Thursday, October 31, 2024

Celebrate Lit Presents: Here Lyeth (A Lifeline Fantasy Series Book Three. It can be read as a stand alone) Author: Johanna Frank

About the Book

Book: Here Lyeth (A Lifeline Fantasy Series Book Three. It can be read as a stand alone)

Author: Johanna Frank

Genre: Religious Fantasy / Coming of Age Fantasy

Release date: November 1, 2024

Answers to her identity lie beneath a gravestone; her own.

Something was missing. It was easy for Lexxie to bury that niggling sense, she had all the love and protection a young woman needed. But when the man she thought to be her father spilled a fever-pitched confession, her content and isolated life ended. Angry and heartbroken, she left the people she loved on a mere hint—her true father lived in Vereiteln Dorf, two villages over. Once there, she’s drawn to an unconsecrated graveyard and patches shocking revelations and broken pieces together, and the more she does, the more her presence in this superstitious village becomes a threat. The perils of a noose amid a 1688 witch hunt lay heavy on her shoulders.

Years earlier, in the same village, young Meginhardt succumbs to a vicious attack. Ethereal beings take him on a time-traveling journey to resolve the lad’s deeply rooted struggles. When Meginhardt learns that some woman named Lexxie is the chosen one to carry forward his father’s line of descendants, fits of jealousy ensue—a dream shattered. It should have been him. He becomes frantic to ensure the demise of this undeserving woman. In apparitional form he delivers her a message, face to face.

Her future lyeth in his words.

STIRRING… EXTRAORDINARY… UPLIFTING

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Before she started writing, Johanna spent her days working with profit and non-profit organizations, while spending her evenings studying theology part-time. Now she spends her waking hours creating fantastical stories she hopes will touch the lives of her readers. Her goal—to deliver soulful, whimsical, and venturous reads.

More from Johanna

A little heavenly imagination can loosen the chains of life.

My ‘playground’ for creating Here Lyeth was far-reaching, though insulated with firm boundaries. From fictional Germanic villages in days of old in one corner, a low fantasy kingdom where the perished journey to the foot of a guarded gate, in the other.

Admittedly, I took many privileges with beloved values and symbolisms dear to my faith, daring to employ startling imagination for the purpose of enticing generosity of thought for the great …and small …mysteries in life. My favourite, where the waters of a supranatural river flows through time carrying with it various stones, each belonging to a life on Earth, often getting caught in stormy swirls or stuck in a bank of mud, representations of its owner’s personal trials and sufferings.

The story itself, though smattered with biblical senses, is not meant to be a teaching of ways, (I’m not qualified for such!) rather, to provide inklings of encouragement, to set within minds a sublime curiosity—what life might we find after this one?

My hope is you will enjoy the sparkles of divine happenstances, the pulls of faith and the eager wonder of ever-after capers to be pleasing.

Although the third instalment into A Lifeline Fantasy Series as far as publication dates go, Here Lyeth takes the position of first when it comes to the natural flow of time compared to its stand-alone novel-mates, The Gatekeeper’s Descendants and Jophiel’s Secret.

I promise you, Here Lyeth won’t leave you hanging, though it may unearth you a little

Johanna

Blog Stops

By the Book, October 18

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 23

Inspired by Fiction, October 24

Holly’s Book Corner, October 25

Blogging With Carol, October 26

For the Love of Literature, October 27 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, October 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 30 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Johanna is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5471

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Trail to the Lonely Tree (Book 1 of the Jaguar Oracle Series) Author: Kurt Mähler

The Trail to the Lonely Tree Epic Book Launch

About the Book

Book: The Trail to the Lonely Tree (Book 1 of the Jaguar Oracle Series)

Author: Kurt Mähler

Genre: Christian Magical Realism Fantasy

Release date: November 25, 2024

A richly poetic tale of friendship, courage, and destiny that will awaken the imagination of children and adults alike.

When Oracle, a jaguar from the Yucatán, learns of the dying words of the last jaguar in the Rio Grande Valley, he finds himself on a perilous journey to see a prophecy fulfilled.

To do so he must travel 1,400 miles to Texas and find the Lonely Tree, where his kin spoke an enigma to the heavens as hunters took him down. But the Lonely Tree is in the dangerous realm of Man—and Oracle will need more than his own wisdom and strength to fulfill the task.

Oracle remembers Eden and the naming of the animals; what Adam spoke to the first of each kind. He discovers the animals in the Valley have forgotten their names—as has Man himself.

Can he not only fulfill the prophecy, but help the animals reclaim ancient truths before they are lost forever?

This hope-filled tale explores the quest for courage in a fallen world and how to make the faith journey—and its sacrifices—worthwhile.

Book Excerpt

And if you’re hungry enough to do battle for your meal, then the sharp-toothed garfish will give you both. Why, some are as big as you are, I’m told…Um, by the way, sire, who are you?”

“I am the jaguar Oracle. I come from a distant place called Sian Ka’an in the manrealm called the Yucatán.”

“Ah, so you’re from the Southern Jungle. I’ve heard of that land, but those other names are new to me. Welcome to the Valley! You’re traveling north, I take it?”

“Yes, that is the ruling direction for me. I seek the Lonely Tree and all the roots it leads to in the Valley.” The jaguar looked deep into the eyes of the raccoon. “And who, may I ask, are you?”

Patch gulped, but it was hard to swallow. “I beg your pardon, but I’m reluctant to say. Not all are friends with my kind, sire, and, according to our ways, we decline to make our presence known, lest paws and pellet guns find difficulty in being friendly with us.”

“Well, if you’re reluctant to tell me your kind, at least tell me your name,” said Oracle.

“I’ve been given many names, sire. I’ve been called Robber of Nests and Hatcher of Pranks. Trickster, huckster, slacker, shirker. A trapper waiting to be trapped. A hat waiting to be made. The Powhatan mantribe calls us something like, ‘He Who Scratches with His Hands.’

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

Excerpt One: https://storiesbygina.com/2024/11/06/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch-with-celebrate-lit-publicity/
Excerpt Two: https://musingsbymaureen.blogspot.com/2024/10/celebrate-lit-presents-trail-to-lonely.html
Excerpt Three:h ttps://www.guildmaster97.com/posts/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch-excerpt/
Excerpt Four: https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/2024/11/trail-to-lonely-tree-by-kurt-mahler.html
Excerpt Five: https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/posts/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Six: https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/posts/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-epic-book-launch/
Excerpt Seven: https://penspagesandpulses.wordpress.com/2024/11/06/the-trail-to-the-lonely-tree-by-kurt-mahler/

About the Author

Kurt Mähler writes in the prophetic and poetic tradition, inspired by the wonder of creation and cultures of the world. He and his wife have served in forty nations as encouragers in the Christian faith, where Kurt discovered the beauty and wisdom of storytelling. His roots include the Gulf Coast, Rio Grande Valley, and Heart of Texas.

The Twins on the Train: An unforgettable and utterly heartbreaking World War Two novel by Suzanne Goldring

As the smell of smoke drifts through the air, Jewish people lock their doors. They no longer feel welcome in their home city, and while some mothers hide their children, others take them, clad in dark threadbare coats, to the crowded train station and the hope of a new life.

Rosa has feared for her twins since they were born two weeks ago. As she huddles in her filthy house, crammed in with her neighbours, she sees children growing weaker. It may be too late for her and her seven-year-old daughter Therese. But can she find a way out for her precious babies?

Dora scans the desperate crowd on the platform, despairing as she knows there isn’t room for all of them on the train to England. And when a woman thrusts a basket containing newborn twins into her arms, a shiver of dread slides down her spine. Babies aren’t authorised to travel – how can she keep them hidden from the cold-eyed soldiers?

She knows this mother wants the same thing she does – safety for these innocent children. But will she be able to help this brave woman before it is too late?

Amazon

About The Author

Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specialising in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Her debut novel MY NAME IS EVA draws on her experience of volunteering in a care home and was partially inspired by a cache of wartime love letters which were saved from the flames. Her second novel, BURNING ISLAND, is set in Corfu, a place of fun and beauty but also tremendous tragedy.

Suzanne writes in her thatched cottage in Hampshire and a seaside cottage in Cornwall.

My Review

This story starts and ends with the twins, from present time to back in 1939, a terrible time for certain people back in Germany.
We meet and get to know the Quakers who risked everything to bring the kindertransports to fruition, before England became involved in the WWII. So many youngsters were rescued, but the story really focuses on three. These volunteers risked everything, and the author has us often with our hearts in our throats as the danger comes upon the train, and then in the hotel.
What a terrible time and blight on history when the evil spread across Europe, but this is also a story about lives that are saved, and how the train traveled through Germany to Holland, and the by ship to England.
Be sure to read the epilogue, the the author does a great job of finishing this story with some answers.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bookoutour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Celebrate Lit Presents: The Time Door Author: Shannon McDermott

About the Book

Book: The Time Door

Author: Shannon McDermott

Genre: Adult Science Fiction

Release date: October 8, 2024

A reckless last mission on Mars, a crusade for justice on Earth …

Reuben Jackson is the only one who still cares about Mars. In the shambles of the Great Collapse, Earth has abandoned the Mars explorers to their fate. But Reuben will make a stand for the Mars team—even against the powerfully united politicians and scientists.

In too deep, he discovers hidden conspiracies and unexpected allies.

As the conflict mounts on Earth, time runs down on Mars. Left to face Mars alone, Commander Donegan Moynihan and his team have no hope of surviving after their supplies are gone. Willing to accept a quicker death than starvation, the explorers strike out on a dangerous mission. They venture deep inside the ancient volcano of Arsia Mons, into perils and secrets long buried. What they discover would move mountains on Earth—but will it be enough to save themselves?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Shannon McDermott is an author of science fiction and has been occupied for years with constructing scenarios of the colonization of Mars. Always a fan of the genre, she reviews Christian speculative fiction with Lorehaven. Her interests include history, classic

literature, and lattes. She lives in the great Midwest, where she does her best to avoid icy weather, sweltering heat, and tornadoes, according to the season.

More from Shannon

There is a story of an abandoned space colony. Still young, still unsteady, and suddenly cut off from the mother planet—the colony will either learn fast to survive alone, or it will die altogether.

The story has been told again and again, a thousand variations on the old theme. When I was getting acquainted with it, through battered paperbacks and anthologies gathered from the old “scientifiction” magazines, I noticed that the colonies were usually abandoned because of a space plague, or aliens, or interplanetary war.

Exotic, exciting problems, the stuff of science fiction. But I had a thought: What if the reason for abandoning a space colony were a bit prosaic? What if there was just no more money?

The national debt is very much a thing (and an ever-growing thing, at an ever-increasing rate). We would be in trouble if that debt were ever called, or even if no more could be contracted. If it suddenly became time to pay the piper, if the money running off the press was no longer good enough—America couldn’t afford to support a colony on Mars. And we would have too many problems of our own to care very much about theirs.

A classic sci-fi story with a modern twist, something fantastic mixed with something prosaic. I liked it.

As I set to work on the idea, I soon made another variation to the theme. The abandoned colony did not take the whole stage. I gave equal space to those who had abandoned it. Good or bad, they had their reasons; they had their story, too. And as I began to write it, I realized that both stories were about survival. The struggle over whether they survived, and how, and what they would become on the other side.

These ideas grew into The Time Door—two parallel stories, separated by the distance between Mars and Earth, and yet united in the end. Whether abandoned on Mars, or caught in the collapse on Earth, they all need a way out; they all need to find a door.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 17

Blossoms and Blessings, October 18 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

The Lofty Pages, October 20

Artistic Nobody, October 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 22

Guild Master, October 23 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 24

Blogging With Carol, October 25

A Reader’s Brain, October 26 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, October 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 27

Simple Harvest Reads, October 28 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 29

Lily’s Corner, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5470/

Monday, October 28, 2024

Celebrate Lit Presents: No Other Way Author: Kate Darroch

About the Book

Book: No Other Way

Author: Kate Darroch

Genre: Thriller

Release date: September 26, 2024

Mary is The Protector. A high-functioning autistic investment banker by day, she walks the London streets by night, searching for ways to prevent violence.

Her devotion to her only sister, Anne, who died horribly as a teenager, her deep Christian faith, and her fierce loneliness, have caused Mary to believe that she, personally, is Christ’s Hands on Earth, and must spend her life ministering to wretched outcasts.

Now forty-five, Mary has followed her lonely ministry for decades, but a new crisis arises. She may hold the key to neutralising the attacks of a sadistic serial killer.

When younger she had been a member of the street-outreach team who had discovered the bodies of prostitutes ritually killed by a serial killer who was never caught.

DI William Miller believes the same twisted mind is behind a rash of current killings that are being attributed to gang fights. He is determined to find and stop the killer – and he wants Mary to help him.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

KATE DARROCH, 2022 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medallist for Humor

lives on the picturesque Devon coast, where she combines her passion for mystery and for life as it’s lived in other countries to create compelling Travel Cozies, moving Recovery Romances and chilling Thrillers.

Kate’s debut novel, Death in Paris, won 17 international book awards, including the 2022 Incipere Award for best Christian Fiction. Kate hopes her readers will enjoy Màiri’s sleuthing adventures as much as she enjoys Father Brown, Sherlock Holmes, Anty Boisjoly’s antics, and the Mr Quayle Mysteries.

Next, Kate wrote Huntingdon Hart, a witty, prescient, multi-millionaire, tongue-in-cheek meld of Get Smart, James Bond, and Mycroft Holmes. Hunt’s in love with a much older woman.

Then came Sweets By the Sea, a Recovery & Redemption Saga of Second Chances for Lasting Love. No Other Way is Kate’s first thriller; she is working on another two thrillers.

More from Kate

We Are Christ’s Hands and Feet on This Earth

I have always loved Gospel choirs, and that was the genesis of No Other Way. The heroine, Mary, is a devout Roman Catholic who joins an ecumenical movement where she meets an immigrant from Kenya, Asha, who belongs to a Gospel church and invites Mary to a service.

Over the mountains, over the sea, Lord I come running, running to Thee

Mary is captivated by the beauty of the Gospel hymns, and she and Asha become friends.

I lived in London, where this story takes place, for many years. It astonished me that there were always beggars on the streets. We have a Welfare State in Britain. Anyone can ask to be housed and given an allowance for food and clothing, ask for their rent and power bills to be paid, and the state is obliged to provide. Of course the allowance is inadequate, and many people live in poverty, but no-one need starve and no-one need sleep rough. Yet people do.

I talked to many beggars in the course of helping in what few ways I could, and they all told me the same thing – they didn’t want to ask for state aid because it would mean conforming in ways that were alien to them, but when the cold weather set in, they did force themselves to conform.

So I was horrified to discover, roughly 12 years ago, that the state had begun to make it very difficult for vagrants to get housing, that people were dying on our streets of hypothermia. The churches took action, of course. Church halls turned into dormitories and teams of volunteers cooked for the men. But after a couple of years, women began to come for shelter. Not as often as the men, but far too often. I began working with landlords directly to get decent housing for these women, and going with them to state agencies to get rent payment organised for them. That was the next strand of No Other Way. A lone middle-aged woman helping people in need who had no-one else to turn to.

The final impetus to begin telling the story of The Protector, came when a vicious teenage schoolkid in London knifed and killed a teacher because he objected to being told what to do by a man of colour. I was stunned – we’d never had that kind of violent prejudice in Britain. Snobbery, yes. Hate crimes, no. Clearly, the police didn’t have a handle on the situation and something needed to be done. So, at least inside the pages of No Other Way, something gets done. Mary, the Protector, ensures that the streets of London are free from mindless violence. One street at least. Chilworth Street.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 26

Inspired by Fiction, September 27

Artistic Nobody, September 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 29

Stories By Gina, September 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Beauty in the Binding, October 4 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 5

Guild Master, October 6 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, October 7

A Reader’s Brain, October 8 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kate is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of No Other Way, Hunted, Death in Paris and the winner’s choice of any Frieda McFadden!!

(Winner’s choice of paperback or eBook)

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5449/

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Deadlines and Valentines: A Jules Keene Glamping Mystery by Heather Weidner

Deadlines and Valentines: A Jules Keene Glamping Mystery
by Heather Weidner

About Deadlines and Valentines

Deadlines and Valentines: A Jules Keene Glamping Mystery
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Virginia
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books (October 15, 2024)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DGQX2XWH

Fern Valley, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is ground zero for all things romance. The town has pulled out all the stops for the first Valentine’s Day “Love is in the Air” Book Festival with events like Death by Chocolate, author speed-dating, a character masquerade, and a male cover model fashion show.

Everything is candy and roses until the sparks start to fly. Jules Keene and her team at the glamping resort spend their time trying to tamp down fiery tempers because opposites may not always attract.

When a popular author with a heart of gold is found murdered in the barn at the resort, Jules has to find the culprit before more than just hearts are broken.

About Heather Weidner

Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, the Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, and the Pearly Girls Mysteries.

Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook.

Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.

Author Links

Website and Blog: http://www.heatherweidner.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherWeidnerAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heather_mystery_writer/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8121854.Heather_Weidner

Amazon Authors: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HOYR0MQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-weidner-0064b233?trk=hp-identity-name

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heather-weidner-d6430278-c5c9-4b10-b911-340828fc7003

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@heather_mystery_writer

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heather_weidner_author

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/HeatherWeidner1

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 22 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 25 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews – RECIPE

October 27 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 30 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 31 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

November 1 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

November 2 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

November 2 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

November 3 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

November 4 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

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Celebrate Lit Presents: River of Peril Author: Sandra Merville Hart

About the Book

Book: River of Peril

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 15, 2024

Amnesia stole his memory, and now he’s fighting for the wrong side.

Orphaned and alone at sixteen, Felicity has found solace in serving others as a volunteer nurse. When she discovers her Confederate soldier beau, Luke Shea, among the wounded in her ward, her worst nightmares come true. Luke’s shrapnel wound has stolen his memory, leaving him with no recollection of their love or his past. As Felicity struggles with the loss of the man she once knew, she turns her attention to the service of her broken country. But the more she learns about the brutal war, the more she realizes she can no longer stay silent. She becomes a Union spy, plunging herself into danger.

When Luke Shae awakes in a hospital with no memory of the last five years, he’s shocked to learn he’s been fighting against the Union he once so strongly supported. And when he learns of his past courtship with his nurse, Felicity, he struggles to understand the man he was and what happened in those missing years. Determined to atone for his Confederate past, Luke also joins the Union cause as a spy.

As danger lurks at every turn, only a Divine hand can not only protect their lives, but give them a second chance for love and the future they both crave.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

More from Sandra

“History will never know how indebted it is to folks like you in ending the war.” ~ River of Peril

People spied on their government, their soldiers, and their neighbors during the Civil War. Union spies in the South lived dangerously. Everyday citizens, including enslaved and free black spies, became heroes to speed the war’s end.

Secret messages were sewn into hems, vests, and coats. Cyphered messages were hidden in bodices, hoop skirts, trees, hats, styled hair, books, custard dishes, hollowed-out eggs, and even in vaults with a dead body. Raised/lowered shades and clothes hanging on a line might also be clues for spies.

Some spies were already actors. Others disguised themselves to deliver secrets and to protect their identity. There were female spies who disguised themselves as men. If they could manage to remain anonymous, it saved them from their neighbors’ retaliation during and after the war. This was especially true in the South because the North emerged as victorious.

Many spies were caught during the Civil War and often imprisoned for days or weeks, up to a year. Confederate spies could sign an Oath of Allegiance to the United States to be released from Union prisons. Both sides executed spies.

For reasons already discussed, history doesn’t record most of Mississippi’s spies. Two Mississippi spies, Robbie Woodruff and Philip Henson, didn’t slip into obscurity.

Robbie Woodruff was a courageous farm girl who fetched Confederate messages from town and hid them in a hollow stump for couriers. Philip Henson, one of the Union army’s greatest spies living in the South, was captured and imprisoned for several months.

Key characters are spies for the Union in River of Peril, Book 5 in my Spies of the Civil War Series. The spies in my Vicksburg portion of the series (Books 4 – 6) are fictional. The stories show the type of challenges faced by historical spies.

My research for this novel began with a trip to Vicksburg, Mississippi. I was greatly inspired by the battlefield, the museums, and the people in the historic city. That inspiration—and a whole lot of research!—led to the writing of Streams of Courage, Book 4, River of Peril, Book 5, and Tides of Healing, Book 6.

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family. The heroines in Books 1 – 3 are two sisters and their cousins. Another set of characters begin with Book 4, and three friends are the heroines in Books 4 -6.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole Spies of the Civil War Series!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 18

Devoted To Hope, October 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 19

Texas Book-aholic, October 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 21

CONNIE’S HISTORY CLASSROOM, October 22

Betti Mace, October 23

For Him and My Family, October 24

Holly’s Book Corner, October 25

Pause for Tales, October 26

Cover Lover Book Review, October 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 28

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

Mary Hake, October 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5469

Friday, October 25, 2024

Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours Presents: Caught on Camera: A Camera Club Mystery by Kara Lacey

Caught on Camera: A Camera Club Mystery
by Kara Lacey

About Caught on Camera

Caught on Camera: A Camera Club Mystery
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Vermont
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books (September 24, 2024)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 307 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DGNDGPV4

Blue skies and wildflowers signal the start of summer in southern Vermont, and the Stonebridge Keep it Snappy Camera Club lenses are zoomed in on…murder.

It’s been more than a year since the sudden death of her husband, and photographer Bobbie Brooks wants nothing more than to escape her grief. Fleeing her life in the city, she seeks a fresh start in the serenity of the Green Mountains. But Bobbie’s new beginning comes to a halt when she finds a member of her camera club dead beneath the village’s idyllic covered bridge. Tragic accident or something sinister? With a keen photographer’s eye, Bobbie suspects murder.

As if transitioning to small-town life wasn’t challenging enough, Bobbie’s missing scarf is found at the murder scene, making her the primary focus. Scorned by local gossips, she enlists the help of her camera club and shifts her lens from photographer to amateur sleuth. Using photos found on the victim’s camera, they waste no time setting out to catch the killer—and discover no shortage of suspects. Secrets, lies, and blackmail…Danger abounds as they close in on the killer.
Her camera holds the answers… But can she develop the clues in time to stop the killer?

About Kara Lacey

Kara Lacey is the author of the Camera Club Mysteries. Along with her husband, she lives in a tiny village nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont—the inspiration for her novels. Kara is a photography enthusiast who also enjoys hiking, skiing, and getting cozy with a good book. When she’s not at her laptop creating havoc for her characters, you can find her rambling through the forest with her husband and spirited Labrador retriever, camera in hand.

Kara is a member of Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime-New England, and Mystery Writers of America. She is also a co-Member at Large for Vermont SinC NE writers.

Author Links
Instagram https://instagram.com/karalaceyauthor Facebook https://facebook.com/karalaceyauthor Website https://karalaceyauthor.com

Purchase Link – Amazon

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 24 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 24 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

October 25 – Celticlady’s Reviews – RECIPE

October 25 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 26 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 28 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 28 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 29 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 29 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 30 – Jody’s Bookish Haven – REVIEW

October 30 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 31 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 31 – Deal Sharing Aunt – RECIPE

October 31 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

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Celebrate Lit Presents: Preach It, Grace A Girl’s Testimony of Faith (Dream Pony Book 5) Author: Susan Count

About the Book

Book: Preach It, Grace A Girl’s Testimony of Faith (Dream Pony Book 5)

Author: Susan Count

Genre: Middle-Grade

Release date: February, 2024

Sharing a pony worked perfectly, until it didn’t.

The pony share Grace worked out with her elderly neighbor was ideal—she thought. Mr. Harvey bought the buckskin gelding’s food and Grace fed him. The pony was important to both of them so it made no sense when the elderly man sent him away. And why won’t he tell her where?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan Count is a Kingdom Scribe who has published nine books in two equestrian series. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Texas Association of Authors, she takes studying the craft of writing seriously. Revision is her super-power.

Susan is a life-long equestrian and owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse that is kind hearted enough to take her on long, forested trail rides. She says the only thing more fun than riding might be writing horse adventure stories and she invites you to saddle up and ride along.

Read an Excerpt

Saturday started early for Grace’s family. Serve Out Saturday was the church’s biggest outreach event all year, and everyone who could turned out to help. Grace manned the church’s front-door sign-in desk. After everyone got their work assignments, she ran with her clipboard for the van headed to the retirement home. When they arrived, many residents were already gathered.
She lined up with six other girls, and they sang the gospel songs the residents requested. She searched their faces until she found Mr. Harvey in the last row. Giving him a quick wave, she sang directly to him.

He didn’t sing along like many of the residents, but he stayed for the program. That counted as a victory. Did he recognize her? She couldn’t tell.

She stepped to the microphone. “Hello. I’m Grace. That means blessings from God.”

She grinned at the residents, and they smiled back at her. “Horses are my favorite thing, and they’re also blessings from God. If you’ve ever seen a horse, then you know they are magnificent, mighty creatures.”

Grace held a booklet high, then pointed with it to the residents. “This explains how we can know the God that blesses us. And how we can go to heaven to be with him someday. It says he sent his Son, Jesus, to teach us about eternal life.”

She placed her hands over the open Bible on the podium. “No matter how hard we try, we can’t be perfect, but because of Jesus, we are forgiven for all the things we do wrong. He suffered and died on the cross, was buried, then raised to life on the third day.” She looked into Mr. Harvey’s eyes. “He loves us that much.”

As she closed the Bible, she softened her voice. “Pray to your heavenly Father—ask him to help you believe in Jesus.”

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12

Simple Harvest Reads, October 13 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 15

Lots of Helpers, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

Guild Master, October 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 20

A Reader’s Brain, October 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 22 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 23

Cover Lover Book Review, October 24

Book Zone Reviews, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a paperback copy of all five books in the series!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5466

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Celebrate Lit Presents: Glitter and the Grouch (Romance in Valiant Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.) Author: Mary Pat Johns

About the Book

Book: Glitter and the Grouch (Romance in Valiant Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Silas and Nat don’t get along. Neither can they leave each other alone. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.

Either they compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Quitting isn’t the norm for either of them. Good thing, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it’s 3 days and 260 miles of river.

There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.

Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and book 2 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red, released in release in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

More from Mary

I wrote Glitter and the Grouch for two reasons. The first reason was peace of mind. LOL. Two minor characters from Books 1 & 2 of the Valiant series INSISTED on having their own story. Rather, Nat insisted and Silas grudgingly followed. He hated the idea at first, but all’s well that ends well.

The second reason is I absolutely LOVE the Texas Water Safari and follow it every year. When I talked to a friend who competes, he wasn’t sure how I would write a book about it. When I explained it would be a story about two people who fall in love during the race, he grinned from ear to ear and said that scenario had happened a few times.