests and trouble to Curry. With his reputation at stake, will Thomas be able to protect Tayler from the danger that follows?

Trust in Love by Gerri Bauer

No Comments on Trust in Love by Gerri Bauer

trustinloveGoodreads ~ Amazon ~ Read the First Chapter

1891 – Florida

Irish immigrant Margaret Murphy has many talents, but waitressing isn’t one of them. A hotel waitress job in pioneer Florida is her last chance to help her family stave off starvation. But she’s in danger of being fired. Will the love that blooms with a fellow worker, an immigrant from Italy, be a saving grace or a complicated distraction?

The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

No Comments on The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

brideofivygreenGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1821 – England

Much has happened in idyllic Ivy Hill in recent months, and while several villagers have found new love and purpose, questions remain–and a few dearly held dreams have yet to be fulfilled.

Jane Bell is torn. Gabriel Locke is back and has made his intentions clear. But Jane is reluctant to give up her inn and destine another man to a childless marriage. Then someone she never expected to see again returns to Ivy Hill. . . .

Mercy Grove has lost her school and is resigned to life as a spinster, especially as the man she admires seems out of reach. Should she uproot herself from Ivy Cottage to become a governess for a former pupil? Her decision will change more lives than her own.

A secretive new dressmaker arrives in the village, but the ladies soon suspect she isn’t who she claims to be. Will they oust the imposter, or help rescue her from a dangerous predicament?

In the meantime, everyone expects Miss Brockwell to marry a titled gentleman, even though her heart is drawn to another. While the people of Ivy Hill anticipate one wedding, an unexpected bride may surprise them all.

A Heart for Freedom by Janet Grunst

No Comments on A Heart for Freedom by Janet Grunst

aheartforfreedomGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1775 – Virginia

Matthew Stewart wants only to farm, manage his inn, and protect his family. But tension between the Loyalists and Patriots is mounting. When he’s asked to help the Patriots and assured his family will be safe, he agrees.

She’s seen the cost of fighting England, and she wants no part of it.

In Scotland, Heather Stewart witnessed the devastation and political consequences of opposing England. She wants only to avoid war and protect the family and peace she finally found in Virginia. But the war drums can be heard even from their home in the countryside, and she has no power to stop the approaching danger.

The consequences are deadly.

When Matthew leaves for a short journey and doesn’t return, Heather faces the biggest trial of her life. Will she give up hope of seeing him again? Will he survive the trials and make his way home? What will be the consequences of his heart for freedom?