Black 'n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

Evan Eldridge never meant to be a war hero--he just wanted to fight Napoleon for the future of his country. And he certainly didn't think that saving the life of a peer would mean being made the Earl of Whitelock. But when the life you save is dear to the Prince Regent, things can change in a hurry.   Now Evan has a new title, a manor house in shambles, and a stranger for a bride, all thrust upon him by a grateful ruler. What he doesn't have are all his memories. Traumatized as a result of his wounds and bravery on the battlefield, Evan knows there's something he can't quite remember. It's important, dangerous--and if he doesn't recall it in time, will jeopardize not only his marriage but someone's very life.   Readers who enjoy Julie Klassen, Carolyn Miller, and Kristi Ann Hunter will love diving into this brand-new Regency series filled with suspense, aristocratic struggles, and a firm foundation of faith. Read an excerpt from Kregel by clicking here ! He...

The Story:  Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s irrepressible eighty-something matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again. And this time they’re willing to rough it to get the job done . . . Mary Anne Neuenschwander knows she should be content with what Gotte has given her. She has a comfortable house, a fruitful farm, and a good, steady husband. But after nearly six years of marriage, she still longs for a baby. Yet her husband, Jethro, seems to care more about fishing than about his wife. Unable to bear Jethro’s indifference, Mary Anne moves into a tent in the woods where he won’t have to be bothered. But when her mammi and dawdi find out what she’s done, they’ll stop at nothing—including a little camping trip of their own—to help save their granddaughter’s marriage . . . Jethro’s greatest blessing is his beloved wife, Mary Anne. Nothing else in his life has turned out anywhere near the way he expected. Rather than burden Mary Anne with his disappointment, he ...

The Story (synopsis from the publisher ): In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life. When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission. Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a ...

The Story: (from the publisher ) An excellent student… In the art of flirtation Caroline Yaxley has always been in love with her best friend, James Dunstable, Duke of Heydon. After years of waiting for him, she’s finally admitted defeat and decided to find a husband. James suggests she practice her nonexistent flirtation skills on him, which seems like a good idea—until she must pull away to avoid a shattered heart. Their pretend attraction has begun to feel alarmingly real! Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Apple Books | Google My Thoughts: The friends to lovers trope is second only to marriage of convenience stories for this reader, so naturally I just had to try the latest book from Laura Martin and Harlequin books. This book was the first time I've read from Harlequin in quite a while, but the quarantine has me reading absolutely everything fluffy and light-hearted that I can get my hands on. Since Harlequins are what Hallmark movies are to the TV world, I k...

The Story: ( from the publisher’s website ) A young woman with a tragic past has arrived in town . . . and trouble is following close behind Ten years after her parents were killed, Evelyn Radcliffe is once more homeless. The orphanage that was her refuge and later her workplace has burned to the ground, and only she and a young orphan girl have escaped. Convinced this must be related to her parents' murders, Evelyn flees with the girl to Mesquite Springs in the Texas Hill Country and finds shelter in the home of Wyatt Clark, a talented horse rancher whose plans don't include a family of his own. At first, Evelyn is a distraction. But when it becomes clear that trouble has followed her to Mesquite Springs, she becomes a full-blown disruption. Can Wyatt keep her safe from the man who wants her dead? And will his own plans become collateral damage? Suspenseful and sweetly romantic, Out of the Embers is the first in a new series that invites you to the Texas Hill Country...

The Story: ( from the publisher's website ) From a “skilled storyteller who reminds the reader that faith can help us survive the ups and downs in life” (RT Book Reviews), Shelley Shepard Gray weaves a moving and unforgettable exploration of love and friendship. The tragic and untimely death of an old friend has made Elizabeth Anne rethink not only her priorities but her courtship with David, her longtime neighbor and suitor. Though he’s Mennonite like herself and has her parents’ approval, she feels that a spark is missing. Desperate for a change, she breaks things off—wondering if, perhaps, she’s the one who’s missing a spark. When her family becomes upset with her decision, E.A. turns to her friends for support. One of them is Will, a man with a good heart who has always been there for her. As the two bond over their shared struggle to navigate a future that everyone else seems to have figured out, they are surprised to realize that they have feelings for each other. ...

The Story (from the publisher’s website) : Unflinching and plainspoken, Tessa Swan is not your typical eighteenth-century woman. Born and bred on the western Virginia frontier along with her five brothers, she is a force to be reckoned with.  Quiet and courageous, Clay Tygart is not your typical eighteenth-century man. Raised by Lenape Indians, he returns a hero from the Seven Years' War to the fort that bears his name, bringing with him Tessa's long-lost friend, Keturah, a redeemed Indian captive like himself. Determined to avoid any romantic entanglements as fort commander, Clay remains aloof whenever he encounters the lovely Tessa. But when she is taken captive by the tribe Clay left, his hand--and heart--are forced, leading to one very private and one very public reckoning. Laura Frantz  is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including  The Frontiersman's Daughter ,  Courting Morrow Little ,  The Colonel'...

In this edition of Black ‘n’ Gold Girl’s What to Watch, I give you a reminder and a new series to watch in the meantime. The reminder: Sanditon airs on PBS this Sunday at 9 PM EST. I beg of you, set your alarm or your DVR to catch this delicious series. Yes, the ending leaves a lot to be desired but the rest is so Austen and a romantic’s delight. Andrew Davies and crew captured the true essence of regency seaside life in this first tv adaptation on Jane Austen’s unfinished novel. Theo James as Sidney Parker is a dish in a cravat and Rose Williams brilliantly captures the naïveté of Charlotte as she explores the world outside her small town. If you can’t wait until Sunday for something new and interesting to watch, might I suggest you turn to Netflix and the three part Dracula miniseries? The only thing it has in common with Sanditon is that it’s British and based on a novel. It goes without saying that it’s bloody and a bit horrifying, but it’s from the creators of Sherlock , so ...

I interrupt your regularly scheduled cold, miserable autumn to bring you a sizzling new Sanditon trailer! Guys, I'm freaking obsessed with this series (my Tumblr has turned into a Sanditon side blog). It has aired in the UK already and let me tell you, it rocks. I won't give spoilers, but the ending is the world's worst cliffhanger, so I urge you to give this series a watch in January and demand a second season with me! The chemistry between the two leads is off the charts. Y'all won't regret it. It is based on Jane Austen after all! Watch the trailer and HMU in the comments or @ me on Instagram or Twitter  with your thoughts! You can pre-order a copy of the novelization of this series of Sanditon by Kate Riordan or order a copy of the series companion book The World of Sanditon now so you can be all caught up (or spoiled!) by the time the series airs in January!

The Story (from the publisher ) : Realtor Hannah Thornton has many talents. Unfortunately, selling houses isn't one of them. When a business tycoon determines to raze historic homes in the small town of Heritage, Michigan, and replace them with a strip mall, Hannah resolves to stop him. She sets about helping Heritage win a restoration grant that will put the town back on the map--and hopefully restore her disgraced family name. But she'll need help to do it. As a foster kid, Luke Johnson never truly felt he belonged. Now he has a chance to earn his place in his hometown. But he doesn't anticipate how his relationship with Hannah will set into motion events that reveal the truth about who he is--and who he was. My Thoughts: Heroine who loves the romance of old things ✓ Friends to possibly lovers ✓ Old houses ✓ Could this book be anymore up my alley?! Ha ha! I haven't read a contemporary romance in the Christian fiction genre for a while and I so loved the...