Tag: Jennifer Moore

Blog Tour and Review: Healing Hazel

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by Jennifer Moore

Publisher : Covenant Communications (September 8, 2022)
Language : English
ISBN-10 : 1524422185
ISBN-13 : 978-1524422189

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A Victorian Romance


Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.


With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. Jim Jackson, a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.

Hazel Thornton can have an unassuming personality, but she cares so deeply for others and wants to help them. She is still in training to be a nurse, but after a train accident on the way to see her father for Christmas, her skills are required in full force.

Despite the fact that Hazel suffers from panic attacks, she rarely lets it stop her from doing what needs to be done. Her profession is very high stress and every second matters, yet Hazel powers through. She also finds herself in a country where she doesn’t speak the language and her friends are incapacitated. So much is going against Hazel, yet she maintains her positive attitude and stays strong.

Dr. Jim Jackson is an American doctor working with the Red Cross. He can come across as having a gruff exterior, but he also wants to heal people.

Hazel and Jim had a slow and quiet relationship. They were attracted to each other right away, but due to the circumstances, their relationship stayed more on a professional level.

This story is much more than their romance. I really like reading about the events that took place in this story, and I love the friendship of the women in the Blue Orchid Society.

While this is part of The Blue Orchid Society series, and we get to see some scenes with the other members, this book can very easily be read as a standalone.

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Blog Tour and Review: Where Dreams Meet

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by Jennifer Moore, Renae Weight Mackley, Carolyn Twede Frank, Carla Kelly

Publisher : Covenant Communications (June 30, 2022)
Language : English
ISBN-10 : 1524421529
ISBN-13 : 978-1524421526

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To Love a Spy
by Jennifer Moore

New York, 1781
Despite her family’s betrayal of the Crown, Susannah Partridge remains loyal to the king. But when she becomes embroiled in the treasonous activities of her charming neighbor, Eli Matthews, Susannah must determine where her allegiance truly lies.


Southern Belle, Yankee Heart
by Renae Weight Mackley


Richmond, 1861
The Union is splintering, and Northern dressmaker Rebecca Steed finds herself stuck in the South with little money and even less hope. But being stranded in Virginia comes with an unexpected silver lining in the form of Nathan Hill, a man whose opposition to slavery and determination to do what is right quickly win her affection. But how can she give her heart to a soldier who may never come back from the war?


Where Dreams Meet
by Carolyn Twede Frank

New York, 1892
When Jane O’Shea arrives at Ellis Island from Ireland, she has nothing but a desire to make her way in the world. With help from Peter Dockery, a gentle stranger, Jane embarks on her new life. As the couple faces seemingly insurmountable odds, they discover that adversity is better faced alongside the one you love.


The Sun, Moon, Stars, and You
by Carla Kelly

Washington, DC, 1905
Nothing could have prepared Lieutenant Hank Thornton for his new post in Washington, DC. As a military aide to President Teddy Roosevelt in the White House, Hank is to be nothing more than a dashing dance partner at various political events. It isn’t until he meets Minnie Gallagher, an intrepid copy corrector at a local paper, that he begins to see the possibilities of this odd assignment.

Where Dreams Meet is a collection of four stories throughout America’s history.

“To Love a Spy” by Jennifer Moore

I recently read When the Day Comes which takes place during the early days of the American Revolution, so I loved reading this time period further on in the war even more right now. It actually isn’t a period I have read a lot of books from, and between these two books, I have really been enjoying this time period.

When I had first begun reading this story, I mentioned to a family member that the story is about a Loyalist and a Patriot. We discussed what it must have been like for people during that time to choose sides. Susannah ends up struggling with that very problem. I really liked reading about her thought process behind it.

I had also heard about similar tavern situations in Massachusetts and how the British used them. I liked that this story was told from one of the points of views of the family. I had recently visited one of these taverns, and after reading this story, I visited two more of them.

“Southern Belle, Yankee Heart” by Renae Weight Mackley

Northerner Rebecca Steed is in Virginia on business buying fabric when they declare the vote to secede. This forces Rebecca to either stay in Virginia, or lose all the money she spent on her fabric. She is pretty quick to pass judgement on all Southerners. While there are some outspoken ones with very bad points of view, she attributes that to all of them. The longer she stays in Virginia, the more she learns her judgements could have been too rash.

Nathan Hill is a businessman who travels back and forth between the hotel Rebecca stays at. Rebecca declares him a fence sitter, but she is immediately attracted to him. Since he is a Southerner, she doesn’t want to develop any feelings for him.

Nathan and Rebecca have a conversation about just being an American. During this time period was the brother against brother war. Yes, there were real issues that needed to be resolved, but they decided to fight instead of resolve them properly. This is still the same case today. Instead of all being Americans (over even better – just humans), people like to divide people along political lines, or race, or income, or any number of things. People still haven’t learned.

“Where Dreams Meet” by Carolyn Twede Frank

Jane O’Shea arrives in Ellis Island from Ireland and she doesn’t have enough money to cover the train fare to her family in Missouri. Peter Dockery notices her plight and helps her out. Not only do they share a destination, but they also have something else in common.

I really enjoyed reading this story. There was a little less history than than previous two stories, and I would have liked a little more Irish background, but I loved the storyline and the characters. I read this story very quickly because I found it so interesting. I liked the message that adversity can make us stronger.

“The Sun, Moon, Stars, and You” by Carla Kelly

Minnie Gallagher is a copy editor who dreams of being a journalist. She also believes that women should have the right to vote. Minnie is very sweet and polite to people, but she is also a very strong, intelligent woman.

After insulting the President’s infamous daughter Alice, Hank Thornton is assigned the menial duty of escorting her on horse back rides and cataloging wedding gifts. Unlike his fellow lieutenants, Hank doesn’t have lofty goals. His dreams may be simpler, but that doesn’t mean he has no ambitions.

Hank and Minnie had a more quiet and sweet courtship as they got to know each other more. I also liked the supporting characters in this story. I loved all the historical elements throughout this story. It was interesting to read the author’s note at the end and find out what had really happened. This was a cute story with a lot of deeper meaning.

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Top 21 Books of 2021

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This year has been filled with so many amazing books! Every single book on this list earns a 5 star rating and comes highly recommended. Some of them are now even some of my favorite reads of all time. Thank you so much to all these authors, and all the other authors out there, for everything that goes into their books; the worlds they create for us to escape into, the characters we come to care for, the research needed for all the rich history. There is so much that I am deeply appreciative of. Thanks for an incredible year of books!

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Blog Tour and Review: Inventing Vivian

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by Jennifer Moore

Publisher : Covenant Communications, Inc. (June 7, 2021)
Language : English
ISBN-10 : 1524418943
ISBN-13 : 978-1524418946

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Ladies of London’s High Society are known for their social graces and poise. Vivian Kirby boasts neither of these enviable qualities, though she does offer impressive conversation on chemical compositions. Unfortunately, it appears that not many men want a brilliant wife. So it is that Vivian finds kinship with a group of young women who embrace each other’s differences: The Blue Orchid Society.

After an extended stay in China, Lord Benedict has returned transformed to his family’s estate, where an encounter with Vivian, whose scientific knowledge he once undermined, leaves him determined to make amends. He arranges to help forward her research—anonymously, of course. Through letters, Vivian establishes a warm friendship with her secret benefactor, even as she’s unexpectedly drawn into a murder investigation that forces her to work alongside Benedict to unearth the truth. Soon, Vivian fears she may be falling in love with two men, never suspecting that they are one and the same.

Vivian Kirby has always dreamed of being an inventor. Her brain seems to think differently than a lot of people, and it has caused many suitors to lose interest in her. The reader receives quite a unique introduction to Vivian in the prologue.

Lord Benedict has lived like a selfish second son until some time in China has opened his eyes.

With Vivian’s keen mind and serious nature and Benedict’s lighthearted nature and extroverted personality, they do not seem like they would make a very good couple. Yet, they make the perfect Yin and Yang.

I found this story really interesting. Besides loving the characters, some of my favorite things were the descriptions of Vivian’s invention, and the Chinese items and stories. I also liked the mystery throughout the story.

This story is a part of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. There are some side characters in this book that have previously made an appearance.

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A Christmas Promise – Review

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by Joanna Barker, Annette Lyon, Jennifer Moore

ISBN-13 : 978-1952611025
Paperback : 304 pages
Publisher : Mirror Press (November 17, 2020)

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THE TWO BELLS OF CHRISTMAS by Joanna Barker
Roland Hastings made a promise to his father: to marry and carry on the family line. But after a year of searching, he has given up hope of finding the right woman. Anticipating a quiet Christmas with his mother, Roland is frustrated to learn she has organized an entire house party to help him find a bride. Cassandra Bell arrives for the house party with her twin sister Vivian, who has set her heart on winning a proposal from the eligible Mr. Hastings. But when Vivian grows ill, she begs Cassie to switch places with her and keep the other conniving ladies away from Mr. Hastings. Cassie reluctantly takes on the role of her poised and proper twin, but things become much more complicated when Roland begins to take an interest in the spunky and unconventional Cassie…

PROMISE ME AGAIN by Annette Lyon
Secret wedding plans. A powerful brother who will go to any lengths to stop them. Can love truly conquer all? Miriam and Jacob have loved each other for as long as they can remember. They want to wed, but Jacob’s older brother Norman forbids it. Deciding to do so secretly without his blessing, Miriam and Jacob make plans to marry on Christmas Eve at a church several hours’ journey away. Despite their efforts, Norman’s long reach finds them. Miriam’s love is tested to the very limit when she is forced into a devil’s bargain with him. She agrees only to spare Jacob pain, but can their hearts find their way back to each other no matter what—or who—stands in their way?

A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY by Jennifer Moore
The war is over, but Lucy Breckenridge’s plans for a perfect Christmas are ruined when Captain James Stewart brings news that her father will not return in time for the holiday. Determined to not miss yet another Christmas with her father, Lucy starts on a journey for London with her trusty maid and manservant. Learning they have gone, James follows, hoping to stop her before she discovers the true reason for Colonel Breckenridge’s absence. Along the way, the two join in local holiday celebrations and learn that families have flaws, friendship requires trust, and Christmas traditions can be created in the most unexpected places.

I love Christmas Regency books, and Timeless Anthologies always brings together such great authors. I highly recommend reading this one!

The Two Bells of Christmas by Joanna Barker

Joanna Barker is one of my favorite authors. Her stories are always interesting, and I love her characters.

Roland Hasting’s mother has decided that it’s time for Roland to marry. She throws a house party which includes approved females for him to choose from. Cassandra is not one of the approved women, but she steps in as a companion for her sister Vivian when their mother gets sick. Unfortunately, Vivian becomes ill and convinces Cassie to pretend to be her so she doesn’t lose her chance with Mr Hastings.

I really liked that Cassie and Roland spent so much time talking and getting to know each other. Everything felt natural with their relationship and not rushed.

I often feel like it’s harder to connect to shorter stories, but I loved this one so much!


Promise Me Again by Annette Lyon

Miriam is the daughter of a sheep farmer and is in love with her wealthier neighbor Jacob. Jacob returns her feelings and wants to marry her, but his controlling brother Norman stands in their way.

Norman is the true definition of a villain, and it is amazing what lengths he will go through to get what he wants.

Some of this story seemed a little far fetched, but I liked that I didn’t know what would happen next.


A Christmas Journey by Jennifer Moore

Lucy Breckenridge dreams about having a real family Christmas at home with her father. With the war finally over, it looks like her dream will finally come true. When the carriage finally arrives, instead of Colonial Breckenridge, it is Captain James Stewart with a message that the Colonial cannot get away from London.

Lucy decides if her father cannot have Christmas at home, she will bring Christmas to her father in London. Captain Stewart feels it is his duty to go along, because he hasn’t told her the entire truth about her father.

I love that Moore always writes characters with emotions that are so raw and real.

I found the Christmas album that told of Christmas traditions throughout the world interesting. There are so many ways people celebrate Christmas, and I love how this journey added even more to the special book.

Blog Tour and Review: Solving Sophronia

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SolvingSophroniaBlogBanner

Sophronia by Jennifer Moore

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (May 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 152441235X
ISBN-13: 978-1524412357

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Lady Sophronia Bremerton is a far cry from the typical debutante, but she’s the toast of London’s upper class for one simple reason: she’s a society columnist for the London Illustrated News, and the gentry loves seeing their exploits printed in the gossip pages. But Sophie has bigger plans she aspires to be an investigative reporter. When a stuffy ballroom at yet another Season proves to be nothing more than the usual rumor mill, Sophie seeks respite in the library alongside four other young women who, for their own reasons, are also looking for escape. As the conversation turns to their secret ambitions, the women form a sisterhood and a bold plan: they will make their dreams a reality, no matter the obstacles. Thus begins the Blue Orchid Society.

Hearing of a murder in a London rookery, Sophie seizes the opportunity to prove her skills. Detective Jonathan Graham doesn’t believe a civilian, a noblewoman at that, should be anywhere near a murder investigation, but Sophie insists on helping bring the killer to justice. Her investigative prowess doesn’t go unnoticed by the police, especially Jonathan, who can’t decide whether this intrepid reporter is a thorn in his side or the woman of his dreams. But as the case grows more complicated and dangerous, their very lives and their hearts may be at risk.

SolvingQuotes

I liked the intro chapter and I look forward to learning more about each of the women in the Blue Orchid Society. They don’t fit in to the constraints of the current society but they are all unique and form a lasting friendship.

“I wish to be known for more than just to whom I was born”

I enjoyed the character development of Sophie and Jonathan. The mystery itself took a little to get into. There was a touch too many crime scene details for my taste. After a little bit the mystery picked up for me and I really looked forward to seeing how it would play out.

“One cannot control matters of the heart”

I liked that this was a different kind of Victorian novel and following along throughout the inter workings of an entire police investigation was interesting aside from the crime scene itself.

“A gentleman needs to be rescued by a lady every now and then.”

Historical fiction is my favorite genre to read and I liked reading about the different groups of people during this time period.

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Read the prequel Emmeline for free!

 

emmeline

As Arthur Bremerton, Lord Mather, hurries to the opening session of Parliament, he is incensed to find his way blocked by a boisterous group protesting for women’s rights. But his annoyance turns to mortification when he finds his own cousin among their ranks, alongside a beautiful suffragette who engages him in a fierce battle of words and wills.

Emmeline’s fight for equality is just one facet of her wide-ranging interests. At the moment, her most pressing concern is how she and her mother, an eccentric Baroness, are to begin again after the family’s fortune was squandered following her father’s death. After her heated disagreement with Lord Mather, the only thought she gives the infuriating man is the hope that they will never meet again. But alas, this hope is in vain: unbeknownst to them, both Emmeline and Arthur are to be guests at a three-week house party, and fate seems determined to throw them together at every opportunity.

Get your free copy of Emmeline here!

Miss Leslie’s Secret – Review

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leslie.jpgWritten by Jennifer Moore

  • Paperback: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc. (September 1, 2017)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1524404152
  • ISBN-13: 978-1524404154

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Decorated war hero Conall Stewart has spent ten years envisioning his return to his beloved Scottish Highlands. But now, with the days of battle finally behind him, it seems that his dreams of home have been in vain: the land of his youth lies in ruins, and his family is gone. Though he will never stop searching for his kin, Conall knows he must begin again. But when he takes on a rented farm in a nearby town, he finds far more than the fresh start he was looking for .

After catching a mischievous local lad stealing, Conall returns young Jamie to his mother, Aileen Leslie—and finds the woman’s coddling of the child maddening. What Conall does not realize is that Aileen hides a frightening secret: her devoted protection of Jamie is all that shelters them from discovery by a dangerous man from their past. Drawn together by circumstance, Conall soon develops a fatherly relationship with Jamie—as well as romantic feelings for Aileen. But even as the couple accepts their growing affection for one another, time runs out for Aileen and her son: after years of hiding, they have been found. Conall lost his family once—he will do all in his power not to let history repeat itself .

-I liked that the book was set in the Scottish Highlands. There were some wonderful descriptions of the location and lots of fact based history.

-I did not like how superstitious the characters were. I also didn’t like many events at the Beltane festival, like the belief that the fire had protective powers and they had the animals walk though the smoke and put the ashes on each other. They also seemed to put their traditions and superstitions on the same level as God and following his Word.

“The combination of pagan customs and Christianity seemed at odd to some, but to her, it made perfect sense. The connection with the land and blessings from the heavens brought harmony to her world.”

-I was surprised that Aileen didn’t trust Conall with her secret, even when they were engaged.

-I liked the characters, especially Jamie and Conall. There were also some very strong and developed minor characters. I really hope the next story will be a continuation of Jamie’s life as he gets older.

-Except for the things relating to the pagan traditions, I enjoyed the book.

Lady Helen Finds Her Song – Review

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helen

Written by Jennifer Moore

  • Paperback: 240 pages
  • Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.;
    1st edition (March 15, 2016)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1680478931
  • ISBN-13: 978-1680478938

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Kindle Version from Amazon

Spring 1813
The exotic splendors of India are legendary, and the colorful sights of her new home in Calcutta immediately captivate eighteen-year-old Lady Helen Poulter. Whereas many of her fellow British expatriates despise the culture they see as barbaric, Helen sees excitement in the unusual locale. It is in this vibrant, bustling city that she finds a kindred soul in Captain Michael Rhodes, an Englishman whose lifelong love of India runs deep. Their friendship quickly grows, yet despite their undeniable connection, she could never think of Captain Rhodes as more than a dear friend.

Her love, in truth, has been captured by dashing British Lieutenant Arthur Bancroft. This handsome soldier represents the embodiment of all she’s dreamed of in a husband. Preoccupied by her growing affections, Helen never dreams that beneath the glamor of the city, hostilities are reaching a boiling point. When battle ultimately threatens both of the men in her life, she must make a choice: pursue the man who symbolizes her British past, or let herself love a man who promises an unknown future in the land she loves. But amid the casualties of war, will her declaration of love come too late?


Positives:

  • There was a lot of depth to each of the characters and you could relate and root for them.  You cared about what was going to happen.
  • Chapters and sections were divided up between the point of views of the two main characters Lady Helen Poulter and Captain Michael Rhodes. Both point of views were very interesting and defined. I preferred knowing what each character was thinking and feeling rather than only having one point of view and both views were written well.
  • I liked that none of the characters were perfect.  It made it more realistic. I have always been annoyed by too perfect characters.
  • The general dialogue and story-line was excellent and I didn’t want to put the book down.

Negatives:

  • There were a number of typos in the book. Each time it distracted me and took me out of the book. Thankfully most of the typos were only in one chapter, not the entire book.
  • I honestly didn’t know why Lady Helen was still interested in Lieutenant Arthur Bancroft after his first hunting conversation.

I have read all five books in Jennifer Moore’s Regency Romance series as well as her novella A Happy Accident in the collection Spring in Hyde Park.  Moore uses the popular Regency time period but adds unique locations and events making her stories more interesting and less predictable.  I look forward to any future Regency novels she plans to write.