First Line Friday: Hope in the Mountain River

It’s time for First Line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. Grab the book nearest to you and share the first line! The book we’re featuring on Diversity Between the Pages is Hope in the Mountain River (Call of the Rockies book 2) by Misty M. Beller!

and the first line is….

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“Is he friend or enemy?” Elan’s blood pounded through her veins as it did when the warriors from her tribe struck their targets with tomahawks—blow upon blow, louder and louder with each passing moment.

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ABOUT THE BOOK

This epic journey is not at all what she expected.

Joel Vargas can’t believe he’s lost his older brother in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains after surviving their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic. And he can’t shake the feeling that Adam—his only living relative—is in dire trouble. No matter what the cost, he and his band of friends won’t stop until Adam is found. He’s not sure if two Indian women they meet on the way will be a help or hindrance.

After the devastating loss of her daughter and husband to a sickness that swept through their Nez Perce camp, Elan is desperate to find an escape from her grief. As she and her friend journey through the mountains toward the great river, a band of white men is the last thing she expects to find, especially as winter blows in full force.

When the dangers increase, accomplishing Joel’s mission becomes the only hope for all their survival. If the elements don’t consume them, Elan has a feeling life will never be the same for any of them.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and intense adventure.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Let me know the first line of the book closest to you & then head over to Hoarding Books to see who else is participating!

POST CREATED BY BETH ERIN

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Book Spotlight: Safe Harbor

Hi, reader friends! Today’s featured title looks irresistibly swoony and it is from romantic suspense master storyteller, Christy Barritt!

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About the Book

A JOB AS EASY AS SUNDAY MORNING

Guilt over past mistakes haunt former Navy SEAL Dez Rodriguez. When he’s asked to guard a pop star during a music festival on Lantern Beach, he’s all set for what he hopes is a breezy assignment.

UNTIL HE MEETS BREE JORDAN

Bree hasn’t found fame to be nearly as fulfilling as she dreamed. Instead, she’s more like a carefully crafted character living out a pre-scripted story. When a stalker’s threats become deadly, her life—and career—are turned upside down.

DANGER RISES UP THE CHARTS

From the start, Bree sees her temporary bodyguard as a player, and Dez sees Bree as a spoiled rich girl. But when they’re thrown together in a fight for survival, both must learn to trust. Can Dez protect Bree—and his carefully guarded heart? Or will their safe harbor ultimately become their death trap?

Goodreads | Amazon | BOOKBUB

 

About the Author

 

Christy Barritt, a Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author, writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her books have won the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery, have been twice nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and have finaled for both a Carol Award and Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year.

She’s married to her prince charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious–but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado.

Christy currently splits her time between the Virginia suburbs and Hatteras Island, North Carolina. She has more than seventy books published with nearly two million copies sold.

If you’d like to receive updates via email about book releases, special events, and other happenings please sign up for her newsletter.

 

I’m going to have to pick up this series in Kindle Unlimited! What do you say, reader friends?
Does this story sound appealing to you? Let’s talk about that cover!

 

POST CREATED BY BETH ERIN

 

Book Review: The Ranger Takes a Bride

Hi, reader friends! Today’s review features The Ranger Takes a Bride by Misty M. Beller, the second book of her debut series, Texas Rancher Trilogy.

About the Book

The bloody Las Cuevas War robbed Alejandra Diaz of her father, her fiancé, and her home—and left her with an intense hatred for men in uniform. She escapes across the border with her almost-mother-in-law and finds work on a quiet Texas ranch. The place seems like the safe haven she’d been looking for. Until she meets the rancher’s tall, handsome brother who wears the soldier’s badge of a Texas Ranger…

Edward Stewart has spent years proving his abilities as a man, separate from the overbearing protection of his family. As a Texas Ranger, he has the chance to help tame the Wild West and save the innocent. Innocents like the enchanting Mexican woman he rescued, who now lives and works on his sister’s ranch. But the moment she sees his badge, she won’t have anything to do with him.

Can Edward prove to Alejandra that he’s different from the cruel soldiers she’s known before? Will Alejandra hold onto the fear ingrained from her past, or can she open her heart to the kindness of this good lawman? When danger escalates in the form of a band of desperados with deadly intent, Alejandra must fight her hardest battle yet…

goodreads | amazon | BOOKDEPOSITORY | bookbub

 

My Thoughts

What a lovely trio of redemptive, feel-good stories! I completely enjoyed getting to know all the folks on this small-town Texas ranch. These stories have just the right amount of spunk and action to liven up the sweetly romantic plots. Settings and cultures are figuratively painted across each chapter with vibrant brushstrokes.

Alejandra’s plight is heartwrenching yet inspiring as she overcomes her fears and the language barrier (without the help of Rosetta Stone) to remain with her fiance’s mother in a foreign country. Edward isn’t perfect but he makes up for his flaws with a large helping of patience and compassion.

I’m a big fan of Misty M. Beller’s Mountain series so I’ve had my eyes on this Texas series for a while now and it does not disappoint! Since I listened to this book on audio, here are my brief thoughts on the recordings: in my opinion, the narrations for the series are fair to good. For me, the first book’s performance is best followed by the third book with the second book starting out a bit rough (almost echoing) but improving in quality as the story progressed.

I borrowed this book through an audible escape trial. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller writes Christian historical romance and is the author of the bestselling Mountain Dreams Series and the Texas Rancher Trilogy. 

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream. Visit her website!

 

Texas Rancher Trilogy

I love stories of cultures diverging in a peaceful blend of something new!
The Texas Rancher Trilogy is also available on Kindle Unlimited!
Listening to this story gave me a richer experience than reading since my Spanish vocabulary is limited to foods, numbers one through ten, a few greetings, and “where is the bathroom?”!

Have you listened to any audiobooks with unfamiliar phrases or languages recently? 

Review by Beth Erin

Book Review: A Proxy Wedding

Hi, reader friends! Today’s review features A Proxy Wedding by Toni Shiloh, a sweet novella that is now available as a stand-alone ebook, formerly part of a two-author novella collection, A Spring of Weddings.

About the Book

Saying I Do was more than they bargained for.

Carly James values loyalty and friendship above all. So when her best friend calls asking her to be a proxy bride, she says, ‘yes.’ How hard can it be to say ‘I do’ so that her best friend can be with the one she loves? Only, Carly never counted on the feelings that began to swirl around with the proxy groom.

Damien Nichols likes life lined up from A to Z, but when his best friend calls in a favor, disorder begins to reign. Instead of taking a quick flight to the proxy wedding, he has to take a road trip with the proxy bride. Carly’s free-spirit attitude bumps heads with his meticulous approach to life. As Damien discovers the woman underneath the carefree façade, his emotions become involved.

goodreads | amazon

 

My Thoughts

Are y’all seeing this absolutely adorable cover?! It’s downright irresistible and so is the sweet story inside! I’m really glad this whole proxy wedding situation didn’t launch into a mishandled paperwork meets accidental marriage of inconvenience debacle. Instead, Shiloh crafts an engaging opposites-attract romance with the wonderfully creative meet-cute of a double-proxy wedding (much more enjoyable and believable than my wild imaginings)! Carly and Damien won me over quite quickly and I couldn’t put this story down until the satisfying conclusion! I love the contrast of artsy meets workaholic in a suit but the icing on the cake is the way these two characters complement one another and bring out one another’s strengths! I highly recommend this feel-good story. It will brighten your day and warm your heart.

I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

About the Author

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer.

Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

website | facebook | twitter | INSTAGRAM

Have y’all even heard of proxy weddings, readers?
Be sure to read A Proxy Wedding by Toni Shiloh on KU or pick up a copy for just $0.99!

Review by Beth Erin

Book Spotlight: Love, Lies & Consequences series

Hi, reader friends! We aren’t promised an easy road in this life. Sometimes hardships are the result of our own choices or the choices of others. Check out the Love, Lies & Consequences series by Natasha D. Frazier!

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About the Books

Book 1: Love, Lies & Consequences

Raegan made a promise to herself—no more sex until marriage! Then Raegan meets Rico, a handsome, smooth talker who presents himself as a God-fearing, church-going, praying man. He tells her everything that he thinks she wants and needs to hear—including his desire to marry her! Rico’s smooth manner challenges Raegan’s character and puts to the test what she says she believes. Just when she thinks that Rico could be the one, Caleb, her old college love, returns to her life. And now that he’s back, he has no intent on being without her. Raegan gets caught up in a whirlwind romance, filled with Love, Lies & Consequences that will turn her world upside down.

Meanwhile, Raegan’s good friend Tammy has choices of her own to make. Tammy filed for legal separation from Joshua, NBA rookie, who was sure to have a promising career, only one year after they got married. Joshua loved basketball and Tammy felt like there was no room in his life for both her and his career. Life has now given them a second chance to reunite. Has she matured beyond her selfish ways? Is Joshua ready to pursue both basketball and his wife? It just may take a brush with death to remind them that it is high time to become the husband and wife they vowed to be.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Book 2: Through Thick & Thin

Engaged, pregnant, and unsure of her baby’s father, Raegan’s troubles have multiplied. In the sequel to the award-winning title, Love, Lies & Consequences, Raegan learns what it feels like to be loved completely. In turn, she must learn to forgive and return that same love that was given to her. Forgiveness and understanding won’t come easily. 

Caleb has promised to stay by her side–but will her guilt push him away? 

When Caleb’s past catches up to him, will Raegan remain by his side as he promised to stick by hers? 

Or does she hold him to a different standard? 

Will Raegan choose Caleb over her need to be in control of everything? 

Will they stick with each other Through Thick & Thin . . . or will the consequences of their past sins be too much to bear?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Book 3: Shattered Vows

Rico gambled with his marriage when he cheated on Chloe. Breaking his vows and risking everything for temporary pleasure, he lost his wife’s respect and trust.

Rico returns to God, searching for a quick fix to win Chloe’s heart back, but his heart is the one that is changed. He is a self-proclaimed changed man, willing to go the extra mile to restore his marriage, but he just may be too late.

Has Chloe given up on him? She has forgiven him before, but this is different. “I’m sorry” isn’t enough when vows have been shattered. With the law and the Word of the Lord on her side, she finally gathers enough courage to walk away.

But then tragedy strikes. Is it enough to make Chloe stay, or will she start a new chapter in her life?

goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Book 4: Out of the Shadows releases August 20, 2019 

Amazon PREORDER

 

About the Author

Natasha’s first book, The Life Your Spirit Craves won the Readers’ Choice Award in 2013 at the Christian Literary Awards. Her second book, Not Without You: 365 Days in the Lord’s Presence was nominated for the Henri Award. Love, Lies and Consequences was nominated for the Henri Award as well and won the Readers’ Choice Award in 2015 at the Christian Literary Awards.

Natasha writes to inspire readers to become all they were created to be and encourage them in their daily walk with God. Whether devotional or fictional, she desires to leave a legacy to inspire readers to take their lives to the next level.

Born and raised in Greenville, MS, Natasha graduated magna cum laude from Jackson State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting and from Texas A&M University with a Masters of Science in Accounting. Natasha has since earned her CPA license and worked in both public accounting and the federal government. Natasha is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University.

Natasha resides in Houston, TX with her husband, Eddie and their three children: Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. For book releases, contests and events, please join her mailing list via her website or connect with Natasha on Facebook or Twitter!

 

What do you say, reader friends?
Are you adding the Love, Lies & Consequences series to your tbr?

 

POST CREATED BY BETH ERIN

Book Spotlight: Grown Zone series

Hi, reader friends! Fans of women’s fiction will want to check out the Grown Zone series by Chandra Sparks Splond and its sweet & sassy covers!

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About the Books

Book 1: It’s Like That

After suffering a tragic loss ten years ago, twenty-six-year-old Jasmine Richardson has traded her love of lyrics for writing legal briefs. It only takes one encounter with the microphone for Jasmine to realize the music is still in her heart—if only it could pay the bills.

After making some bad decisions, Jasmine is thrown into a tailspin. She is forced to consider taking a case that could make her legal career from someone from her past.

Suddenly, Jasmine finds herself questioning her future.

When the music is still in your heart, sometimes life forces you to make some tough decisions. Sometimes…it’s like that.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Book 2: Through the Fire

News reporter Vanessa Johnson has spent her entire professional career in the public eye, so the last thing she wants is for her private life to be televised for the entire world to see.

After dealing with heartbreaking devastation unlike anything she’s experienced in her twenty-four years, Vanessa takes a job in her hometown where everybody and their momma know her business—and have her back.

As the hits keep coming, can she make it through the fire and get back to the life she once loved?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

Book 3: Pass It On

In the third book of the Grown Zone series, it’s been a long time since Reese Williams can remember things being good.

After getting pregnant her senior year of high school, Reese abandoned her dreams of going to college in order to take care of her baby. Now, years later, she’s starting to wonder if life has more to offer.

After making a difficult decision, Reese finds herself at rock bottom and considers doing things she never thought she’d do—like returning to her trifling ex.

What’s a single momma to do when she wants to pass on the gift of a great life to her daughter?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Chandra Sparks Splond is an editor, speaker and award-winning author and blogger.

Her young adult novel Make It Work was named Alabama’s Great Read 2017, Spin It Like That was chosen as a Popular Paperback for Young Adults by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and The Pledge was a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Black Pearls Magazine honored Splond as a Legends & Leaders for 2017 for her blog, Book of Splond (formerly known as Magic City Momma).

Splond is the owner of West End Publishing, LLC, and Live Life Creations, a personalized gift and party boutique. In addition to working for Kensington Publishing as the consulting editor for Arabesque romance, Splond has also done work for Random House, Moody Publishers, Kimani Press (formerly known as BET Books), and Hyperion. She has edited books for several New York Times, USA Today and Essence bestselling authors.

Splond has interviewed New York Times bestselling authors Karen Kingsbury, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Eric Jerome Dickey and actress Meagan Good. She has also worked for Good Housekeeping, Black and Married with Kids, Brides Noir, Weddingpages, Newsday, The Morning Call and Romantic Times. 

Of all the titles she has held, Splond’s most important remain child of God, wife and mommy.

Splond graduated from Ramsay High School in Birmingham, Alabama and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa with a degree in journalism. She received her master of science in education degree with a focus on instructional design and technology from Samford University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and resides in Birmingham with her family. They are members of Forty-fifth Street Baptist Church.

Visit her website or connect with Chandra on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest!

 

I adore these covers! What do you say, reader friends?
Are you adding the Grown Zone series to your tbr?

 

POST CREATED BY BETH ERIN

Book Review: Novelly Upon a Time

Hi, reader friends! Today’s review features a bookish novella which is available as a stand-alone ebook or as part of Book Nerds and Boyfriends, a 3-in-1 print or ebook collection, and I highly recommend it!

About the Book

Author Harper Jones prides herself on the impeccable research she does for her novels, so when early reviews come pouring in claiming her romance reeks of inauthenticity, her editor suggests pulling her nose out of her books and getting some real-life smooching experience.

But her plans to do just that are thwarted by her archnemesis from high school who has recently returned to town. Now she’s left with an impossible decision—kiss her worst enemy or kiss her three-book contract goodbye.

goodreads | amazon

 

My Thoughts

A quirky author and brooding officer?! Yes, please! What’s not to love?! Harper’s unique research methods are delightfully entertaining, but the way Kyo pushes her buttons had me chuckling my way through each chapter. From aggression to attraction, these two have it all with tension to spare. Monzon takes what could have easily been a romcom fluff piece (nothing wrong with that but this reader likes more) and delivers remarkable depth, sincerity, and heart. I highly recommend this spunky story and plan to revisit its page as often as possible.

I borrowed this book through the Kindle Unlimited program. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

About the Author

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain’s wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn’t enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters.

When she isn’t in the world of make-believe, she can be found in a small desert town in central Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.

website | facebook | twitter | pinterest

 

Also Available

What do you look for in a romance novella, readers?
Do you love being surprised like I do?!

Review by Beth Erin

Book Spotlight: The Marriage Bargain

Hi, reader friends! Today’s featured title is a sweet romance that brings the marriage of convenience trope up to modern day standards with two orphans and a ready-made family by a new-to-me author!

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About the Book

Jules Sheehan will do anything to keep custody of the two orphaned girls in her care—including a marriage of convenience with their uncle.

Cam Quinn crosses the globe as a travel writer, but he’s ready to settle down.

Now tough, tender Jules is offering the home he’s secretly longed for.

Can this marriage in name only become a family of the heart?

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Stephanie Dees lives in small-town Alabama with her family, two spoiled dogs, and a very bossy cat. A Southern girl through and through, she loves sweet tea, SEC football, corn on the cob and air conditioning. Visit her website!

 

This series is on my wishlist! What do you say, reader friends?
Does this story sound appealing to you?

 

POST CREATED BY BETH ERIN

 

Book Spotlight: A Cowboy in Shepherd’s Crossing

Hi, reader friends! Today’s featured title is a deliciously complex family drama and sweet romance with kids and cowboys to boot!

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About the Book

Cowboy bachelor Jace Middleton was ready to leave Shepherd’s Crossing for good – until he learns his family’s unspoken secrets.

Now Jace finds himself not only caring for his twin baby nieces, but working with beautiful, strong-willed designer Melonie Fitzgerald to renovate his grandmother’s run-down estate.

Love wasn’t part of the plan… but Jace soon finds himself wishing Melonie could become part of his unexpected family.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook

review on Hope By The Book magazine website

 

About the Author

Ruth Logan Herne has more than a million books in print, including over twenty Love Inspired contemporary novels. She loves God, her family, country, coffee, chocolate and dogs, and wishes possums would leave the cat food on the side porch alone.

Ruthy is also a founding member of Seekerville, a popular writing-collective blog. A country girl who loves the big city, Ruthy and her husband live on a farm in upstate New York.

website  | Facebook | Twitter

 

Don’t these two look cozy?! I love the two little girls in this story too!

 

POST CREATED BY BETH ERIN

 

Book Spotlight: A Merry Navidad

Hello, readers! Today’s featured book spotlight is shining on a collection of Latino Christian Fiction Christmas novellas! Preorder is now available for only $0.99!

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about the book

La Familia Es Todo by Kathi Macias
A large, once-close family that has drifted apart for various reasons. Will their longtime tradition of making tamales on Christmas Eve be enough to bring them back together? 

Navidad & Familia by Allison K. García
When a blizzard traps the Campana family in their trailer on Christmas Eve with no electricity, internet, gifts, or Christmas decorations, will they drive each other crazy or will they discover the true reason for the season?

A Tamale Christmas by Linda K. Rodante
She’s an unwed mother at a Christian college. He’s a Latino student who left home and career to attend. Will the secret one of them carries keep them apart or will God perform another Christmas miracle?

Have Yourself A Merry Little Cocoa by Cynthia Marcano
Every Christmas, Isidora Lopez tries to spend her way into the hearts of those she loves, while Firefighter Gabriel Ramirez has spent his, trying to move on from a lost one, until a chance encounter unexpectedly sparks both their lives.

Goodreads | amazon

 

about the authors

 KATHI MACIAS | Allison K. Garcia | Linda K. Rodante | Cynthia Marcano

 

Pick up a few of these sweet ebooks for stocking stuffers!

 

Spotlight by Beth Erin