FRONTIER MATCHMAKER BRIDE by Regina Scott

 

 





Beth Wallin is matchmaking again! But will her heart become entangled in her plans to find a wife for the handsome Deputy Hart McCormick? That might not be such a good idea, because this deputy has an excellent secret reason for not becoming involved with a woman again. After all, he is the very man who’d rejected Beth’s interest only a year ago! Talk about challenging.

The variety of ages and personalities for FRONTIER MATCHMAKER BRIDE’S victims, criminals, and main characters complemented nicely. Oh, those villains and their plotting! Some of my favorite characters—besides Beth and Hart—were: Scout, Ganzel, Bobby, Mrs. Jenkins, and the Denny ladies to name some. Even if their part was small I liked them still!

I really enjoyed this book for the storyline, characters and humor that Regina writes seamlessly into her historical tale. The 1875-time period is like sampling expensive chocolate for me! I love the culture Regina takes me to, the dresses, fabric, and horses. The simple life made complicated by character interaction. Regina ties the situations and personalities into such a perfectly satisfying culmination of the FRONTIER BACHELOR series that I must suggest that you enjoy the rest of the series too! At least I hope that you will! I highly recommend this historical. Yes, I did receive his novel from Regina to peruse. My statements about FRONTIER MATCHMAKER BRIDE come from my honest appreciation for Regina Scott’s ability to entertain me with wholesome, delightful stories that I’m eager to recommend!

The FRONTIER BACHELORS stories:

THE BRIDE SHIP

WOULD-BE WILDERNESS WIFE

FRONTIER ENGAGEMENT

INSTANT FRONTIER FAMILY

A CONVENIENT CHRISTMAS WEDDING

MAIL-ORDER MARRIAGE PROMISE

HIS FRONTIER CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Questions for Regina Scott:

1)     Was it difficult for you to hold-out on sharing all of the vibrant and precious characteristics of Beth Wallin in the previous novels? (Her positive personality reminded me of some of my friends!) 

Because Beth featured in the background of 6 of the 7 previous books, I’m not sure I held out all that much—LOL. But I hope this time I was able to bring her out to the fullest, giving her center stage.

2)     Is your mind popping with stories, which in my opinion could easily splinter off of this Wallin series? (I wish there could be more FRONTIER BACHELOR historicals!)

Absolutely! I’d like to tell the stories of the next generation of Wallins and their friends. But Love Inspired is closing its historical line, and most publishers will not pick up a book related to a series with rights held by another publisher. So, I’m afraid Frontier Bachelor  sequels, prequels, and other connections will have to wait until I regain the rights, likely many years from now.

3)     Is this location, Seattle Washington Territory, special to you? Why?

Very special. I grew up 40 miles south of Seattle and returned to my roots about four years ago. I now live south of Seattle on the way to Mt. Rainer, and it has been a pleasure researching and writing about things that might have happened in my own backyard.

4)     What is a theme from this story that you would like your readers to notice and enjoy?

One theme that flows through most of my books is finding your place in the world. We all have to learn where our unique, God-given skills and longings fit and where they can make a difference for others.

5)     Was there a scene you would like to tell us about that didn’t make it into this story?

I would love to have told more about Beth’s involvement with various charities and causes in Seattle. That girl has energy!

6)     Who is your favorite or some of your favorite mystery writer(s)?

I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Peters, who wrote the Amelia Peabody mysteries that span from the Victorian era to after World War I. I’d love to have Amelia’s kind of spunk!

7)     Can you tell us about the next novel you will be releasing?

In May, I’ll be returning to my beloved Regency period with the first of the Fortune’s Brides series, Never Doubt a Duke. When the mysterious owner of the Fortune Employment Agency and her matchmaking cat arrange for the irrepressible Jane Kimball to take the governess’ position with the Duke of Wey, everyone has doubts. But when the duke must take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride. 

8)    How do you wish for your readers to contact you? Readers can reach me via my website at www.reginascott.com, on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott, on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins, or on Goodreads at www.goodreads.com/reginascott.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to join you on your blog again, Sue

PENS OF PRAISE

CHRISTIAN WRITERS GROUP

Let us know if your attending so we can save a seat just for you!

MARCH 19, 2018

Monday 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Faith Free Church

2201 42^nd St.

Manitowoc, WI  54220

This month we are pleased to have as our speaker Susan M. Menk, who is a Youth Librarian from Manitowoc Public Library. Ms. Menk is teaching “Research Resources @ Your Library.” This expertise is useful for sharpening the validity and accuracy of whatever we write, be it historical, contemporary, non-fiction, or fiction. Our libraries are true resources that will be valuable for us to make use of!

Prompt: “One cozy character!”  What type of cozy murder mystery character would you wish to read about? Yes, you may write a blurb or scene for this prompt if you like.

Bring your WIP (work in progress) to share a five-minute read. We are a safe place to share and grow.  

Pens Novel Readers: Susan Marlene is putting together a group email for those who want to join in picking novels and discussion meetings. (We want to respect those who are too busy or who are uninterested in a reader’s group.)

Stop at a local coffee shop or bring your own coffee or soda and relax with us a while.

May the Lord bless your writing endeavors as you write for Him! Any concerns or questions feel free to contact susanmarlenekinney@gmail.com or rebeccamclafferty@gmail.com

 

Blessings!

 

 

 

 

"IRISH MEADOWS" by Susan Anne Mason

 

 

The adventurer begins in May 1911 at the O’Leary mansion situated on Long Island, New York. The horse farm, Irish Meadows, is close to failing, while two distinctly different sisters, Brianna and Colleen, will be confronted with the high-pressured matchmaking designs of their father. These two sisters, one shy and the other spirited, dare to dream despite their family’s expectations. Two unlikely heroes add romance and reason for these young women to reach higher. This is an excellent tale of an Irish family struggling to survive and hold onto their most precious possessions, their sense of family and way of life, without losing themselves in the process.

I was immediately a fan of this story that encompassed characters with courage and imagination who are seasoned with hopefulness that will not settle. But at what price? I’ll not tell, for how would you enjoy the discovery of unfolding the tale that this fine Irish fiction delivers!

Irish Meadows is the first in the COURAGE TO DREAM series. Susan Anne Mason’s story held my interest till the very last page and I’m eager to order the other two novels. If you’re a dreamer and lover of historical fiction than I advise you to place your order posthaste! 😊

Thank you Susan for your excellence in story-telling, your weaving of difficulty and history and personalities that created a gripping tale I’m so glad I’d not missed!

Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book!

Questions for Susan:

1)     Did you write this tale to honor anyone in particular? Not really no. Just a tribute in general to my Irish heritage.

2)     So, you have a bit of Irish in you too! (Me too!) I read over your adventure of discovering your heritage with Ancestry.com. Did your discoveries inspire this series?
Not directly. But it did influence the nationality of my fictional family, the O’Learys. My grandfather was always very proud of his Irish heritage and used to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade!  However, my discoveries did influence another book that just came out on March 6^th. But I’ll let you discover that one!

3)     If you could go back in time, who would you talk to and what would you ask them?
I’d love to chat with Jane Austen about her experiences and her struggles as a female author in her time period. I think it would be fascinating.

4)     Who are among your favorite authors?
Oh boy, that’s hard to narrow down, there are so many! For historical romance, I love Tamara Alexander, Laura Frantz, Karen Witemeyer, Julie Lessman, and Elizabeth Camden, to name a few. For contemporary romance, I love Denise Hunter, Becky Wade, Susan May Warren, Melissa Tagg, and Sally Bayless.

5)     If you could visit Ireland, what town would you be determined to visit?
I’d love to visit Derbyshire where some of my ancestors on my mother’s side of the family lived. But I’d also have to visit Portadown in County Armagh where my dad’s ancestors came from. We even had a lock named after our family there!

6)     Do you have a favorite Irish meal? Do you cook it or have you visited an Irish establishment to partake? Sadly, no. Although I did make Irish soda bread a few times. My aunt, also Irish, gave me the recipe.

7)     How did you come up with your heroes? You did very well by the way for they were realistic and perfectly flawed and excellent in the right balance!
That’s a tough question. I think most writers have a hard time describing how characters just appear in our minds. But if I remember correctly, Gil was loosely based on Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables, as far as being an overall, likeable character. Rylan Montgomery started off as a much more serious fellow, but after the first scene where he rescued Colleen and her broken carriage from the mud, his whole personality emerged and it became evident that he had a wonderful sense of humor. J

8)     How do you wish for your readers to find you with social media?
www.facebook.com/susan.anne.mason.333/
https://twitter.com/samason
https://www.pinterest.ca/susanannemason/ 
www.instagram.com/sbmason123

 

 

I Would If I Could, But I Can't So I Shan't

 

 

For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice, but what I hate, that I do” Romans 7:15

Baffled and disappointed again. How I wish to change. I desire to stop this or begin that. Oh, to give the right reply to the wrong attitude or inquiry. If I could I would, but alas, it seems that I cannot. Fear assails my senses, will all the energy I apply and knowledge I glean not be enough for the situations to be faced?

Not unless, I find a strength that is greater than mine, wisdom unfailing and sure. Can I discover grace and truth that can sustain me though rough waters and changes and trials? What of separations and unbelievable disasters—are there books or acquaintances that can shore up my weaknesses and allow me to succeed in my personal strength like so many heroes of old?

Nay, for I’ve tried, struggled, and fought to overcome my weaknesses. Abundant disappointments bubble up plentifully. Yet to find that no condemnation will weigh down those who do not walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit sets hope to flight once more. Freedom is had when my thoughts and affections are focused upon Him, the One who gave His life, love, and prayers on my behalf. He intercedes still, whether the night is silent and calm or the moaning tempests are blowing and destruction is at my elbow.

In essence, the truth is that I cannot stop this or start that in my strength alone. Only in Jesus can I accomplish eternal triumph and enjoy leaping upon my mountaintops as the hind. I’m thankful that I can’t—for I would if I could. But I can’t so I shan’t do it in my strength, which after all is limited and vain and a stumbling block to the ornate door of pride. Let every portion of glory and praise and adulation be His alone!

Yet, I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, and makes me walk on my high places. Habakkuk 3:18 - 19

Lord – 3068¹ Y^ehôvȃh from 1961 (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.

God- 430²  ’ĕlohîym  el-o-heem’ plur. of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but spec. used (in plur. thus, esp. with the art.) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative: angels, X exceeding, God (gods) (dess, -ly) X (very) great, judges, X mighty.

1 & 2 Abingdon’s Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the BIBLE, Forty-third printing 1984

Let’s pray. Dear Father, our Lord and God, I pray we will be the ‘I can’ and ‘will do’ for You and Your glory and for the Kingdom of Heaven. In Jesus Name, amen.

 

Greetings all!

Here is our next read! Several of us are interested in writing cozy murder mysteries. Here is the scoop about this book from Amazon! Whoops, I'd not read the description of this book till now...I'd just peeked at the first pages on Amazon which seem very good. I've enjoyed every Aurora Teagarden Hallmark I've seen.   Well, here it is...

Aurora Teagarden should be used to surprises by now. Yet when a local handyman begins dancing naked in her yard, she’s thrown for a loop and suspects it could be a bad omen of unwelcome events to come. When her husband’s niece, Regina, appears in Lawrenceton with a baby in tow and evading questions, tensions escalate. It’s not much longer before Regina’s husband is found murdered and Regina herself has disappeared, leaving both her baby and a large amount of money behind.

Traveling north to Ohio seeking relatives to care for the abandoned child, and accompanied by a friend of Regina’s who seems to know more than he’s letting on, Roe and Martin search for clues that will point them to Regina’s location and why she abandoned her baby. There’s a killer at large and Roe, snowed in in rural Ohio, will have to peel back the layers of secrets to find the truth before more people die.

The charismatic Roe Teagarden is back in this unforgettable tale of mystery by the #1 New York Times bestselling author, Charlaine Harris. Real Murders, A Bone To Pick, Three Bedrooms, One Corpse, and the rest of the Aurora Teagarden series has been adapted into films by the Hallmark Movie Channel.