Celebrate Lit Presents: A Dream for Harper by Teresa Slack

About the Book

 Book: A Dream for Harper
Author: Teresa Slack
Genre: Christian Historical Western Fiction
Release Date: June 2

With no prospects for a better life at home in Kentucky, Harper Dixon’s
mother sends her to Willow Wood, Idaho to become a companion to her
cousin Ellie Lundy. Ellie was jilted by a man who everyone believes was
only interested in her for her money. Harper doesn’t know how she can
help Ellie without having been in love herself, and with no prospects.
Harper believes the only way to help Ellie recover from her melancholy
is to find out what happened to Matthew Dunleavy, the man who broke her
heart. She enlists the help of Logan Kinski, the family’s hired man who
knew more about Matthew and his secrets than anyone.
Logan doesn’t trust the cousin from Kentucky. He believes Harper is here
to take advantage of Ellie and worm her way into the family’s immense
fortune. Harper doesn’t have time or patience to deal with a hard-headed
man who keeps getting between her and the truth.
Danger and suspicions mount as Harper and Logan uncover secrets about
Matthew Dunleavy and his dangerous past. Did he leave town on his own,
or did someone from his past with a score to settle catch up to him?
Can Harper and Logan put their mutual distrust aside in order to protect
Ellie? Will their suspicions prevent their growing attraction from
blossoming into love before the search for the truth destroys them?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Teresa Slack loves reading, writing, and falling in love. Creating clean
and wholesome western romances where fearless cowboys still sweep
independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice for her.
Her first book, Streams of Mercy, won the Bay Area Independent
Publishers Association Award for Best First Fiction. The Willow Wood
Brides Series is her first series of western historicals, and her third
series of Christian fiction novels. She also has two stand-alone
contemporary romances and a contemporary suspense, Joy Redefined.
She writes from her home in the beautiful southern Ohio hills, which she
shares with her husband and rescue dog and rescue cat. Any errors and
typos she blames on the cat randomly running across her keyboard.
Learn more about Teresa Slack and her books by visiting her website at
www.teresaslack.com Readers who sign up for her newsletter will receive
a free download of A Promise for Josie: A Willow Wood Prequel.

More from Teresa Slack

When people say nothing ever happens in a small town, they’re just not paying attention. I’ve always been intrigued by the real stories behind small town scandals and gossip. That’s why I write the stories I write and create the towns I create.
A Dream for Harper is based on a short story I started about twenty years ago. I never finished it and pretty much forgot it. When I started researching the Old West for the Willow Wood Brides Series and devouring Louis L’Amour and Elmore Leonard stories as research, I remembered that unfinished short story.
I knew it would make a great addition to the series. In the story, Harper leaves the loving arms of her large family in Kentucky to travel to Willow Wood, Idaho to help a cousin she never met. She is thrust into a world completely foreign to her, but she’s determined to help Ellie overcome her crippling depression. I think most of us can relate to Harper’s story. Feeling like a fish out of water and unqualified to fix the mess we’re handed. A little mystery, a lot of romance, and some unexpected twists and turns show Harper that God hasn’t put more on her plate than she can eat. Just like us.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, August 18

lakesidelivingsite, August 18

Blossoms and Blessings, August 19

Inklings and notions, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 20

For Him and My Family, August 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 22

The Book Chic Blog, August 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 23

Older & Smarter, August 24

reviewingbookplusemore, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 25

Artistic Nobody, August 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Bizwings Blog, August 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 28

Connie’s History Classroom, August 29

Connect in Fiction, August 29

Splashes of Joy, August 30

Pause for Tales, August 30

Simple Harvest Reads, August 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Maureen’s Musings, August 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Teresa is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ff9f/a-dream-for-harper-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

This book begins with a mother having to make such a hard decision, one that meant she probably would never see her daughter again. She was sending her to live with a wealthy cousin in Idaho, knowing her daughter deserved more than they could ever give her.
What would it be like to have always toiled from infancy, to go to a life where her Uncle/Cousin wanted her to do nothing but be with his daughter. An active person would have a very hard time being constantly idle.
Will Harper be able to help her cousin? Will she find a love of her own? Or will the facts as they come out destroy all?
I never expected the ending in this read, wow, keep page turning!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: Lady Airell’s Choice by Rachel Skatvold

About the Book

Book:  Lady Airell’s Choice
Author: Rachel Skatvold
Genre:  Christian Medieval Romance
Release Date: January, 2019


Will one choice save her kingdom from destruction?
During a time of peace and prosperity, Princess Airell of Daireann is given the rare privilege of choosing her own suitor. As eligible rulers from all over Ardena vie for her hand, a betrothal to Prince Tristan of Órlaith seems to be the clear choice. Yet, in the midst of Lady Airell’s happiness, the winds of change are coming.
When an evil usurper from the north rises to power and his forces attack the southern kingdoms, peace in Ardena is shattered. With Daireann under siege, the princess must find the courage to protect her people. Will Lady Airell choose to sacrifice her own happiness in order to save her kingdom?
Get swept up in an epic adventure while reading this Christian medieval romance filled with themes of faith, redemption and forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing inspirational romance and encouraging blogs. Rachel completed her first series, the Riley Family Legacy Novellas in 2014 and is now working on the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming, Brides of Pelican Rapids and Independence Island Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

The Ladies of Ardena Series has been by far my favorite series to write because the stories are adventurous fast-paced tales with themes of faith, hope and redemption. While I am more well-known for my contemporary western and small-town romance series, I have always been interested in history and fascinated with the medieval time period. Although Ardena is a fictional land, it is inspired by Irish and Scottish culture, in honor of my ancestors. Each book is also inspired by one of my six nieces and is dedicated to them. For that reason, these stories have a special place in my heart.
Lady Airell’s Choice follows the eldest daughter in the Daireann royal family who has come of age. Since it is a time of peace in the land, her father allows Airell to choose her own suitor. She is excited to start a new chapter in her life, but her dreams for the future are shattered when a usurper from the north kills her father and wages war against Daireann. Princess Airell is forced to choose between her own happiness and the survival of her kingdom.
Lady Airell’s story is inspired by Psalms 23 1-3 NLT which says: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” This verse is relevant during Airell’s time and in our lives today as well. We may not face the same perilous circumstances with evil kings and perilous voyages across the sea. Our battles are a little different these days, but God is still the same. He can help us through any trials and lead us down the correct path if we put our faith in Him.
Thank you for following this Celebration Tour for Lady Airell’s choice. To learn more about this book and the others in the series, please read the summary below and visit the series page on Amazon. Also, don’t’ forget to sign up for the giveaway for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card! Blessings.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21

For the Love of Literature, August 22

Inklings and notions, August 23

Novels Corner, August 24

deb’s Book Review, August 24

For Him and My Family, August 25

Older & Smarter?, August 26

Connect in Fiction, August 27

Labor Not in Vain, August 27

Blossoms and Blessings, August 28

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, August 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Pause for Tales, August 31

Emily Yager, September 1

Artistic Nobody, September 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ffa1/lady-airell-s-choice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Presents: You Are Loved & Free by Micah Ruth

About the Book

Book:  You are Loved & Free
Author: Micah Ruth
Genre:  Nonfiction, Christian Purpose
Release Date: July 29, 2020


How do you gain your sense of worth and significance? Career? Kids? Marriage? Finances? Living in a culture where your achievements define you makes you prey to attacks on your very identity. But God values you regardless of your wins and losses and provides the tools in His Word to help you win the battle and rebuild your identity on His truth as you walk with Him into your purpose.
Born achiever Micah Ruth found herself questioning her value during a career demotion and personal crisis. Feeling like a failure and questioning her every move, Micah began listening to God as He led her to make major life changes and reassess the source of her worth. Through exploring the book of Ephesians, Micah uncovered the lies that held her captive and broke the self-inflicted chains of shame to ultimately experience deep soul transformation.
Micah weaves her story as inspiration for you to embark on your own journey of freedom and discovery. Devotionals, journal questions, and practical application prompts provide opportunities for you to remove your armor of self-reliance, grow in your faith, and reflect on your story. You Are Loved & Free also includes resources to help you discover your gifts and purpose while you cling to your newfound identity as a beloved and free child of God.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

After focusing solely on her career in the corporate world for eighteen years, Micah Ruth discovered and leaned in to her calling from Christ to share her journey and inspire others through her writing. Through her blog, Created Significant: Living Loved & Free, and first published book, she is committed to helping others see themselves as Christ sees them. Micah is a wife and mother to three kids, a lifelong Colorado resident, avid mountain biker, and a lover of the outdoors, where she does most of her writing.

More from Micah

Just after a devastating demotion, Micah Ruth sees the revelation God wants to speak to her in this season. You are not what you do, you are not what they think of you, or have said of you. You are a loved and free child of God. With this new revelation, Micah goes on a journey to break down what she had allowed to identify her and rebuilds her identity in Christ.

You are Loved and Free is a devotional journey through the Bible, focusing on the book of Ephesians which holds the Truth about who we are in Christ. Through testimonials and heartfelt stories, Micah shares her journey, inviting others to go on the journey for themselves. She also shares the Biblical wisdom and practical application to rebuild your identity in Christ God revealed to her. Both by uncovering the lies about who you are and revealing the Truth in God’s word, you can find and start walking in your identity as a loved and free child of God.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

Inklings and notions, August 21

My Devotional Thoughts, August 22 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 24

Wishful Endings, August 25 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 26

Artistic Nobody, August 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Mary Hake, August 28

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 29

Through the Fire Blogs, August 30 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, August 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Micah is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card & a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fee7/you-are-loved

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Year the Stars Fell by Elizabeth Wehman

About the Book

Book:  The Year the Stars Fell
Author: Elizabeth Wehman
Genre:  Christian Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 14, 2020
In the spring of 1833, newlywed Betsey Baker-Swain’s simple life changes when she and her husband, Aaron, make a hasty decision to join Betsey’s family on a move from Pennsylvania to Michigan Territory.
Along the way, rainstorms, freezing temperatures, seasickness, and lack of privacy pale in comparison to what the family will encounter once arriving at their destination. Soon, daily trials will include ear-piercing howls of wild wolves, bad weather, clouds of mosquitoes, and disturbing situations with the natives. Even then, Betsey wonders if this trip will finally quench her father’s adventurous spirit.
Over the next year, the Baker family will gain incredible strength, divine trust, and unexplainable courage, but will it be enough to keep them at the tiny cabin by the twisting Shiawassee River? Will uncertainty overtake their determination or will God’s intervention sustain them enough to become a part of the history of a new land?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Elizabeth Wehman’s writing career spans over thirty years and encompasses curriculum, periodical, journalism, and novel writing.
Her dream has always been to write novels and Elizabeth launched her first contemporary fiction, Under the Windowsill, in 2014. Since then, she’s added four titles to her shelf. They include: Promise at Daybreak, Just a Train Ride, Mere Reflection, and her latest complete historical work, The Year the Stars Fell.
She found the historical genre to be filled with rabbit trail research as well as walks through bygone cemeteries. The pioneers, of the early nineteenth century, reflected an amazing stamina and a determined courage to venture into the unknown. The Year the Stars Fell is based on a forgotten village established in the Territory of Michigan in 1833. She fell in love with the Baker family and the information she discovered about them gave way to folklore and tales of the early homesteaders. Two future novels are planned that will include the continuation of the nineteenth century farming community. The series will be called, ‘The Newburg Chronicles’.
In her spare time, Elizabeth loves to read and enjoys being out in nature. Her favorite places are digging in her flower garden, listening to the birds as they herald a new day, or taking a walk on the country roads surrounding her home in Michigan.
Elizabeth has been a trucker’s wife for over thirty years which helps supply the needed solitude to produce extraordinary stories. She has three grown children, four grandpuppies, and two sons-in-law.

More from Elizabeth

My “Stars” book began to emerge after doing research about the county where I live, here in Michigan. On an information discovery about another book, I came across the story of the Baker family. They were highlighted as the one of the first farming families to enter Michigan Territory in 1833. Hosea Baker brought his entire family from Pennsylvania to settle on 600 acres in an area beside the Shiawassee River.

Joining him there were his wife, Sally, his grown son Ambrose, his daughter and her husband, Betsey and Aaron Swain, and some younger daughters. While there, they hooked up with a boy named Alexander Stevens. Their first year included: building a home and barn, clearing and planting the first crops in the county, setting up a household, and Betsey giving birth to the first recorded child in the county. Betsey and Aaron named their new baby, Julia.

So much intrigued me about their story. I was excited to flesh it out with the help of short excerpts written in a Shiawassee County history book from 1888. From these short tidbits about the family, I soon embellished a story which is a mere glimpse into what their story could have included during their first year as settlers in a vast wilderness.

Much of the story is from my own imagination, but many of the highlights include the excerpts written about the family in 1888. After writing their story, I now feel a specific kinship to them.  This is my first complete historical fiction work. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 25

lakesidelivingsite, August 25

Inklings and notions, August 26

For Him and My Family, August 27

21st Century Keeper at Home, August 27

Connie’s History Classroom, August 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

deb’s Book Review, August 30

For the Love of Literature, August 31

Older & Smarter?, September 1

Joanne Markey, September 1

Artistic Nobody, September 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Betti Mace, September 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, September 5

Pause for Tales, September 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elizabeth is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of The Year the Stars Fell and a $25 gift card to Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, which can be used online!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fff0/the-year-the-stars-fell-celebration-tour-giveaway

Celebrate Lit Presents: Joy After Noon by Debra Voleman Jeter

About the Book

Book:  Joy After Noon
Author: Debra Coleman Jeter
Genre:  Romance, Women’s Fiction
Release Date: February 26, 2019

Joy marries a widowed bank executive caught in an ethical dilemma and misreads his obvious frustration while struggling to integrate into her new family. This novel explores the challenges of second marriages and dealing with step-children during the crucial years of puberty and teenage angst. A college professor coming up shortly for the huge tenure decision, Joy finds herself falling apart as her career and her home issues deteriorate and collide.

Click here to get your copy!

About the  Author

Debra Coleman Jeter has published both fiction and nonfiction in popular magazines, including Working Woman, New Woman, Self, Home Life, Savvy, Christian Woman, and American Baby. Her first novel, The Ticket, was a finalist for a Selah Award, as well as for Jerry Jenkins’ Operation First Novel. Her story, “Recovery,” was awarded first prize in a short story competition sponsored by Christian Woman; and her nonfiction book “Pshaw, It’s Me Grandson”: Tales of a Young Actor was a finalist in the USA Book News Awards. She is a co-writer of the screenplay for Jess + Moss, a feature film which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, screened at nearly forty film festivals around the world, and captured several domestic and international awards. Joy After Noon is the first novel in her Sugar Sands series. She has taught at Murray State University, Austin Peay State University, and Vanderbilt University, where she is currently a Professor Emerita. She lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, with her husband.

More form Debra

Joy After Noon
With most of my novels, several forces come together to compel me to tell the story. This is definitely true of Joy After Noon. I thought I’d share a few of those.
Carl Jung says: “The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only, its meaning and purpose are different.”Jung goes on to describe life’s afternoon as the time when we begin to shift away from the ego being the dominant force in our life and move toward a journey that has real meaning.
I also like the following quote: In the afternoon of your life, you don’t do life. You do what resonates with the callings of your soul. When does the afternoon of life begin? I don’t believe the afternoon of life begins at a particular age, or even stage of life. In JOY AFTER NOON, Ray has been pursuing career success and material acquisitions, and experiences a significant change of direction. Some fairly disastrous events in his workplace precipitate the change—events that threaten not only his financial stability but the core of who he is.
When I was a kid, I watched a movie called Joy in the Morning, starring Richard Chamberlain and Yvette Mimieux.  This movie was about a young married couple, and the memory of it stayed with me for years. I remember thinking that whereas a typical romance ended when the couple got together or married, the really interesting story starts there. When I wrote Joy After Noon, I decided to focus on a couple that marry a bit later in life. He’s a widower with two teenage daughters. She’s an insecure college professor who has never been seriously romanced.
Initially, the idea for Sugar Sands Book 1 and the title of the novel, Joy After Noon, was that Joy’s life has been lonely (and joy has been elusive) since her parents died when she was sixteen, and she has about given up on finding love when she meets Ray. She comes into his ready-made family and, for a time, this seems like a mistake. However, in the afternoon of her life, she finds love and joy.
What inspired my characters:
There’s always a bit of myself in each of my characters from the least likable to the most. Here’s how I relate to some of the characters in Joy After Noon.

Joy Hancock
Joy is a college professor who has never been in love … until she meets the gorgeous widower Ray Jenkins. In the novel Joy struggles to adapt to her new family at the same time that she’s coming up for tenure as a college professor. I’ve been through the tenure process (with a husband and two kids at home), and I’ve seen a number of others struggle to balance career and family during this stressful process.

 Ray Jenkins
Ray, seemingly successful banker, finds himself facing ethical dilemmas as his associates negotiate a dubious merger and then try to hide the undesirable financial consequences. I’ve taught bankers, and I have coauthored a textbook on mergers and acquisitions. I’ve also seen former students caught in ethical crises at work.
Marianne Jenkins
Marianne has aspired all her life to please her demanding perfectionist mother, even after that mother’s death. She cannot live up to her own standards of perfectionism, either as a ballerina or as a cheerleader longing for popularity. I have not studied dance or cheerleading, but I remember being a perfectionist as a child taking piano lessons. I wanted to play a piece with no errors, and I almost never succeeded.

Jenny Jenkins
Jenny, the younger daughter, knows she could never come near to the example set by Marianne, so why try? Jenny plays clarinet in band. As she practices for tryouts, she has a loose pad, causing her horn to squeak rather than play properly. I was a clarinet player, and had this exact experience myself. Jenny becomes friends with a wild girl named Claudia, who leads her to trouble. I had a similar friend as a teenager, and she was even named Claudia. Claudia is a tragic figure in the novel, but not an unsympathetic one.
Although Joy After Noon is part of a series, each book in the series stands alone.
Song of Sugar Sands
Sugar Sands Book 2, Song of Sugar Sands, has recently been announced as a Finalist in the Christian Fiction category in the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, August 17

lakesidelivingsite, August 18

Splashes of Joy, August 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, August 22

Simple Harvest Reads, August 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 26

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 27 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 28

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 29 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 29

Texas Book-aholic, August 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debra is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ff18/joy-after-noon-celebration-tour-giveaway

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: SNEAKY'S SUMMER MYSTERY BOOK BLAST by Debbie De Louise

BOOK BLAST

Sneaky's Summer Mystery: A Cobble Cove Story by Debbie De Louise

About Sneaky's Summer Mystery

 

Sneaky's Summer Mystery: A Cobble Cove Story Cozy Mystery Publisher: Solstice Publishing (August 5, 2020) Print Length: 42 pages Digital ASIN: B08FCJCJW7

Cobble Cove is in the midst of an August heatwave. It’s the worst time for the air conditioner at the Cobble Cove library to break down. Alicia has no choice but to close the library and bring Sneaky, the library cat, home with her. After scheduling the air conditioner service with Rudy Gibbs, a technician from Hapnabber’s Repair Shop, she is surprised to learn that John knew Rudy when they were teenagers. When Rudy turns up dead after working on the AC at the library and Alicia learns of it during a barbecue she and John host with Gilly and Ramsay, Sneaky and Kittykai must once again protect their favorite ladies when they conduct their own investigation into the murder.

About Debbie De Louise

Debbie De Louise is an award-winning author and a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island. She is a member of Sisters-in-Crime, International Thriller Writers, Long Island Authors Group, and the Cat Writers’ Association. She’s the author of eight novels including the four books of her Cobble Cove cozy mystery series and two short eBooks based on the books. She lives on Long Island with her husband, daughter, and three cats.

Social Media Links: Website/Blog/Newsletter Sign-Up: https://debbiedelouise.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbie.delouise.author/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Deblibrarian Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2750133.Debbie_De_Louise Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2bIHdaQ All Author: https://allauthor.com/author/debbiedelouise/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debbie_writer/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbiedelouise/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/debbie-de-louise Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/debbiedelouise Debbie’s Character’s Chat Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/748912598599469 Sneaky the Library Cat’s blog: https://Sneakylibrarycat.wordpress.com  Purchase Link - Amazon

Tour Participants

August 27

Here's How It Happened

Cozy Up With Kathy

Dee-Scoveries

Mochas, Mysteries and Meows

Maureen's Musings

Christy's Cozy Corners

Celticlady's Reviews

Literary Gold

August 28

Baroness' Book Trove

Socrates Book Reviews

StoreyBook Reviews

Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic

Christa Reads and Writes

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Author Elena Taylor's Blog

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host?

Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

  

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Sinner In Mississippi by D. L. Lane

About the Book

Book:  The Sinner in Mississippi
Author: D.L. Lane
Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational Romance
Release Date: May 1, 2020

Not expecting me to live, the midwife cleaned me up, wrapped me in an old tea towel, and placed me in a knitting basket beside the wood-burning stove. According to Mama, the storm raged until morning, but I never made one sound. So, hours later, when they peeked in at me, they were surprised to see me sucking my thumb, staring up at them with eyes the color of bluebells.
Mama told me, that’s when she cried.
See, she hadn’t shed a single tear during the harsh pain of giving birth or out of fear of the horrible storm taking the house and her with it, but she sobbed when she saw me. To her, it would have been better for all of us if I’d passed on in the night, carried off on the wings of angels, never to suffer the evils of this world. And sometimes, I wondered if she hadn’t been right.
–Mississippi Singleton

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

D.L. Lane is a wife, musician, a graduate of Liberty University, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2010 she walked away from the day job and started a writing career using a pen name. As far as the world was concerned, she was very successful writing romances, however, success aside, she knew she wasn’t on the right path but stubbornly kept on going for nine years. Although a Christian and raised in a religious home, D.L went her own way, leaving God out of her choices until He said, “Enough.”
Weary and seeking guidance, she finally listened and left the course she was on as an established novelist to take a new path—putting God first in her life where He always should have been.

More from D.L.

I love writing, and I love to challenge myself as an author, and so I thought, why not write a fictional historical piece. This was a test for me since there are many things to research when writing during a different era, especially when I wasn’t around at that time. But I prayed about it, grabbed my laptop, and started writing about a poor, uneducated girl who grew up in Louisiana during the Great Depression in a motherless home with a group of reprobate males.
Not unlike the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, a boy despised by his brothers who plotted against him, later rose from the depths to become one of the most powerful men in Egypt, facing the very men who had been responsible for the atrocities he’d suffered. Joseph had a choice. Let them die or help the ones who never helped him? This story weaves some of that same treachery with truth, teaching not only the heroine but the hero the ultimate meaning of love.

I wanted to give readers a book demonstrating the fact God will never leave us, even if we have left him for a time. That a personal relationship with Christ is our ultimate source of strength, and with His help, we can be pulled out of the depths of great sorrow, rising to heights we never imagined possible.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 23

Inklings and notions, August 24

Genesis 5020, August 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25

For the Love of Literature, August 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 27

Maureen’s Musings, August 27

For Him and My Family, August 28

Godly Book Reviews, August 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

Labor Not in Vain, August 30

deb’s Book Review, August 31

Pause for Tales, September 1

Betti Mace, September 2

Rebecca Tews, September 2

Daysong Reflections, September 3

Connie’s History Classroom, September 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, September 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.L. is giving away the grand prize package of a $10 Amazon eGift Card and a free Audiobook of The Sinner in Mississippi!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/ffa5/the-sinner-in-mississippi-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

The description of this book is of a baby being born, and her mother knowing how hard her life was going to be. We follow this baby through her life, and we walk in Mississippi's shoes as she journeys, you will laugh, cry, and cringe at some of the happenings.
We see God's hand on her and see beyond the pain and hurt to the many blessings offered here.
You will be page-turning looking for answers and hoping for the best, and surprises abound, along with a lot of love.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit. and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: Two Rivers by Michael W. Henry

About the Book

Book:  Two Rivers
Author: Michael W. Henry
Genre:  Fiction
Release Date: April 10, 2020

In 1840 Pastor Allen Hartman leaves behind his white-steepled church in New York, and the woman he hopes to marry, to serve as a missionary to Indians in the Oregon Territory. On his epic westward journey, he is plunged into the dark end of spiritual warfare and vital intercession. His mettle is further tested when he’s asked to stay in a village of Arapaho already contending with a malevolent witch doctor—where Allen has to draw upon courage he didn’t know he possessed and discovers ministering to Indians is not at all what he imagined.
Arapaho medicine man Two Rivers knows one thing—the Great Spirit is sending White Falcon to help his people defeat the malicious spiritual forces determined to overpower the tribe. But even as White Falcon teams up with Two Rivers, Allen finds himself enslaved in a cave and in a heaven-meets-earth clash of faith with an evil sorcerer. With his life at stake and his new friends unable to help, will Spirit-led prayers of believers lead to a complete victory, or will something be left undone?

Click here to get your copy!

About the  Author

Michael W. Henry’s ministry has spanned from serving as a missionary in Mexico, where he encountered intense spiritual warfare, to planting and pastoring churches in Washington state. A Christian counselor, Michael is certified through the American Association of Christian Counselors and offers spiritual-life coaching to believers searching for deep faith encounters with Jesus. Michael has long been fascinated by Native American spirituality and culture. He and his wife, also a certified counselor, live in Wenatchee, Washington, and enjoy hunting, hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities with their four adult children and two grandchildren.

More from Michael

Two Rivers is a story about courageous faith. I wrote it because as a missionary in Mexico, I had experienced spiritual encounters that I felt needed to be shared. A historical fiction seemed the perfect place to demonstrate the power of prayer and cross cultural respect in an authentic way.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Joanne Markey, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

deb’s Book Review, August 19

For the Love of Literature, August 20

Rebecca Tews, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 23

Connie’s History Classroom, August 24

Simple Harvest Reads, August 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Quiet Workings, August 26

To Everything There Is A Season, August 27

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Two Rivers, a $50 Amazon gift card, and a signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/fcdb/crystal-witness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Searching for Rose by Dana Becker

Courageous and vulnerable, April has survived Philadelphia's tough city streets. But when her sister disappears, April's search will lead her to the Pennsylvania Amish countryside--where the peaceful setting belies a brand of danger all its own . . .

With a childhood shattered by alcoholism and abandonment, April learned the hard way to trust only herself and her younger sister, Rose. But suddenly, Rose is gone without a word--and April's purpose in life is to find her. She has only one ally: Joseph Young, a handsome Amish man with whom she's struck up an unlikely flirtation in the bakery where she works. He's knowledgeable, steadfast--and when they join forces, April's life takes a radical turn . . .

In the heart of Amish farm country, April and Joseph grow closer. Yet April fears there's no future for them. Especially when vicious, too-personal warnings and strange attacks make her wonder just whom Joseph is really trying to protect. And as her unconventional investigation roils a community with much to conceal, April will find some secrets are killer--and some dreams may be too lethal to trust.

Amazon


About The Author

Dana Becker is Clinical Supervisor of Family Therapy at the Center for Research on Adolescent Drug Abuse at Temple University. She maintains a private practice in both Philadelphia and Rosemont, Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of women and families.


My Review

Looking at the cover of this book I assumed that this was an Amish story, no it is very deep, but really not Amish.
We travel with April as she desperately searches for her sister Rose, and as she looks we meet the people who help her. She has had a troubled life, and we watch as she stumbles, and becomes attached to Joseph. He is Amish and works at the Market, that she is a led to and finds a mentor in Carmen, who has surprises of her own.
This book has quite a dark side, and you wonder how it will all play out. There is a bit of romance, but can it ever be?
You will be turning pages for answers, and there are a lot of surprises.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra and was not required to give a positive review.

Jeb's Wife by Patricia Johns

Patricia Johns' sensitive storytelling brings depth and heart to this tender story of second chances, as an Amish woman embarks on marriage with the gruff farmer next door . . .

Once, Leah Riehl prayed for a husband. The man she loved chose another, wanting the children that Leah can't provide. But she's found a measure of peace, keeping house for her brother, Simon, and teaching in a nearby town. Now though, Simon's debts to an Englisher gambling ring have left Leah with a desperate dilemma--and a surprising offer from her scarred, reclusive neighbor. Jebadiah King needs to marry in order to claim his family farm. A union, for appearances only, will help them both.

Jeb knows his scars make him a less than ideal husband, but he can be a useful one. It's the least that Leah deserves. But despite the promises he made to himself, Jeb can't help longing for his lovely, warmhearted new wife. His first marriage brought heartbreak, but Leah's gentle smiles spark hope again. Are they willing to take the leap that love requires--and open themselves to all the challenges and joy a true marriage could bring?

Amazon


About The Author

I’m a Publishers Weekly bestselling romance author for  Harlequin’s Love Inspired and Heartwarming lines, as well as for Kensington Books. I am represented by Rachel Beck of Liza Dawson Associates, and you can find my books anywhere books are sold online and in bookstores.

I have my Hon. BA in English Literature from University of Toronto, and I live in Northern Canada where the weather dominates our small talk. Mr. Johns has the distinct challenge of being married to a writer, and our young son has yet to be impressed by seeing his mother’s books on a store shelf. 😉 It’s the perfect life for me.

Click on over to see my books, or check out my blog where I talk about writing, books, marriage, kids, and everything else that distracts me from my work. And leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you.

Website

My Review

I have read and enjoyed other books by this author and this book is no exception. The plot is awesome, love how this story unfolds, and it was so real.
Loving and being rejected by someone you love, a catalyst between these two, Leah and Jeb. Then there is Simon, I wanted to shake him, but he does have an addiction, and it may seem simple to me to stay away, for him it wasn't.
An odd marriage, yes, but can these to forge a loving relationship, two broken souls, that have somehow found each other.
When the final pages were turned, I wanted more, I wanted to stay with these two, and I can picture and see what could happen, but you need to turn the covers of this book yourself. Enjoy!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zebra and was not required to give a positive review.