The Best in Inspirational Fiction from Bethany House Books--top contemporary and historical fiction from talented authors

"THE ARTISAN'S WIFE" by Judith Miller

 

 

 

“The Artisan’s Wife” is Book 3 in author Judith Miller’s “Refined by Love Series”. Set in the beautiful mountain state of West Virginia, these books blend history and skilled craftsmanship with abiding faith and sweetly poignant romance. In “The Artisan’s Wife”, Ainslee McKay must pick up the responsibility of managing the family tile work business after her twin sister’s surprise elopement and departure. Always somewhat in her sister’s shadow, Ainslee must make decisions which will affect the futures of many people. Even with her brother along for assistance, Ainslee is still set on selling the business. The arrival of talented designer Levi Judson is a boon to the success of the tile works, but both he and Ainslee are keeping secrets of their own. They work together as friends, and soon their hearts are also involved. When both of their inner truths are revealed, will their relationship grow stronger, or will they grow apart? Can they merge their own hopes and plans and find happiness as well as prosperity for all? Judith Miller is an excellent writer of inspirational historical romance, and I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series, “The Brickmaker’s Bride” and “The Potter’s Lady”.

Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

"A LOVE REFORMED" by Tracie Peterson

 

 

 

“A Love Transformed” is the third and final book in author Tracie Peterson’s “Sapphire Brides Series”. Clara Vesper is a talented jewelry designer, making the stunning sapphire creations sold by her husband Adolph’s company. Their arranged marriage was a business relationship which had appeared profitable, but upon Adolph’s sudden death, Clara learns that she is a widow without means. She and her two small children must leave New York and return to the home of her relatives in Montana. She had once known happiness at the ranch of her aunt and uncle, and there she had also met the love of her life, Curtis Billingham. Much has changed since she left so long ago. Curtis is recovering from serious injuries he received in a mining accident. His spirit seems as broken as his body. Clara is followed to Montana by her late husband’s brother, Otto, and he intends to force Clara to bring her design skills back to the company in New York. Otto is not the only threat to Clara and her children—secrets from her husband’s hidden life are a looming danger. Clara must reconcile the disappointments of her past with new hope for the future—abiding faith must fill her heart and give her the strength she needs to keep her family safe. Will there be a new and happy life for them all, one filled with love and promise? Author Tracie Peterson’s love of history and in-depth research once again blend with her personal faith and admirable storytelling skills as she brings this series to a close.

 

Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"THE COTTAGE" by Michael Phillips

 

 

Author Michael Phillips continues his enthralling “Secrets of the Shetlands Series” with Book 2, “The Cottage”. When Loni Ford learns of her unexpected inheritance of property in the Shetland Islands of Scotland, her first thought is to settle a sale of the estate and return to America as soon as possible. However, the more time she spends in the rustically beautiful countryside, the more muddled her thoughts become. The land and its people weave a spell of their own, and then there is David Tulloch, the man the locals had long presumed to be the rightful heir to “The Cottage” and all it entails. Complex and compelling, David is much more than Loni expected. Adding menace to the mix is David’s cousin, Hardy, whose dangerous ties to oil investors are propelling his own forceful claim to the inheritance. Author Michael Phillips’ estimable storytelling skills combine with the magic of the Scottish Isles for an involving romantic suspense read.

Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

 

''DEADLY ENCOUNTER" Book One in the exciting "FBI TASK FORCE" series from awesome author DiANN MILLS

DEADLY ENCOUNTER (FBI TASK FORCE)

BY DIANN MILLS

Deadly Encounter (FBI Task Force #1) by DiAnn Mills

Airport Ranger volunteer Stacy Broussard expected a peaceful Saturday morning ride around the perimeter of Houston's airport. What she encounters instead is a brutal homicide and a baffling mystery. Next to the body is an injured dog, the dead man's motorcycle, and a drone armed with a laser capable of taking down a 747.Though FBI Special Agent Alex LeBlanc sees a clear-cut case of terrorism, his past has taught him to be suspicious of everyone, even witnesses. Even bleeding-heart veterinarians like Stacy. But when her gruesome discovery is only the first in a string of incidences that throw her life into a tailspin, Alex begins to wonder if Stacy was targeted. As a health emergency endangers Stacy's community, and the task force pulls in leads from all directions, Alex and Stacy must work together to prevent another deadly encounter.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

Visit her at www.diannmills.com.

MY REVIEW: Author DiANN Mills is a uniquely skilled storyteller, specializing in tales of inspirational contemporary romantic suspense. Her meticulously researched works offer compelling characterizations, involving storylines, and always the underlying element of abiding faith. “Deadly Encounter” is the first book in her “FBI Task Force” series, and it does not disappoint readers who are expecting an engaging romantic suspense read. Veterinarian Stacy Broussard volunteers as a security ranger, patrolling the perimeter of Houston’s airport by horseback. On one Saturday morning, what begins as a quiet ride on a well-known trail soon turns into a nightmare when Stacy discovers a dead body. Close to the body is a bloodied motorcycle—even closer is a yellow Lab, tucked against the man’s body, her leash held by the grip of the dead man’s hand. Not far from the body, Stacy finds a downed drone, and it’s the type used by psychotic individuals to blind pilots and cause air disasters. To FBI Special Agent LeBlanc, the incident screams terrorism, but he also knows to look deeper than evidence first suggests. As further unsettling events occur, Stacy and Alex are drawn together to solve the mystery and prevent another deadly encounter. With the discovery of much in common from their pasts, an awareness and attraction begins to grow. They are each at a different stage in their journey of faith, but will their hearts find the right road to follow together to reach the ultimate destination of a life filled with love and happiness? A highly-recommended read from the wonderful DiANN Mills.

Review Copy Gratis  Tyndale House Publishers via Tyndale Blog Network

“STARLIGHT SERENADE” is a delightfully involving historical romance with elements of mystery and suspense from author Debra E. Marvin

Starlight Serenade (Get Your Kiss on Route 66)

The Englishman would look back one day and blame it all on Jazz…

Flagstaff, Arizona 1930. Full-time Astronomer, and part-time sharp dresser Julian Dyson didn’t discover Pluto but he does discover a nasty case of self-righteousness when a former Ziegfeld Girl’s folly threatens his good name.

Broadway understudy Clara Longworth and her peculiar younger brother are on their way to a new life in Hollywood when they are stranded along Route 66. Clara is asked to fill in as nightclub entertainment, but her good intentions set her up as accomplice in the blackmailing of a government man who makes the real thugs look classy. 

Until Julian and Clara put their heads together for more than dancing the Black Bottom, their big-as-the-night-sky dreams are on target to fail. Maybe they need a telescope to see what’s right in front of their starry eyes.

MY REVIEW:  “Starlight Serenade” is a delightfully involving historical romance with elements of mystery and suspense. Author Debra E. Marvin sets the story in Arizona of the 1930’s, and she wonderfully captures the atmosphere and energy of the time and place. After the death of her mother, Clara Longworth heads for Hollywood and hopes for stardom and a successful life for herself and her younger brother, Henry. Their journey takes a detour, however, when their bus breaks down outside Flagstaff, Arizona. They are given a lift to the hotel by none other than famed author Zane Grey, and that is just the beginning of their adventure along the new (and forever famous) Route 66. Clara is a talented dancer and singer, and Henry, while enormously gifted, doesn’t quite see life as others do—he is somewhat in a world of his own. Events occur quite quickly to make it seem as though Clara’s dreams for the future may be rerouted, just like she and Henry were diverted on their way to Hollywood. However, Fate has much in store for the Longworths, including a sweet surprise romance and a renewal of faith for Clara. Many obstacles have to be overcome on the road to happiness, and compromise may be the only answer. Danger lurks, though, and courage will be needed to in order to solve the mystery—and survive. The author does a terrific job of story building, and once I started reading, I had to keep on reading it to learn the outcome. This is a short work of fiction—a novella—but it is fully-realized. Readers are in for a real treat when they travel back to a time when the famed Route 66, also known as “The Mother Road”, was a newly-minted pathway which would link the Midwest to the West Coast.

Review Copy Gratis Author

DEBRA E. MARVIN

 

Debra E. Marvin tries not to run too far from real life but the imagination born out of being an only child has a powerful draw. Besides, the voices in her head tend to agree with all the sensible things she says. She'd like to live a wee bit closer to her grandchildren, but is thankful that God is in control, that He chooses to bless us despite ourselves and that He has a sense of humor.

Other than writing light-hearted romances and gritty gothics, she has rather normal obsessions such as fabric, peanut butter, vacations, British dramas, and whatever mystery series she's currently stuck on.

debraemarvin.com

Target:Timberline—a terrific new romantic suspense series from talented author Carol Ericson

A 25-year old kidnapping case once again has the town of Timberline, Washington on edge.  As the town grapples with new evidence, long-forgotten secrets, and deadly alliances, four men seek to find justice for the three missing children who disappeared without a trace. 

Single Father Sheriff (Target: Timberline #1)

 by Carol Ericson

The unsolved case that once tore a sheriff's town apart had resurfaced, threatening both his baby girl and a beautiful witness… 


When two children go missing, every parent's worst fear becomes Sheriff Cooper Sloane's reality. The single father doesn't have a minute to waste, and only a single lead: Kendall Rush. Her return to Timberline stirs up a lot of town chatter, since she was at the center of a similar case twenty-five years ago. Despite Kendall's tragic past, Cooper is more than willing to play the bad guy. But he couldn't prepare himself for her vulnerability, or determination. As the kidnapper's taunts turn horrific, Cooper and Kendall must stop this sick game before it hits even closer to home…


MY REVIEW:  I am a longtime fan of author Carol Ericson, and her new “Target: Timberline” series gets off to a great start with “Single Father Sheriff”. Cooper Sloane never imagined that accepting the position of sheriff in the rural community of Timberline, Washington would lead to so many changes in his life. With his wife’s passing away, he was left with the care of their young daughter, Steffi. Torn between duty and parenthood, he juggles them both as best he can. Coop’s easygoing demeanor belies his sharp instincts and powers of observation—he is as dedicated a lawman as he is a dad. When Kendall Rush returns to Timberline to settle her aunt’s estate, she is haunted by the still-unsolved kidnapping of her twin sister, Kayla, when the girls were just five years old. Two other local children were also taken, and the case became known as the “Timberline Trio”. Twenty five years later, several other children are now missing, and the cases are eerily similar. As strange and dangerous events begin to target Kendall, Coop becomes her protector. The attraction between them is immediate and sparky, but they both know that Kendall wants to leave Timberline behind in her rear-view mirror as soon as possible. Kendall’s life lies in Arizona—could Coop and his daughter be part of an unexpected new future—one filled with happiness? The case hits all too close to home when Steffi becomes a victim of the kidnapper--will they all survive to find out if a dream can come true? Lovers of romantic suspense will enjoy this well-paced story.

Review Copy Gratis Author

 

 

 

 

Sudden Second Chance (Target: Timberline #2)

 by Carol Ericson

A man with too many secrets. A woman with everything to lose. 


As if the Timberline Trio cold case isn't nightmarish enough for FBI agent Duke Harper, he runs into the TV reporter who loved and betrayed him—beautiful Beth St. Regis. Duke quickly concludes she's not after a sensational story. She's there to solve the haunting mystery of who she really is. But all her questions unleash a killer, and Duke steps up to protect her when she becomes a target. Despite their bitter past, Duke finds he's still attracted to Beth, and maybe they deserve a second chance. First, though, he has to keep Beth alive—and from discovering the shocking truth about her past…

MY REVIEW:  “Sudden Second Chance” is Book 2 in author Carol Ericson’s Washington State-set “Target: Timberline” series. FBI agent Duke Harper’s abusive childhood had left him with trust issues, and the betrayal by the beautiful woman he had loved had left him with embittered emotions. Working on a cold case kidnapping that was now possibly tied to a current, similar crime, Duke is taken aback when his former lover, Beth St. Regis, appears in the area to cover the story for her “Cold Case Chronicles” TV show. Seeing Beth again stirs unwanted longing in Duke, but he hasn’t forgiven her for breaking his heart and his trust. Beth has never stopped caring for Duke, but she didn’t get to tell him what really happened when their relationship fell apart. She also has a very deep personal secret that was too devastating to share. Beth is really in Timberline to solve the mystery of her adoption, but someone definitely does not want her to bring the truth to light. When she becomes a target, Duke goes into full protector mode, and he finds the wall between them beginning to crumble. As Duke and Beth grow closer, the attraction between goes from cinders of the past to flames of undeniable desire. If they can keep each other alive, will they get their second chance at romance? When all secrets have been uncovered, can trust be rebuilt along with a new start toward a happy life together? If you enjoy romantic suspense where the story keeps building, then you will the “Target: Timberline” series from author Carol Ericson.

Review Copy Gratis Author

 

 

 

 

 

 

Army Ranger Redemption (Target: Timberline #3)

 by Carol Ericson

A war hero fights for what he lost long ago 


The Timberline Trio was the cold case everyone in town was doomed to remember. Scarlett Easton may have just been a child then, but the fear it spread throughout the reservation haunts her to this day. Jim Kennedy ran off to war to escape this place, and has now returned to fight his own battle on the home front. And when that puts Scarlett in danger, both their loyalties will be tested. Finding themselves on opposite sides of a town that's never recovered from the kidnappings decades ago, Jim and Scarlett discover that not only are their pasts forever tied together, but so are their futures…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the Arms of the Enemy (Target: Timberline #4)

 by Carol Ericson

As a lawman, he knew she had secrets. Ones that could bust his case wide open. 


Tasked with finding a mysterious murder suspect, DEA agent Cole Pierson was in Timberline on a mission. He didn't need distractions like the lovely Caroline Johnson. Though he didn't think she could be his suspect, she was clearly hiding something and her safety became Cole's top priority.
She'd awoken next to a dead man, her memory gone. When "Caroline" had come to the small town looking for answers, she hadn't counted on meeting Cole. He offered the protection she so desperately needed. But if he found out she'd been lying, that he'd become involved with a suspect, it would mean the end to any future—or happiness—she had imagined.

CAROL ERICSON

Author Carol Ericson says:


"I was always a bookworm.  I think most authors are.  I started reading romance when I was about 12 or 13.  The first romance novel I read was Victoria Holt’s Secret Woman.  I went on to read all of Ms. Holt’s books and started devouring all the gothic romances of that time.  I’m also a huge Georgette Heyer fan and have read all of her books.

As an English major at UCLA, I read a heavy dose of the classics, and later I started reading a lot of non-fiction and true crime.  What better way to combine my love of romance with my interest in true crime than by writing romantic suspense?!  I have written over 25 books for Harlequin Intrigue (check out my Books page!), and have self-published a few more books, including a romantic comedy (check out my Indie Books page!).

I live near the beach in Southern California, and when I’m not writing, I’m reading, running on the beach, and going to my son’s water polo and soccer games.  I have two teenage sons and a husband retired from law enforcement, who gives me an idea or two.

I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.  I love hearing from readers, so let me know what’s on your mind.  Also, follow me on Facebook and Twitter for news and contests and check out my blog for up-to-date info."

Happy reading!

https://carolericson.com/

Historical Western Romance from author Mary Connealy--humor, heartfelt romance, inspiring faith...

No Way Up (The Cimarron Legacy)

by Mary Connealy

New Western Romance Series from Bestselling Author Mary Connealy


When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately.


Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don't live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike.


Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath's desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds.


MY REVIEW:  A new book from author Mary Connealy is always a treat, and when it's the start of a new series, then that's even better. The "Cimarron Legacy" series begins with Book One, "No Way Up".  A near-death experience in an avalanche and the possibility of losing a leg makes ranch patriarch Chance Boden determined to bring his three adult children together as a family. He wants them united in heart and mind, for their own sake, as well as for the future of the ranch. As Chance departs to receive medical treatment for his leg, he leaves ranch hand Heath Kincaid in charge of the siblings, and he orders them all to follow the directives he has laid out in his will. The three grown children, Sadie, Justin, and Cole, will live and work at the ranch for one year. If not, the ranch and all of the Boden legacy will be left to a distant relative. Heath had noticed how pretty Sadie was from the very beginning, but he doubted she'd ever noticed him. Now, with him having to enforce her father's wishes, he felt sure he would never find her favor. When he discovers that the avalanche was no accident, Heath vows to protect Sadie and her family at all costs--but will it cost him his heart? Sadie has definitely noticed Heath, and she knows that he is a good, strong man, and also an attractive man. Can she put asides her doubts and let her heart lead the way? Will all of them find a way to work together and keep their faith and their home intact? I look forward to future entries in the "Cimarron Ranch" series from wonderful storyteller Mary Connealy. 

Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books 

MARY CONNEALY

 

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy...with cowboys. She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series: Out of Control, In Too Deep, Over the Edge. The Trouble in Texas Series; Swept Away, Fired Up, Stuck Together. The Wild at Heart Series; Tried and True, Now and Forever, Fire and Ice. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. And Novella collections; A Bride for All Seasons, Four Weddings and a Kiss, A Match Made in Texas, Hope for the Holidays Contemporary Collection, Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection, With this Kiss Contemporary Collection, With this Kiss Historical Collection and many more books. Under the pen name Mary Nealy, she also wrote Ten Plagues--a romantic thriller, and The Historical Society Murders--three cozy mysteries. Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and a small bevy of spectacular grandchildren.

http://www.maryconnealy.com

"WITH THIS RING?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry

by Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jegears

MY REVIEW:  Four of the top talents in Historical Western Inspirational Romance combine their considerable storytelling skills for the delightful anthology "With This Ring?: A Novella Collection of Proposals Gone Awry". In "The Husband Maneuver", from author Karen Witemeyer, Marietta Hawkins must act fast to keep from losing the love of her life, ranch foreman Daniel Barrett. Daniel is even more of a hero to her than the star of her beloved dime novels, but can she make the real man realize how much she cares? Author Regina Jennings puts her pair of prospective sweethearts in quite a predicament in "Her Dearly Unintended". Can the relationship they pretend to have in order save face turn into a love to last a lifetime? When author Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" Carrie Halsey finds Texas Ranger "Big John" Conroy sent by her sister to help her evade an unwanted suitor, the lawman begins to see the situation as appealingly arresting. He promises to keep Carrie safe from harm, but can he keep himself safe from the sparks of an unexpected attraction? Tomboy Charlie Andrews has been the lifelong rival of Harrison Gray in author Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition". When grown-up Charlotte must help Harrison in a time of need, will rivalry turn to romance? Wonderful writers with a talent for engaging storytelling make this anthology a reader's treat.

Review Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

Sometimes Love is Found in the Most Unexpected Places!

Love isn't always a fairy tale, and it doesn't always go as planned. Sometimes the best stories, though, are the ones that are the most unexpected. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that celebrate the power of love to triumph . . . even when circumstances go awry!

The Husband Maneuver

When ranch foreman Daniel Barrett seems ready to leave her life forever, Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins on their relationship. But to have any hope of maneuvering him into a proposal, she has to act fast or risk losing him completely.

Her Dearly Unintended

Josiah Huckabee just wanted to make sure Katie Ellen Watson was safe, but when the only bridge to her farm is washed out, the two find themselves alone. Alone, that is, until a menacing stranger appears. Maybe by pretending to be newlyweds, they'll save their reputations--but can pretending to be in love turn into the real thing?

Runaway Bride

Hired to help Carrie Halsey escape from a dangerous man intent on making her his wife, Big John Conroy never expected the job to interrupt his solitary Texas Ranger life. But now that he's promised to keep Carrie safe, he discovers he may just want to make a few more promises.

Engaging the Competition

Harrison Gray and tomboy Charlotte Andrews have been rivals for years. With Charlotte intended for someone else, it seems they'll never settle their differences until an accident changes things completely. When Charlotte breaks Harrison's glasses--without which he's nearly blind--she must help with his teaching position, and working together forces these former adversaries to reconsider everything.

"This quartet of authors consistently write with hilarity, warmth and toe-curling romance. Their individual contributions to this entertaining collection hold true to form. Connealy tips her hat to long-time fans with a grin-inducing reunion and clever word-smithing. Witemeyer's ingenious story-within-a story adds even more humor and drama to her contribution. Jennings and Jagears perfectly complete the ensemble with witty tales of friendship and breathless kisses."--RT Book Reviews Top Pick

About the Authors

Karen Witemeyer is a winner of the Carol Award and has been a finalist for the RITA Award and National Readers' Choice Award. She lives with her husband and three children in Abilene, Texas. www.karenwitemeyer.com

Mary Connealy is well-known for her award-winning, bestselling historical romantic comedies. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband and has four grown daughters. www.maryconnealy.com

Regina Jennings is the author of five acclaimed historical romances. She lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children. www.reginajennings.com

Melissa Jagears, author of the Unexpected Brides series, is a homeschooling mother of three little ones on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. Her first novella, Love by the Letter, won the 2014 Carol Award for Best Novella. www.melissajagears.com

AUTHOR MICHELLE MORAN--FASCINATING FEMALES BROUGHT TO VIVID LIFE WITH A COMPELLING BLEND OF HISTORY AND FICTION

Mata Hari's Last Dance: A Novel

From the international bestselling author of Rebel Queen and Nefertiti comes a captivating novel about the infamous Mata Hari, exotic dancer, adored courtesan, and, possibly, relentless spy.

Paris, 1917. The notorious dancer Mata Hari sits in a cold cell awaiting freedom…or death. Alone and despondent, Mata Hari is as confused as the rest of the world about the charges she’s been arrested on: treason leading to the deaths of thousands of French soldiers.

As Mata Hari waits for her fate to be decided, she relays the story of her life to a reporter who is allowed to visit her in prison. Beginning with her carefree childhood, Mata Hari recounts her father’s cruel abandonment of her family as well her calamitous marriage to a military officer. Taken to the island of Java, Mata Hari refuses to be ruled by her abusive husband and instead learns to dance, paving the way to her stardom as Europe’s most infamous dancer.

From exotic Indian temples and glamorous Parisian theatres to stark German barracks in war-torn Europe, international bestselling author Michelle Moran who “expertly balances fact and fiction” (Associated Press) brings to vibrant life the famed world of Mata Hari: dancer, courtesan, and possibly, spy.

"MATA HARI'S LAST DANCE is everything historical fiction should be: a transportive tale of a complex figure, brought to life in lush and evocative language, packed with too-good-to-be-true historical details. Michelle Moran's storytelling is as sumptuous and seductive as the subject herself. Like Mata Hari's spellbound audiences, you'll be cheering bravo."—Allison Pataki, New York Times bestselling author of SISI

"[Mata Hari] is a mysterious character, but Moran manages to formulate a realistic heroine....Readers of historical fiction will note the author’s signature attention to detail; however, the flawed Hari makes this engrossing reading." (Library Journal)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

 

Rebel Queen: A Novel

Nefertiti: A Novel 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleopatra's Daughter: A Novel

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution

  

The world knows Madame Tussaud as a wax artist extraordinaire... but who was this woman who became one of the most famous sculptresses of all time? In these pages, her tumultuous and amazing story comes to life as only Michelle Moran can tell it. The year is 1788, and a revolution is about to begin.

Smart and ambitious, Marie Tussaud has learned the secrets of wax sculpting by working alongside her uncle in their celebrated wax museum, the Salon de Cire. From her popular model of the American ambassador, Thomas Jefferson, to her tableau of the royal family at dinner, Marie's museum provides Parisians with the very latest news on fashion, gossip, and even politics. Her customers hail from every walk of life, yet her greatest dream is to attract the attention of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI; their stamp of approval on her work could catapult her and her museum to the fame and riches she desires. After months of anticipation, Marie learns that the royal family is willing to come and see their likenesses. When they finally arrive, the king's sister is so impressed that she requests Marie's presence at Versailles as a royal tutor in wax sculpting. It is a request Marie knows she cannot refuse - even if it means time away from her beloved Salon and her increasingly dear friend, Henri Charles.

As Marie gets to know her pupil, Princesse Élisabeth, she also becomes acquainted with the king and queen, who introduce her to the glamorous life at court. From lavish parties with more delicacies than she's ever seen to rooms filled with candles lit only once before being discarded, Marie steps into a world entirely different from her home on the Boulevard du Temple, where people are selling their teeth in order to put food on the table.

Meanwhile, many resent the vast separation between rich and poor. In salons and cafés across Paris, people like Camille Desmoulins, Jean-Paul Marat, and Maximilien Robespierre are lashing out against the monarchy. Soon, there's whispered talk of revolution... Will Marie be able to hold on to both the love of her life and her friendship with the royal family as France approaches civil war? And more important, will she be able to fulfill the demands of powerful revolutionaries who ask that she make the death masks of beheaded aristocrats, some of whom she knows?

Spanning five years, from the budding revolution to the Reign of Terror, Madame Tussaud brings us into the world of an incredible heroine whose talent for wax modeling saved her life and preserved the faces of a vanished kingdom

MICHELLE MORAN

Michelle Moran is the international bestselling author of historical novels, including Madame Tussaud, which was optioned for a mini-series in 2011. Her books have been translated into more than twenty languages.

A native of southern California, Michelle attended Pomona College, then earned a Masters Degree from the Claremont Graduate University. During her six years as a public high school teacher, she used her summers to travel around the world, and it was her experiences as a volunteer on archaeological digs that inspired her to write historical fiction.

In 2012 Michelle was married in India, inspiring her seventh book, Rebel Queen, which is set in the East. Her hobbies include hiking, traveling, and archaeology. She is also fascinated by archaeogenetics, particularly since her children's heritages are so mixed. But above all these things, Michelle is passionate about reading, and can often be found with her nose in a good book. A frequent traveler, she currently resides with her husband, son, and daughter in the US.

http://www.michellemoran.com

A FRESH LOOK AT ROMANTIC FICTION FROM AUTHOR SOPHIE MOSS --TIMELESS IN ITS APPEAL

WIND CHIME CAFE  by Sophie Moss

When single mother, Annie Malone, purchases a quirky Main Street cafe on Heron Island, she thinks she's finally turned her dream of opening her own restaurant into a reality. Hearing rumors that a developer is about to build a five-star resort on the sleepy Chesapeake Bay island, she plans to transform the cafe into a premier upscale bistro. But Navy SEAL, Will Dozier, has no intention of selling his grandparents' property to a developer. Back on Heron Island for the first time in ten years and secretly struggling with PTSD, Will decides that a fling with the new girl is the perfect way to help him "get his head straight." The last thing Will expects is to fall in love...with his hometown and with Annie. But Will's life and career are in San Diego with the SEALs. Can Annie's love and the healing magic of the island be enough to convince him to stay?

MY REVIEW:  "Wind Chime Cafe"--what a lovely contemporary romance from author Sophie Moss. I was truly captivated by the setting of Heron Island in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. It's one of those places that you want to preserve and protect and then revel in all the charms it has to offer. I became quite involved with the lead characters, Annie, Will, and Annie's adorable daughter Taylor, and I enjoyed the "extra flavor" added to the story line from the entertaining secondary characters. While dealing with PTSD and other very sensitive and compelling issues, the author manages to balance the dramatic elements of the story line with romance and humor--and such delicious food! With beautifully descriptive writing, this well-paced story draws you in, and you will hear the gentle music of the wind chimes as they sway and sparkle in the breeze. Annie Malone makes a bold move toward a brighter future for herself and her young daughter, Taylor, when she purchases a little cafe in downtown Heron Island. While the cafe has a long way to go before it becomes the chic bistro Annie envisions, the promise of an upscale resort coming to the island brings hopes of booming business. The little building on Main Street will be both a home and a source of income. Will Dozier, a native of Heron Island, has managed to stay away from home for the last decade. His career as a Navy Seal has given him a home base in San Diego, California, and he likes it that way. Back on the island to settle his grandparents' estate and find a suitable new owner for the family home and property, he doesn't plan to stay long, but that's before he meets Annie and Taylor. Against his better judgment, he becomes involved with the beautiful single mother and her sweet little girl, and he soon discovers that he and the child share a tragic bond--they both suffer from PTSD. The more time Will spends in his old home place, the more determined he becomes to make sure the property will be sold to the right owner--one who will care for the home and the land as it has been cared for by five generations of Will's family. The trouble is, his place is the prime prize for the developers of the new resort. If Will doesn't sell, the development won't go through, and people like Annie who set their future hopes on the sale will be greatly disappointed. If he does sell, a way of life could be lost forever along with the natural beauty and ambiance of the island life. Will and Annie both have secrets and issues from their past which will come back to haunt them, and the newfound attraction and emotional attachment blooming between them will be put to the test. Is it just need and desire, or is it something much more? No matter what choice Will makes, what does the future hold for Will, Annie, and Taylor? Can Will and Taylor find healing, and can Annie overcome her greatest fear--confronting Taylor's father? Sophie Moss has written a wonderfully romantic tale, and I look forward to more visits to Heron Island. As a bonus, the author has included a recipe for "Della's Sweet Rolls", irresistible confectionary concoctions that tempt the reader throughout the book!

Review Copy Gratis Author

 

 





















Wind Chime Wedding (A Wind Chime Novel)

 

by Sophie Moss

Second grade teacher, Becca Haddaway, is weeks away from walking down the aisle with her high school sweetheart when she learns that the Heron Island Elementary School is about to be shut down. In the midst of a whirlwind of wedding planning, she launches into a last-ditch effort to save it. But the one man who can help her is determined to make her question every decision she has ever made—including the man she’s about to marry.

 
Former Navy SEAL and son of the current Maryland governor, Colin Foley, is finally starting to feel whole again after losing his leg on a career-ending deployment in Afghanistan. After struggling for months to figure out what to do with his post-military life, he’s found a new mission—opening a rehab center for wounded veterans on the peaceful Chesapeake Bay island. All he needs now is a woman to share his new life with…and he knows exactly who he wants. With a little help from the island’s magical wind chimes, can Colin convince Becca to change her mind before it’s too late?

ALSO BY SOPHIE MOSS: Seal Island Trilogy

THE SELKIE SPELL  by Sophie Moss

In this modern-day fairy tale romance, American doctor Tara Moore's life is transformed when she travels to an enchanted Irish island and discovers she has the power to break a 200 year old curse. At first, Tara laughs off the villagers' speculation that she is descended from a selkie--a magical creature who is bewitching the island. But when a ghostly woman appears to her with a warning, Tara realizes it was more than chance that brought her to this island. Desperate to escape a dark and dangerous past, Tara struggles against a passionate attraction to handsome islander, Dominic O'Sullivan. But the enchantment of the island soon overpowers her and she falls helpless under its spell. Caught between magic and reality, Tara must find a way to wield both when a dangerous stranger from her past arrives, threatening to destroy the lives of everyone on the island.

THE SELKIE ENCHANTRESS  by Sophie Moss

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In this modern-day fairy tale romance, Irish islander, Caitlin Conner, has been in love with professor of Irish folklore, Liam O'Sullivan, for as long as she can remember. But just when he's starting to look at her as more than a friend, a mysterious woman arrives on Seal Island and captures his heart. As Caitlin discovers the truth behind the woman's lies, she realizes Liam is trapped in a dangerous enchantment and the only way to break the spell is to uncover a secret Irish fairy tale that has remained hidden for hundreds of years. But when the petals of a white rose grown in winter start to fall, the legend is set in motion. And Caitlin must find a way to change the ending before the last petal falls.

THE SELKIE SORCERESS  by Sophie Moss

American detective Sam Holt has a knack for finding people who shouldn't be found. When his last case almost killed an innocent woman, he swore off detective work forever. But when that same woman asks him for one last investigation--to find her husband's long lost mother--Sam cannot refuse. Clairvoyant Irish artist Glenna McClure will do anything to stop Sam, even if it means teaming up with a powerful sorceress who she knows she cannot trust. But when the petals of a mysterious night-blooming rose begin to turn black, Glenna realizes that an even darker force is at work. To protect the people she loves, Glenna will have to face a terrible curse that has haunted her all her life before the final petal fades to ash.

SOPHIE MOSS

Sophie Moss is a USA Today bestselling author of four full-length romance novels. She is known for her captivating Irish fantasy romances and heartwarming contemporary romances with realistic characters and unique island settings. As a former journalist, Sophie has been writing professionally for over ten years. She currently lives in San Diego, California, where she's working on her next novel. When she's not writing, she's walking the beach, testing out a new dessert recipe, or fiddling in her garden. Sophie loves to hear from readers. Email her at sophiemosswrites@gmail.com or visit her website sophiemossauthor.com to sign up for her newsletter.