Black 'n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen Copyright 2015 Bethany House Publishers ISBN: 9780764210723 The Story : Sophie Dupont assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. In private, she paints the picturesque north Devon coast, popular with artists--including handsome Wesley Overtree, who seems more interested in Sophie than the landscape.  Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother Wesley's responsibilities. Near the end of his leave, he is sent to find his brother and bring him home. Upon reaching Devonshire, however, Stephen is stunned to learn Wesley has sailed for Italy and left his host's daughter in serious trouble.  Stephen feels duty-bound to act, and strangely protective of the young lady, who somehow seems familiar. Wanting to make some recompense for his own past failings as well as his brother's, Stephen proposes to Miss Dupont. He does not offer love, but marriage "in name only" to sa...

Whispers in the Reading Room by Shelley Gray Copyright 2015 Zondervan Publishing ISBN: 9780310338499 The Story: Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does. Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him. Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked. Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can t...

Guys. You know I love my Marvel and my Cap and his bromance with Bucky, so this trailer hit me right in the feels. I should be sleeping, but I know my fangirling heart will not rest until I share this clip. Some spoilers for those of you who haven't seen the Avengers films. Don't say I didn't warn ya. xx http://youtu.be/uVdV-lxRPFo

A Thousand Shall Fall (Shenandoah Valley Saga, Book 1) by Andrea Boeshaar Copyright 2015 Kregel Publishers ISBN: 9780825443817 The Story: A Story of love, hope, and healing set in the midst of the Civil War Nineteen-year-old Carrie Ann Bell is independent and spirited. The only thing she really fears are the Union soldiers fighting against her Confederate friends. When her youngest sister runs away from home, brave Carrie Ann is determined to find her and bring her back. Disguised as a soldier, she sets off--only to find she's fallen into the hands of the enemy. Her childhood friend Confederate Major Joshua Blevins has warned her against these Yankees: they're all devils, ready to inflict evil on unsuspecting young women. When Colonel Peyton Collier arrests her for her impersonation of an officer, it seems to confirm all her fears. Soon, though, she finds herself drawn to the handsome, gallant colonel. He rescued her, protected her, and has been every inch...

The Story: She stole his heart.  He stole her peace.  Can hope steal their pain?  Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman Copyright 2015 Available as an e-book Paperback coming soon At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O'Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?

The Imposter The Bishop's Family, Book 1 by Suzanne Woods Fisher Copyright 2015 ISBN: 9780800723200 The Story: A heart once deceived should not be easily fooled again . . . Katrina Stoltzfus thought she had life and love all figured out: she was going to marry John and live happily ever after. But as her plans crumble before her eyes, she struggles to face an uncertain future. When a widow asks for help starting a new business, Katrina quickly agrees. She needs time to heal her broken heart, to untangle her messy life, to find a purpose. What she doesn't need is attention from Andy Miller, a farmhand who arrives at the widow's farm just when help is most needed--and who always seems to say the right thing and be in the right place, at the right time. Is Andy for real or too good to be true? She's been deceived once before, and she isn't planning on experiencing it again. Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher invites you back to Stoney Ridge for a t...

Sir Toby  If you know me at all you know I love summer. I can't stand to be cold and I can't stand to wear layers of clothing. I like to lather up with sunscreen and curl up on the back deck reading or running around the yard throwing sticks for my two fur babies to catch. For fall, it's a pretty decent day in spite of all the rain. 70 degrees is pretty great for a late October day. Since it's probably the last decently warm day of the month, I thought it would be fun to share a few photos of my collies, Coco and Toby, to remind us all that it will be warm again soon. Soon.

THOSE HOT WESTMORELAND MEN! I love alpha men who take charge and once they are smitten by love will protect their woman with their life.  Men who are irresistibly sexy heroes.  Passionate to a fault.  Men who can make a woman pause when they walk into a room. The Westmorelands are those types of men. They also believe deeply in family and loyalty. When I introduced the Denver Westmorelands, I began with the oldest of the group—Dillon. I told readers how they had lost parents, and an aunt and uncle in a tragic plane accident, and how Dillon—along with his cousin Ramsey—kept the family of cousins and siblings together. Now I am down to the last seven Westmorelands and I am enjoying telling their stories…mainly because each one is so different and I have seen them grow over the prior eight books. Zane is considered by everyone as an expert on women. But when it comes to handling his own business with a particular woman, he falls short and learns a very i...

Lowry frames in Woodland Tortoise One thing that you might overlook when transitioning your wardrobe every season is your eyewear! I can't go anywhere without my glasses. I'm one of those people who can't see the big E on the eye chart if I'm more than a foot away. If there is a good thing about being myopic these days is that there are more options for buying stylish glasses than even just five years ago. Glasses are now super easy to purchase. With just the click of a finger you can find a list of prescription eye wear sites and have them delivered right to your mailbox. I don't know about you, but when it comes to my glasses spending 15 minutes in some mall shop, making a decision just to get it over with, shelling out 400 plus dollars, and then regretting my selection when said glasses arrive two weeks later, is just not fun. I like to be able to see what my glasses will look like with my whole wardrobe, different hairstyles, or different makeup. That...

A Wedding at the Orange Blossom Inn Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book 3 Copyright 2015 Avon Inspire ISBN: 9780062337757 The Story: A wedding brings together two young widowed parents . . . and gives them a second chance at love. Emma Keim was heartbroken when her husband, Sanford, passed away, leaving her to raise three young daughters alone. Though several years have passed, her relatives have made it no secret that they expect Emma to remain a widow, mourning Sanford indefinitely. But when she meets Jay Hilty—a handsome widower with three young sons of his own—Emma is delighted to have a new friend who understands her struggles. Still, she is dismayed that her family is so opposed to their friendship—and the idea of it ever becoming anything more. She honors her husband’s memory every day, but is she destined to be alone forever? Emma’s gentleness with Jay’s boys stirs something in his heart that’s been quiet for far too long. But when his oldest son becomes engaged to a...

Counting on a Cowboy Four of Hearts Ranch, Book 2 by Debra Clopton Copyright 2015 Thomas Nelson ISBN: 9781401690519 The Story: After losing everything she held dear, Abby never wants to love again. But a certain cowboy may just spur her to wonder if love might be worth the risk.  Running from a past that haunts her, Abby Knightly is drawn to the cozy town of Wishing Springs, Texas. Maybe this small town could offer hope and healing and a future for Abby . . . if she’s brave enough to reach out and take it by the reins. Bo Monahan isn’t interested in the new romantic destination his little town has become—or the women who might be looking at him like he’s their next Mr. Right. Between taking care of his Pops and his growing stirrup business, he isn’t looking for serious romantic commitments. But when the infant son he never knew about shows up at his doorstep, his world is turned upside down. This confirmed bachelor might not think he needs a wife, but he sure needs ...

The two mistresses! The Story: There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .  The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?  Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz. The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz Copyright 2015 Revell Books ISBN: 9780800720445 ...

We love our fur babies! Happy National Dog Day from Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot and resident canines, Coco and Toby! Hope your day isn't too "ruff." ;-)

I've been rambling on and on about my search (and discovery!) of the perfect flapper dress for my bestie's bachelorette party. Y'all are probably sick to death of the words dress and flapper just from my mentions alone! Well, I'm happy to say that this past weekend was the big day. Not the wedding mind you, but the bachelorette party in beautiful, vibrant Pittsburgh. Let me tell you, if you've never experienced the 'Burgh, you are missing out on tons of rich history and diversity. Must-haves for any flapper -- red lipstick, red nails, beads, & feathers!

The Story: Lynn Morris, bestselling author of The Baron's Honourable Daughter , once again sweeps readers into the Regency era with striking period detail. Lady Mirabella Tirel, the beautiful daughter of the Marquess of Camarden, takes a practical approach to love since a dashing captain broke her heart at age 17. Now at almost 22 years old, she has decided to endure one last London season to secure a suitable engagement and begin a simple life in the country. Sir Giles Knyvet is Mirabella's oldest friend and her most dependable ally, and he is also secretly in love with her. Yet he knows the prospect of a relationship is doubtful: Besides being a mere baronet, he aims to settle a large family debt before sharing his feelings with her. But as Mirabella draws close to a suitable match, Giles may need to interfere to buy himself more time. ***Get your own copy HERE .*** My Thoughts: Coming off of a hectic week of party planning and a new job, Lynn Morris's A...

Is it September yet!? Arghhhh!!!!

Through Waters Deep Waves of Freedom, Book 1 by Sarah Sundin Copyright 2015 Revell Books ISBN: 9780800723422 The Story: War is coming. Can love carry them through the rough waters that lie ahead?  It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Handsome and outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. On shore, Jim encounters Mary Stirling, a childhood friend who is now an astute and beautiful Boston Navy Yard secretary. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is discovered, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges--and dangers--await them. To read more about the book and what others are saying, visit the Litfuse website . My Thoughts: Sarah Sundin's novels never disap...

Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Beth K. Vogt Copyright 2015 Howard Books ISBN: 9781476789781 The Story: Paramedic Vanessa Hollister has put her adolescence behind her, including the unwanted label of being the new kid in town over and over again, thanks to her father’s military career. She’s overcome what her mother called “the biggest mistake of her life” and is planning an elegant destination wedding in Destin, Florida with her new fiancé. But will the reappearance of her first husband from her what-were-you-thinking teenage elopement disrupt her dream of an idyllic beach wedding? As a professional storm chaser, Logan Hollister is used to taking risks. However, a reckless decision during the last tornado season has him questioning the future of his team, the Stormmeisters. Coming face to face with his ex-wife eight years after their divorce compels him to confront his greatest regret: losing Vanessa. Does their past give him the right to interfere with her future? ...

Coco and her Dry Pets Plus! Any family with pets knows that it's a struggle to keep your furry family clean and dry - especially when the weather is dreary. Snow or rain, can make for some messy situations. After every outdoor adventure or potty break, paws big or small need a good cleaning. My family has always used an old bath towel to take care of the muddy situation that are Coco's and Toby's (two rough collies) paws in the mucky spring and summer and snowy winter months.

A Bride at Last  by Melissa Jagears Copyright 2015 Bethany House Publishers ISBN: 9780764211706 The Story: Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts. Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony--until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father. Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither i...

When you're pushing 30, wedding invitations arrive pretty much bi-weekly in the post. You either dread it, being confronted by your "singleness" at every turn, or you revel in your friends' happiness. I'll admit, I'm a reveler! I love love (as you probably have noticed by the inordinate number of romance novels I have reviewed on this blog). The cool thing is, weddings give me another excuse to go shopping too. I'll admit, I'm not much for a crowded mall on the weekend (almost 30, an old fuddy duddy remember?), but I can easily get lost for hours on websites searching for the perfect gift. Unbeknownst to me, until this past week, is an online store called UncommonGoods. Just as the name suggests they stock a variety of unique and interesting items for the home and office as well as the occasional foodie gift. The best part is that a lot of their stuff is manufactured right here in the good ol' US of A by various individuals working in harmo...

To Capture Her Heart (The Southold Chronicles, Book 2) by Rebecca DeMarino Copyright 2015 Revell Publishers ISBN: 9780800722197 The Story: In an uncertain time, she faces a choice that will change her life foreve r It is 1653 and Heather Flower, a princess of the Montaukett tribe, is celebrating her wedding feast when a rival tribe attacks, killing the groom and kidnapping her. Though her ransom is paid by an Englishman, she is bound by her captors and left to die--until she finds herself rescued by handsome Dutch Lieutenant Dirk Van Buren. Still tender from her loss, Heather Flower begins to heal in the home of the Hortons, English friends of her people. Torn between her affection for Dirk and her longtime friendship with Ben Horton, Heather Flower must make a difficult choice--stay true to her friend or follow her heart. Exploring a unique slice of history, Rebecca DeMarino transports you to the wild land that would eventually become Long Island, New York. To learn more...

A few weeks back, I posted about beautiful, vintage couture flapper dresses . At almost 100 years old, there are few that survived. If you're lucky enough to find something that isn't completely shattered or moth-eaten, it's more than likely a very small size. People just seemed to have thinner physiques way back when. I was not blessed with the trendy petite frame of the '20s gal, but I fit in more along the lines of the curvy 50s bombshell criteria.  Searching for a flapper dress to fit a... eh hem...busty girl was no easy task. With a budget of measly $100 the results promised to be even more limited.  One day while perusing eBay for what felt like the millionth time, I stumbled across a little gem in what looked to be a pawn shop's virtual store that was otherwise filled with video games and glassware and nonesuch. With shipping, the dress was a little over my budget, but thanks to the "Make Offer" button, I was able to get a true vintage Roar...

Beyond the Ashes (The Golden Gate Chronicles, Book 2) by Karen Barnett Copyright 2015 Abingdon Press ISBN: 9781426781414 The Story: Where better to rebuild and face one's fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes?  Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she'll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn't anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he'd always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert's widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald's fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they're striving to cure. Together they must ask---is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?  Purchase ...

It's Comic Con week, so you know there are going to be a few great reveals when it comes to our favorite movies and TV. One of my most favorite series' would be Doctor Who and the new trailer looks fantastic. Even though Clara REALLY annoyed me in series 8, I'm holding out hope that she is redeemed in series 9. It looks like some old favorites will return as well as new favorite, Missy! Look for Doctor Who in September! Happy Viewing! 

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart Copyright 2015 Revell Publishers ISBN: 9780800723415 The Story: Carlyn Kearney has spent two lonely years not knowing whether to mourn or to hope after she receives word from the Union Army that her husband is missing. When the war ends without further word, Carlyn finds herself penniless, in debt, and forced from her home. With nowhere else to go, she seeks refuge at the Shaker village of Harmony Hill. The Shakers profess peace through simple living, but to Carlyn, the Shaker life seems anything but simple. When mysterious deaths disturb the peace of the village, Carlyn falls under intense scrutiny. Can a kind sheriff help her expose the true culprit? Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart invites fans back to Harmony Hill for a story laced with intrigue, romance, and heart. To learn more about the book, visit Revell's website ! My Thoughts: The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart is yet another terrific installment in the series of Shaker novels...

About Royal Wedding • Print Length: 448 pages • P ublisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (June 2, 2015) From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Princess Diaries series, comes the very first adult installment, which follows Princess Mia and her Prince Charming as they plan their fairy tale wedding—but a few poisoned apples could turn this happily-ever-after into a royal nightmare. For Princess Mia, the past five years since college graduation have been a whirlwind of activity, what with living in New York City, running her new teen community center, being madly in love, and attending royal engagements. And speaking of engagements. Mia’s gorgeous longtime boyfriend Michael managed to clear both their schedules just long enough for an exotic (and very private) Caribbean island interlude where he popped the question! Of course Mia didn’t need to consult her diary to know that her answer was a royal oui . But now Mia has a scandal of majestic proportions to contend with: H...

Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Photo from McDonalds.com ) If you're like me, eating on the go is a way of life. Hitting the drive-thru is pretty much the only option for those of us with busy lifestyles. While many food choices at your favorite restaurants aren't always the best if you're trying to eat healthier, McDonald's is offering a few new menu choices that tickle the taste buds all while being a bit better for the waistline. Their new Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwiches are loaded with leaf lettuce, a tomato slice, vinaigrette sauce, all topped off with an artisan roll. Coming in at around 360 calories, most of us won't have to feel guilty about indulging. Thanks to the generous people at McDonald's I have four sets of coupons to give away to four lucky winners! The grand prize winner will get   six coupons to try the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich for free! That's approximately a  $28 value . You can take your family out for dinner or t...

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund Copyright 2015 Bethany House Publishers ISBN: 9780764212383 The Story: 1865  Windmill Point, Michigan  Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves? After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her. Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's i...

The Proposal at Siesta Key (Amish Brides of Pinecraft, Book 2) by Shelley Shepard Gray Copyright 2015 ISBN: 9780062337726 The Story: A young Amish woman, yearning for freedom, crosses paths with a handsome Mennonite celebrity in a deeply moving tale of friendship and self-discovery—the second installment in the unforgettable New York Times bestselling author’s new Amish Brides of Pinecraft series. Penny Troyer rarely disobeys her parents. In the years since her sister’s tragic death, they’ve wanted nothing more than to keep her safe…even if it means never leaving the house. But tonight, she’s bending the rules because Michael Knoxx, the most famous member of The Knoxx Family Singers, a traveling Mennonite Evangelical family —is scheduled to speak. Penny has heard of Michael—how he lost part of his leg in a terrible accident and uses the experience to inspire others—and knows she must meet him. So, for the first time ever, Penny stands up to her parents and goes out on her ...

Love's Rescue by Christine Johnson Copyright 2015 Revell Publishers ISBN: 9780800723507 The Story: Can a girl enamored with the adventurous seas ever be content with the tame life of a Southern belle? When her mother dies, Elizabeth Benjamin heads home to Key West, determined to transform herself into the perfect Southern belle her parents always wished her to be. But nothing goes according to plan. Her brother resents her, the servants do not obey her, and Rourke O'Malley, the dashing man she vowed to forget, refuses to relinquish his hold on her heart. Worst of all, it becomes painfully obvious that her father is not the man he appears to be. As family secrets come to light, Elizabeth is faced with a difficult choice: to perform her duty and abandon her dreams, or to leave her life of privilege behind to chase the man her father sees as little better than a pirate. From the first emotional page, author Christine Johnson throws you into a world of impossible choic...

I love thrift shops. I used to shop them solely for books, but I've learnedly that you can find great bargains on vintage clothes too -- if you visit the right location. Vintage has always appealed to me. Be it clothes, furniture, radios, etc. I've always had a respect for the quality craftsmanship that went into so many things from days gone by. In a time when pretty much everything is disposable, and by the time it gets in our homes it is already surpassed by the next best thing, it's hard to find something lasting. In recent years films like The Great Gatsby and the smash British TV series Downton Abbey , the vintage fashions of the Roaring Twenties have made a comeback. The sleek lines of Art Deco, Egyptian archaeological finds, and the influence of jazz could be seen in the wardrobes of the younger set and marked a turning point in women's style. It's no wonder these styles have regained their popularity. A few yards of material combined with sometimes th...

A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade Copyright 2015 Bethany House Publishers ISBN: 9780764211096 The Story: Former Marine Jake Porter has far deeper scars than the one that marks his face. He struggles with symptoms of PTSD, lives a solitary life, and avoids relationships. When Lyndie James, Jake's childhood best friend, lands back in Holley, Texas, Jake cautiously hires her to exercise his Thoroughbreds. Lyndie is tender-hearted, fiercely determined, and afraid of nothing, just like she was as a child. Jake pairs her with Silver Leaf, a horse full of promise but lacking in results, hoping she can solve the mystery of the stallion's reluctance to run. Though Jake and Lyndie have grown into very different adults, the bond that existed during their childhood still ties them together. Against Jake's will, Lyndie's sparkling, optimistic personality begins to tear down the walls he's built around his heart. A glimmer of the hope he'd thought he'd lost returns, bu...

Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist Copyright 2015 Howard Books ISBN: 9781451692440 The Story: From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair and Fair Play comes a compelling historical novel about a progressive “New Woman”—the girl behind Tiffany’s chapel—and the love that threatens it all. As preparations for the 1893 World’s Fair set Chicago and the nation on fire, Louis Tiffany—heir to the exclusive Fifth Avenue jewelry empire—seizes the opportunity to unveil his state-of-the-art, stained glass, mosaic chapel, the likes of which the world has never seen. But when Louis’s dream is threatened by a glassworkers’ strike months before the Fair opens, he turns to an unforeseen source for help: the female students at the Art Students League of New York. Eager for adventure, the young women pick up their skirts, move to boarding houses, take up steel cutters, and assume new identities as the “Tiffany Girls.” Tiffany Girl is the heartwarming story of the impetuous Flossie J...