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Showing posts with label Stacy Henrie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stacy Henrie. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Book Review: A Hope Remembered (Of Love and War series Book 3) by Stacy Henrie

This is a lovely, sweet story of renewed hope found through gentle love.
A Hope Remembered (Of Love and War series Book 3)
by Stacy Henrie
  • File Size: 725 KB
  • Print Length: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Forever (March 31, 2015)
  • ASIN: B00LLIIZBG
  • Genre: Historical Romance, WW1
  • My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: March 31, 2015
AS THE WAR ENDS, LOVE BEGINS
Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiance in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But, if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world ...
 After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys' place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight--this time for love.


Review:
Nora Lewis lost her parents and now has lost her fiancé in WW1. She is resigned to her future alone on her Idaho farm until she receives news that she has inherited a sheep farm in England.
She decides that God has provided this so she sells the farm and moves to England to find a new start. Nora is soon struck by the handsome looks and kind charm of her neighbor, Colin, who helps her locate and settle safely into her new property.

Colin is more than gracious considering he is the aristocratic heir of the largest estate in the community. Colin is a second son and had not expected to become the heir. He and his brother were pilots in the War but Christian died and Colin survived. Before his death, Christian had Colin promise to take care of the family estate if anything happened to him. Now their father has explained that the family has money problems and Colin must help by marry a wealthy heiress and obtaining Nora’s land for a hotel investment. Colin is torn between the new friendship and feelings he has for Nora and the promise and duty he has to his family.

Nora never expected to find new dreams for love and family but she senses she could fall for Colin. She has forged ahead in the community to take her place among the sheep herders and she is pleased that she has been readily accepted. Except that several people seem to confuse her with someone named Eleanor, whom she never knew. Also, someone wants her gone and is causing destruction to her home and garden to try to scare her away.

There is an obvious conflict of hearts and trust for both the lead characters. The two light mysteries, the mistaken identity and the threats, add interest to the story. The setting is rich and beautifully portrayed with details of the green countryside, sheep herding and even an ancient castle. The romance is sweet and develops in spite of the reluctance and fear of the participants. I especially enjoyed Nora’s strong determination and faith that was picked up by Colin when he most needed it.

I enjoyed the book although I didn’t feel completely pulled in as I did by Hope Rising, Book 2 in the series. Still it is a lovely read and I do recommend this series for those who like clean, sweet romance in a strong historical setting.

I received this book from Hachette/Forever through NetGalley for blog tour and an honest review. It qualifies for NetGalley Challenge.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Feature and Giveaway: A Hope Remembered by Stacy Henrie

Book 3 in Of Love and War Trilogy

A HOPE REMEMBERED:
The final book in Stacy Henrie's sweeping Of Love and War trilogy brings to life the drama of battle torn Europe with emotion, faith, and of course, romance.
As the war ends, love begins . . .
Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiancé in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world . . . After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys' place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight-this time for love.
Buy Links:
IndieBound - http://bit.ly/1Hy9JBC 
GooglePlay - http://bit.ly/1CVLvnc 

About Stacy Henrie:


Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator. Her first novel, Lady Outlaw, released from Harlequin Love Inspired Historical in 2012.
Stacy's SM:
@StacyHenrie

EXCERPT:
    With a glare at both of them, Jack smashed his cap on his head and stalked from the room. He proceeded to slam the door behind him, but it hit the doorframe and bounced open instead.
    Nora pushed out a sigh. “You didn’t have to be rude. Jack’s been very helpful to me this past week.” Maybe a bit too much. But she didn’t voice that thought. Colin needed no further ammunition against Jack.
    “I’m sure he has,” Colin muttered, his expression as dark as his eyes.
    Nora pinned him with a piercing look.
    “You’re right.” He finished buttoning his cuffs and slipped on his vest. “That was ungentlemanly of me.”
    She ignored his reference to her joke at their first meeting as she put away the corn starch and closed the cupboard. It was easier to keep her heart firmly locked if she held onto her disapproval of Colin’s behavior. Plus it would also stop her from wondering what he’d been about to say before Jack’s arrival.
    “How may I redeem myself?” he asked as he pulled on his jacket. The amusement tugging at his mouth contradicted his contrite tone.
    Nora folded her arms, contemplating a suitable penance. “I think your punishment needs to be two-fold.”
    “Very well.” He nodded. “What is your sentence?”
    “First, you must join me for choir rehearsal at the church tomorrow morning.”
    The mirth drained from his face. “Nora.” His voice held a note of warning. “That is entirely—”
    “Second, you and Perseus can give me a tour around the lake. I’ve already been here a week and haven’t even seen all of it.”
    Colin scowled. “A walk around the lake would be acceptable. But the choir rehearsal . . .”
    “Please, Colin.” She hazarded a step toward him, hoping he’d relent. “I sang with them last Sunday and they need more male voices.”
    She had another reason for wanting him there. Everyone had been kind at rehearsal and at church the following day, but Nora still felt uncomfortable with the continued references to her likeness to Eleanor. Apparently their similarities also included their singing voices. With Colin at the rehearsals, she wouldn’t feel as awkward. She was beginning to think he was the only person in Larksbeck who hadn’t known Eleanor.
    Colin’s brow knit in obvious annoyance, while Nora held her breath. Would he accept her proposal? Finally resignation settled over his countenance. “I’ll go, but only once.” He held up a single finger. “Once,” he repeated. “I make no promises after that.”
    Grateful, she breached the remaining space between them and put her hand on his sleeve. “I agree to those terms.” She couldn’t hide her smile as she added, “Be careful, though, we might make a regular choir member out of you yet.”
    Instead of the light laugh she expected, Colin solemnly watched her. Though he didn’t touch her, she felt as powerless to release his sleeve as if he’d detained her hand. She couldn’t step away—his nearness drew her in like the promising warmth of a fire after being out in a storm.
    “You know,” he murmured, his voice low, “you are rather charming when you jest like that.”
    Nora’s pulse stuttered to a stop, then sped up again like a train gaining speed. She tried to remember why she’d been angry with him, tried to remember why she couldn’t allow anything more than friendship to blossom between them. But she couldn’t concentrate on any one thought, except for the growing desire to touch the hint of dark bristles covering his jaw.
    Colin studied her lips as Jack had done last week, but this moment couldn’t be more different. A part of her, one growing more insistent by the second, actually wanted Colin to kiss her. How long had it been since she’d last felt the press of masculine lips against hers?
    Not since before Tom left.
    The memory crashed over her with all the effect of an ocean wave. She felt suddenly ill and cold. Releasing Colin’s sleeve, she stepped back, crossing her arms over her chest for warmth.
    Forgive me, Tom.
    She’d done nothing wrong, but even entertaining the idea of Colin kissing her felt like a betrayal. Her heart could never belong to anyone else. And yet, in this moment, the past felt more like a burden than a boon.
    “I’ll . . . uh . . . just get my sweater, then we can go on that walk.” Nora went to pull the garment off its usual peg. Her hands shook slightly as she slipped the sweater on over her blouse. “Ready?”
    A flicker of emotion gleamed in Colin’s dark eyes. Was it disappointment? Frustration? Would he forgive her abruptness or understand the source of her pain? As quickly as it had come, though, the sentiment faded and Colin shot her a carefree grin. “After you, fair lady.”
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Friday, December 26, 2014

Book Review: A Christmas Hope (Of Love and War) by Stacy Henrie

This is a charming historical romance novella.
  • File Size: 331 KB
  • Print Length: 133 pages
  • Publisher: Forever Yours (December 2, 2014)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
  • ASIN: B00M7D0E2M
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 2, 2014
In this special holiday novella, Stacy Henrie returns to the World War I setting of her Of Love and War series for a heartwarming read that's perfect for the Christmas season.
TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES
Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy.
Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.


Review:
Maria left home heartbroken over an unrequited love. She was looking for a new start and was fortunate to get a position as a bank clerk in Sioux City working under a kind manager. She has worked hard and earned the respect of the people and her work peers. She is intent on not giving her heart again until she is certain her feelings are returned.

Dale Emerson trained as a surgeon and went off to France to help at the war hospitals. He was glad to do his work helping others until bomb schrapnel took out one eye. He is frustrated when he returns home to Sioux City to take over the bank management from his sick Uncle. Dale doesn’t think he has much to offer now that he can no longer serve in the prestigious position of a surgeon.

These two meet at the bank with a misunderstanding to set things on a wrong foot. Slowly a friendship grows but both are tentative. Further misunderstandings and delay in speaking cause conflict that threatens their relationship. Can they reach beyond their past dissapointments, hurts and fears to find a new start together?

This is a sweet, warm story with two very likable and vulnerable characters. The relationship grows naturally, with misunderstandings, fits and starts. I enjoyed the WWI social and war history that the author portrays as the setting to the romance. I also liked the gentle reminders of faith and forgiving one's own mistakes.  This is a quick, easy read and I do recommend this author for lovely, clean, historical romance.

I received this from Forever through NetGalley for an honest review.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Hope Rising (Of Love and War) by Stacy Henrie

This is a beautiful, warm romance that provides hope in a war setting and a faith-based message for any setting.
Hope Rising (Of Love and War)
by Stacy Henrie

  • File Size: 605 KB
  • Print Length: 353 pages
  • Page Numbers Source ISBN: 145559881X
  • Publisher: Forever (December 16, 2014)
  • Sold by: Hachette Book Group
  • ASIN: B00JJ320YS
  • Genre: Historical Romance, Christian, Inspirational
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0


Book Description
Publication Date: December 16, 2014
FROM A GREAT WAR, SPRINGS A GREAT LOVE
In France at the height of World War I, American nurse Evelyn Gray is no stranger to suffering. She's helped save the life of many a soldier, but when she learns her betrothed has been killed, her own heart may be broken beyond repair. Summoning all her strength, Evelyn is determined to carry on-not just for herself and her country, but for her unborn child.

Corporal Joel Campbell dreams of the day the war is over and he can return home and start a family. When a brutal battle injury puts that hope in jeopardy, Joel is lost to despair . . . until he meets Evelyn. Beautiful, compassionate, and in need of help, she makes an unconventional proposal that could save their lives-or ruin them irrevocably. Now, amidst the terror and turmoil of the Western Front, these two lost souls will have to put their faith in love to find the miracle they've been looking for.


Review:
Evelyn broke nursing rules by getting involved with Ralph, a soldier on leave. Ralph returned to the front lines before Evelyn discovered she was pregnant. Evelyn continues her dedicated work in the French hospital while dealing with sickness, fatigue and waiting for the time when Ralph will fullfill his promise to do the right thing and marry her.

Corporal Joel Campbell and his best friend, Ralph, are injured on the frontline. Ralph doesn’t survive but his last words are calling Evelyn’s name. Joel opens his eyes in the hospital to meet Evelyn.

Evelyn is in more turmoil having lost the man she loved and hoped to marry. She is afraid her condition will be discovered and she will be sent home. She has no idea how to explain her situation to her grandparents.

Joel guesses her circumstances after a few encounters. Evelyn learns that Joel’s injuries may leave him alone instead of having a full family and farm like he was raised with had dreamed of. As Joel and Evelyn begin to develop a friendship she thinks that perhaps they can help each other. Unfortunately Joel initially takes umbrage at her proposal. Then he decides they should take time to get to get to know each other better and then make a decision.

Evelyn and Joel help a local young boy, Louis, who does chores for an extra meal. Evelyn is teaching Louis and his friends to read while Joel shares his love of bird watching with Louis. There are other enjoyable characters like the surgeon Evelyn works with and her roommate.

This story shows a view of World War I that is realistic and provides a slice of hope in a setting of tragedy and loss. The characters are warm and the romance is sweat and engaging. The writing flows well and even the grimness of war is handled with a gentle tone. I loved the faith foundations that supported the characters and helped them to see that God's plans are not our plans but can provide something wonderful even if unexpected.

I totally enjoyed the read and look forward to reading the novella, A Christmas of Hope, which I will review next week. It is likely I will pick up the first book in this series, Hope at Dawn, too. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy a clean, historical romance with a sound faith message.

I received this from Forever, through NetGalley, for an honest review and part of blog tour.



Tis the season for second chances…
Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy. Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.


About Stacy Henrie
Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations from Brigham Young University and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator.

Stacy’s SM:

Buy links for HOPE RISING:
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1pnwQLn 
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1GkP98a 
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1E5Ee0Y 

Buy links for A CHRISTMAS HOPE:
Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1yc6kCA 
Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1sl3ChF 
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1Bt9d5r 

Excerpt:

     Evelyn lowered her gaze to the root she’d tripped over rather than continue to stare at her gallant rescuer. “It’s mostly Louis and Pierre who’ve been interested in reading, but they’ve caught on well.” She slid a few more inches away from him, finagling her feet around the gnarled roots. Breathing was difficult with Joel so close.
     He shifted to lean his shoulder against the tree trunk. “Is something wrong?”
     She pressed her lips together and shook her head. “Are you angry at me? For coming over to the group, instead of staying away like we talked about?” Evelyn flicked a glance at those hazel eyes.
     “No, not at all.”
     Silence reigned for several heartbeats, then she felt his finger beneath her chin. He gently prodded her head upward until she had to look at him. Her stomach flip flopped as she peered fully into his handsome face. Light fuzz covered his chin and jaw. He needed another shave. A strange, irrational thought that she must be the one to do it filled her mind.
     “Are you afraid of something, Evelyn?”
     You.
     She kept the word sealed inside as her thoughts spiraled like a tornado. What if he didn’t reciprocate these growing feelings? What if he decided not to marry her next week? There’d been times over the last few days when she thought Joel was beginning to soften toward her, even like her. She’d notice a lingering look from him or a smile, but they would disappear as quickly as they came and his manner would return to its usual, kind aloofness. Perhaps she ought to be asking him a similar question. What was he afraid of?
     “I’m fine, really.” She swallowed hard. “Just a bit tired is all.”
     Instead of releasing her chin as she expected, Joel lowered his gaze to her mouth. The rush of sound in Evelyn’s ears grew as thunderous as a windstorm.
     Was he going to kiss her? Should she let him?
     She wanted him to kiss her, had dreamt of this moment She held her breath as Joel leaned forward. Closing her eyes, she waited for his lips to reach hers. Would his kiss be as glorious as she’d imagined? Or better? She felt his breath brush her chin, sending her stomach into another frenzy of flutters.
     The sudden blare of horns dropped like a bomb into the quiet of the trees, obliterating their shared moment. Evelyn opened her eyes and turned toward the hospital. “More wounded soldiers.”
     Joel straightened, robbing her of the warmth of his closeness. “Which means more surgeries.”
     His disappointed tone had her hopes soaring heavenward again. Did it mean he cared? “Yes, it does. Will you watch after Louis for me?”
     “I don’t profess to be as good a teacher as you, but I’ll try.”
     “Thank you.”
     She turned to go, but Joel caught her hand, stopping her retreat.
     “Evelyn?”
     “Yes?” She wished she didn’t sound so breathless.
     Wished she didn’t have to leave him.
     He released her hand to brush her cheek with his thumb, heating her skin with the tender touch. “Good luck.”

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