Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Celebrate Lit Presents: Pretending To Wed by Melissa Jagears

About the Book

Book: Pretending to Wed
Author: Melissa Jagears
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: May 28, 2020

It’s a match made in heaven…as long as they don’t fall in love!

The ranch Nolan Key has spent decades working for, even lost a leg for, is now his—or at least it should be. But an absurd clause in his father’s will means he’s in danger of losing the place to his lazy, undeserving cousin. Nolan finds himself scrambling to save his home—by proposing marriage to the town laundress.

Corinne Stillwater’s hands have betrayed her. Numb from hours of doing the same work over and over, her hands will only heal, according to the town doctor, if she gives up the laundry and marries. But she’s been stung repeatedly by love before, so that is one remedy she can’t swallow.

When Nolan offers Corinne a marriage in name only, how can she refuse? Such a partnership could give them the security they seek, but what if the ranch isn’t as secure as they believe, and their lives—and dreams—aren’t quite as compatible as they thought?

Pretending to Wed is the second book in the Frontier Vows Series by award-winning Christian romance author Melissa Jagears. If you like marriage-of-convenience stories that deal with the nitty-gritty of making a relationship work, you’ll love this authentic romance set in a time gone by that tackles issues still relevant for today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Award winning author, Melissa Jagears, is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian Historical Romance into the wee hours of the night. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children. Her ebook novella, Love by the Letter, is her ACFW Carol Award winning novella and free to try. You can learn more about her, her books, and where she hangs out online at www.melissajagears.com

More from Melissa

The Elusive Electrical Spark to Awaken Frankenstein’s Monster
The plot of Pretending to Wed just wasn’t coming together for me. I had the romantic dilemma, but I didn’t love the characters. They were boring. And if I’m going to write a book, a.k.a. read it a bazillion times, I have to really want to read the book myself. I decided to take a break from the weeks of struggle and read. I was recommended a book because of the author’s great voice (I can’t recommend it because it’s not a clean novel), but I loved the fact that the heroine was a scientific illustrator. I wondered if I could give my heroine a scientific hobby and came up with inventing. That single character tidbit was the jolt that awakened Frankenstein’s Monster. She came alive! The research into what she could have patented at the time led my imagination to the egg hatching romance scene in the middle of the story and I was hooked! I couldn’t wait to read my book that didn’t yet exist.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 17

Writing from the Heart Land, September 17

Through the Lens of Scripture, September 17

Texas Book-aholic, September 18

Inklings and notions, September 18

For Him and My Family, September 19

Connie’s History Classroom, September 19

deb’s Book Review, September 19

Batya’s Bits, September 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 20

lakesidelivingsite, September 21

Genesis 5020, September 21

The Book Chic Blog, September 21

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, September 22

The Collaborative Press, September 22

Betti Mace, September 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 23

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, September 23

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, September 24

Remembrancy, September 24

Wishful Endings, September 24

Life of Literature, September 25

Book Love, September 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Bizwings Blog, September 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 26

Bigreadersite, September 26

Labor Not in Vain, September 26

CarpeDiem, September 27

Hookmeinabook, September 27

Splashes of Joy , September 27

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, September 28

Artistic Nobody, September 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29

Adventures Of A Travelers Wife, September 29

Blessed & Bookish, September 29

Simple Harvest Reads, September 30 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Maureen’s Musings, September 30

NovelsCorner, September 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Melissa is giving away the grand prize package of a Gift Certificate for the winner’s Choice of Book (up to 16.99 plus S&H) from Melissa’s Local Christian Bookstore, Faith & Life Bookstore, and a signed copy of Pretending to Wed!!

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/100e6/pretending-to-wed-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

The first thing that drew me to this book was the cover, and notice her left hand, so cute, and the color of her dress is vibrant!
What to do, two hurt individuals that have sworn off marriage, end up in a desperate situation that marriage and money can solve.
We get to see how this new life arrangement is about to work out, and then enter and entitled cousin, the one who may have had a chance to own the ranch.
Both Nolan, with his missing part of a leg, and Corinne with her hurting hands, have medical conditions, that would fell most people, but watch the perseverance here.
This is one sweet story to get lost in!
I received this book through Celebrate Lit and Utmost Publishing, and was not required to give a positive review.

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Amish Christmas Twins by Shelley Shepard Gray, Rachel J. Good , Loree Lough

n these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays--with fruitful results . . .

THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray
When the foster parents they've cautiously grown to love discover they're expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they'll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own--and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . .

NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good
Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager's deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it's Luke who reminds her it's the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke's love--and new beginnings of their own . . .

TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough
What happens when two secretive, stubborn people find themselves thrown together to help four rascally youngsters--twins times two!--create a Christmas surprise for their parents? Mischief and mayhem, and just maybe . . . love!

Amazon

About The Authors

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray
When the foster parents they’ve cautiously grown to love discover they’re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they’ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own—and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . .

NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good
Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke’s love—and new beginnings of their own . . .

TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough
What happens when two secretive, stubborn people find themselves thrown together to help four rascally youngsters—twins times two!—create a Christmas surprise for their parents? Mischief and mayhem, and just maybe . . . love!

My Review

Three sweet Amish stories to keep you captivated and page turning!
We are back with the 8 with Shelley Shepard Gray, and I have enjoyed all of the books surrounding this group, and this one is excellent. I could just feel the pain of those orphans, and now they are where God wants them to be, but it is hard for them!
The book by Rachel J Good really pulls on your heart, and you wonder how it can come to a happy ending, wow! I can't even imagine cleaning out that bedroom!
The story by Loree Lough almost made my heart stop right in the beginning, word pictures made me feel like I was a spectator and watching these young boys, a time when they needed a firm hand. I enjoyed how these teens were dealt with by their parents and the outcome. This one will have you looking for answers, and there are surprises
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kennsington, and was not required to give a positive review.

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Campaigning Can Be Deadly [A Discount Dective Styory] by Charlotte Stuart Book Blast

Campaigning Can Be Deadly (A Discount Detective Mystery) by Charlotte Stuart

About Campaigning Can Be Deadly

Campaigning Can Be Deadly (A Discount Detective Mystery)

Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series Walrus Publishing, an imprint of Amphorae Publishing Group (September 29, 2020) Number of Pages - 300 ISBN-10: 194044232X ISBN-13: 978-1940442327

What begins as a prank ends in murder . . .

The campaign for the U.S. Congressional seat was referred to in the press as "Mr. Smith goes to Washington versus the carpetbagger. "The popular local candidate gets the majority of endorsements, but his opponent's wealthy, out-of-state family is willing to do whatever it takes for him to win.

Penny-wise Investigations a discount detective agency located in a mall, is hired to find out who is stealing the local candidate's political signs. Two of their investigators, Cameron Chandler and Yuri Webster, not only catch the thieves in the act, they find a body next to a pile of stolen signs, proving that . . . Campaigning Can Be Deadly.

About Charlotte Stuart

In a world filled with uncertainty and too little chocolate, Charlotte Stuart has a passion for writing lighthearted mysteries with a pinch of adventure and a dollop of humor. Her first discount detective mystery, Survival Can Be Deadly, was a Foreward INDIES finalist. Why me? Chimeras, Conundrums and Dead Goldfish was short-listed for the Chanticleer Murder and Mayhem contest before it was published. She began her career in academia with a PhD in communications. Then, she and her husband decided to build a commercial boat and go fishing for salmon in Alaska. Currently, she is the VP for Puget Sound Sisters in Crime and lives and writes on Vashon Island in Washington State’s Puget Sound. She spends time each day entertained by herons, seals, eagles, and other wildlife.

Author Links

Website: www.charlottestuart.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/quirkymysteries Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.stuart.mysterywriter Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19305587.Charlotte_Stuart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clzstuart/?hl=en Purchase Links: Amazon - B&N - Book Depository - IndieBound

BOOK BLAST PARTICIPANTS

SEPTEMBER 29

I Read What You Write

Literary Gold

Celticlady's Reviews

Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic

Cozy Up With Kathy

Carla Loves To Read

FUONLYKNEW

Maureen's Musings

I'm All About Books

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Baroness' Book Trove

eBook Addicts

Brooke Blogs

StoreyBook Reviews

Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!

The Amish Widow's Christmas Hope by Carrie Lighte

True love always finds a way…

Can their temporary house

become a permanent home?After inheriting her uncle’s house, single mother Fern Glick returns to Serenity Ridge with the intention to sell and leave town quickly. But her reluctance to settle so close to former love Walker Huyard—the man who broke her heart—begins to falter as their children forge a bond. With Christmas approaching, spending the holiday together might just be enough to reignite the love they once shared.

Amazon

About The Author

Like the Amish characters she writes about, Carrie Lighte is very camera shy. She also enjoys making bread (by hand), tends to shun technology, and is blessed with a "wunderbaar" family and a strong faith in God. In addition to writing, reading and researching, Carrie enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time at the beach.

Website

My Review

This story will tug at your heart, when doing "the right thing", breaks so many hearts. As you begin this read, you can see that forgiveness is really needed here, not only for others, but for yourself.
Ah, the children, yes, they will make you smile, and the parents have done a great job raising them so far, and where the adults hold back they have open arms.
I found myself looking at both sides of this story, and it is not a win win situation, but more a survival, and thinking of an unborn child.
You will be quickly turning pages here for answers, and will Fern stay in Maine? She now owns a home, her children love it, but too much heartache, can she even be in the same room with Walker?
I really enjoyed this read, all the while hoping for the best, can hearts heal and forgive?

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

'm a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Amish Country Courtships and Amish of Serenity Ridge romance miniseries. When I'm not reading, writing or traveling to Amish communities around the country to do research, I like to kayak, hike, play word games and spend time at the beach. In addition to writing romance novels, I've also written greeting cards and short stories. Currently, I live in Massachusetts.
'm a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of the Amish Country Courtships and Amish of Serenity Ridge romance miniseries. When I'm not reading, writing or traveling to Amish communities around the country to do research, I like to kayak, hike, play word games and spend time at the beach. In addition to writing romance novels, I've also written greeting cards and short stories. Currently, I live in Massachusetts.

An Amish Christmas Wedding: Four Stories by Amy Clipston , Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, Vannetta Chapman

Four short stories that will have you quickly turning the pages, you can read one, but they are that good that you will be moving on to the next one.
The stories are not connected, they contain good life lessons, the first one we had a young man who seems like he can't really commit, but keep reading maybe this couple or former couple needs to talk.
The second, this young boy has been through so much, more than anyone should, especially a child. He did make me chuckle with some of his antics, but I felt he was crying for help! Can this ten-year old ever find a real home?
Can best friends find their way to love, Kathleen Fuller gives us a couple who have been childhood friends, and then took it a step further with disastrous results. Can they become friends again, or more?
Finding friends and family, and is it possible love? That is what the last story in the book by Vannetta Chapman offers us, as a widower and older single Amish couple try to find their way to a relationship. A sweet read, with feeling of loss and held together with the love of an older dog.
You don't want to miss this one, and like M & M's you won't be able to stop after just one!

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

Amazon

About The Authors

Amy Clipston is the bestselling author of A Gift of Grace and A Promise of Hope in the Kauffman Amish Bakery Series. She lives with her husband, Joe, and two sons in North Carolina.

Kathleen Fuller is an American writer, specializing in Christian and Amish romantic fiction. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas and currently resides in Geneva, Ohio with her husband, James Fuller, and three children.

Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeepers Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, two grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: kelly_irvin; Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.

Vannetta Chapman is the author of 30 published books. She has written for Abingdon Press and Harvest House Publishers, and she currently writes for Harper Collins Christian Publishing and Harlequin/Love Inspired. Her books have hit the CBD Bestseller list, the Amazon bestseller list, and her most recent release, A Widow's Hope, debuted at #17 on Publishers Weekly mass market list. She's received numerous awards including the ACFW Carol Award for best mystery (Falling to Pieces), and she was a Christy Award finalist (Anna's Healing). She recently signed a contract for an additional six books with Harelquin/Love Inspired.

Chapman has a BA and MA in English literature from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has taught for numerous writing groups and speaks around the country on writing, how to publish, and steps to finding an agent and landing a publishing contract. Chapman’s releases include Amish romance, cozy mystery, novellas, romantic suspense, and dystopian. She has tutored writers in these genres and more. She currently teaches English at Central Texas College and writes full time. She's also the president for the Central Texas Chapter of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

My Review

Turning Home (Tompkins Mill #1) by Janice Kay Johnson

In this tender Amish romance, an Amish man who is returning
to his community and faith is drawn to a young woman who is still reeling from past wounds.

When Luke Bowman returns to the Amish faith after years of being away from home, he does so with absolute conviction. Those feelings are shaken when he meets Julia Durant, a non-Amish woman who works at his family's furniture-making business. Despite his instincts, Luke is drawn to Julia, and although Julia is still recovering from a brutal assault when she was a college student, she is drawn to Luke as well.

As Luke and Julia grow closer, and their fragile friendship grows stronger, Luke wants to be with Julia, but the reason he came home--his faith--is now the thing keeping them apart. Luke and Julia will have to decide whether their relationship can survive this divide, and whether the home Luke has made in the Amish faith is one that's fit for two.

Amazon

About The Author

Janice Kay Johnson is the author of over a hundred books for children and adults. Her first four published romance novels were coauthored with her mother, also a writer who has since published mysteries and children's books on her own. These were "sweet" romance novels, the author hastens to add; she isn't sure they'd have felt comfortable coauthoring passionate love scenes!

Janice graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in history and then received a master's degree in library science from the University of Washington. She was a branch librarian for a public library system until she began selling her own writing.

She has written six novels for young adults and one picture book for the read-aloud crowd. Rosamund was the outgrowth of all those hours spent reading to her own daughters, and of her passion for growing old roses. Two more of her favorite books were historical novels she wrote for Tor/Forge. The research was pure indulgence for someone who set out intending to be a historian!

Janice is divorced and has raised her two daughters in a small, rural town north of Seattle, Washington. She's an active volunteer and board member for Purrfect Pals, a no-kill cat shelter, and foster kittens often enliven a household that already includes a few more cats than she wants to admit to!

Janice loves writing books about both love and family — about the way generations connect and the power our earliest experiences have on us throughout life. Her Superromance novels are frequent finalists for Romance Writers of America RITA® awards. Along with her books for Harlequin, Janice has written the Cape Trouble series of romantic suspense novels, and is about to launch a new series, Desperation Creek, set in rural eastern Oregon.

Website

My Review

What an awesome book, I was drawn in and the author didn't let me go. There are several stories surrounding the main plot, just like real life.
A horrible attack was terrifying and controlling her life, Julia Durant, moves closer to her brother, and takes a new job working for an Amish furniture making business.
We also meet Luke a man who walked one path, away from his faith, and is now back and staying on the straight and narrow. Yes, he is attracted to this struggling woman, but he cannot jeopardize what he has worked so hard to return to.
This story has a bit of everything, and it felt so real to me. I could see Julia struggling to belong, wanting a real relationship with God, and friends. She was searching for a deeper faith, and dealing with her trauma.
Luke is also struggling with a lie he told, and they mount up, but we get to see why, and I had to agree with him. There is a solution, but you need to keep turning those pages for answers.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series, a new author for me, but one I will now follow!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

An Amish Husband for Tillie (Amish of Pontotoc #4) by Amy Lillard

For the Amish of Pontotoc, Mississippi, all roads lead to faith, family, and tradition, even when the path is unconventional—especially at Christmas . . .

Tillie Gingerich is so in love with Melvin Yoder that she agrees to leave her conservative Amish home to live with him in the English world. But when the struggle to make ends meet leads to conflict, and reveals troubling weaknesses in their relationship, Tillie returns to Pontotoc—pregnant and unmarried. Her loving family accepts her, but to convince the rest of the community, they must turn to the bishop. Distraught, Tillie runs away on Christmas Eve—only to get as far as an isolated house on the edge of town.

Levi Yoder, Melvin’s upright distant cousin, is grieving the loss of his wife and wants to be alone. He is hardly pleased to open his door and find a pregnant woman––a painful reminder of all he’s lost. But with an ice storm approaching, he can’t turn Tillie away. Yet as morning nears, the miracle of Christmas brings unexpected challenges, opportunities—and promises for
the future

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 way up 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, and three spoiled cats. ^..^
When she’s not creating happy endings, she has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.
Amy is an award winning author with more than forty novels and novellas in print. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

Website

My Review

I loved this book, I felt like I was walking in Tillie's shoes as she begins to grow up and accept responsibilities.
We also meet Levi, a young Amish man with so much hurt and pain, you wonder how he can move on?
Will Tillie's family allow her to return to them and her faith? I did not realize that when you have left with a fellow member of your community, and now there is a baby on the way, you both have to return and take a knee to remain.
You can see God's hand here, through the words of the Author, and it is heart warming, remembering another baby born in a stable. A beautiful tribute to the true meaning of the Christmas season.
A sweet read, you don't want to miss.

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

The Talented Miss Farwell by Emily Gray Tedrowe

Catch Me If You Can meets Patricia Highsmith in this electrifying page-turner of greed and obsession, survival and self-invention that is a piercing character study of one unforgettable female con artist.

"Becky Farwell is one of the most wickedly compelling characters I've read in ages -- a Machiavellian marvel, a modern Becky Sharp, a character to root for despite your better judgment -- and her story, both topical and timeless, will knock you off your feet." -- Rebecca Makkai, author of The Great Believers

At the end of the 1990s, with the art market finally recovered from its disastrous collapse, Miss Rebecca Farwell has made a killing at Christie’s in New York City, selling a portion of her extraordinary art collection for a rumored 900 percent profit. Dressed in couture YSL, drinking the finest champagne at trendy Balthazar, Reba, as she’s known, is the picture of a wealthy art collector. To some, the elusive Miss Farwell is a shark with outstanding business acumen. To others, she’s a heartless capitalist whose only interest in art is how much she can make.

But a thousand miles from the Big Apple, in the small town of Pierson, Illinois, Miss Farwell is someone else entirely—a quiet single woman known as Becky who still lives in her family’s farmhouse, wears sensible shoes, and works tirelessly as the town’s treasurer and controller.

No one understands the ins and outs of Pierson’s accounts better than Becky; she’s the last one in the office every night, crunching the numbers. Somehow, her neighbors marvel, she always finds a way to get the struggling town just a little more money. What Pierson doesn’t see—and can never discover—is that much of that money is shifted into a separate account that she controls, “borrowed” funds used to finance her art habit. Though she quietly repays Pierson when she can, the business of art is cutthroat and unpredictable.

But as Reba Farwell’s deals get bigger and bigger, Becky Farwell’s debt to Pierson spirals out of control. How long can the talented Miss Farwell continue to pull off her double life?

Amazon

About The Author

Emily Gray Tedrowe is the Chicago-based author of the novels The Talented Miss Farwell, Blue Stars, and Commuters. She earned a PhD in English literature from New York University, and a BA from Princeton University. She has received an Illinois Arts Council award as well as fellowships from the Ragdale Foundation, Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Sewanee Writers Conference. A frequent book reviewer for USA Today and other publications, Tedrowe also writes essays, interviews, and short stories.

Website

My Review

As I began this book and met this smart young woman, Becky, as she is finishing up high school. She is brilliant when it comes to math, and has been helping, or earning money, doing math papers all of her HS years, and she has taken over the management, or financial part of her father's business, so as much as she may want, college for this brilliant girl is not on the plate.
She begins her career with her local town, and again with her brilliant mind, she flourishes and advances, has she found her niche.
We follow this shy young woman as she blossoms and spreads her wings, and we cringe as she uses her gifts in a way to aid her obsession.
We wonder how long she can keep up what she is doing? Will her health give, or will her deeds be found out?
There is another world out there, and we are going deep into the bowels of it with Reba, and in the end, was it worth it?

I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Custom House. and was not required to give a positive review.

Monday, September 28, 2020

Celebrate Lit Presents: Spies & Sweethearts by Linda Shenton Matchett

About the Book

Book: Spies & Sweethearts
Author: Linda Shenton Matchett
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: April 15, 2020
SpiesandSweetheart eBook Cover jpg

A secret mission. A fake bride. A run for their lives.
According to the OSS training manual, the life expectancy of a radio operator in Nazi-occupied France is six weeks. Partnered with one of the agency’s top spies, Gerard Lucas, newly-minted agent Emily Strealer plans to beat those odds. Then their cover is blown and all bets are off.
The border to neutral Switzerland is three hundred miles away—a long way to run with SS soldiers on their heels.
Will Emily and Gerard survive the journey?
And what about their hearts? Nothing in the manual prepared them for falling in love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is also a trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

Take a moment to travel back to an era when ordinary women did extraordinary things. After the attack at Pearl Harbor, stalwart American gals stepped out of their comfort zone to take jobs never before held by women…sometimes dangerous jobs. Jobs in which they could lose their lives.

As a docent at the Wright Museum of WWII, I meet people from all walks of life who lived and served during the second “war to end all wars.” Many of these people haven’t shared their stories with loved ones for myriad reasons, but when they arrive at the museum, the floodgates of memories open, and words begin to pour out.

I’ve listened as ladies shared the stress of working outside the home, and juggling finances and childcare issues while their husbands were away in the armed forces. I’ve heard some speak about the excitement of learning new skills and gaining confidence. However, others were not as forthcoming because what they did was not only perilous, but secret. Fortunately, in the last few years, documents been declassified to shed light on the undercover work and projects performed during the war.

It is my hope that Spies & Sweethearts, book one in my Sisters in Service trilogy, will honor these brave women in some small way.

Blessings,
Linda Shenton Matchett

Blog Stops

Hebrews 12 Endurance, September 15

lakesidelivingsite, September 15

Worthy2Read, September 16

deb’s Book Review, September 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 17

Genesis 5020, September 17

Betti Mace, September 18

Emily Yager, September 18

Texas Book-aholic, September 19

The Book Chic Blog, September 19

Inklings and notions, September 20

Get Cozy Book Nook, September 20

For Him and My Family, September 21

Where Faith and Books Meet, September 21

She Lives To Read, September 22

As He Leads is Joy, September 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 23

CarpeDiem, September 23

Artistic Nobody, September 24 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 25

Connect in Fiction, September 25

Connie’s History Classroom, September 26

Mary Hake, September 26

Blossoms and Blessings, September 27

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, September 27

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, September 28

Life, Love, Writing, September 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of Spies & Sweethearts, an autographed copy of WWII Word Find, hand cut wood fleur de lis earrings, pewter Eiffel tower ring holder, and a fleur de Lis Coaster!!

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/100e4/spies-sweethearts-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Peacemaker by Elisabeth Bennet

About the Book

Book: The Peacemaker
Author: Elisabeth Bennet
Genre: Christian Living
Release Date: September 8, 2020

The Enneagram is an ancient personality typology using nine points within a circle to represent nine distinct personality types. This sixty-day devotional is for the Peacemaker, number 9 of the Enneagram personality types. This devotional will help Peacemakers, and those who love them, to better understand how God created them and how best to use their unique gifts to serve Him and love others. It features a full explanation of what the Enneagram is and how it benefits people, followed by a full description of what it means to be a 9, including their deadly sin, sloth, and their greatest strength, their gut feelings. Also covered are motivations, fears, childhood wounds, the lost message they long to hear, their deadly sin, and defense mechanisms, as well as common subtypes, wings, and where they are in the head/heart/gut triad. The sixty days are split into six 10-day topics that include uniqueness, weakness, strength, pain points, and how Peacemakers react in times of stress and growth.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Elisabeth Bennett first discovered the Enneagram in the summer of 2017 and immediately realized how life-changing this tool could be. She set out to absorb all she could about this ancient personality typology, including a twelve-week Enneagram Certification course taught by Beth McCord, who has studied the Enneagram for more than twenty-five years. Elisabeth started her own Enneagram Instagram account (@Enneagram.Life) in 2018, which has grown to more than 55,000 followers. Since becoming a certified Enneagram coach, Elisabeth has conducted more than one hundred one-on-one coaching sessions, focused on helping her clients find their type and apply the Enneagram to their lives for personal and spiritual growth. She has also conducted staff/team building sessions for businesses and high school students. She has lived in beautiful Washington State her entire life and now has the joy of raising her own children there with her husband, Peter.

Endorsement for The Peacemaker

“Elisabeth has written a delightful devotional full of important information for those who want to grow in their own self-awareness and relationship with Christ. I highly recommend reading this book so you can experience transformation on a much deeper level that will bring about the change you desire in life.” —Beth McCord, YourEnneagramCoach.com, author of 10 Enneagram books
“I have been craving a devotional that would not only strengthen my relationship with Christ, but also authentically ‘get me’ as an Enneagram four. This simply knocks that out of the water. I find that, as a four, it’s hard to conform and give in to a generic devotional, and this is anything but that. Beautifully constructed for my four heart.” —Audrey Bailey, artist, mental heatlh advocate, creator of Brush and Barley digital brand (@BrushandBarley)

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16

Mary Hake, September 16

Sara Jane Jacobs, September 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 18

A Reader’s Brain, September 19

Texas Book-aholic, September 20

deb’s Book Review, September 20

Inklings and notions, September 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 23

Sodbusterliving, September 24

For Him and My Family, September 25

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

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 27

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 28

CarpeDiem, September 28

Spoken from the Heart, September 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elisabeth is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a 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/100e5/the-peacemaker-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, September 26, 2020

Celebrate Lit Presents: Miss Tavistock's Mistake by Linore Rose Burkard

About the Book

Book: Miss Tavistock’s Mistake
Author: Linore Rose Burkard
Genre: Clean and Wholesome Regency Romance/Romantic Comedy
Release Date: June 4, 2020

Can Miss Tavistock’s mistake ever be undone?
Young Miss Tavistock is promised in marriage to Captain Rempeare by the wish of her dearly departed papa. But the captain’s been at sea for a decade. When she finally meets him, tempestuous sparks fly, and she impulsively adopts a daring false identity. Going by “Lady X,” she vows never to marry such an infuriating man.
Captain Gabriel Rempeare is prepared to fulfill his duty and marry Miss Tavistock—if only he can clap eyes on her. One circumstance or another keeps them apart, though he cannot seem to avoid the maddeningly lovely Lady X. When fate throws them together in London, Miss Tavistock discovers the real nature of the captain, and regrets her subterfuge. But can such a noble man forgive deceit? Or has her mistake already cost her everything?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linore Rose Burkard is a serious watcher of period films, a Janeite, and hopeless romantic. An award winning author best known for Inspirational Regency Romance, her first book opened the genre for the CBA. Besides historical romance, Linore writes contemporary suspense (The Pulse Effex Series, as L.R. Burkard), contemporary romance (Falling In), and romantic short stories. Linore has a magna cum laude English Lit. degree from CUNY which she earned while taking herself far too seriously. She now resides in Ohio with her husband and family, where she turns her youthful angst into character or humor-driven plots.

More from Linore

Miss Tavistock experiences a frightening crush at the Prince Regent’s palace (Carlton House) toward the end of the book which leads to a romantically pivotal scene. But many readers don’t know that what happened that day at the palace really happened.

Here’s the scoop:

The fete in June of 1811 was the Prince of Wales’ first real chance to celebrate his becoming Regent in February of that year in the lavish style he loved.

Like Miss Tavistock, many in the haut ton anxiously coveted invitations. At first reserved only for the peerage and their offspring, by the time of the event, more than 2,000 invitations had been issued to all classes. The details in the story regarding the enormous preparations really happened, and much, much, more.

Since our heroine was not able to garnish an invitation to the actual grand banquet, the extraordinary magnificence of the décor, food, and costume of that night had to be excluded from the book. But it was an unprecedented display, and both amazed and perplexed the guests.

The prince was so happy with his lavish spectacle that he wished to share it with the public. The unruly crowd described in the book happened on the third day following the banquet. It was reported that more than 30,000 people tried to crowd their way in that day. Men and women lost hats, bonnets, coats, shawls, shoes, and even their under clothing. London papers afterwards claimed there were great tubs at Carlton House filled with all the lost items. Our beleaguered heroine escapes with only her shoes and bonnet missing, but her stockings and gown are torn. Perfect situation to be rescued from!

Contemporaries both praised and harshly criticized the affair. It was described as “an assemblage of beauty, splendor and profuse magnificence,” by admirers, but as one of the princes’ “greatest follies and extravagances,” by detractors.³

If you’re not previously familiar with the Prince Regent (later George IV), this might give you an idea as to why I sometimes find him too irresistible a figure to leave out of a Regency novel. His extravagance, flamboyance and tempestuous lifestyle are just too ripe fodder to ignore. Though he doesn’t appear in Miss Tavistock, I have numerous scenes in my first Regency series where he interacts with Phillip Mornay, ‘the Paragon,’ and hero of the books.

NOTE: This post is an abbreviated account of the event, which is included in more detail at the back of the book.

Question: Have you ever been trapped in a crowd? What was it like?