Friday, March 6, 2026

"The Bird of Bedford Manor" by Michelle Griep

About the Book

Book: The Bird of Bedford Manor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction / Regency

Release Date: February, 2026

Bedfordshire, England, 1820: Ruined by the sins of her father, Juliet Finch is cast into a life of self-reliance. Survival is a harsh taskmaster, but she is a quick learner and excels at tracking and snaring wild game to feed herself. Juliet embraces her new identity until the day Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land—a crime punishable by death. Henry, however, has other offenses on his mind: namely, the troublesome stalker who’s making a misery of his sister’s life. To try to put a stop to her torment, Henry charges Juliet with tracking the elusive villain so he can be brought to justice. Using her skills, Juliet hunts down the rogue. . .but may just become the prey herself.

Reader favorite Michelle Griep has penned yet another masterpiece with this page-turning adventure that has it all:

swoon-worthy romance
clever turn-of-phrase
colorfully memorable characters
charming British setting

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be well written and it flowed well. I liked Juliet and Henry and watching their interactions. I didn't want to put the book down but wished I could just sit and read all day. I look forward to reading more books by Michelle Griep.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

The Waltz: The Dance That Shocked Regency England

Post by Michelle Griep

I’ll be the first to admit it…I can’t dance a lick. Not a jig, not a reel, and certainly not anything that requires turning in rhythm without stepping on someone’s toes. If you ever spot me on a dancefloor, it’s because someone shoved me there or I lost a bet. Which is probably why the waltz both fascinates and terrifies me. A dance that actually expects you to glide gracefully while holding someone close? Absolutely not. And yet in Regency England, it became the talk of the town.

When the waltz swirled onto the dancefloors of England in the 1790s, it caused more shock than delight. Imported from Austria and southern Germany, it was a turning, closely-held dance—far too close for the comfort of polite society. Many called it indecent, warning that no respectable couple should stand chest-to-chest before a room full of onlookers. Some critics even claimed the dance “ignited dangerous feelings” and threatened to erode proper English restraint.

Shocking, right?

But fashions shift, and all it took was the Prince Regent giving the dance his approval in 1814. Overnight, the waltz transformed from scandal to sensation. By the 1820s, it was everywhere.

Here are a few fun bits of waltz trivia from the era:
• Some etiquette books warned that too much turning could cause “disorientation” or “undue excitement.”
• Early chaperones sometimes counted the number of turns, convinced it reflected a couple’s level of impropriety.
• A lady’s hemline was said to act like a “barometer” of a gentleman’s behavior—if it swayed too wildly, he was holding her too tightly.

In The Bird of Bedford Manor, set in 1820, this same world of rigid rules and whispered scandals forms the backdrop for Juliet Finch—resourceful, determined, and driven into the woods by her father’s downfall. When Henry Russell catches her poaching on his land, everything changes. What begins as a crime punishable by death becomes something far more dangerous as he charges her with tracking the stalker tormenting his sister.

Juliet can track anything. But this time, she may become the hunted.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 24

Devoted Steps, February 24

Bizwings Blog, February 25

Book Looks by Lisa, February 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, February 25

Sylvan Musings, February 26

Sydney Schmied Books, February 26

Lily’s Corner, February 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 27

Inspired by Fiction, February 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 28

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Simple Harvest Reads, March 1 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 2

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 2

For Him and My Family, March 3

The Bookish Pilgrim, March 3

Betti Mace, March 4

Cover Lover Book Review, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

Blogging With Carol, March 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 6

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6

Stories By Gina, March 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 7

Holly’s Book Corner, March 8

Pause for Tales, March 8

Vicky Sluiter, March 8

Devoted To Hope, March 9

To Everything There Is A Season, March 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/zqeQC/the-bird-of-bedford-manor-celebration-tour-giveaway

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

"The Restitching of Camille DuLaine by Lindsay A. Franklin -- Book Spotlight

About the Book

Book: The Restitching of Camille DuLaine (The Rivenlea Book 2)

Author: Lindsay A. Franklin

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: February 10, 2023

A splintered world, a heart gone cold.

Hope reborn in threads of gold.

After accidentally bridging the storyworlds together, Emlyn DuLaine faces an impossible task: sever the connections without destroying the stories themselves. If she fails, the characters will be trapped in twisted versions of their tales, forced to relive their worst moments forever.

But undoing the bridges is only the beginning. To truly fix what’sbunraveling, Emlyn must uncover the secret flaw buried deep in Rivenlea’sbfoundation, something that’s been wrong since the very start.

And the danger has never been closer to home. The clock is ticking for the injured wyvern who needs Rivenlite air to survive and the story boy Emlyn swore she’d never fall for. Emlyn and her team must rescue Frank and Laramie from chaotic, shifting story spheres before they’re gone for good.

But Frank and Laramie aren’t the only ones lost to the spheres. Camille DuLaine is a prisoner, held as bait by someone who knows exactly how to lure her sister in. After seven years of sleep, Camille wakes to find herself trapped in a storybook and sure of only one thing: Emlyn must stay far, faraway.

Racing to solve one mind-bending puzzle after the next, Emlyn uncovers a plan seventeen years in the making. She stands at the center of a fractured universe—and she might be too late to save it.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lindsay A. Franklin is the Carol Award–winning author of The Story Peddler, the ECPA best-selling author of Adored, and Managing Editor of Enclave Publishing. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. Lindsay lives happily among the rain and evergreens of the Pacific Northwest with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder husband, their three (nearly) grown geeklings, and three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats).

More from Lindsay

The Fiction-Fixer’s Handbook:

A Guest Post by Emlyn DuLaine, the Newest Member of Novem XVII

I haven’t been a Novemite long, and if you want advice from an absolute expert, you’ll have to ask Captain Doyle or maybe Laramie, if you can manage to push your way past the cloud of ego that surrounds him at all times.

But I’ve been diving into upside-down classics, wrangling rogue characters, bridging broken plots, and saving story spheres long enough to give some helpful pointers on how to keep your wits about you when you, too, traverse the fantastical, fictional universes we all know and love.

Read on for my hard-won wisdom.

Never accept apples from anyone. Ever. Even if they promise it’s organic and locally sourced. Just don’t.
If a book starts whispering, close it immediately. This is not the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Cursed tomes are not to be trifled with.
Stay away from unattended spinning wheels and mirrors that look a little too shiny. Exercise caution around wardrobe-shaped furniture. Odds are high you’re about to be enchanted, imprisoned, or transported. Stay vigilant.
Beware of overly charming men in masks, hoods, and/or capes. It’s 50/50 on whether he’s a tragic hero or a villain with a vendetta. Proceed with caution.
Always check the fine print on magical contracts. If the terms include “firstborn child” or an unspecified “favor” to be later named, run.
Characters who break into song at random intervals are either harmless or extremely dangerous. If they’re just narrating their morning routine, you’re fine. If the music gets ominous, assume the worst.
If you find yourself in the company of a talking animal sidekick, always ask for its backstory. Talking cats may be friend or foe, sometimes both if it starts telling riddles. Grumpy toads are probably cursed nobles. Overdramatic ravens are almost always bad news.
When in doubt, follow the protagonist—but not too closely. The main character has plot armor. You do not.

If you’re hoping for a fairy-tale ending, these tips might get you there. Stay safe, friends. And happy sphere-diving!

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, February 25

Simple Harvest Reads, February 26 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27 (Spotlight)

Blogging With Carol, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, March 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 2 (Spotlight)

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 4

Guild Master, March 5 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 6 (Spotlight)

Holly’s Book Corner, March 6

For the Love of Literature, March 7 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, March 8

Stories By Gina, March 9 (Spotlight)

Fiction Book Lover, March 10 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lyndsay is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a hardcover copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/iyeVn/the-restitching-of-camille-dulaine-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, February 26, 2026

"Light to My Path" by Erica Vetsch

About the Book

Book: Light To My Path

Author: Erica Vetsch

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 10, 2026

A determined orphan caretaker and a wealthy mine owner—brought together by circumstance, tested by tragedy, and transformed by love.

Sam Mackenzie learned the hard way not to trust a beautiful face. After breaking his engagement to a fortune-hunting socialite, he’s focused solely on his family’s mining business. But when his aunt asks him to help escort three orphans and their caretaker across the country, he finds himself drawn to the selfless young woman tasked with the children’s care.

Eldora Carter has spent her life depending on no one but herself. As a former orphan now caring for three unwanted children, she knows better than to dream of a different future. When a journey by rail turns perilous, she must rely on Sam’s help to keep the children safe. Yet accepting his assistance means risking her heart to a man who could never want someone like her. As danger forces them to work together, Eldora discovers that sometimes the greatest risk is refusing to love at all.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

This is the 8th book in the Brides of the West series, but the 2nd in the group featuring the Mackenzie family. I would suggest reading David and Karen's story before reading this one to get the whole picture of their family. I found the book to be well written and a quick read. I liked watching Sam interacting with the children. I did find it a little like a dropped thread that it wasn't a bigger deal/interference with their romance, when you find out that Eldora's father died in a mining accident. It was barely mentioned and Sam never knew. There is a nice biblical faith thread. I look forward to reading more books by Erica Vetsch.

About the Author

Best-selling, award-winning author of The Debutante’s Code, first in the Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery Series, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum.

More from Erica

Trains. I love trains. I got this love from my father, who is fascinated by all types of trains. When writing Light to My Path, I asked my dad lots of questions, and I relied heavily upon the things I learned at the train museums he took me to see.

One of our favorite train museums is in Duluth, MN. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, in what was the former depot of the Gilded Age boomtown, is home to one of the most beautiful trains I have ever seen.

It’s name is the William B. Crooks, and it is a steam locomotive.

The William Crooks, the first train engine of any kind in Minnesota belonging to the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad by railroad tycoon James J. Hill of St. Paul. The William Crooks pulled its first train cars full of passengers on June 28, 1862. The William Crooks retired from passenger service in 1897.

Isn’t it beautiful? When the train retired from passenger service, it became the personal train of James J. Hill, The Empire Builder and owner of The Great Northern Railroad.

James J. Hill dreamed of pushing a railroad from Minnesota to the West Coast, through the Rocky and Cascade Mountains. It was along the Great Northern Railroad in March of 1910 that one of the worst train disasters in US history occurred. An avalanche took out two trains, killing 96 people.

This historic event inspired part of the story in Light to My Path. A train, trapped by snow, unable to go forward or back, and with an avalanche imminent. It’s the kind of book that calls for a warm blanket and a hot cup of tea!

You can read more about both the William Crooks and the Cascade Avalanche Disaster at these websites:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Crooks_(locomotive)

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/march-1/trains-buried-by-avalanche

Blog Stops

Books Less Travelled, February 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 20

Sydney Schmied Books, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

For Him and My Family, February 22

Devoted To Hope, February 23

Lyssa Loves Books, February 23

She.lives.to.read, February 24

lakesidelivingsite, February 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Mindy)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 28

Devoted Steps, March 1

Bizwings Blog, March 1

Book Looks by Lisa, March 2

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Holly’s Book Corner, March 3

Lock, Hooks and Books, March 4

Pause for Tales, March 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Erica is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

https://gleam.io/IemaN/light-to-my-path-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, February 22, 2026

"The Maiden and the Mountie" by Denise Farnsworth

About the Book

Book: The Maiden and the Mountie

Author: Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

A marriage of necessity. A secret buried deep. In Georgia’s gold country, love may be the most dangerous treasure of all.

Gage Edmonds plans to use his engineering degree to blaze new roads in the Southern frontier—but first, he must follow in the footsteps of his war hero father and prove he’s worthy of their family name. His assignment to the Georgia Mounted Militia puts him between gold-hungry settlers and Cherokees soon to be forced from their homes. The local miller’s captivating daughter, Anna Walker, makes him question everything he thought he wanted. Grieved at the treatment of the peaceful Cherokees, Gage chooses not to re-enlist but agrees to work as a translator, even if it might cost him his chance at redemption.

Daughter of a European mother and Cherokee father, Anna has seen the way new settlers have pushed her father’s people out of their homes. She vowed never to fall for a white man. Least of all, a soldier. Yet when Sergeant Edwards endangers himself to keep the peace during a clash at her father’s gristmill, she admits there’s something honorable about him. Over Anna’s protests, her father seeks to secure her future in Gage’s hands.

On the eve of eviction, members of a local village hide their gold, trusting Anna with its safekeeping until they can return. When dangerous men discover the secret, she’s forced to rely on Gage for protection. But just as she begins to trust him, a secret her father has kept threatens to tear them apart. Can Anna trust this soldier with the truth—and her heart?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts

I enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be well written and easy to read. I liked getting a glimpse into this time in history and what happened with the Cherokee people. I liked Gage and Anna and their interactions were fun to watch. I liked the biblical faith thread woven through the story. I look forward to reading more books by Denise (Weimer) Farnsworth.

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two young adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

The vanished pieces of our history have always intrigued me as an author. Houses, towns, lives that were once so vital but now of which there is no trace left except in books and oral accounts. For The Maiden and the Mountie, tales about two vanished things caught my attention when I lived near Cumming, Georgia—a Cherokee removal fort and Cherokee gold. Local historians have long debated the location of Fort Buffington and legends of Cherokee gold hidden in tunnels with secret vaults and deadfalls…or buried in clay pots, some of which were reported to have been found.

The second book of my Twenty-Niners of the Georgia Gold Rush series is set during the fall and winter of 1837. Gold had been found in the late 1820s on Cherokee land, land which was then divvied up in a state lottery. Lottery winners prepared to move onto farming lots of a hundred and sixty acres or mining lots of forty acres. Much of that property already had “improvements”—homes, outbuildings, and businesses. The majority of the Cherokee people had “Americanized,” adopting the clothing, religion, language, and farming and business methods of their white neighbors. That did not stop property- and gold-hungry settlers from taking Native American land.

Some Cherokees moved to Oklahoma Territory before the May 1838 deadline set by the national government. Others lingered until the last, fed by rumors and hopes that the legal efforts of their leaders in Washington would succeed. Many of them endured harassment by Pony Club members. Eventually, the remaining Cherokees were rounded up by mounted militia, forced into hastily constructed removal forts, and escorted on the tragic winter march that became known as the Trail of Tears.

No doubt about it—this is grave subject matter. But wouldn’t writing a trilogy about the Georgia Gold Rush without including an account of the Cherokee Removal be an even graver disservice to the actual history and the proud people who endured it?

The Maiden and the Mountie focuses on the mixed-blood Cherokee family of the heroine, Anna Walker, whose father operates a gristmill—another setting unique to fiction but so vital to nineteenth-century communities. For this angle of the story, I was able to draw on my brief stint as a county employee when I spent some time as a docent at Freeman’s Mill in Gwinnett County. The hero, Gage Edmonds, yearns to live up to his father’s military record and at the same time defend the heritage of his Cherokee grandmother-by-marriage. The conflict he rides into as a member of the Georgia Mounted Militia constructing Fort Buffington in Cherokee County convinces him he can better serve the native people as a translator than a soldier. Defending Anna and her family from members of the Pony Club makes his quest even more personal. Little does he know the woman he’s falling in love with has been called on by her father’s people to help hide Cherokee gold.

Themes of The Maiden and the Mountie include finding one’s identity in God, friendship that spans social boundaries, the power of adopted family, and love that blooms amid the harsh winter of conflict. I hope you’ll join Anna and Gage in the tumultuous days of the Georgia Gold Rush and look for The Schoolmarm and the Miner coming later this year.