Monday, July 6, 2026

The German Sisters by Marty Wingate

 

As the train carries her far away from home, ten-year-old Dagmar’s hand tightens around her sister’s. As little Heike leans in, her acorn-coloured eyes wide, Dagmar is terrified she won’t be able to keep her safe…

Dagma heart aches for her mother but only children were allowed on board. The carriage is crowded; a small boy hugs a battered teddy bear and cries for his father. A girl her own age whispers that this train is rescuing Jewish children. But their families have been left behind…

As the train jolts along the track, Dagmar holds her breath. Her scuffed suitcase, with everything she owns inside, bangs painfully against her.
Dagmar and Heike have nobody else but each other; what will happen to them? And will they ever see their mother again?

Amazon

 

About The Author


 

USA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate shares her love of Britain in three mystery series.

The First Edition Library mysteries (Berkley) are set in the lovely Georgian spa town of Bath. Here we find Hayley Burke, curator of an impressive collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery—Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Margery Allingham, and all the rest. Too bad Hayley has never read a detective story in her life. In book one, The Bodies in the Library, she attempts to bluff her way along when a member of a local fan-fiction writers group turns up dead—in her library. In book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), Hayley plans an ambitious spring exhibition and with luck finds the best venue and the best—if the most difficult—manager to put it on. Then, said manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase.

Marty’s first historical fiction book, Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) is set against the backdrop of the Second World War in England and follows the story of Rosalie Wright as she goes from farm girl to Spitfire pilot.

Marty also write two further mystery series. The Potting Shed books feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England—in the latest, Midsummer Mayhem, Pru finds herself up to her ears in murder and Shakespeare, as she builds the set for an outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Also, look for the short story Christmas at Greenoak. The Birds of a Feather mysteries follow Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village—in book four, Farewell, My Cuckoo, Julia attempts to identify a murder victim found at the edge of the village while doing battle with her boyfriend’s sister, who has made herself entirely too at home in Julia’s cottage.

Marty lives with her husband and two cats near Seattle, her local library standing in for a more colorful writing venue—say, Vita Sackville-West’s tower at Sissinghurst. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the Crime Writers Association (Britain) as well as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Royal Horticultural Society. She has her own modest vintage collection of books from the Golden Age writers.

Marty takes research seriously—she is a former how-to garden writer of three books and a countless number (at least, she stopped counting ages ago) of magazine and newspaper articles on everything from apple maggot to the prettiest daffodils and the best-smelling roses. Research took on an entirely new light when she began writing mysteries, and now she and her husband travel regularly to England and Scotland, where she plunges deeply into study concerning the next adventure for Hayley, Julia, or Pru—sparing not a few minutes a day to head to the pub.

Connect with Marty on Facebook (Marty Wingate Author) or on her website: martywingate.com.

 

My Review


This read starts in Germany, and parents making the hard decision to send their children to safety. Evil has taken over Europe in the thirties, such horrible hate, and we meet a Jewish family that makes that hard decision, a hard sacrifice. We follow their daughters Dagmar and Heike to England, and hopefully away from harm.
Dagmar is a ten year old girl, and keeps writing letters to home, she want her parents to come to England. We meet the people put in these girls lives, and the road is not always easy for them. They do finally land in a home of "love", but still no word on Mutti and Vatti.
The author does a great job of weaving this story of the great sacrifices being made, the danger of even being in England, and the story of family, new and old.
I did like the epilogue here, and wished I could have followed these girls further!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookouture, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

CelebrateLit Presents: Mail-Order Viscountess Author: Misty M. Beller

 

About the Book

Book: Mail-Order Viscountess

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release Date: June 9, 2026

Five sons of an English duke, all raised in the Rocky Mountains…

When a Montana blizzard strands two strangers in a cave, honor demands a vow neither of them want.

Nobody knows the truth about newly knighted Lord Thomas Balfour. He doesn’t deserve the being honor showered on him, so after this last trip with his brother and sister-in-law to Butte for supplies, he’ll leave this territory behind completely. But once he reaches town, he’s blindsided to discover his brothers have ordered him a bride by post. A woman complicates everything. And even worse—the bride has brought her sister.

Kate McKinney masterminded this journey west to rescue her younger sister from their controlling mother’s plans. Yet one look at the intended groom’s scowl, and Kate’s doubts bloom. Maybe this mail-order marriage scheme will be far worse for her beloved sister than the wealthy brute their ambitious mother arranged.

Thomas has no choice but to help escort the sisters back to the Balfour ranch. On the trail, a blizzard changes everything, tearing Thomas and Kate away from the others—straight into danger…

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a royal family saga featuring a mail-order bride, snowed-in peril, and an aristocratic marriage of convenience…all set in the rugged Montana Territory.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is an ECPA and USA Today bestselling author with over 1 million books sold. She writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

His Brothers Did What?!  Meet the Hero of Mail-Order Viscountess

Every family has that one person who needs a little…nudging in the right direction.

For the Balfour brothers, that person is Thomas.

Lord Thomas Balfour is many things—newly knighted, fiercely capable, and absolutely convinced he doesn’t deserve any of it. He carries a secret that weighs on him heavier than the Montana snow, and he’s made up his mind: after one last supply run to Butte with his brother and sister-in-law, he’s leaving the territory for good. No fuss, no goodbyes. Just gone.

His brothers, of course, had other plans.

Because while Thomas was busy planning his quiet disappearance, his brothers were busy placing an ad—for a mail-order bride. For him. Without telling him a single word about it.

So imagine Thomas’s face when he arrives in Butte and discovers a woman waiting there to become his wife.

Actually, not one woman. Two.

Because the bride—Kate McKinney—has brought her sister along.

To say Thomas is less than thrilled would be an understatement. The scowl he greets them with says everything. A woman complicates his carefully laid plans. Two women? That’s a catastrophe.

But here’s what Thomas doesn’t know yet: Kate didn’t come west to trap a reluctant lord into marriage. She came to rescue her sister. And one look at Thomas’s stormy expression has her wondering if she’s made a terrible mistake—whether the Balfour brothers’ well-meaning scheme has landed her beloved sister somewhere far worse than the life they left behind.

Two people who don’t want to be there. One scheme cooked up by meddling brothers who love Thomas too much to let him walk away. And a Montana blizzard that’s about to strand them all together with no way out.

I pray you love Mail-Order Viscountess! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Book Looks by Lisa, June 24

Sydney Schmied Books, June 24

Devoted Steps, June 25

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26

Lyssa Loves Books, June 26

lakesidelivingsite, June 27

Artistic Nobody, June 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Texas Book-aholic, June 28

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 29

For Him and My Family, June 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Book Holds and Jello Molds, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 2

She Lives To Read, July 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 3

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 3

Connie’s History Classroom, July 4

Simple Harvest Reads, July 4 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, July 5

Mary Hake, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner, July 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6

Devoted To Hope, July 7

Pause for Tales, July 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty 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/NbqMu/mail-order-viscountess-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, July 5, 2026

CelebrateLit Presents: Moment in Time Author: Cynthia L Simmons

 

About the Book

Book: Moment in Time

Author: Cynthia L Simmons

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Inspirational, Christian Fiction

Release Date: Spring, 2026

Helen Moore was devastated when she learned her husband was missing and presumed dead in the Civil War. Fortunately, Uncle Henry invited her and her son, Aaron, to apprentice with his photography studio in Marietta, Ga, after the war. However, while planting herbs on his property, she unearthed a body no one could identify. Who put the man there? Was her uncle involved in his death? As she unravels the mystery, she finds unexpected companionship and learns every moment in life matters.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Cynthia L. Simmons is a historical fiction author and researcher with a passion for unearthing the “moral courage” found in the shadows of the past. A member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Cynthia doesn’t just write history—she lives it, whether she’s marking patriot graves or digging through archives for her 1860s trilogy. Her mysteries explore the intersection of faith, family legacy, and the “silver linings” found in the aftermath of the Civil War. When she isn’t at her desk, you can find her sharing the stories of history’s unsung heroes on her website.

More from Cynthia

While researching for my latest book, I became obsessed with how early photographers—the “shadow-catchers”—saw the world. Marietta was a town on the brink of change, and every tintype and glass plate from that era feels like a puzzle piece.

I wrote this mystery because I wanted to know: What if a photographer caught the one thing they weren’t supposed to see?

Join me on this Celebrate Lit Blog Tour as we develop the truth, one frame at a time.

#BookTour #MysteryReader #CivilWarEra #MariettaGA #ShadowCatchers

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 22 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, June 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 24

Guild Master, June 25 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, June 26 (Author Interview)

Blogging with Carol, June 27

The Bookish Ledger, June 28 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 29

For the Love of Literature, June 30 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Book Looks by Lisa, July 2

Cover Lover Book Review, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Blossoms and Blessings, July 4 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, July 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cynthia 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/1PDkC/moment-in-time-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

D is for Daisy (Amish ABCs #4) by Shelley Shepard Gray

 

Early retirement never sounded so good to Mervin and Ruthie Miller. After a lifetime in Millersburg, where Mervin worked at a furniture and shed factory and Ruthie helped out at a fabric store, they have exciting plans: They’re going to become “Amish Gentlemen Farmers.” That means buying a 30-acre, ramshackle farm, and all that comes with it—no matter what their grown children, friends, and aching muscles think . . .

Aaron Miller is worried about his parents, but there’s little he can do now that he lives in Kentucky and has a baby on the way. Then his childhood best friend, Kyle Burkholder, makes a heaven-sent offer: he’ll move in with Aaron’s parents to teach them about raising cows and chickens, and even give weekly reports to Aaron.

The arrangement is going well—until Kyle stumbles upon Daisy Lapp who’s just been in a bicycle accident. When he visits her in the hospital, he knows there’s something special between them. So does Daisy. But her something special is the fact that Kyle lives on the farm she’d always dreamed of buying one day. She knows it’s wrong, but she’s jealous. She wants nothing to do with Kyle and politely tells him so.

Still, like the Millers, Kyle’s not one to give up easily. Not on himself, not on the farm, and certainly not on Daisy. With dedication and a leap of faith, the lives they envisioned just might come true.

Amazon 

 

About The Author


 

Shelley Shepard Gray is a NYT and USA Today bestselling author. She's published over a hundred novels and has over a million books in print. She currently lives in northern Ohio and writes full time.

Shelley lives just an hour from Holmes County, where many of her Amish-themed novels are set. She currently writes contemporary romance and Amish fiction for a variety of publishers. When not spending time with her family or writing, she can usually be found walking her two dachshunds on one of the many trails in the Cleveland area.

She also bakes a lot, loves coconut cream pie, and will hardly ever pull weeds, mow the yard, or drive in the snow.

Shelley also spends a lot of time on line! Please visit her website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com to find out her latest news or to sign up for her newsletter. Shelley can also be found on FaceBook, Instagram @shelley.s.gray, or on Twitter @ShelleySGray.

 

My Review

I love getting lost in these reads, so far four books in this series, and yes, these can be read alone!
This is Daisy's story, but also Aaron, and Ruthie and Mervin, with this being the Miller's retirement!
Loved the author's note that there will be more books featuring the Miller's!
Daisy has not had an easy time of it, and right as she meets Aaron disaster strikes. I did chuckle with her amazing idea, and could just picture those chickens, and totally think it was feasible, knowing chickens!
There is a bit or I should say a couple of sweet Amish romances, and a look at some Amish social events.
I really can't wait for the next read in this story!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

The Amish Rancher's Return: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance by Amy Lillard

 

Called back home to Millers Creek after years away, Isaiah Peight needs to help care for his ill father, sell his parents’ store—and avoid Priscilla Raber. Five years ago, he and Priscilla were betrothed, but she broke his heart and married someone else while he went on rumspringa. Now widowed, she works at Creekside Sundries to support her toddler twins. And she’s not happy about the sale. Seeing Isaiah again stirs up lots of memories, especially when he bonds with her precious girls. Can they ever leave the past behind and forge a new future together?

Amazon 

 

About The Author


 

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.

 

My Review

 


 I really enjoyed this read, deep held love, but also hurts unresolved.
A story of loss and return, and moving on. This is a story of a young Amish man pushing his boundaries, sounded fun to me to move to Montana and become an Amish Cowboy!
So while Isaiah is finding himself, Priscilla moves on, and the result are darling twin girls!
Life changes now throws them in the same place at the same time! Can these two rekindle the bond they had for the past couple of decades?
This is a reminiscent look a Amish life, and it revolves around the local store, like getting that suprise bag out of the barrel. A sweet story to get lost in!
I received this book through the author, and was not required to give a positive review!

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Don't Upstage the Body by Naomi Stephens

 

Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family have mastered the business of bereavement. As professional mourners, they are so accomplished that even Lord Basil Monfort, the famous and wealthy recluse, engages the family's services for his own funeral. Tired of disguises and aliases, Hippolyta vows it will be her last performance. Then she discovers the undertaker's body during the wake and finds herself cast as an amateur sleuth in an increasingly unpredictable investigation.  

Amazon 

 

About The Author


 Naomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her first novel, Shadow among Sheaves, was an Inspy Award shortlister and winner of the 2020 Carol Award in Debut Fiction. In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight. Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in New York with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.

 

My Review


This read had me chuckling at times, and thoughts of a new job!
Makes sense in this culture to want people at the service, and Hippolyta Halfpenny and her family are up to the task, or are they.
With a body turning up at the estate after the funeral, we wonder what is going on, and yes, with lots of action, we do get answers.
This is a past meets present, and throw in some sweet romance, along with danger! I did love that there are surprises here right to the end!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

 

The Eyes of River: An Appalachian Novel by Cindy K. Sproles

 

She’s been falsely accused of murder and is desperate to reunite with her brother, River, whose unforgettable green eyes haunt her. The secret in her past is a stinging wound, but it motivates her toward her goal: freedom.


But nine-year-old River, sent through the US Post Office to his late mother's friend in Knoxville, never arrived. Lizzy’s dream of finding him and starting a new life away from their alcoholic and abusive father is ripped away.


Her hope rekindles as she finds an unexpected confidant to help her dodge the law and save the missing youngin'. As she finds herself trusting him, she discovers the truth of the old adage her momma repeated: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Amazon 

 

About The Author


 

Cindy K. Sproles is an author and speaker. Raised and living in the mountains of East Tennessee, she spins tales of life in the deep crevices of the Appalachian mountains. Cindy is proud of her mountain heritage and her desire is to see this culture live on in history. "Children aren't taught in school about the innovation and determination of the mountain people or about the heritage that is richly embedded in them. These are the people who helped forge America and these are the people who have the brawn and guts to stand by their families, heritage, and beliefs." Cindy's desire is to continue to weave the stories, despite their hardships, that show the resilience of the Appalachian culture. Being raised in these mountains and having family who practiced the old ways, Cindy writes from a deep love and experience of the mountains of East Tennessee. Who better to pen the stories of the people, than someone who knows it first hand.?

Aside from her writing, Cindy co-founded ChristianDevotions.us and served as managing editor for SonRise Books and Straight Street Books, imprints of Iron Stream Media. She teaches at Christian Writers Conferences and ladies retreats and ladies conferences across the country. Her devotions are heartfelt and honest. Edgy and inviting. Cindy serves as the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us, a writing mentor, and life coach. She shares mentoring with Lori Marett at Writing Right Author Mentoring Service. Author of four non-fiction books, Cindy's fiction debut novel, Mercy's Rain(Kregel Publishing), won book of the year and her second novel, Liar's Winter has won numerous awards. Cindy's 3rd Appalachian Novel, Revell Publishing, What Momma Left Behind, also received a gold medal in the national Illumination Awards and was named Christian Market Novel of the Year. She has contributed to CBN.com and InspireaFire.com and serves as the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit her at www.cindysproles.com or contact her at cindyksproles@gmail.com

Cindy is available for speaking events by contacting her at cindyksproles@gmail.com.

 

My Review


 What a wonderful job the author did with this book!
A read that kept giving from beginning to end, so you don't get to comfortable, because something new was about to happen.
This read does deal with some very tough subjects, and there is a lot of abuse, and disregard for human life, and while this is a fictional read it is based on some fact!
What starts out as a very dysfunctional family, but this could all be true, but there is so much more here. Yes, I have heard of mailing children, and that is where we begin this read, but the reasons and what happens next is so deep.
This is a compelling page turner, and part about the children, very disturbing!
The author did a great job of wrapping up this story, and we are left adding our own hopes for reconciliation, and hopes for Lizzy and Alton!
Be sure to read the Author's Notes!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kregel, and was not required to give a positive review.


The German Sisters by Marty Wingate

  As the train carries her far away from home, ten-year-old Dagmar’s hand tightens around her sister’s. As little Heike leans in, her acorn...