An Epic Week!

I learned last Thursday my book HOPE AT DAWN (Of Love and War, Book 1) is a finalist in the inspirational category of the Romance Writers of America RITA Awards!

I missed the initial call because my cell phone was off. But when I saw I had an email from someone at the RWA Board of Directors, I suddenly remembered it was the day for RITA finalist calls. I quickly called the woman back, and even though I had a pretty good idea at that point what the call was about, I still couldn't believe it.

This is the highest award an author of romance can receive. And needless to say, I'm still pinching myself. :)

The other exciting event of the week is the release of my final book in the Of Love and War series, A HOPE REMEMBERED (Of Love and War, Book 3). I have learned so much about WWI through writing this series and it's been a joy to share that knowledge and these characters with readers.

A reviewer for Night Owl Reviews said: "What stands out beyond all else with Henrie's novels is the fact that she dares to create stories of a time when most feared hope was lost and she dares to show the readers the aftermath of war and the lives that are left crippled by the devastation."

I'm thrilled to finally share Nora and Colin's love story and hopefully bring to life for readers England's Lake District in the aftermath of WWI.

As the War Ends, Love Begins ...

Nora Lewis just wants an escape after losing her fiance in the Great War. When she inherits property in England, she boldly packs up and leaves America for a fresh start. But, if not for her dashing new neighbor, Colin Ashby, she'd be lost. Even as their friendship deepens, Nora knows a British aristocrat would never be free to love an American orphan, no matter how much the war has changed the world ...

After his brother's death in the war and his own experiences as a pilot at the front, Colin returns home broken, only to discover his family's estate is also in ruin. The pressure is now on him to save his home and the Ashbys' place in society with a well-bred match to a wealthy heiress. Too bad he finds more of a kindred spirit in Nora, the beautiful American next door. She, too, has faced the rigors of war and survived. Now the ex-soldier will have one more battle to fight--this time for love.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1FdFpfF
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1xvDW4z
Books A Million: http://bit.ly/1yvVmJ2
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1G3jNpa
Itunes: http://apple.co/1y1C8Lf

My Recommendation: Five Days in Skye by Carla Laureano

What It's About:
Andrea Sullivan is so consumed by her hospitality consultant job that she’s forgotten what brings her life. She travels the world yet shields herself from the exotic locales or another chance at love. She dreads her new assignment—a last chance to snag a high-profile client in Scotland. Yet the lush Isle of Skye transcends her preconceptions. As does the man she came to interview—the rugged, blue-eyed Scotsman James McDonald.

James is passionate about cooking but after six restaurants, four cookbooks, and his own television show, he has no desire to be a celebrity chef. Andrea and James begin to sense these five days in Skye may just be God’s wild invitation into deeper life ... and truer love.

My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read by Carla Laureano, but it won't be the last. I absolutely loved this one! The chemistry between Andrea and James was fantastic, and I loved the way they first met. My favorite part of this book was the fact that it took place over just five days. While that might seem fast for a romance, the author does such a great job growing the relationship between Andrea and James to a deep level, even in the short time they have together. I loved the reminder, too, of what's really important in life. This is the sort of book I'd enjoy reading over again!

My Recommendation: Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell

What It's About:
It's all her uncle's fault. For years Charlotte Withersby has been free to pursue her love of plants and flowers by assisting her botanist father. But now that she's reached the old age of twenty-two, an intrusive uncle has convinced her father that Charlotte's future--the only proper future for a woman--is to be a wife and mother, not a scholar.

Her father is so dependent on her assistance that Charlotte believes he'll soon change his mind...and then Edward Trimble shows up. A long-time botany correspondent in the South Pacific, Trimble arrives ready to step in as assistant so that Charlotte can step out into proper society--a world that baffles her with its unwritten rules, inexplicable expectations, and confounding fashion.

Things aren't perfectly smooth between Trimble and her father, so Charlotte hatches a last gasp plan. She'll pretend such an interest in marriage that the thought of losing her will make her father welcome her back. Only things go quickly awry, and she realizes that the one man who recognizes her intelligence is also the person she's most angry with: Edward Trimble, her supposed rival. Suddenly juggling more suitors than she knows what to do with, Charlotte is caught in a trap of her own making. Will she have no choice but to leave her beloved flowers behind?


My Thoughts:
There was so much about this book that I loved! I loved Charlotte's character and her naivete for all things dealing with society. I loved that she simply said what she thought regardless of the "rules of etiquette." There were several times I laughed out loud! I loved the relationship between her and Edward. There were so many clever situations and poignant moments through the story, and I enjoyed learning about the world of a botanist. The secondary characters were equally as charming. This is humorous, historical romance at its best!

Great Reads to Start 2015!

I read a couple great books recently that I thought I'd share, so you can get them on your TBR list for the new year.

Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade
This one drew me in right away with the charming bull rider and the love-struck college grad who marry on a whim in Las Vegas and then spend the next five and a half years a part. Great romantic chemistry!

Becoming Lady Lockwood by Jennifer Moore
I loved that this Regency romance takes place mostly on the sea during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800's. Both main characters were fantastic!

Pride, Prejudice and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway
This was a really fun modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Loved the humor and the Southern flair.

Happy reading in 2015!

The Story that Started It All!

This is the book that actually began the Of Love and War series! I had Joel and Evelyn's characters in mind before I had the other books and characters. And I'm thrilled to finally be able to share their love story!


FROM A GREAT WAR, SPRINGS A GREAT LOVE

In France at the height of World War I, American nurse Evelyn Gray is no stranger to suffering. She's helped save the life of many a soldier, but when she learns her betrothed has been killed, her own heart may be broken beyond repair. Summoning all her strength, Evelyn is determined to carry on-not just for herself and her country, but for her unborn child.

Corporal Joel Campbell dreams of the day the war is over and he can return home and start a family. When a brutal battle injury puts that hope in jeopardy, Joel is lost to despair . . . until he meets Evelyn. Beautiful, compassionate, and in need of help, she makes an unconventional proposal that could save their lives-or ruin them irrevocably. Now, amidst the terror and turmoil of the Western Front, these two lost souls will have to put their faith in love to find the miracle they've been looking for.

Find HOPE RISING on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever else books are sold.

To celebrate the release of HOPE RISING, please join me and guest authors Jennifer Moore, Amber Perry, and Jennifer Delamere online for a Facebook party today from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. (mountain time). Here's the event link.

A Christmas Hope is Now Available!

TIS THE SEASON FOR SECOND CHANCES

Having experienced the heartache of unrequited love, Maria Schmitt desperately seeks a new life. Landing a position as a clerk in a Sioux City bank is just what she needs to get started on her journey toward healing. But a dashing stranger soon puts her job-and her heart-in jeopardy.

Saving lives was all Dale Emerson ever wanted to do . . . until a fateful day in France shattered his career as a surgeon. He lost everything that mattered, and the last thing he wants to do is resign himself to a life without medicine working at his uncle's bank. Then he meets Maria, a compassionate woman who can see past his scars to the man he once was-and the man he could be again. With Christmas right around the corner, these two wounded hearts may find that hope and a little holiday cheer are just the ticket to letting go of regrets-and embracing a future full of love and possibility.


I'm super excited for this release! It was a lot of fun to write a novella, especially a holiday-themed one set in 1918, as well as giving a happily ever after to these two characters. For those readers who've read HOPE AT DAWN (Of Love and War, Book 1), you'll recognize Maria Schmitt in this special holiday novella. But the novella can also be read as a stand alone.

Find it on:
Books A Million for $1.59
Amazon for $1.99
Barnes and Noble for $1.99
Google Play for $1.99

A Starred Publishers Weekly Review!

HOPE RISING (Of Love and War, Book 2) received a starred review from Publishers Weekly this week: "Henrie’s attention to historical detail and her ability to create multidimensional characters in a swiftly moving, immersive story make this a novel to be savored until the final page is turned."

You can read the full review here.

I can't wait to share this story on December 16th about Joel and Evelyn in worn-torn France!