Today is the first full day of summer here in the U.S.! Are you planning a trip or some relaxation time? Are you choosing your summer reads? Do you like to have some good books to dive into while you bask by the pool or on the beach, or just relax on a mountainside or in an air conditioned cafe? If so, I’d love for you to make my book, Love by Pony Express part of your summer reading list. It is on sale now in celebration of the beginning of summer!
It’s a Historical Romance with lots of action and adventure as it follows the life of a Pony Express Rider who faces many dangers on the trail. It also includes two ladies who are interested in finding the right man for them. Could that man be Johnny, the handsome Pony Express Rider? Johnny’s faced many challenges in his life and isn’t comfortable around beautiful women. Will one of these woman make him comfortable and win his heart?
If you like stories with danger, action, troublesome family members, clean romance, a positive message, and more, you’ll like Love by Pony Express! So, don’t wait! This sale ends Monday morning, and it’s my biggest sale — only $2.99 for the ebook (that’s a $2 savings!) and $10.49 for the paperback (that’s a $5.46 savings!) ONLY ON AMAZON! And it’s available on Kindle Unlimited too! If you read it, I’d appreciate if you’d also write a brief review on Amazon because reviews are very important to me as in indie author. You can also stop by here and share some thoughts with me. I’m always happy to connect with my readers!
I have been reading Kathryn Amurra’s books ever since her first release in 2020. There is one I haven’t read yet, but will soon! But, today I want you to know about Kathryn Amurra’s upcoming release, Timeless! It is the second book in the “Heart’s True Desire” series, and you can preorder your copy today!
I guarantee you won’t want to miss this book, and while you wait for it’s release, which will happen on March 12, 2025, if you haven’t read the first book in the “Heart’s True Desire” series, Amulet, I suggest you get it and read it while you wait for your copy of Timeless.
Erin Dovetree cannot forgive her father for cheating on her mother years ago and has sworn off men altogether. That is until destiny leads her to her grandmother’s incredibly attractive and mysterious landlord.
William Abbott has lived for over a hundred years, cursed with a static and unnatural existence as punishment for his past sins. Although drawn to the lovely and intelligent Erin, he refuses to subject her to the fate that is his alone to bear.
As Erin pieces together the story of Will’s past and discovers the true cause of his timeless existence, she must reconsider the judgments she has made in her own life. And to have any chance at a life together, she and Will must find answers to the questions that have plagued them both.
I finished reading Timeless last night, and let me just say, “I LOVE IT!” Watch for my upcoming Book Review of Timeless, as the release date gets a little closer.
In the meantime, I encourage you to read Amulet, the first book in Ms. Amurra’s “Heart’s True Desire” series. Though both Amulet and Timeless can be read as stand alones, Amulet does have a bit of background for and a connection to Timeless.
For sensitive readers, I will mention that Amulet has profanity in the first chapter or two, as well as in a later chapter, during a telephone conversations between two characters. I, too, am not a fan of profanity, but I was able to skim over the words and keep reading because I was invested in the characters and the story, and thankfully, the profanity was not excessive.
Book Review: Love By Pony Express by Kelly F. Barr
Posted July 27, 2024
Please be sure to visit Carrie’s website and read more of her reviews.
About the Book: LOVE BY PONY EXPRESS by Kelly F. Barr SERIES: The Stars Into Horses #1 GENRE: Historical Western Romance (Christian) PUBLISHER: Kelly F. Barr Publishing RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2024 PAGES: 433
Johnny Reason notices a woman with a long red braid swaying in the middle of her back as she steps from the train before him in St. Joseph, Missouri, where his life as a Pony Express Rider will begin. But as he settles into his new life, Erin, a bold young woman seeking a husband, sets her sights on him. He soon wonders which is more dangerous–riding for the Pony Express or being pursued by Erin Byrne.
And why do thoughts of the young lady with the long red braid continue to invade his mind?
Since her mother’s death, Maggie Carter has struggled to get out from under her oldest sister’s thumb to live her own life. Sparks of romance stir within her from the first moment she sees the handsome Pony Express rider, Johnny, but her overbearing sister has determined that Maggie needs to find someone more fitting for her social standing.
Will Maggie win Johnny’s heart, or will her sister put an end to the relationship before it starts?
Carrie’s Thoughts
Even though it only lasted for 18 months, there’s something about the Pony Express that still captivates us over 150 years later. In Love By Pony Express, debut author Kelly F. Barr builds on this fascinating history with a mix of fact and fiction – and romance!
The hero of the story, Johnny Reason, may be a figment of Barr’s imagination but he’s based on various Pony Express riders, including the very first – the role that Johnny takes in this book. I enjoyed the fanfare surrounding the inaugural ride (some of it, like the mayor’s rather lofty speech, taken verbatim from historical accounts) and learning more about the expectations for the riders and the potential dangers they faced. From riding at night (where you can’t see potential harm/pitfalls to the horse or rider) to tribal attacks, dust storms, and blizzards, these Pony Express riders like Johnny were much braver, more daring – and a lot dustier (lol) – than I realized.
Historical representation notwithstanding, Johnny is a sweet character with a good heart, integrity, and a strong sense of morality. His background is tragic and heartbreaking but he’s allowed it to shape him into a stronger person and I enjoyed getting to know him on these pages. The main love interest in Love By Pony Express – Maggie – is equally likeable and kindhearted, despite her overbearing sister who (thankfully) is Maggie’s opposite. Johnny and Maggie’s relationship is gentle and warm, with attraction growing from its initial spark to something deeper through simple-but-meaningful time spent together.
Bottom Line: Love By Pony Express by Kelly F. Barr captures an intriguing time in ‘Old West’ history, giving readers a well-researched glimpse into the adventure of being a rider for this groundbreaking mail service. Johnny Reason and Maggie Carter are easy characters to like, and you will smile as their romance grows from a sweet courtship to gentle passion over the course of the book. I do admit to feeling disconnected from the story overall, I suspect because some scenes didn’t really advance the plot and therefore the pace meanders a bit. But I was engaged enough that I want to see where Barr takes the series and, in particular, if a certain saloon waitress gets her own story. Kelly Barr is an author to watch for sure, and I think fans of Tracie Peterson and Lauraine Snelling will enjoy this book too!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 4 stars / liked it!
KissingBook Level: 3+ / will forget to breathe on occasion
Today is the day! Wooing Gertrude, Book 3 of the Burrton Springs Brides series by Jodie Wolfe is available for purchase today! Grab your copy now!
Blurb
Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he’s the right man for either job.
Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller’s life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she’ll find peace and happiness.
Will either of them ever be able to find peace?
Tagline
The seamstress with a knack for trouble wasn’t who the deputy envisioned.
It’s great to be here, Kelly. Thanks for having me.
Hello Jodie, It’s been three years since I last interviewed you for the release of Taming Julia, which was the first book in your Burrton Springs Brides series. It released on Valentine’s Day of 2020. I’ve also read and reviewed two of your books, To Claim Her Heart (https://kellyfbarr.com/2018/05/14/to-claim-her-heart-a-book-review/) and Taming Julia (https://kellyfbarr.com/2020/04/06/taming-julia-by-jodie-wolfe/). It’s a pleasure to interview you again today as Book 3 of the Burrton Springs Brides is about to release.
Q: You published your very first book independently in May of 2016. You now have an upcoming book, Wooing Gertrude, to be released in just a couple weeks on September 15th. So, how many books, in total, will you have published when Wooing Gertrude comes out?
A: I guess technically ten books. 😊 I have two indie fiction books. Wooing Gertrude will make my sixth traditionally published book. I also indie published a short etiquette book that coincides with To Claim Her Heart. I participated in a devotional book for homeschool moms, writing five devotions for it.
Q: As I said, your very first book was independently published. Wooing Gertrude is being published by White Rose Publishing. Can you tell us a little about White Rose Publishing and when you began working with them?
A: Taming Julia was my first book with White Rose Publishing. They have been a real blessing to me. It’s like being part of a family. We support each other in our writing, but also are a prayer support for whatever is going on in our lives.
Q: How is publishing with a publishing company different from independently publishing, and what do you see as the benefits of each of these publishing options?
A: There’s a lot of freedom with independent publishing, but all the aspects of the project fall completely on you to take care of. While working with a traditional publisher, I feel like I have a team behind me. They work hard to make sure we create the best product and assist with the marketing and getting the finished product into the hands of more people.
Q: The line at the top of your website says, “Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet”. Do you consider that your tagline or brand? Why did you choose that particular line?
A: That’s my brand. I try to write stories that always have hope no matter what my characters are going through. I try to throw in quirks because they are what make life fun and interesting. 😊
Q: Now, let’s talk a little bit about your upcoming release, Wooing Gertrude. According to the back cover book blurb, your main female character, Gertrude, sends for a potential husband. Is that a twist on the Mail Order Bride idea?
A: It is. Although it was something that some women did, it wasn’t very often. Most times it was the male sending for a bride.
Q: The back book blurb of Wooing Gertrude also asks whether or not either of the main characters will find peace. So, is peace the theme of the story, and what made you decide on that theme?
A: Yes, the main theme of the book is finding peace. The themes I pick for my books are usually something God has recently taught me or is in the process of teaching me at the time. I often learn more about the topic along with my characters.
Q: The first book of the Burrton Springs Brides series was published February 14, 2020, the second one on November 12, 2021, and the upcoming third book will be out on September 15, 2023. So there was a little more than a year between the first and second books and there will be almost two years between book 2 and book 3. Do you set goals and shoot for a certain amount of times between books or how do you determine how long each book or series will take?
A: While this is a longer gap than I hoped for, sometimes life gets in the way of deadlines – self-imposed or otherwise. I’ve had a rough couple years with family situations, which is why it took me a while to write Wooing Gertrude. I recently turned in the final book in the series, which will hopefully be Convincing Lou.
I typically can have a book written within a few months and then a couple months for edits. When I turn the book in to my publisher, they typically take six months before I hear back from them and then we go through the editing process. Once I sign a contract, the book is usually out within about nine months or so.
The Burrton Springs Brides Series originally was only going to have three books in it, but as I wrote Wooing Gertrude, I knew I needed to have a book for a character I introduced in Taming Julia and has been mentioned in each of the books in the series.
Q: Will there be more books to the Burrton Springs Brides series, or is Wooing Gertrude the final book of the series?
😊 As I mentioned, there will be one more book in the series – Convincing Lou.
Q: Out of all the books you’ve written, which book is your favorite and why? And, which character is your favorite and why?
A: This is always a hard question to answer for authors. It’s like asking, which one of your kids is your favorite? 😊 If I had to narrow it down, I would say my favorite is Taming Julia because Jules was such a fun and unpredictable character to create. She’s totally different from me.
On a personal note, To Claim Her Heart is also a favorite because it includes true stories of some of my husband’s family who participated in the Cherokee Strip Land Run of 1893. It’s a book my mother-in-law was passionate about. Unfortunately, she didn’t live to see it published.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I had fun researching the possibility of including some furry creatures in Wooing Gertrude that quickly steal her heart. You’ll have to read the book to find out what they are. 😊
Thanks for having me here today!
It was my pleasure. Best wishes on Wooing Gertrude and your future writing!
Here is Jodie’s Bio and information where you can find more about her books and connect with her: Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.
Admonition is the second book in the Soothsayer’s Path series by Kathryn Amurra. As a Book Reviewer, I received a free ebook copy of this novel, and this is my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review or any review for this book.
Blurb from Amazon:
Sabina is a young noblewoman who, based on her soothsayer aunt’s prediction, believes her words are dangerous and will hurt those she loves. Following the death of her beloved husband, she takes a vow of silence to protect those she loves from suffering the same fate. Ignored and scorned by those around her, who believe her to be cursed by the gods who took her voice, she is content to live in the shadow of her former life, avoiding society as best she can and staying away from the politics and drama of Rome’s inner circles. Lucius is an unwilling front-runner to inherit the title of Emperor from Rome’s childless leader, Trajan. Although the soothsayer warns him to steer clear of a pretty face that hides a cursed soul, Lucius cannot help but be drawn to the silent and beautiful Sabina. After learning her secret, he is as determined to help her shed her cloak of silence as she is to keep him at a safe distance. But when Lucius becomes the target of a political plot, Sabina must decide whether breaking her silence will save his life or merely seal his fate.
My Review:
I was drawn into Sabina’s life right from the first page. Kathryn Amurra has a way of creating characters and writing from the character’s mind, heart, and emotions that makes the reader feel as though they are one of the characters experiencing the story–not just reading it. There are two other main characters in Admonition that aren’t mentioned in the above blurb, but who play important roles in the story as well, and they are Priscilla, Sabina’s stepsister and Cyprian, a friend of Lucius’s.
Kathryn Amurra also does an excellent job of setting the scenes and painting pictures in the readers’ minds, and it’s clear that she knows her Ancient Roman history. As Sabina struggles with her feelings and her fear of what she believes her words can do, she also has to face a man who has designs on her, all while looking out for her stepsister’s safety. As Lucius is targeted in a political plot, Sabina faces a difficult decision to break her silence in an attempt to save his life. However, her reputation could also be jeopardized.
As the story comes to its resolution, some shocking secrets are revealed in regard to the plot against Lucius, as well as Sabina’s husband’s death years ago.
If you enjoy historical romance stories that keep you turning pages with their suspense and surprises, you’ll love Admonition. Also, if you like a romance story with both conflict and humor mixed throughout, you’ll love Admonition. You’ll also enjoy this novel if you like to read books that are well written and have been properly edited.
Admonition is the second book in Kathryn Amurra’s Soothsayer’s Path series, but both the first book, Soothsayer, and Admonition can be read as stand-alones. And if you haven’t read Soothsayer, I recommend that you read that one as well.
Another historical romantic fiction story, Mercy’s Refuge by Rita Gerlach takes the reader back to 1620. This book was inspired by William Bradford’s ‘Of Plymouth Plantation’.
Many of the characters in this novel are based on real life individuals, some of whom were Pilgrims who traveled to America on the Mayflower. However, the main character, Mercy McCrea is a fictional character, who interacts with other fictional characters, as well as the characters based on real people, especially while sailing on the Mayflower.
Mercy’s Refuge is a wonderful story that takes the reader back in time, first to England, then as danger threatens Mercy’s life, to Holland, where she finds comfort and acceptance among the Separatists who fled England’s king, and eventually, aboard the Mayflower to sail to the New World — America.
Rita Gerlach’s rich descriptions and accomplished storytelling draw the reader in to join Mercy’s journey through heartbreak and danger to love and refuge.
I have been a Rita Gerlach fan for about three years now. Historical Romantic Fiction is my favorite genre and Rita Gerlach is one of the best Historical Romantic Fiction writers I read. If you are a Historical Romantic Fiction reader, I highly recommend Mercy’s Refuge. Not only are Ms. Gerlach’s descriptions rich and her storytelling outstanding, but her characters are well developed, and her books do not rely on profanity or explicit sexual scenes to tell the wonderful stories she does.
I purchased this book for my own collection and chose to write my honest review without a request by the author or anyone representing her.
“His Blessing in Disguise” by Ava Winters is a sweet romance story. I gave this story a 4-star rating based on the story line and characters. Ms. Winters did a good job of making her characters believable and likeable. The story line was interesting and had just the right amount of tension and conflict.
“His Blessing in Disguise” is set in the Old West where Layla runs away from her outlaw husband to begin a new life on her own. She finds her place in Richstone but complications arise when she begins to have feelings for one of the town’s lawmen, then her outlaw husband comes looking for her.
Tensions heat up as Layla’s outlaw husband convinces her to leave town with him while the lawman, now Sheriff, has already given his heart to her but will not stand in the way of husband and wife. Will Layla and Peter ever see each other again?
For those of you who dislike reading books with editorial mistakes and flaws, I have to say if I was rating this book on the technicalities of writing, I would’ve given it three stars. In addition to too many dialogue tags in the first chapter, there were typographical errors and wording issues scattered throughout the book. The biggest problem I came across, however, was the fact that one entire scene was immediately rewritten following the first telling of the exact same scene but with a different setting and some other differences. I really can’t see how that happened, but it led to quite a bit of confusion on this reader’s part until the story returned to its proper place.
The third and final book in the “Daughters of the Potomac” series by Rita Gerlach, Beyond the Valley is my favorite. I enjoyed all three books, but I found myself on the edge of my seat cheering for things to get better in Sarah Carr’s life in this book. This book made me laugh and cry, which is another way I measure how good a book is–that it evokes strong emotions within me and moves me to both laughter and tears.
This story begins with a tragic event that affects Sarah’s life, and this event is quickly followed by three more tragic events in Sarah’s life. Then things in Sarah’s life seem to improve a little for a short while before the next tragic event, and this is the pattern for the rest of the story–Sarah, dealing with one tragedy after another, and all she wants is to be free and loved.
When she meets a doctor, who falls in love with her, it appears that her hopes and dreams will be fulfilled. However, as an indentured servant, Sarah is not free to marry as she wishes, and the man who owns her refuses to allow the doctor to buy Sarah’s indenture, but instead sells her to a backwoodsman. And so, Sarah’s life is thrust into more struggle for survival, as her heart aches to be reunited with the doctor.
Sarah’s faith, courage and bravery in all that she faces is an inspiration.
The doctor’s unwillingness to give up in his search for Sarah because of his love for her is the stuff an outstanding romance story is made of.
Once again, I highly recommend the “Daughters of the Potomac” series by Rita Gerlach to all who love history, romance, and adventure. The first two books are strongly connected, and I believe should be read together. However, this book, though connected to the first two, could be read on its own without the reader feeling lost.
These books and the strong characters in them will live in my memory for a long time to come.
Beside Two Rivers is book two in The Daughters of the Potomac series by Rita Gerlach. I think I read this book much faster than the first one. This book is about the life of Darcy, the daughter of Eliza from the first book.
Once again, Rita Gerlach has created well-developed characters that I could relate to immediately, and, again, I cheered for them, grew angry when others mistreated them, ached with them through their struggles, cried with them in their times of sadness and loss, and laughed with them in the good times. The characters in these books become like good friends.
I found it interesting that two of the characters, in these first two books, were cousins but had more similar character attributes and attitudes than some brothers. However, I longed for one to find redemption. The other I simply disliked and held no sympathy toward–there has to be one of these in almost every book.
I was also extremely pleased that the things, I longed to have resolved in the first book, were resolved in this book. Maybe not the way I had wished, but in a satisfactory and understandable way.
These are the first books I have read by Rita Gerlach, and I have to say that Ms. Gerlach is now on my list of favorite authors, and I will look for more books by her as soon as I can.
Again, this story was an historical romance story, so if that’s the kind of book you like to read, I’m sure you’ll like these books. I have one more to read to complete this series, and I plan to begin reading it tonight.
![Admonition (Soothsayer's Path Book 2) by [Kathryn Amurra]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316ory7PPBS.jpg)
![Mercy's Refuge by [Rita Gerlach]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NvsVzMFmL.jpg)
![His Blessing in Disguise: A Western Historical Romance Novel by [Winters, Ava]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51W3aOUFUvL.jpg)
![Beyond the Valley (Daughters of the Potomac Book 3) by [Gerlach, Rita]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51X9RfS9t1L.jpg)
![Beside Two Rivers (Daughters of the Potomac Book 2) by [Gerlach, Rita]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51bxLg6Ds2L._SY346_.jpg)
Kelly F Barr 