Tuesday, September 12, 2017

The Promise of Breeze Hill : a Natchez Trace Novel

GIVEAWAY
HILLMAN, PAM
THE PROMISE OF BREEZE HILL : A NATCHEZ TRACE NOVEL

Natchez, MS -- 1791

Anxious for his brothers to join him on the rugged frontier along the Mississippi River, Connor O'Shea has no choice but to indenture himself as a carpenter in exchange for their passage from Ireland. But when he's sold to Isabella Bartholomew of Breeze Hill Plantation, Connor fears he'll repeat past mistakes, so he vows not to be tempted by the lovely lady.

The responsibilities of running Breeze Hill have fallen on Isabella's shoulders after a suspicious fire devastated their crops, almost destroyed their home, and left her father seriously injured. Even with Connor's help, and her growing feelings for the handsome Irish carpenter, Isabella fears she'll lose her family's plantation.

Soon, though, Connor realizes someone is out to eliminate the Bartholomew family. Can he set aside his own feelings to keep Isabella safe?

My Review:

Gobsmacked doesn't even begin to describe the way I'm feeling right now as I sit in a discombobulated 'the-morning-after-a-frenzied-reading-night' stupor. I only have two words.

Connor O'Shea.

Give me a moment to rally my sensibilities, but you might have to move my dog-eared copy of Breeze Hill to another room so I'm not tempted to...rats...just a sec while I read a particularly toe-curling moment over again.

Blissful sigh. Okay, I'm back. Goodness, that Connor!(insert fangirl swooning emoji here.) Hero of my heart. Masterful, compassionate, noble in spirit. A man with a work ethic and passion for family. And protective. Oh, someone pass me the smelling salts, the opportunities he has to go all protective on Miss Isabella Bartholomew...rats, wait a sec, I need to re-read a particularly swoonworthy rescue.

Okay, I'm back..for now. I can't seem to stop myself from reading the tantalizing bits over again...which is pretty much the whole book so you see my dilemma. And did I mention Connor is Irish (in case you didn't clue in by his name) but I mean, almost fresh off the boat Irish so he still has the brogue. Set my heart afluttering every time he spoke -- even when he was being an 'eejit.'

 Isabella is a tad impetuous and stubborn and used to running things so there's bound to be some clashing when Connor starts taking initiative -- and sometimes issuing commands that don't go over very well. I do so love an independent-thinking heroine. She's changed a lot in a year of hardship -- grown and stretched in every way except in her faith. There's a lovely inspirational thread that follows Isabella's battles with God and her ultimate surrender to His higher power.

And a really intriguing aspect of this story is the way the element of suspense is handled. Only the reader knows right from the start who the villain is. The characters haven't a clue. So I was always on edge every time The Villain showed up and I'd try to warn Isabella with a "Bad guy alert!" But did she listen to me? Of course not! She's all sweet and nice and "Oh, do come in and visit awhile. Martha, bring us some tea, if you please." And there I am expiring on my fainting couch for all the wrong reasons because she's just led Danger into their midst. (cue the scary organ music)

Though it might not seem like it from this very Connor-centric review, there is an astounding cast of secondary characters -- both good and pure evil -- that bring an even deeper dimension to an already amazing story. And the history is fascinating. I don't know a whole lot about this era and particularly this part of America so the setting added even more to my reading pleasure.

And when the story came to an end as all good books inevitably do, I was left bereft because Connor chose Isabella not me (shuddering sigh)...but...wait, he has brothers and the next book is about....yoohoo, Quinn, we haven't met yet but I'm about to fall deeply in love with you...(I'm so fickle!)

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of The Promise of Breeze Hill (and goodness, why wouldn't you?!) leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday September 17 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.


88 comments:

  1. This book has everything you said plus more!! I'd say, Kav, if I wasn't married, and we lived in this time era, and there wasn't Isabella in the picture, and this wasn't fictional....you'd have some serious competition for Connor's heart....HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

    I'd rate this as one of my top reads for the 2017!

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    1. That's a lot of ifs, Trixi so I'll add one more -- if all that were true it would be gloves off, lady. Connor is mine! Bwahahahaha! And I agree -- definite a top ten read for sure.

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  2. Sounds really intriguing I understand why you loved it so much. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win. :)
    iamabho atgmaildotcom

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  3. Oh Kav, why do you do this to me?! I'm so intrigued... your review was delightful!
    Littlemisslydia(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Cue maniacal laughter -- I do so love to stir up fellow readers all for the great good of Christian Fiction, of course. Good luck, Lydia.

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  4. I just received my copy of this in the mail yesterday. I picked this one up because of the blurb, the cover and my Pam Hillman reading history, but you and Trixi have amped up my RAE (you know, Reader Anticipation Euphoria!) I'm literally sitting here debating whether or not to shelve the two books that I'm in the middle of and just going for it. Ummm?!

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    1. GO, TERRILL, GO. REACH FOR THAT BOOK AND START READING! This is me doing a cheerleader impression...except I think I'm allergic to the pompoms. Achoo! Just read it...though I might feel a wee bit guilty for those other two book...why are you reading two books at the same time?!

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    2. I'm talented like that. Bwahaha! Actually, one is an audiobook that I only listen to while driving or doing mundane things around the house.

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    3. Okay -- you're allowed to 'read' two books at a time. That's a good idea, actually, to have one audio book and one reading book going. Only this couldn't be your audio book -- you'd be in a car crash for sure. :-)

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  5. This book is one of my favorites for the year too! I fell head over heels for Connor O'Shea and still can't get him out of my mind and heart.

    Thanks for the great review Kav.

    Blessings,
    Cindy W.

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    1. We need to start a Connor O'Shea fan club -- maybe a facebook page! Where we can wax poetic and relive every exquisite moment.

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  6. I just knew this was going to happen!
    I'm dying to read your review but I can't because I'm only half way through and I want to stay in my "ignorance is bliss" state until it all unfolds!
    But like you...
    Yes, that Connor O'Shea!
    He's going to be one of the best heroes of the year (and like I said, I'm only half way through!)
    Pam Hillman has written a fabulous book!

    I'll be back in a day or two to read your review and we can commiserate on our love and loss of Connor to Isabella ;)

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    1. LOL -- I'm jealous because you still have half a book to read. Does that make any sense?????

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  7. Oh my word!!!! With a review like this I am definitely missing out!! Again, oh my word!!! Thank you for sharing your fabulous review, Kav!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. You are missing out -- you must read this book soon and meet Connor for yourself. Good luck, Melanie.

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  8. Oh man, sounds fabulous!! lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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  9. This book has been on my TBR list ever since I first heard about it. The story sounds so good and the cover is just beautiful!!!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

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    1. The cover is quite unique, isn't it? Subtle but makes a huge impact. Good luck.

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  10. Oh I love your review and I want to read this one for sure. Love novels set during this time. becci43atgmaildotcom

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    1. Thanks, Becky and yes, you definitely want to read this book. Really you do. Good luck.

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  11. I read her book stealing jake and loved it. Looking forward to reading this one too. Love your reviews. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

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  12. First thank you for the review, would love to win a copy of this book.
    msdottweety56atgmaildotcom

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    1. You're welcome, Elma. You'll love this story. Hope you get the chance to read it soon. Good luck.

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  13. Oh my goodness this is a fantastic review! This has been on my want to read pile, but it has swiftly been moved the NEED to read pile! Bring on the swooning!

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    1. LOL -- yes, you definitely want to move it over to the NEED to read pile. In fact, take it off the pile and open the book and start reading!

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  14. oh my what a wonderful review makes me want to go out and get it now. sounds like a pager turner for sure
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. Yes -- everyone should go out and get a copy. Now! LOL Good luck, Lori.

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  15. Oh man, your review is the best!! I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and read this one. I keep hearing how quickly everyone is reading it because they can't put it down.

    LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com

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    1. It's one of those books that you can't put down for sure -- and I'm not the only one who thinks that. Good luck, Laura.

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  16. Pam is a new author to me, and I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.
    gobersATembarqmailDOTcom

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  17. That's the kind of review that makes a girl clamor for a copy of the book! Awesome!
    jparkerwood[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Yes! My work here is done. :-) Clamor away -- good luck, Julie.

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  18. I'm intrigued to read more of this book! lelandandbeckyATreaganDotcom

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  19. This book has been on my radar. Now I need it for sure.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

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  20. Great review, Kav! I so want to read this one. Thanks for the opportunity. ksucindy(at)excite(dot)com

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  21. OMG. Your review just hooked me in from the first line. Must read this one.

    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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  22. What a wonderful review. Please enter my name in the draw.

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    1. Thanks, Arletta. You're entered -- good luck.

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  23. I'm swooning just reading about how you swooned over swoon-worthy Connor and his delicious Irish accent. Your review made me giggle, Kav! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    Dblaser(at)windstream(dot)net

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    1. I do find reading swoons can be contagious. :-) Good luck, Diane.

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  24. I've been entranced with this book since I saw it advertised awhile back. It's good to know you are enamored of it too. Now I MUST read it. Thanks for your entertaining review and for the giveaway.
    pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Oooh -- entranced is the perfect way to describe Connor...er...this book! Good luck, Pam.

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  25. Wonderful review, Kav. I've read such good things about this book--it's a must read! Thanks again for your glowing review!
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. You're welcome, Pam. It's awesomesauce with and extra dose so sauce. :-) Good luck.

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  26. Great review! Sounds like a wonderful read! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
    jtabalk(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  27. I lost my comment so here goes again: I won this book and read it right away! Loved, loved , loved it! Every man, woman and child( teen) needs to go right out and read it! Now! I even liked the villain! Flipping pages so fast! Very well written book! Yes, I want to read about Conner's brothers. After all he worked soooo hard to bring them from Ireland! Loved the review! Gonna look for more of Pam's books!

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    1. Yay! Thanks for your book cheer, Paula. I agree, the whole world should read The Promise of Breeze Hill!!!! I won't go as far to say as I liked the villain but he was a good villain in a very bad way (if that makes any sense!)

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  28. Thank you for the review and for the giveaway! mudj33p ( at ) gmail ( dot ) com

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  29. If I hadn't wanted the book before your review, I would after reading your review!!! Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren@aol.com

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    1. You definitely want this book, Wendy, review or no review. LOL It's absolutely amazing. Good luck!

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  30. Thank you. I have been wanting to read something by Pam Hillman. teshawATsbcglobalDOTnet

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    1. This is definitely a good place to start. Good luck, Tammie.

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  31. Oooh! This sounds so good! Count me in!
    Elly -Indiana-
    p.s. I've been to the plantation pictured on the cover of this book! It's a place in Louisiana called Oak Alley Plantation. My family and I visited while on vacation a few years ago. It's so neat that they've got a place I've been to on the cover of this book!

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    1. Oh -- that's so cool. I can't imagine what a plantation house like that looks like inside. Good luck, Elly.

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  32. WOW, I am glad I have internet back so I can read all the excitement about Pam's book. You review is fantastic, and I am anxious to read this one!
    THANKS for your giveaway, Kav.
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

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    1. Oooh -- sorry you lost Internet for a time. We get dependent on it, don't we? May you be flooded with RAEs (Reader Anticipation Euphoria -- phrase coined by Terrill) as you wait to get your hands on a copy of The Promise of Breeze Hill. Good luck, Jackie.

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  33. I read Pam's very first release but nothing more since then. This sounds like an interesting time period to read.

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  34. Fabulous review, KAV! I'm excited to read this one. Thank you for the chance.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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  35. I want to take Connor to church ⛪ with me! (inside joke everyone) My turn! You're already falling for Quinn! :o
    Fabulous review, Kav!!

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Bwahahahaha!!!!!!!! I guess if I'm a good reading friend I'm willing to share Connor. Rats, didn't think this through very well, did I? Good luck, Diana.

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    2. I think you thought it through very well!
      Bwahahahaha!!!!!

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  36. Love your fabulous review, Kav! I must meet Connor O'Shea!!!

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

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    1. Yes you must, Britney! Clear off your fainting couch! Good luck, Britney.

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  37. Ohh I would love to be entered!! Great review, sounds amazing!
    pocoauthorATgmailDOTcom

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  38. Kav, your review has us all wanting to read this one! I know I'm hooked to read it!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

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    1. Well, I might be a tad bias about Connor (she says batting her eyelashes furiously!) Good luck, rubynreba.

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  39. This is being added to my must read pile of books!! Thanks for your review and giveaway. I have seen this book featured on several blogs and all of the reviews agree that it is a great book!
    d[dot]brookmyer[at]yahoo[dot]com

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    1. It has really stellar reviews, doesn't it? And well deserved. Good luck, Donna.

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  40. Well, Kav, you had me at "Gobsmacked"! :) I am totally smitten from your review and it is just inevitable that I must read this book! Maybe that's why 'Breeze' is in the title, 'cause how else could you make it through this book without a breeze, a gust of wind...something to bring relief from all the swooning! :) Thanks for the GREAT review!! ~Alison

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Bwahahahaha! Only those Southern breezes must be warm so they won't help at all! Best to hover close to your fainting couch while reading this one. Good luck, agboss.

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  41. I have really been wanting to read this swoonworty book. Excuse me while I fan myself after reading your review. I need to read this book!

    Cnnamongirl at aol dot com

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  42. This sounds good, thanks for sharing

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