Review: Mr. Shipley's Governess by Joanne Troppello

Review by Jenni.

Sebastian Shipley is a businessman, widower and an over-protective father of a young girl whose health prevents her from attending school. Seeking to find a tutor for Anastasia, Sebastian places an ad, praying that the right person will come into their lives.

Sophie Baird is still mourning the recent loss of her parents but answers a newspaper ad for a live-in tutor, hoping for a change of scenery and the time to heal. Practically hired on the spot, Sophie begins to get settled in her new home (which happens to be a huge, beautiful mansion) and finds her charge to be the perfect, proficient student. As Sophie and Ana grow closer as friends, the story gathers speed on a trek that aims to redirect Sophie’s heart toward trusting God. But while Sebastian sees Sophie as an answer to his prayers for Ana, he realizes that God may be offering him a second chance at love at the same time.

Drama begins to unfold when Ana’s health takes a turn for the worse while Sebastian is on business in Europe. But when Sebastian’s life becomes threatened as he makes his way home, will he trust God to watch over Ana and Sophie until he can make it home safely? And will Sophie find the strength to trust God to see her through the challenges she faces with caring for Ana and a growing attraction to her employer?

Mr. Shipley's Governess is a sweet and comforting contemporary story that I really enjoyed. It has a fast-paced, easy flow that keeps the pages turning with some nice twists and turns but, as a result, lacks any real depth with regard to detail. The story’s editing also lacks a spit-shine polish (i.e. pairing one character’s movement with another character’s dialogue in the same paragraph, or not designating enough dialogue) which might confuse readers a bit. Some passages I needed to reread a time or two to keep the characters straight. But all that aside, the story reads a lot like a period piece thanks to a lavish setting and travels to England and Ireland. A few mild innuendos add to the fun and romantic tension between Sebastian and Sophie as we watch their friendship build into a touching romance. Sebastian’s romantic side is sure to make readers sigh with a smile.

While definitely a romance with moderate inspirational tones, this story did not strike me as being too preachy, nor too heart-wrenchingly tragic, which is often my gripe within spirational fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it to those looking for a nice, cozy and comforting romantic read.

My rating: 8 – Definitely on my keeper shelf

Purchase Links

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Review: Enemy Lover by Karin Harlow

Review by Jen

Karin sent me this book to review when she visited the blog last spring.  Now I read the book almost immediately after receiving it, but for some reason never got the review written (I blame getting overwhelmed with the blog, lol).  So here's a review nearly a year overdue.


Blurb from the back cover:
When you have no alternative, then you call in L.O.S.T. Because with the Last Option Special Team, it’s do or die. . . .
It’s Jax Cassidy’s first mission for L.O.S.T.—one that will give the former cop who went rogue a chance to prove herself. Her assignment: gain the trust of assassin Marcus Cross . . . eliminate him . . . then take down Marcus’s mentor, Joseph Lazarus, a man with a bold eye on the White House. But the woman who’s known by her team for being a femme fatale succumbs to passion, only to discover Cross’s deadly secret. He’s a vampire, and Joseph Lazarus is his creator.

Left for dead by his platoon in the violent hills of Afghanistan, Special Ops sniper Marcus Cross was given a second chance at life. His newly heightened skills make him the perfect killing machine, and as Lazarus’s right-hand man, he’s quickly rising to the top of his dark empire, purging enemies with speed and precision. Only when dangerous beauty Jax Cassidy is sent to bring him in does he begin to question Lazarus’s motives and his own actions. But when Jax’s life is threatened by the one thing that can destroy them both, Marcus must make a bitter choice—her death or his.

I loved this book.  I devoured every word and my first thought when finishing was "when is the next book in this series coming out?" (I happened to look today, Enemy Mine will be released August 30!).  From reading the back cover, I wasn't sure exactly what I was getting myself into.  Is this a paranormal, or a romantic suspense?  Well, it's definitely both, with more emphasis on the suspense... the paranormal part just seems secondary, although crucial.

I found myself intrigued by the "mercenary" group Karin created with L.O.S.T. and those members who have found their way to working for them.  The political undertones mixed with this highly secretive group for hire lends itself to so many stories.  And when you add in a paranormal twist, your options are just limitless.  I can't wait to see where Karin takes the staff of L.O.S.T in future books.

But, back to Enemy Lover.  Jax is a complex character and she is well developed over the course of the novel.  You care about her and ache for her to achieve justice in the end.  While I didn't find Marcus quite as interesting, I did want to see him receive peace (and a happy ending).  And the chemistry between the two... well, I'm shocked that my book didn't burst into flames.

After skimming the book to refresh my memory (other than remembering so clearly that I enjoyed it), I'm finding myself wanting to re-read... which is about the highest praise I can give a book as I rarely want to do it.

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Review: Texas Blue by Jodi Thomas

Reviewed by Jen
Book provided by author for review

Lewt Paterson is a thriving gambler, but  is looking for something more real in his life.  He decides that he needs a rich wife and when he hears his friend talk about trying to marry off his cousins, Lewt thinks this might be the answer to his situation.  When he arrives at Whispering Mountain Ranch as one of the suitors there to woo the cousins, he find that he is more drawn to the female ranch hand, Em.

Emily McMurray doesn't want to get married, so she persuades a friend to pretend to take her place entertaining the suitors.  But when Lewt decides to spend more and more time with her, learning about the ranch, Em isn't sure what to do with the unfamiliar feelings assaulting her.

Texas Blue is part of Jodi Thomas' Whispering Mountain series.  Even though I've not read any of the other books, this one is book 5, I found myself intrigued with this little corner of Texas that Ms Thomas has carved out and the family that has settled there. The book stands alone quite well, but characters from previous book (and likely future ones) do make their appearances (or at least are well mentioned).

Lewt and Emily both had scarred childhoods, and it's interesting to see how it effects them in adulthood and colors how they see the world and the opposite sex.  I like how Ms Thomas really develops the friendship between the characters as the foundation of their relationship instead of just focusing on the attraction.

This book made me cry numerous times.  And I also found it to be a page turner when the action (involving a rescue mission to Mexico) picked up in the second half.  I recommend this book and am going to be finding myself copies of earlier books in the series as my interest as been piqued.

We're giving away a copy of Texas Blue over on Jodi's promo, found here. The contest ends April 10.

Purchase Links

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Interview with Stacy-Deanne

Jen: This week we welcome Stacy-Deanne to Romancing the Book.  Stacy-Deanne, will you please share a short bio with us?

Stacy-Deanne: My pleasure! I was born, raised and reside in Houston, Texas. I've been writing professionally for thirteen years. I mainly write crime and mystery novels with interracial romance subplots. I also write humorous stories and family dramas. My favorite genres are crime, mystery, interracial romance and historical romance. I'm single, have no kids and I consider myself a proud introvert.

Jen: Tell us about Giving up the Ghost and where it's available.

Stacy-Deanne: I'm excited that the book is now on Kindle and Nook! And was just released in print on April first. This is my fourth book and the first installment in my interracial romantic suspense series. The main characters, Bree and Steven are detectives who appeared in my '08 crime/mystery novel, Melody.

Jen: At what age did you discover writing and when were you first published? Tell us your call story.
Stacy-Deanne: It really was a calling because I never intended to be a writer. I always had a wonderful imagination but didn't start writing books until I was nineteen. I got my first computer and from that point on, I fell in love with the written word. Something opened up inside of me. My first published book was Divas of the New Millennium in 2005. It's the only book I've written that wasn't fiction. It helped open the door to get my fiction work published and helped me build a name.

Jen: Describe your writing in three words.

Stacy-Deanne: Thrilling, colorful and mouth-dropping

Jen: How do you approach your writing? Do you plot or go with the flow?

Stacy-Deanne: I wouldn't say I outline exactly but yeah, I plot my scenes. It's easier for me that way. I include tons of twists in my books and plotting helps me stay up on things. I would also be a little lost because it's hard to keep up with a suspenseful plot without an aid. I have to make sure I lay out just enough details but in the right places and at the right time. Plotting keeps me focused. I also find that it protects against Writers Block. If I plot things out ahead of time, I always know where I'm going.

Jen: Have you noticed your writer's voice has changed over the years due to your experience? If so, how?

Stacy-Deanne: Nah I don't believe my voice has changed. I don't think a writer's voice ever changes. A writer's voice is their fingerprint. It's what makes them unique. I'd say that my writing has improved, definitely. I'd say my viewpoint has changed on some things but my voice is the same. I still express in my writing the way I always did. I'm glad. I wouldn't want to lose what makes me special.

Jen: Do you feel as if the characters live with you as you write? Do they haunt your dreams?

Stacy-Deanne: Oh yes. My characters constantly stay with me when I'm writing a particular book. I think about them night and day. They even infringe on my free time, LOL. I can be watching television or doing something totally outside of writing and a scene will pop into my head that I can't wait to start writing. But I love my characters and it brings me pleasure to spend time with them. I like spending time with them more than I do real people.

Jen: Is there a genre that you'd like to write? Is there a genre you'll probably stay away from and why?

Stacy-Deanne: Oh I could definitely do horror. People say that my books scare them because of my villains but I've never done a full-fledged horror book. I'd love to and feel I got the chops. What I wouldn't write is erotica or anything paranormal. It's just not my thing. I don't care for anything in the paranormal genre because I don't like werewolves, vampires, monsters, etc. As for erotica, it's just not my style. But I don't mind reading erotica sometimes. *grins*

Jen: If you could travel back in time for one year, what time and place would you choose? And if you could only take 3 things with you, what would they be?

Stacy-Deanne: I'd travel back to any place in time when my mother was still living. I lost her in late 2006 to Leukemia. As for what I'd take with me I'd say my heart, soul and my arms to hold her tight. If I did have the power to do anything, it would be to spend another day with her.

Jen: What did you do to celebrate your first book?

Stacy-Deanne: LOL! I screamed for ten minutes then I went back to writing another book.

Jen: What's the most interesting comment you have received about your books?

Stacy-Deanne: “Thanks for making it where I gotta check my doors and can't turn the lights off.” LOL! A fan said that.

Jen: What's next for you?

Stacy-Deanne: I have tons of things on the horizon. The Season of Sin which is book two in my series will be released late 2011. After that I have more books in the series done and some standalones. It's up to my pub on the arrangements of when things will be released but The Season of Sin is definitely next so watch out! I hope to have two or maybe three more releases in 2012.

Jen: Where can you be found on the web?

Stacy-Deanne: Everywhere! LOL! You can find me on Facebook (look me up!). I'm also on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/stacydeanne), but I hardly go on Twitter to be honest. Your best bet is catching me on Facebook if you wanna connect or contacting me through my site: http://www.stacy-deanne.net/

Jen: Is there anything you'd like to ask our readers?

Stacy-Deanne: Not ask but threaten and demand they get my book and follow this series! LOL! I'd also like to thank you and them for this lovely opportunity. Check out the links below to find my book on Nook and Kindle as well as the free sample. I've also created a website dedicated to the series so click on the link to learn more!

Remember, the book will be in print April 1!
Free Sample can be found at: http://www.stacy-deanne.net/files/Giving_up_the_Ghost_Free_Sample.pdf.  And to get an inside look inside the series visit the new Bree and Steven Series site.

Purchase Links

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New Releases for the Week of April 3

Each week we highlight some of the books that are being released during the coming week.  If you'd like for us to feature your upcoming release, email us at promo.bookblog@gmail.com.  Include the book blurb or a trailer, along with information on where the book can be purchased.  If it is not available via Amazon, please also include a .jpg of the cover.

And now, here are this week's highlighted releases:


From the USA Today bestselling author of Sweet Temptation, a new novel of opposites attracting-and igniting.

There is nothing Connor Malone wants to do less than babysit the outrageous and out-of-control pop star Lyric Jones. But part of him relishes taming the celebratty songstress and showing her what it's like to be possessed-body and soul-by one man. And though Lyric's crazy antics nearly drive Connor to the edge, his quiet intensity penetrates her defenses, leaving them both vulnerable to the secrets that could topple Lyric from the stage.

Purchase Links

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New York Times bestseller Christina Dodd’s newest historical matches a proper English governess with a rebel prince....

Lovely Victoria Cardiff is very prim, very strict, very sure that England is the only civilized place in the world.

She’s about to find out she’s right.

Only Victoria knows the truth about dashing, dissolute, dangerous Saber Lawrence—that he is a renegade prince plotting to seize control of his country. To ensure her silence, Saber kidnaps Victoria and carries her away to his castle deep in the woods. There they hide the truth about their past: a glittering ball, angry words, a passionate kiss. He vows to vanquish her reserve … but soon finds an English governess is not so easily seduced …

Between persuasion and passion, they realize that only together can they defeat the enemies determined to destroy them. But will Saber discover too late that a woman’s heart is a treasure more priceless than any kingdom?
 

Purchase Links

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From Publishers Weekly

McCarthy's fans won't be disappointed by this fast-paced, steamy contemporary, the fourth installment of the Fast Track series (after 2010's Hot Finish). A 10-minute conversation clears up 10 years worth of heartache and regrets between former first loves Kendall Holbrook and Evan Monroe. Now both professional NASCAR drivers racing for the same team, with rookie Kendall striving to prove herself and Evan attempting to overcome a disappointing season, the reunited lovers don't make any wrong turns on their way to the bedroom. There are few tangible obstacles to their relationship, but Kendall must learn to trust her feelings for Evan, no matter what. McCarthy writes compelling characters and folds in plenty of humor as well as entertaining cameos by charismatic couples from previous books in the series.
 

Purchase Links

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From Publishers Weekly

After her boyfriend and business partner leaves her, Manhattan art dealer Francesca Thayer is forced to take in boarders in order to save her beloved home. In short order, she rents out rooms to Eileen, a young teacher; Marya, a famous chef; and Chris, an attractive single father. They all become close friends, but their lives remain chaotic. Eileen falls in love with tattooed men, Marya has a persistent, married suitor, and Chris gains full custody of his son as his ex-wife becomes increasingly erratic. Along the way, Francesca stops worrying about what might have been, and becomes more involved in the world around her-romances, plumbing problems, and all. While addressing the recession, the lethal danger of Internet dating, and the evils of drug abuse, Steel keeps the tone gentle and soothing in this warm, cozy tale about the triumph of love, friendship, and second chances.
 

Purchase Links

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Gambling man Lewton Paterson wants to marry into a respectable family, even if it costs him his friendship with Duncan McMurray. After fleecing a train ticket from one of the three gentlemen picked to call on Duncan's cousins, Lewt makes his way to Whispering Mountain. But seducing a well-bred woman is harder than Lewt thought, and he realizes that to entice a McMurray sister, he'll need to learn a thing or two about ranching and love.
 

Purchase Links

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Guest: Jodi Thomas

Thank you for inviting me in for a visit. I’m very excited about my new book, Texas Blue. I began my writing career with historical romance and will always love them. There is something about stepping into the past. The history is so rich, the land so wild, but it is the people in my stories that I always fall in love with. They are men and women molded by their surroundings.

In Texas Blue, I pulled from a real legend often told by the Texas Rangers. A small handful of rangers rode across the border into Mexico one night. They were following a group of outlaws who were raiding ranches. When the rangers realized the odds were not with them, they did the only thing left to do…they bluffed.

My character, Duncan ‘Duck’ McMurray rides along with the rangers in my story. He’s just said goodbye to his best friend in Austin, a gambler who only dreams of settling down.

Duncan goes to fight for Texas, but Lewt Patterson, a gambler by trade, plans to use the time Duncan is away to court one of his rich cousins. Lewt knows Duncan would never introduce him to his family at Whispering Mountain so he plans to pick the cousin he wants, get her to fall in love and, if possible, marry her before he has to face Duncan.

Lewt learns a great deal about life and the man he was meant to be as he falls truly in love for the first time and gambles it all on love.


I loved writing Texas Blue. It flew. Now and then I find a story that I catch myself working later on because I can’t wait to get to the next scene. Most nights I tell myself I have to stop and get some sleep, but with this story I would keep going just one more hour, just a few more pages and I hope you will do the same when you read Texas Blue.

Thanks again for allowing me to visit. I wish you all many hours of pleasure in reading. Isaac Asimov was once asked what he would do if he knew the world would end in fifteen minutes. He said, “Write faster.” As I’m working on my 34th book I’m afraid I’d have to say the same.

Blessings to you all,
Jodi Thomas

Jodi Thomas is the NY Times and USA Today best-selling author of 31 novels and 8 short story collections. As of July 2006, she was the 11th woman to be inducted in to RWA Hall of Fame. She is also currently serving as the Writer in Residence at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas.  She can be found at
http://www.jodithomas.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor

Purchase Links

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And last, we have a copy of Texas Blue to give away to a random commenter.  To enter, you first must leave a question or comment for Jodi.  Then to cpomplete your entry, you need to leave your email address in your comment or send a message to admin.bookblog@gmail.com.  Due to shipping costs, the copy of the book will only be sent to US residents.  If the winner lives outside the US, a $5 gift card to Amazon.com will be substituted.  The winner will be chosen on Sunday, April 10.