A second chance at love?

Hester Todd hoped never to run into her first love, Rob Peverell, again, until she does just that at the annual Grace-by-the-Sea Harvest Ball. Rob broke her heart seven years ago, sending her flying into the arms of a dashing naval lieutenant instead. Now a widow with a daughter she adores, Hester has finally found a little peace with her past. But one moment in Rob’s company, and her heart begins to whisper of a different future.

A tragedy propelled the rapscallion younger son to the title of viscount, and Rob is struggling to become the man his sister and tenants need. Romance at the moment is out of the question, but Hester always knew the way to his heart. When smugglers once more try to infiltrate the little coastal village, Hester and Rob must find a way to trust each other and protect their families and friends. In doing so, they may find that true love always deserves a second chance.

If you love sweet, witty Regency romances with a touch of adventure, then you’ll love The Lady’s Second-Chance Suitor, the fifth book in a series by an award-winning author.

“Oh, hooray! Another adventure series by Regina Scott.” Among the Reads Review Blog

Return to Grace-by-the-Sea, where romance and adventure come home, today.

About Regina Scott

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she’d learned a bit more about writing. Since then, she’s had published more than 50 clean historical romances. Her books have earned praise from reviewers and readers alike. Booklist calls her work “quietly compelling” and “impeccably written.” Huntress Reviews says, “Regina Scott delivers,” and “I will always buy a book with Regina Scott’s name on it.”

Regina Scott is the author of the American Wonders Collection, set in the history of our national parks, and the Frontier Bachelors series set in pioneer Seattle. She is also the author of more than three dozen sweet historical romances set in Regency England in such series as Grace-by-the-Sea, Fortune’s Brides, Uncommon Courtships, and the Lady Emily Capers. She has twice been awarded best book of the year for her type of story from industry favorite RT Book Reviews. A Distance Too Grand in the American Wonders Collection was named one of the top 10 romances of the year by Booklist.

Regina Scott has learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. She makes her home in the Puget Sound area of Washington State with her beloved husband. Find her online at her website http://www.reginascott.com, the blog she shares with author Marissa Doyle at http://www.nineteenteen.com, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/authorreginascott, and on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/reginascott. Subscribe to her newsletter at https://subscribe.reginascott.com so you’ll always know when a new book is out or on sale.

‘Perhaps it was time to dust off her own dreams again.’

I just love this delightful series by Regina Scott. The little village of Grace-by-the-Sea is the home is some very precious people and I have grown quite fond of them.

This fifth book in the series finds Hester Todd in the position of having to learn to live in the same vicinity as a man she was once enamored with. But he left without a word and she married someone else. Now a widow with a small child, she is determined not to allow him to affect her anymore. Even if he is the new Viscount Peverell.

Regina Scott has dreamed up such a delightful place with a cast of characters that are able to worm themselves into my heart. And they are mighty spunky, too, when threatened! I loved every minute.

My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own.

Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister’s wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again.

After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper’s Cove—the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.

Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.

When an advancing hurricane strands Aiden in Piper’s Cove after the wedding, he finds the hotels booked to capacity and has to ask Sophie to put him up until the storm passes. As the two ride out the weather, old feelings rise to the surface. The delay also leaves Sophie with mere days to get her bookshop up and running. Can she trust Aiden to stick around? And will he find the courage to risk his heart?

‘God, what is going on? Why are You leaving me with the one man who has the power to break me?’

I am a Denise Hunter fan. I never miss one of her books. She is back in the Carolinas for this offering. Sophie and Aiden broke up seven years ago when he left. He was only one of her dreams that were shattered. Now Aiden is back for a wedding and a hurricane strands them together, which forces them to explore their issues.

Beautifully told, Hunter explores hearts that have held long and painful hurts. Hurts which have impacted their lives in many ways. How can they find their way back to each other and healing? Populated with good characters and a poignant story, this is one for the keeper shelf. Recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The explosive true saga of the legendary figure Daniel Boone and the bloody struggle for America’s frontier by two bestselling authors at the height of their writing power–Bob Drury and Tom Clavin.



It is the mid-eighteenth century, and in the 13 colonies founded by Great Britain, anxious colonists desperate to conquer and settle North America’s “First Frontier” beyond the Appalachian Mountains commence a series of bloody battles. These violent conflicts are waged against the Native American tribes whose lands they covet, the French, and finally against the mother country itself in an American Revolution destined to reverberate around the world.

This is the setting of Blood and Treasure, and the guide to this epic narrative is America’s first and arguably greatest pathfinder, Daniel Boone–not the coonskin cap-wearing caricature of popular culture but the flesh-and-blood frontiersman and Revolutionary War hero whose explorations into the forested frontier beyond the great mountains would become the stuff of legend. Now, thanks to painstaking research by two award-winning authors, the story of the brutal birth of the United States is told through the eyes of both the ordinary and larger-than-life men and women, white and red, who witnessed it.

This fast-paced and fiery narrative, fueled by contemporary diaries and journals, newspaper reports, and eyewitness accounts, is a stirring chronicle of the conflict over America’s “First Frontier” that places the reader at the center of this remarkable epoch and its gripping tales of courage and sacrifice. 

About the Authors

BOB DRURY, the recipient of several national journalism awards, is a three-time National Magazine Award finalist as well as a Pulitzer Prize nominee. Drury honed his investigative skills writing for all four New York City newspapers as well as a variety of national publications. His journalism career has arced from sports to crime to adventure travel to foreign correspondence. He is also the author, co-author, or editor of ten non-fiction books, including Valley Forge and Lucky 666.

TOM CLAVIN is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and has worked as a newspaper and web site editor, magazine writer, TV and radio commentator, and a reporter for The New York Times. He has received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and National Newspaper Association. His books include The Heart of Everything That Is and the bestselling Frontier trilogy, Dodge City, Wild Bill and Tombstone. He lives in Sag Harbor, NY. –This text refers to the audioCD edition.

My Rating: 4 Stars!

I have been fascinated with Daniel Boone since I was a girl and read everything about him I could get my hands on. I love history and especially the American frontier.

If you also enjoy history, here is a book rich and full with our early history as well as the life story of an amazing man. Recommended

“My footsteps have often been mixed with blood,” he told Filson. “Two darling sons and a brother have I lost by savage hands. But now I live in peace and safety in this delightful country.”

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Publication Date: April 20, 2021

About The Book:

Keeping her son safe on this epic journey may be harder than she imagined.

Caleb Jackson is on a journey. And not just the mission he and his friends have embarked on to fetch the Nez Perce chief’s runaway daughter. Maybe someday, he could also find God’s plan for his life. He’d once thought being a small town minister was the Lord’s will for him, but he’d proved a failure at living under the scrutiny of his congregation. Yet the chief’s niece and her feisty toddler accompanying them on this expedition make him feel like he might be able to make a difference yet.

Otskai is eager to take on a challenge. She’s lived under the shelter of other’s choices her entire life, especially when she was betrothed to one of the village braves at the tender age of eight. Now with her husband’s death, she’s finally found the freedom she always craved—even with a two-year-old to raise. She’s built her camas root harvest into a thriving trade to provide all she and her son need and more, yet she can’t seem to keep her active child safe. When she agrees to accompany her new friends on a trip to bring back her wayward cousin, she knows she’ll have her hands full managing her boy.

The journey turns out nothing like Otskai expects, and for the first time in her life, she’s thankful to have others around to help. Especially Caleb, whose gentle attentions captivate her son and occupy him for hours at a time. But as the danger escalates and her worst fears come to light, she must find the courage to choose between freedom and a love more liberating than she imagined possible.  

‘Hadn’t he learned by now that, when his heart tugged that strongly, it wasn’t his spirit but God doing the leading?’

I absolutely love history and Misty Beller is so very good at inspirational historical fiction. I have thoroughly been enjoying this Rocky Mountain series so much! This time around it’s Caleb and Oskai’s story. She who is widowed with a small two year old son and who has fears that tangle her at times quite severely. Caleb, who left a pulpit to preach God’s salvation to any who would listen, is determined to show her the love of God. Not only because he loves God but because he loves her. Well done!

Publisher: Wild Hearts Books
Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Can a promise made as kids bring them back together as adults? In this Nantucket-set beach read, “master of the genre” (Midwest Book Review) Courtney Walsh delivers a sparkling inspirational romance about first love and second chances. Twelve years ago, Cody Boggs and Louisa Chambers made a pact that no matter where their lives took them, they’d return to Nantucket Island’s Brant Point Lighthouse on July 30, their shared golden birthday, and continue their tradition of exchanging birthday wishes. But that was before a tragic accident upended both of their lives, irrevocably pulling them apart.

Their worlds collide just months before that particular day when Louisa’s fledgling event planning company is hired by the local Coast Guard station, where she discovers Cody has recently returned to the island as the second in command. As they plan a regatta fundraiser, hoping to promote positive PR in the community, neither can deny the fireworks each encounter ignites. But working together also brings up memories of the day Cody’s father died, revealing secrets that have Cody and Louisa questioning everything they thought they knew and felt about their families and each other.

Courtney Walsh just knows how to plumb the very depths of her characters’ emotions. Louisa and Cody share a birthday and have always shared their birthday wishes at a certain spot on Nantucket. Then a horrible thing happened and Cody left. Now, ten years later, he is back. Is it possible for them to reconnect? Or will past hurts and in forgiveness stand between them?

I had a very hard time putting this down. One thing that will cause me to give up on a book is wooden characters. Not so with the characters created by Walsh. Not even for a minute. Not even the secondary ones. I felt their pain, joy, and deepest feelings. Watching these folks navigate the turbulent waters of the decade long pain and heartbreak was just so difficult and that’s because of the talent of this author. I loved every minute of this book. Well done.

My thanks to Tyndale House for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is my own. 

Soon-to-be new parents Kiera and her husband, Sebastian Gage, have been hoping for a respite from their inquiries, but murder and mayhem have a startling way of dropping into their laps in the all-new historical mystery in this national bestselling series.

Edinburgh, Scotland. March 1832. Kiera and Gage have been eagerly awaiting their bundle of joy but trouble has been brewing in the form of the roguish criminal Bonnie Brock Kincaid. A new book and subsequent play features some of Kincaid’s daringly heinous exploits, although he swears he had nothing to do with it or the characters which are obvious representations of Kiera and Gage. While the scoundrel’s fury seems genuine, as well as his determined quest to uncover the real identity of the author, the Gages still hold doubts about his innocence.

A rash of crimes break out across the city, seemingly inspired by the play and book. When the publisher is found brutally murdered–in an imitation of a gruesome scene–the finger not only points to Bonnie Brock as the possible culprit, but also the Gages, who have been outspoken in their condemnation of the tale. Now, the Gages are on a hunt to unmask the killer. Between the infamy garnered by the play, the cholera outbreak still wreaking havoc throughout the city, and the impending birth of their child, they will need all the resources they can garner.

But family quarrels and the revelation of a secret Kiera has been keeping from Sebastian threaten to undermine everything they have overcome. When they find themselves in the crosshairs of the killer, trapped in the squalid underground vaults of the city, they will soon discover that the truth does not always set you free, and death can lurk around any corner.

About Anna Lee Huber

Anna Lee Huber is the Daphne award-winning author of the national bestselling Lady Darby Mysteries, the Verity Kent Mysteries, the Gothic Myths series, and the forthcoming anthology The Deadly Hours. She is a summa cum laude graduate of Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she majored in music and minored in psychology. She currently resides in Indiana with her family and is hard at work on her next novel. Visit her online at http://www.annaleehuber.com.

I am a huge fan of the Lady Darby Mysteries! This time around, in the ninth book, Anna Lee Huber again brings readers a great experience. Kiera and Gage are greatly anticipating the birth of their first child and are at their home in Edinburgh. There is a cholera outbreak and they are having to be very careful. Then a publisher puts out a book about their friend/nemesis Bonnie Brock Kincaid, a criminal extraordinaire, but a very likeable one. This notorious book also has Kiera and Gage in it, albeit with different names, and it casts quite a huge shadow on their lives. And Kiera is keeping a large secret from Gage, too, and it’s eating at her. Then there is a murder and of course, Gage and Kiera must get to work to solve it.

‘Death is sometimes racing right on your heels.’

I was captivated by Huber’s first book in this series, ‘The Anatomist’s Wife’. These books must be read in order, I’ll say that right up front. Huber takes great pains to delve deep into Kiera’s personality and the reader feels they know her very well.

Incredibly well written and impeccably researched, the books in this series are full and rich and will capture your interest throughout. Huber’s vivid descriptions are one of the things I enjoy most about her books. Well done!

I thank the publisher for a copy of this book. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is solely my own.

Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: April 6, 2021

Former FBI Special Agent Jack Tanner is working as a detective in Montana when he comes across a body in the national forest during a search and rescue mission. He’s committed to finding the killer, even if it means working alongside his old flame, US Forest Service Special Agent Terra Connors.

When Terra discovers that the murder victim had ties to a powerful and dangerous trafficker of archaeological artifacts, the investigation takes a deadly turn–one that hits too close to home. As Terra fears she lacks the courage to face what comes next, Jack is more determined than ever to protect her. But he’s failed her before. And if he fails this time, it will cost them far more than just their hearts.

Join bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth Goddard as she plunges you into a web of deceit made of hidden crimes, open threats, and long-buried family secrets in this gripping first book of an explosive new series.

‘How had he ever walked away from this woman? How many times would he think about what a fool he had been?’

Elizabeth Goddard begins a new series, Rocky Mountain Courage, with this book, and she’s off to a great and exciting start, featuring a mountain plane crash, disappearing pilot, a dead body, ancient artifacts, numerous family secrets, and long-held hurts. Talk about pulse pounding! And some serious guessing as to the culprit’s identity! All my guesses were wrong. She adds layer upon layer, eventually pulling it all together in a dramatic conclusion. Well done! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

My thanks to Revell Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the thoughts in this review are expressly my own.

Molly McKenzie’s bright personality and on-trend fashion and beauty advice have earned her an impressive social media following, as well as a shiny monthly paycheck. When her manager-turned-boyfriend tells her of an upcoming audition to host a makeover show for America’s underprivileged youth, all her dreams finally seem to be coming true. There’s just one catch: she has little experience interacting with people in need.

To gain an edge on her competitors, she applies to volunteer at a transitional program for aged-out foster kids during summer, only the program’s director, Silas Whittaker, doesn’t find her as charming as her followers do. But since forfeiting a goal has never been her style, Molly’s only option is to accept the terms Silas lays out and submit to his rules–even the most ridiculous ones pertaining to social media.  

Soon as the residents of the home become more than a means to pad her career resume, and Silas becomes more than an obstacle on her path to fame, her once-narrow focus expands to include the deep needs of those she’s serving… and perhaps the ones she’s neglected inside herself as well. It took years to build her platform, but only one summer to discover what really matters most.

How do I even begin to write a review for this book? Reading it made my heart smile. I wept through portions of it and nearly prayed for characters are points. I have long enjoyed Nicole Deese’s work, but this was so stunningly profound. God’s hand at work is all over this book.

‘I’m not sure I can say what feeling close to God feels like exactly…..’

I will readily admit that the character of Mollie was not my favorite at first. She seemed a little self absorbed. But sometimes you have to delve below the surface to what lies beneath. She learned some very important lessons in this book and her growth astounded me.

‘I suppose that’s something we all want in life, no matter how old we get, to find that special place where we fit.’

And Silas….well, Silas was just off the page amazing. His love for these kids and for God deeply touched me. I want to be like him. But still, even with his integrity, he could still learn from the Lord.

Ah…how I wanted to be standing there during this book at times! These kids, their mentors, their lives. Deese has written a winner here in every way. This one is destined for the keeper shelf and to be read again and again. I am actually getting teary eyed writing this review. Not to be missed, folks. Powerful and heart moving. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion in this review is expressly my own.

Katherine Parker is on the cusp of having everything she ever wanted–fame, money, and acclaim. So why isn’t she happy? In search of answers, she comes incognito to Hope Harbor on the Oregon coast for some R&R. Maybe in her secluded rental house overlooking the serene Pacific she’ll be able to calm the storm inside.

Coffee shop owner Zach Garrett has found his niche after a traumatic loss–and he has no plans to change the life he’s created. Nor does he want to get involved with his reticent new neighbor, whose past is shrouded in mystery. He’s had enough drama to last a lifetime. But when Katherine and Zach are recruited to help rehab a home for foster children, sparks fly. And as their lives begin to intersect, might they find more common ground than they expected . . . and discover that, with love, all things are possible?

Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon invites you to come home to Hope Harbor–where hearts heal . . . and love blooms.

I love Irene Hannon’s fictional town of Hope Harbor! She has created a wonderful little town and taken her readers there a number of times now. I so very much enjoyed meeting these new characters and getting to see old friends again. Such a precious place. I want to visit and get a fish taco from Charley. I do believe he is an angel unawares. Don’t miss this latest offering in Hannon’s series.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Net Galley. I received no compensation and the opinion here is my own.

Publication Date: April 6m 2021
Publisher: Revell
Buy Link: Blackberry Beach: A Hope Harbor Novel – Kindle edition by Hannon, Irene. Religion & Spirituality Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Book Three in the gripping romantic suspense series from USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble.

A chilling murder.

Chief of Police Jane Hardy plunges into the investigation of a house fire that claimed the life of a local woman as well as one of the firefighters. It’s clear the woman was murdered. But why? The unraveling of Jane’s personal life only makes the answers in the case more difficult to find.

Her son’s arrest.

Then Jane’s fifteen-year-old son is accused of a horrific crime, and she has to decide whether or not she can trust her ex, Reid, in the attempt to prove Will’s innocence—and whether she can trust Reid with her heart.

Her stolen memories.

Three days of Jane’s past are missing from her memory, and that’s not all that has been stolen from her. As she works to find the woman’s murdered and clear her son’s name, finding out what happened in those three days could change everything.

It all started with one little lie. But the gripping truth is finally coming out.

Praise for Three Missing Days:

“Colleen Coble is my go-to author for the best romantic suspense today . . . a stay-up-all-night page turning story!” – Carrie Stuart Parks, bestselling and award-winning author of Relative Silence

• Full length romantic suspense
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs
• Perfect for fans of Allison Brennan, Terri Blackstock, and Dani Pettrey
• Part of the Pelican Harbor series
  • Book One: One Little Lie
  • Book Two: Two Reasons to Run
  • Book Three: Three Missing Days

‘Where was God right now? She couldn’t feel him. Forsaken. That was the feeling rising in her chest.’

Colleen Coble brings us the conclusion to her Pelican Harbor series with this fast-paced novel. Jane Hardy, chief of police in small Pelican Harbor, dives into an investigation of a fire that has claimed two lives. And it’s not accidental. At the same time, Jane’s personal life has taken a most dramatic turn. Her fifteen year old son is arrested for a murder and Jane must trust her ex, Will’s father, with both her heart and to prove Will is not guilty.

‘Can’t you feel it? I sense walls closing in around us, hemming us in, trying to get us to make a mistake.’

Three days are missing from a very traumatic time in Jane’s past and if she could only remember those days, it would go incredibly far in solving both these cases.

Coble has written a best series since her Rock Harbor one with these three books. She creates multiple layers in each book, ramping up the excitement and intrigue every few chapters. She saved the best for last because I had trouble tearing myself away from this story to do life. She ratchets up the suspense, keeping the reader guessing. I did not have a clue who the culprit was, even though I was constantly trying to figure it out. I loved every single minute and Coble brings it to a very special closing. Loved this series so very much. Well done!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers through Net Galley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.