Hallie Reads: 2020

23 December 2020

The Gold Digger | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Men are disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana.

Book 9 in the True Colors series—fiction based on strange-but-true history.

In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

Release Date: December 1, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The White City
The Pink Bonnet
The Yellow Lantern
The Gray Chamber
The Blue Cloak
The Green Dress
The Black Midnight
The Red Ribbon
The Purple Nightgown
The Silver Shadow
The Scarlet Pen

The Amish Baker's Rival | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

This exciting new Amish romance is from Publishers Weekly bestselling author of The Amish Baker and The Amish Marriage Bargain.

She’ll do anything to protect her bakery… no matter the cost to her heart.

Small-town, Amish baker Mary Brenneman is devastated when handsome Englischer Noah Miller opens up a bakery right across from hers. Now she must win a local baking contest just to stay in business. But somewhere along the way, Noah and Mary’s kitchen wars are quickly warming into something more…

Still mourning the death of his parents, Mary helps Noah search for the Amish grandparents he has never met. And when a crisis hits Mary’s bakery, Noah volunteers his assistance.

After Mary’s now ex-fiancé broke their engagement so he could go live in the Englisch world, she vows to stay away from men… especially Englisch men. Even though she likes Noah more each day, she keeps her distance.

With her heart packed with distrust, Noah hopes to soften her resolve and convince Mary of their undeniable love. But trouble brews at the baking contest when Mary thinks Noah has stolen her recipe. After the surprising result of the contest, Noah and Mary must face their feelings and decide what road God has set them upon.

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: December 29, 2020

A Merry Little Christmas | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Now that Mandy Romano and her husband, Leo, have two children, busy careers, and many family obligations, Christmas feels like one long checklist Mandy wants to ignore. She usually loves the holiday season, but this year she just can't get into the Christmas spirit. And when an ex-fiancee from Leo's past shows up in town, Mandy begins to think she may need a Christmas miracle to make it through December. Is there any way for her family to have the sweet, simple holiday Mandy's longing for?

Release Date: December 8, 2019

Goodreads | Amazon

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Table for Two

Second Chance Cafe

Recipe for Love

(The Romano Family Collection)

Her Amish Wedding Quilt | Excerpt + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

An Amish seamstress and a single father have a chance to make a fresh start in this heartwarming novel about finding love when you need it the most.

Spirited, forthright, impulsive — everyone told Greta Eicher she’d have to change her ways if she ever hoped to marry. Then her best friend Calvin, the man she thought she would wed, chooses another woman. Now Greta’s wondering if the others were right all along. Her dreams dashed, she pours her energy into crafting beautiful quilts at her shop and helping widower Noah Stoll care for his adorable young children.

Noah knows it’s time to think about finding a wife. When Greta offers to play matchmaker on his behalf, Noah eagerly accepts. After all, no one knows his children better. But none of the women she suggests seems quite right, because, unexpectedly, his feelings of respect and friendship for Greta have grown into something even deeper and richer. But will he have enough faith to overcome the pain of his past and give love another chance?

Publisher: Forever

Release Date: December 15, 2020

Courting Misfortune | Spotlight + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Calista York needs one more successful case as a Pinkerton operative to secure her job. When she’s assigned to find the kidnapped daughter of a mob boss, she’s sent to the rowdy mining town of Joplin, Missouri, despite having extended family in the area. Will their meddling expose her mission and keep Lila Seaton from being recovered?

When Matthew Cook decided to be a missionary, he never expected to be sent only a short train ride away. While fighting against corruption of all sorts, Matthew hears of a baby raffle being held to raise funds for a children’s home. He’ll do what he can to stop it, but he also wants to stop the reckless Miss York, whose bad judgment consistently seems to be putting her in harm’s way.

Calista doesn’t need the handsome pastor interfering with her investigation, and she can’t let her disguise slip. Her job and the life of a young lady depend on keeping Matthew in the dark.

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: December 1, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Intrigue a la Mode

Bride by Blackmail | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

A broken heart, a controlling father, and an intrusive Scot leave Charlotte Jackson reeling. Accused of stealing an heirloom pin, she must choose between an unwanted marriage and the ruin of her family name. With the futures of her three younger sisters at stake, as well as her own reputation, Charlotte must navigate through injustice to find forgiveness and true happiness.

Eager to find the traitor that caused the death of his brother, Duncan Mackenzie comes to America and attempts to fit in with Charleston society. But when the headstrong Charlotte catches his eye, Duncan takes on a second mission—acquiring the lass’s hand. After being spurned several times, he uses unconventional ways of winning her heart.

Publisher: Wakefield Press

Release Date: September 15, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Covert Amish Christmas | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Fleeing to Amish country might be the only way to survive Christmas…

Hiding in Amish country, former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman’s determined to find evidence to catch the corrupt agents who killed her partner. But when her Christmas refuge is discovered, the sole person she can trust is Amish widower Aaron Shetler. With ruthless—and dangerously powerful—enemies after them, Victoria must use all her training to make sure they live through the holidays.

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Marriage, Melodies, and Rewritten Conclusions | Spotlight + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Kaylee McGrurd feels like life has left her behind. Her best friends have all moved out, married, or are in the process of matrimony. Meanwhile, she’s lost another job, and her daily diet consists of noodles that are better suited to packing material.

Then Kaylee’s ex, Gabe Sanders, enters the equation.

Gabe walked out on Kaylee without warning or explanation nine years earlier, but now he’s been brought back to the area for the unforeseeable future. And he’s in need of a new lead vocalist for his wedding band.

A dwindling account balance calls for desperate measures, and Kaylee reluctantly accepts Gabe’s offer. While the former couple works together in the midst of happy marriages and heartfelt melodies, secrets and the need for forgiveness highlight the strife between them…and the hope that maybe God’s rewriting the conclusion to their story.

Publisher: WhiteFire Publishing

Release Date: November 16, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

No cold case is more important than the one that destroyed her own family.

Every small town has one unsolved case that haunts its memory, festering for generations below the surface with the truth of humanity’s darkness. Star Cavanaugh is obsessed with the one that tore her family apart.

Over sixty years ago, Daisy Doe was murdered and discarded outside Pineville, Alabama, buried without a name or anyone to mourn her loss. When Star’s father tried to solve the case, he was also killed. Now a cold-case detective with resources of her own, Star is determined to get to the bottom of both crimes. But she’ll have to face an entire town locked in corruption, silence, and fear–and the same danger that took two other lives. The only people in the town she can trust are her grandmother and the charming Mike Luinetti, and both of them trust a God Star isn’t sure she believes in. Can Christians so focused on the good really help her track down this evil?

With an irresistible combination of sharp suspense, faith, humor, and authentic regional flavor, Burying Daisy Doe will draw fans of Terri Blackstock, Margaret Maron, Jaime Jo Wright, and J.T. Ellison.

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: November 17, 2020

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Separated by amnesia…

reunited by a lethal holiday threat.

Jennie Beiler’s husband was supposed to be dead, so she’s shocked when he rescues her from an attacker. Although Luke has no memories of his Englisch wife, it’s up to him to protect her from someone who won’t stop until she’s dead.

Can the peaceful Amish community he returned to after losing his memory shelter them and their son this Christmas when danger strikes again?

Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense

Release Date: December 1, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Plain Target

Plain Retribution

Amish Christmas Abduction

Amish Country Ambush

Amish Christmas Emergency

Guarding the Amish Midwife

Hidden in Amish Country

Plain Refuge

Amish Country Threats

An Ivy Hill Christmas | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Richard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart... and hers as well?

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: September 1, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

The Ladies of Ivy Cottage

The Bride of Ivy Green

ABOUT THE BOOK

One little girl could change her mom’s mind about love…

To give her daughter a brighter future…
she must leave the past behind.

Inheriting a house, money and a camp is the fresh start Janie Edmiston has been praying for. But the will stipulates Janie must work with her childhood friend—and crush—Drew Brenner, to get the camp running… or lose it all. The newly divorced mother and the widower aren’t looking for love, but sometimes it takes a child to show two broken hearts the way forward… together.

Publisher: Love Inspired

Release Date: August 25, 2020

ABOUT THE BOOK

He thinks he has it all…

…until he meets his spirited Cinderella!

Under threat of eviction, Alina Martin finds herself making a deal with infamous CEO Graham Toliver. He may be used to getting what he wants, but Alina’s not going to back down. Yet as Alina gets to know Graham, she realizes that there is more to the charming CEO than she initially thought—could their arrangement lead to her happily-ever-after in time for Christmas?

From Harlequin Romance: Be swept away by glamorous and heartfelt love stories.

Publisher: Harlequin Romance

Release Date: December 1, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Bookshop

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Beauty and Her Boss

Miss White and the Seventh Heir

Being West Is Best | Excerpt + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses.

Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six-year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”

If that’s not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West’s farmhouse “home.” When the bully’s abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it’s time to change her family’s motto from “When you’re here, you’re family” to “There’s no more room at the West’s.”

Publisher: True West Publishing

Release Date: 2020

Goodreads | Amazon

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The Secret Sisters Club

Trouble Blows West

Simply West of Heaven

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional | Excerpt + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Devotional Inspiration Especially for Kindred Spirits.

The Anne of Green Gables Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the theme of God’s love and faithfulness through the pages of the classic L. M. Montgomery novel, cherished by generations of readers. Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s redemptive plans for your life as His very own adopted daughter in Christ.

This beautiful 40-day devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, prayers, and discussion questions perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection. It’s perfect as a personal read or gift for a bosom friend!

Publisher: Barbour Books

Release Date: November 1, 2020

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can a fake date

Become the real deal?

Triplet Georgie Harrison will do anything to keep her family—including her newfound Blackwell relatives—from worrying about her. Which is exactly why she’s enlisted way-too-charming rodeo cowboy Zach Evans to be her fake boyfriend for her sister’s Montana ranch wedding. The problem is that Georgie’s not just tempted to fall for her own ruse… she’s also falling hard for the roguish cowboy she can never have.

Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming

Release Date: December 1, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Bookshop

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Montana Welcome

Montana Wishes

Montana Dreams

Montana Match

To Steal a Heart | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

After spending her childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. Using her old skills to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella unexpectedly encounters Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend—until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agrees to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: November 17, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

To Write a Wrong

What You Said to Me | Book Review, Guest Post + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book 4 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees.

When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past.

What You Said to Me is the fourth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

Publisher: Shiloh Run Press

Release Date: November 1, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

The Inn at Hidden Run

In the Cradle Lies

When I Meet You

Snowbound in Winterberry | Excerpt + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

A buried story. A powerful senator. A Christmas they won’t forget.

Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget.

Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge.

When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?

Publisher: Anaiah Press

Release Date: November 6, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Bookshop

Soul Raging | Book Review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sometimes, the only hope is the enemy.

Leif Metcalfe is done waiting for answers and seizes control, a move that comes with a high price and a deadly risk: teaming up with the enemy. He can only hope that what he uncovers will heal the wounds he's inflicted on those he loves.

Iskra Todorova believes Leif is on a collision course with death and knows firsthand the irrevocable cost of that path to the soul. While trying to protect her daughter and intervene with Leif, Iskra is forced to set her sights on the man behind the evil organization ArC—Ciro Veratti.

Torn apart by injuries and opposing views on how to handle Leif's act of treachery, team Reaper hunts one of their own. The only thing they agree on is not stopping but starting the final battle prophesied in the Book of the Wars.

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: November 3, 2020

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Storm Rising

Kings Falling

Dreaming of Tomorrow | Excerpt + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true.

Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support.

Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.

Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.

Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.

Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Bookshop

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Hope for Tomorrow

Promise for Tomorrow

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

Small-town auto mechanic, Koby Knightly, is looking forward to seeing a car show in the city. But when an unexpected call from his old girlfriend disconnects suddenly, he rushes to her aid. Throwing his plans out the window, Koby makes it his mission to protect her and discover the identity of the person trying to frame her. Will he also be able to figure out what went wrong between them back in high school or will a killer get to her first?

Publisher: Anaiah Press

Release Date: October 27, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Glazed Suspicion

Dunked in Trouble

Dreaming of Tomorrow | Excerpt + Giveaway

ABOUT THE BOOK

Love leads them to a lifetime of commitment where the dreams they have held onto for so long start to come true.

Popular and eligible, Logan De Witt must convince the women in town that he is engaged to be married. A quiet, simple ceremony is what he has in mind for his wedding day, but when the date and time of his bride’s arrival is published in the newspaper, the whole town joins in the celebration proving to Logan and his new wife their sincere friendship and support. Added to the excitement of Logan’s marriage is the question of what the congregation should do with the unexpected donation of an orchard.

Karen Millerson is counting the days until her long-distance engagement comes to an end and she may travel to Oswell City to marry Logan. More than anything, she wants to share in his life as a help and support, but keeping a house and finding her place in the community requires much more work than she ever expected.

Learn, laugh, and love with Karen and Logan as they start a new marriage and work together ministering to the citizens of their small town.

Publisher: Scrivenings Press LLC

Release Date: November 10, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Bookshop

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

Hope for Tomorrow

Promise for Tomorrow

23 December 2020

21 December 2020

19 December 2020

18 December 2020

16 December 2020

14 December 2020

13 December 2020

09 December 2020

08 December 2020

05 December 2020

01 December 2020

30 November 2020

26 November 2020

22 November 2020

21 November 2020

19 November 2020

18 November 2020