Inside the Wong Mind

You’ll Be Mine by Mandy Boerma & Rachel Hauck

About the Book

Title: You’ll Be Mine
Series: Hearts Bend Collection #2
Authors: Rachel Hauck presents Mandy Boerma
Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Sunrise
Release Date: August 16, 2022

He just wants to leave the past behind him…

International hotel manager Ben Carter is not sticking around Hearts Bend. He’s just home to sell the inn he inherited from his grandparents. The place holds all his best memories—especially the ones that include regular summer guest Cami Jackson. But she’s been out of his life for years, and she’s not coming back.

She is headed for a glorious future…

Real estate developer Cami Jackson is ready to take over as VP of her father’s company, Akron Development. When the Hearts Bend Inn comes on the market, she wants to swoop it up, if only because of the sweet memories of her favorite summers. The last thing she expects to find is her first love back to sign on the dotted line.

But a first love won’t let them go…

The more time Cami and Ben spend together, the more they realize they have unfinished business. Suddenly, an impulsive decision could turn into a lost-but-found dream. But for Cami’s father, the inn holds memories of a terrible tragedy, and he wants to kill the deal.

Will their lost dreams survive another betrayal?

Grab your copy here!

About the Authors

New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Rachel Hauck writes from sunny central Florida. A RITA finalist and winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Novel of the Year, and Career Achievement Award, she writes vivid characters dealing with real life issues. Readers have fallen in love with the quaint and loveable small town of Hearts Bend, TN introduced in the NYT bestselling The Wedding Dress, which launched her Wedding Collection novels. Visit her at www.rachelhauck.com.

When Mandy Boerma isn’t hanging out at her favorite coffee shop writing, she’s a busy mom. After meeting Prince Charming, they started their own version of Happily Ever in the Florida Panhandle. Nothing compares to life at the beach. While those early days included romantic sunset walks with sand between our toes, days are now filled with sandcastles, swimming and school. Mom-duties fill Mandy’s days. You know them all— cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, organizing, helping at school, all the lessons and practices, homework, etc. And because that’s not enough, she also teaches piano, normally with coffee in hand. Visit her at www.mandyboerma.com.

You’ll Be Mine
by Mandy Boerma & Rachel Hauck
Book 2 in the Hearts Bend Collection
Rating: 4/5

It’s always good to be back in Hearts Bend, Tennessee! I really enjoyed this story surrounding Hearts Bend Inn that captures small town charm and the lure of second chance romance. I highly recommend reading the other books in this series and setting but it’s not necessary to appreciate this lovely story.

First, how cute is the cover! I love the design.
Second, I loved the setting around the Inn. Small towns have so much charm and character that makes the reader fall in love so easily.
Third, I really loved the main characters and their chemistry together. They were not perfect by any means which makes them incredibly relatable. Ben and Cami get a second chance at love despite all of the things keeping them apart.
Fourth, I always enjoy when the authors bring faith into their stories and speak of God’s willingness to give us second chances.

Be transported back to Hearts Bend and fall in love again!

Highly recommend this sweet romance full of humor and second chances!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Also Available

Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of the book and You’ll Be Mine mug

Visit @justreadtours on Instagram for how to enter. (US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Instagram is not affiliated with nor responsible for this giveaway. Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on September 5, 2022.)

#justreadtours #YoullBeMine #MandyBoerma #HeartsBendCollection #RachelHauck #SunrisePublishing #giveaway

August 29, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews

A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson

About the Book

Title: A Tenuous Betrothal
Series: Royal Regency Romance #3
Author: Jen Giggle Johnson
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Genre: Regency Romance
Release Date: August 8, 2022

Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

Grab your copy here! (affiliate link)

About the Author

An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy’s top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn’t stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep’s roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

Connect with Jen: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

My Review

A Tenuous Betrothal
by Jen Geigle Johnson
Book 3 in the Royal Regency Romance series
Rating: 4/5

Wow. Who doesn’t want to get swept away to Europe and the romance of a prince and a young Welsh lady who is now an orphan?! The author brings the reader on a fun and flirty journey where love is inevitable between two people whose fathers’ arranged their marriage. No need to read the first two books but definitely helps with recognizing characters.
se.
First, the cover is beautiful and part of the illusion of being transported to another world and time.
Second, the premise is what caught my eye because I love a good arranged marriage story with forced proximity.
Third, I really liked the main character, Rhianna Davies, who is not a damsel in distress. She truly cares for others below her station and keeps a cool head when dangerous situations arise. She is someone I’d love to get to know more.
Fourth, the romance is beautifully written with fantastic tension between the two main characters. And that’s all I’ll say about that since you’ll need to read it for yourself 😉

Highly recommend this clean, regency romance that would make a great movie!

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Also Available

Giveaway

WIN a paperback copy of A Tenuous Betrothal by Jen Geigle Johnson (US addresses only)

Enter here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/0ae98b8a314/?widget_template=5cf8617cb5df9c301e802fff

August 23, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews

Not Dead Yet by Traci Hunter Abramson

About the Book

Title: Not Dead Yet
Series: Guardians #6
Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
Genre: Suspense
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: June 13, 2022

Cassidy Edgemont has been dead for four years. At least, that is what the world has been led to believe. After becoming unwittingly entangled in a group called the Coalition, known for using fake news to generate political unrest in the United States, Cas was offered a devastating choice: stage her own death and join her rescuers, the guardians, or risk the wrath of the organization she betrayed. She chose death.

As an invisible government operative, Cas has been living in Paris with no complications—until her family pays an unexpected visit to the European city, changing everything. They think Cas is dead, and she has to keep it that way. But when a bomb is detonated nearby and fake news incites riots in the city, Cas recognizes the mark of the Coalition.

Donovan, a fellow guardian, is summoned to join her in Paris to attempt to untangle the intricate web linking Cas’s past with the recent bombings. But as the threat level escalates, Cas must again make an impossible decision: face possible exposure to her family in her race to uncover the truth or risk the loss of innocent lives.

Grab your copy here!

About the Author

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas for suspense novels as well as the skills needed to survive her children’s teenage years. She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality – best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary – Adult Novel of the Year.) She currently lives in Virginia with her family where she enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.

Connect with Traci: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bookbub

My Review

Not Dead Yet
by Traci Hunter Abramson
Book 6 in the Guardian series
Rating: 4/5

The author continues to deliver high impact, romantic thrillers that the reader cannot put down. As a fan of the author, I was excited to get my hands on an ARC and read what came next. Each book can be read as a standalone which I can verify since this is only the first book from the series that I’ve had the privilege of reading and I was not confused. However, I plan on reading the rest when time allows.

First, I was immediately drawn to the cover. I loved seeing a woman of color on the cover, which made me even more excited to delve into the story.
Second, the European setting of the story was well written and dropped me right into life in France and Belgium. I loved reading about Cass’ love for Paris and am impatiently waiting till I can go myself.
Third, the romance between the main characters was sweet and intense at the same time. I liked how they could relate to each other’s situations but still had to face the realities of what a relationship between them would look like.
Fourth, the action is jam-packed and this thriller is sure to get your heart racing as you try to solve the mystery along with the main characters.

Highly recommend this clean, contemporary romantic suspense with intrigue and a lot of heart.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Also Available

More from Traci

Paris anyone? After years of restricted travel and various COVID-related challenges, I needed to spend some time back in a city I love, even if it was only as part of my fictional world. Add in my years working with the CIA, and Not Dead Yet was born.

While Not Dead Yet is technically the sixth book in the guardian series, all of these books are written as stand-alone novels, which simply visit some characters from previous novels and sometimes introduce characters that will be featured in the stories to come.

Not Dead Yet was particularly enjoyable to write, not only because it gave me an excuse to revisit my photos and memories from my most recent trips to Paris, but also because of the parallels that naturally occurred with my own life.

Cas, the main character, is the first female guardian in my fictional top-secret program of government operatives who strive to serve and protect U.S. intelligence and military personnel. When I worked for the Central Intelligence Agency, I often attended meetings in which I was the only woman in the room. Respect and loyalty had to be earned regardless of gender, and I was fortunate to work with some amazing individuals over the years. Some of those treasured work relationships come through within the pages of this book.

Another similarity to my own background is Cas’s family dynamics. She has her parents and a younger sister, which mirrors my own early childhood. Her family is often in the public eye because of their association with the media industry. While I didn’t come from the extreme wealth and fame as my character did, I do remember well what it was like to have a mom on television (The Home Hunter in Phoenix, AZ) and to have a sister working in the entertainment industry. While my sister (Tiffany Hunter) has taken over The Home Hunter in recent years, a few of her earlier positions included serving as the backstage coordinator for the Grammys as well as working as Bill Murray’s personal assistant.

Not Dead Yet blends many experiences from my past with the events of the present and the ever-present question of What if? I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 4
Inklings and notions, August 5
EmpowerMoms, August 5
For Him and My Family, August 6
Cathe Swanson, August 6
Texas Book-aholic, August 7
Blogging With Carol, August 8
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 8
Betti Mace, August 9
Wishful Endings, August 9
deb’s Book Review, August 10
Inside the Wong Mind, August 10
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 11
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 12
Holly’s Book Corner, August 12
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 13
Mary Hake, August 13
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 14
The Book Club Network, August 14
Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 15 (Author Interview)
Dee S. White, August 15
CarpeDiem, August 16
Reading with Emily, August 16
Pause for Tales, August 17
Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Traci is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon Gift Card, Signed Book, Matching bookmark, Matching pin, and Matching stickers!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2070b/not-dead-yet-celebration-tour-giveaway

August 10, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews

Inside the Wong Mind: Reading is my therapy

Hello. This blog is all mine and I will do my best to post what interests me and what books I read with honest reviews. I am a lover of good Christian fiction with a touch of romance, mystery, intrigue, humor, fun, etc. I invite you to join me as I read my way through books and life. I am currently pursuing my residency training as a family medicine physician!!! I have to carefully choose what I want to read for fun. My name is Kim and you are entering the Wong Mind.