About the Book

Book: A Counterfeit Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: September 6, 2023

A frontier scout, a healing widow, and a desperate fight for peace.

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory in 1813, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
A Counterfeit Betrothal by Denise Weimer is a Christian Historical Fiction It is set in 1813 Frontier Georgia. It is the first book in the Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series. It can be read as a standalone

What you might need to know:
Esther has a clubbed foot.
Esther was abused by her husband and made to feel inferior due to her disability.
This book tries to give an authentic portrayal from a settlers perspective, it does include both conflict and friendship with Native Americans. However because it is authentic it is not always pretty

What I think about this book:
This is such an incredible story. I am a huge fan of historical fiction and enjoy this unique story of Frontier Georgia. I particularly enjoyed this story as it tried to show that things were not always as they seem. It was great to watch Esther grow from a frightened woman into someone more confident in herself. Jared was a really neat character as he fought to find a way to honor both his commitment and his heart. I appreciate how the author used Christianity in the story. I will definitely read more of the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored over a dozen traditionally published novels and a number of novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

Romance on the Colonial Georgia Frontier

Near my home north of Atlanta, we have plenty of history, which is great for a lifelong history buff like me. But apart from some Colonial-era settlement in Savannah and Augusta, most of it (at least, the recorded part) doesn’t trace back much before the Civil War. Many town and river names hint of the native people and earlier times.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that a War of 1812 fort existed in what is currently Gwinnett County—then Jackson County—less than forty miles northeast of current downtown Atlanta. That evidence of this fort was plowed up in someone’s back yard in 2009 made it even more intriguing. And the fact that I grew up in Jackson County and later briefly lived and worked in Gwinnett (as a historical interpreter, of all things) made my connection to Fort Daniel a close one. The location is now an archeological site with a small museum maintained by the Fort Daniel Foundation.

Most folks, even those who live around here, aren’t aware that the Creek War (or Red Stick War) fought in modern-day Alabama was part of the War of 1812. Or that the Cherokees fought alongside the Americans against the Creeks, allied to the British. The military side of that story is explored in my earlier novel, Bent Tree Bride. But when I learned about Fort Daniel, a home front romance, A Counterfeit Betrothal, book one in my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series, was born.

1813

At the farthest Georgia outpost this side of hostile Creek Territory, Jared Lockridge serves his country as a scout to redeem his father’s botched heritage. If he can help secure the peace against Indians allied to the British, he can bring his betrothed to the home he’s building and open his cabinetry shop. Then he comes across a burning cabin and a traumatized woman just widowed by a fatal shot.

Freed from a cruel marriage, Esther Andrews agrees to winter at the Lockridge homestead to help Jared’s pregnant sister-in-law. Lame in one foot, Esther has always known she is secondhand goods, but the gentle carpenter-turned-scout draws her heart with as much skill as he creates furniture from wood. His family’s love offers hope even as violence erupts along the frontier—and Jared’s investigation into local incidents brings danger to their doorstep. Yet how could Esther ever hope a loyal man like Jared would choose her over a fine lady?

Esther seems to have everything against her—a physical handicap, an abusive past, and then being stranded on the frontier without money, friends, or relatives. Not to mention, the assailant who killed her husband still appears to be stalking her. Her only skill? The herbal remedies learned from a Cherokee woman. The harshest winter in Georgia history closes in, threatening to extinguish all hope. Yet through the example of the loving Lockridge family who take Esther in, she finds her identity and strength in God’s love…and eventually, the love of a good man.

In writing this story, I drew on real history and folklore as related in History of Gwinnett County Georgia 1818-1943 Vol. I by J.C. Flanigan and The Early History of Jackson County Georgia: The Writings of the Late G.J.N. Wilson. The panther attack Esther and Tabitha Lockridge face during the hard winter is based on an 1830s account of a Missouri settler. And the Wog? This strange creature of legend is not only mentioned in the History of Jackson County, but I grew up hearing tales about it as late as the 1980s.

A Counterfeit Betrothal is a story of how healing and redemption can happen among the harshest circumstances. But it’s not just a survival tale. Its sweet romance and loyal friendship will take you back to bayberry candles and syllabub at Christmas, the scratch of a fiddle at a spring log rolling, and the laughter of loved ones gathered around a crackling fire. I hope you enjoy the journey!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 6

For him and My Family, September 7

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 7

Connie’s History Classroom, September 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 9

Avid Reader Nurse, September 9

Bizwings Book Blog, September 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, September 11

Blossoms and Blessings, September 11

lakesidelivingsite, September 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 13

Holly’s Book Corner, September 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 15

Cover Lover Book Review, September 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 17

Pause for Tales, September 17

Simple Harvest Reads, September 18 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives To Read, September 19

Love. Love. Read., September 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/2813a/a-counterfeit-betrothal-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Starlet Spy

Authors: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Genre: Historical Christian Fiction

Release Date: August, 2023

Hollywood Star Turns Spy

In 1943, movie producer Henrik Zoltan approaches Amelie Blake under the guise of offering the Hollywood star a leading part in his upcoming film, but he has a more meaningful role in mind. Amelie’s homeland of Sweden declared neutrality in the war, but Stockholm has become the “Casablanca of the North.” When top-secret atomic research goes missing in Sweden, the Allied forces scramble to recover the files before they fall into Nazi hands.

The United States Office of Strategic Services (OSS) needs someone who’s subtle enough to spy on the Swedish elite without triggering suspicion. Who better than the “all beauty, no brains” Scandinavian starlet? Fluent in three languages and possessing a brilliant memory, Amelie loathes being labeled witless but uses the misconception as her disguise. She’s tasked with searching for the crucial files, but Fynn Ristaffason keeps getting in her way. Is the charming shipping magnate after the missing research? Or does he have other reasons for showing up at her every turn?

With the Gestapo on her heels, Amelie must rely on her smarts in addition to her acting skills to survive a world of deadly spies and counterspies.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

“This day had been one of desolation, my plans and goals destroyed. But there was beauty among the ruins. We only needed to keep our eyes open or we’d miss it.”

Rachel Scott McDaniel never disappoints. Every book I have read by this stellar author has captured my imagination, heart, and spirit. The Starlet Spy is no exception. From page one, there is action, intrigue, drama, and mystery that pulls the plot at a fast clip. Tons of historical tidbits dot the storyline as Amelie, a Hollywood movie star in 1943,  gets involved in a high-speed chase through Sweden for a missing research manuscript on atomic bomb. The plot is detailed and complex and flows smoothly with lots of surprises and plot twists. Amelie is so lovable – down to earth, intelligent, resourceful, playful, sunny, determined, loyal. Finn is powerful as a shipping magnate, broody, serious, and equally as intelligent and loyal as Amelie. They do have a history so it was lovely to see them overcome the obstacles. And the romance! Wow, Finn has a knack for sweeping Amelie, the sophisticated star, off her feet and he’ll sweep you off yours as well.

It’s a completely engrossing spy novel with historical details and romance. You don’t want to miss this one!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Barbour Fiction via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.

More from Rachel

Setting The Starlet Spy in Sweden

Hej! If you’ve ever been to Ikea, then you know that’s the Swedish greeting for Hello! Prior to writing The Starlet Spy, my knowledge of the Swedish culture was limited. It seemed I wasn’t alone. Early last year, I held a poll on my social media asking if anyone had ever read a book set in Sweden. A sweeping majority said no.

Since all of my previous books are set in the United States, this is my first novel with an international setting. So I immersed myself into research. I read books about the country, watched videos, followed Swedish Instagrammers to learn more about the language. And let me tell you, I totally fell in love with this Scandinavian world. It is now on my bucket list to visit because it’s just that gorgeous. I wrote The Starlet Spy with a romantic adventure vibe. I wanted to take the reader on a tour of this amazing country, from the classically beautiful Stockholm, to the quaint fishermen city of Malmo, to the ancient streets of Sigtuna—one of Sweden’s oldest villages—to the brilliant Northern Lights in the Lapland region.

Not only did I want to paint the scene of these various places, but I also wanted to introduce the Swedish culture. Tucked within the pages of The Starlet Spy, the reader will find traces of Scandinavian folklore and legends, which was super fun to explore. But to be honest, my favorite inclusion of Swedish culture was incorporating a traditional dance—the Hambo! It’s such an interesting and unique dance, and I may have been trying to coax my husband into trying it with me for an Instagram Reel, but so far, no such luck! Though I have no problem getting him to enjoy Fika with me. Fika, my friends, is a coffee break, or simply coffee. Just as the British favor their tea, the Swedes are adamant about their fika. So I can most definitely relate.

If all this intrigues you, I welcome you to read The Starlet Spy. It’s set in 1943, which was a pivotal time for Sweden during World War II. If you’ve read my previous stories, you know how much I love to weave as much true history into the chapters. This book has by far the most!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 29

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 29

lakesidelivingsite, August 29

Lily’s Book Reviews, August 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, August 30

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 31

Back Porch Reads, September 1

annette_reads_daily, September 1

Texas Book-aholic, September 2

Cathe Swanson, September 2

Book Looks by Lisa, September 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 3

Christina’s Corner, September 3

Connie’s History Classroom, September 4

Kristina Hall, September 4

The Book Club Network, September 5

Pause for Tales, September 5

Happily Managing A Household of Boys, September 5

Cover Lover Book Review, September 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 7 (Author Interview)

The Book Nook, September 7

Betti Mace, September 8

Labor Not in Vain, September 8

Just Your Average reviews, September 8

Simple Harvest Reads, September 9 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, September 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, September 9

Blogging With Carol, September 10

For Him and My Family, September 10

Holly’s Book Corner, September 11

Lights in a Dark World, September 11

Books I’ve Read, September 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print 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/278bf/the-starlet-spy-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Room for Love

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release Date: July 25, 2023

God gave her peace then; maybe He’ll do it again.

When Amy Lee’s son heads off to college, the bed and breakfast owner finds life even lonelier and emptier than she had after losing her husband. She needs something to occupy her mind and heart while she reinvents her life again. What more could she ask for than an after-school program for local children and a renewed interest in painting?

Then the arrival of a professor of archeology shakes her world and makes her yearn for the way things were only a few short months ago.

Still grieving the loss of his beloved wife, and ignoring the warnings and protests of his grown children, Professor Walker Standish escapes on a six-month sabbatical. His heart, barely beating these past months, jerks to life again when he finds more than a room at a B & B.

 Where an ocean meets the shore, love has room for one more.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Room For Love by  Marguerite Martin Gray is the sixth book in the Suamalie Islands series. The series is  Contemporary Christian Fiction set on a fictional set of Islands in the Pacific. The series is written by several authors with stories that have the common connection of the Islands. In this book we go to Alexandre Island to meet Island resident Amy Lee and visitor, Dr Walker Standish.

What you might need to know:

 Both Main Characters have lost their spouses and have children over 18.

What I think about this book:

It is always fun to meet a new Island and new characters.  I really enjoyed  getting to know the characters, they had a different perspective than the typical romance as they were more mature characters who had already experienced love and loss.  The archaeology and community ties to this book made for a really fun read. I can’t wait to see what happens next on Alexandre Island and which characters will take a starring role.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.

More from Marguerite

I am so excited about being a part of this series. I have read all of the previous books and love having the collection on my shelf. I feel like I am traveling around my “home” with my characters, seeing all of the other islands and making new friends. Room for Love takes place on Alexandre Island just south of Laumua where the capitol and government are situated.

My husband and I traveled to Maui, experiencing the culture, food, sites, climate—the whole deal. My bucket list includes Bora Bora, but I couldn’t get my husband to splurge for a trip before writing this book. Yet, I have a hope to travel there one day.

For now, I’m relying on my experiences and research. The salty air and ocean offered awesome snorkeling and diving opportunities with the sea turtles and colorful fish. The humpback whales entertained us with their majestic beauty. Lorikeets and tropical birds serenaded from flowering treetops and sweet-smelling bushes and flowers.

Curvy roads in a convertible led us to cascading waterfalls and volcanoes. Many hours found us strolling on the beach or resting in hammocks. Needless to say, a week was not long enough.

I envisioned Alexandre Island as a perfect place for a B & B. We run three Airbnbs in Louisiana and really try to stay in others across the world when we can. Amy Lee, my heroine who owns the B & B, adds a wonderful breakfast and special authentic meals. On the property in an old barn, she, her staff, and friends offer an after-school program for local children.

Although tourism is a major source of island income, I realize and appreciate that the islanders have their own lives. I ask many questions of my characters to obtain a reality check about life on an exotic island. A little side note: I am a French teacher and have a strong love for the language, history, and culture surrounding these fictional islands.

I hope you enjoy the journey on all of the islands. Welcome to Alexandre.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 3

The Book Club Network, September 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 5

Aryn the Libraryan, September 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 7

Simple Harvest Reads, September 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Susan K. Beatty, Author, September 9 (Author Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, September 9

Splashes of Joy , September 10

For Him and My Family, September 11

She Lives To Read, September 12

Back Porch Reads, September 13 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon 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/278c1/room-for-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Robbing the Races

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: ChristianHistorical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release Date: July 4, 2023

The Legend of Locksley might just get Robin and Marian killed.

Robin Locke’s career as a jockey is far more successful than he ever expected. When a groom is found dead in the stables, Robin sets out to right the wrongs of Locksley. Unfortunately, Robin’s rival is dead set on proving him guilty!

Marian Silvers sets out to find a once in a lifetime story that will ensure her career as a reporter withstands the masochistic attitudes of the paper where she works. As she and Robin dig into the groom’s murder, she finds another side to the legend of Locksley…a side he would prefer stay hidden forever.

While the murderer wreaks havoc in their small town, Marian and Robin find that all is not as it seems. And then they become the next targets. They just need to evade the killer long enough to bring him to justice… and perhaps find love along the way.

This 1940s Robin Hood retelling features swapped character roles and a race against the clock

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Robbing the Races is a Christian Historical Fiction by Tabitha Bouldin that is part of the Ever After Mysteries.  The series consists of standalone novels set in the 1940s, all as different fairytale retellings. This story features Robin, a jockey with a mysterious past and Marian, a newspaper reporter determined to make her big break.

What I think about this book:

One of the great things about this series is they all have different mysteries, characters and settings.   Robin and Marian were a very interesting combination, both wanted to solve who murdered a groom, but for different reasons. It was interesting to see how WWII  impacted the racing community. This was such a fun take on Robin Hood. It was filled with twists that I didn’t expect  which left me guessing what was going to happen next until the very end.  I can’t wait to read Bouldin’s next book and more in the Ever After Mysteries.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. Tabitha spent ten years working as a Medical Assistant before God opened the door which allowed her to become a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom and author.

More from Tabitha

As a kid who grew up with Disney films, the Robin Hood cartoon fascinated me. I wanted to know what made Robin Hood such a cavalier thief. I understood his mindset of “steal from the rich and give to the poor” but why did he need to steal?

My uncle David had a saying for years. He’d say, “Steal from Peter to pay Paul and David stays broke.” What he meant was, no matter how hard he tried, he never managed to get ahead in life. Uncle David had a saying for everything and they always made sense in a convoluted sort of way.

In Robbing the Races, I didn’t want to try and persuade Robin that he had a right to steal, I wanted him to have a reason to think it was okay, then show him otherwise. I love heroes who need a little nudge back onto the straight and narrow. Robin sees families suffering, and when he can’t provide for them himself and he sees others who have an excess of money, he decides to take it to help the less fortunate.

Kind of like the two wrongs don’t make a right, Robin learns that his version of justice might help for a moment but that does not excuse his actions. He’s still wrong.

Robin is not the most forgiving character, but he was certainly fun to work with.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 23

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

By the Book, August 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 26

Holly’s Book Corner, August 26

Connie’s History Classroom, August 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 28

The Book Club Network, August 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 31

Book Looks by Lisa, September 1

She Lives to Read, September 1

Blogging With Carol, September 2

Lily’s Book Reviews, September 3

Simple Harvest Reads, September 4 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, September 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon 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/27780/robbing-the-races-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Sky of Seven Colors

Author: Rachelle Nelson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: August 8, 2023

In a strange part of the forest, the divide between worlds grows thin.

After the accident, Meg would do anything to wake her best friend from his deadly coma. At least, that’s what she whispered into the woodland shadows. She never imagined her wish would trap her in a gray other-earth, void of any color.

Meg’s vibrant humanity is a priceless artifact in the gray kingdom, coveted by the royal court. All she wants to do is find a way back home. Until she discovers the other-earth contains healing powers that can save her friend. But only if Meg becomes what the gray people need—a human bride for Kalmus, the powerful king of the capital city.

With her heart torn between earths, Meg’s choices may cost more than she knows.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

“I need to believe that broken things can be turned into something new. Broken friendships, and broken bodies. Never the same, but mended.”

Rachelle Nelson’s debut YA fantasy novel is definitely worth reading. The author creates a fascinating “gray” world of giant Croppers and Regents that overlaps with our known world. Meg the human exploring the simple yet soulful atmosphere of the Croppers’ domain and the fancy yet manipulative court of the Regents’ reminded me a little of Alice in her Wonderland. Meg’s growth from a timid and frightened girl into a strong young woman filled with conviction and a conscience that drives her to sacrifice was satisfying to see. I loved Proce and Von who provided much-needed wisdom, warmth, and tenderness as well as unexpected laughter. Kalmus was eerie and unsettling at best but we understand why as Meg gets to know him better. Very surprising twists in the plot turned the story upside down about 80% into the book and betrayal and greed played major roles in the plot twists. The story lost a bit of its momentum while laying down the foundation of the fantasy world. Much of the action and explanation happened quickly in only a few chapters near the end. The story slowed down again after these few chapters to lead to an ending that was somewhat anti-climactic and almost abrupt after having taken the entire book to get to that place. Despite these hiccups, the book was enjoyable and I recommend it to all YA fantasy fans.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Enclave Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Rachelle Nelson grew up reading fantasy novels and getting her clothes muddy in the pine forests of Idaho. These days, she still loves hiking through mountains and libraries, though she is a bit less fond of mud. She doesn’t write true stories, but she writes about truth. When Rachelle is not reading and writing, she sings in a band with her talented husband, who makes her happier than should be legal. If you like adventures, good food, and honest conversations, you are her favorite kind of person.

More from Rachelle

Sky of Seven Colors is a story, in part, about beauty. I wrote it for my younger self, and for all the women I love.

When I was twelve years old, the girls in my neighborhood frequently weighed themselves and ended up forming an “under-100-club”. I have no idea why the arbitrary measurement of one hundred pounds was chosen, but I do know I was the first to outgrow the standard. A fact that was made known to the neighborhood boys during a driveway basketball game.

A chant began. “One hundred, one hundred.” And I didn’t play basketball again for the rest of the summer.

At the time, I didn’t know I would soon grow to my full height of 5’9” and would always be “bigger” than the other girls. I was convinced I could never be beautiful if I was the biggest, and I desperately wanted to be beautiful. You will probably think I was vain if I tell you I prayed every night before bed that God would make me prettier.

Now, as a woman well into her thirties, I am much more comfortable with the body God gave me. I have been a youth mentor for over a decade, and while getting to know some amazing teens, I have come to appreciate that every girl wants to be beautiful.

And they are.

I’m not just saying that in the “everyone is pretty in their own way” sense. I mean it. It’s an indisputable truth.

Femininity is beautiful.

Youth in and of itself is beautiful.

And powerful. You don’t have to look far in the world to see that these things are desired, commodified, admired, sometimes cherished, and more often exploited. And every girl possesses them.

I have watched as generations of girls desperately long to be something they already are. They diet and compare and shop for anything to help them look their best. In our youth, we blindly walk out the perils and the gifts of beauty.

In my debut young adult fantasy novel, Meg travels to a colorless other-earth where she is the only human in a royal city of strange, gray people. The elites of society prize Meg’s color for its rare traits, and seek to control it, even pressing her into an ancient, binding agreement with their king.

Her color is intrinsic, like all of our bodies, not something she chose. And it is what everyone sees when they look at her. The color puts her in danger, and it is a gift she carries. But she must decide who she will be in spite of that gift, and also because of it.

Just like all girls must choose to respond to a world that sees them for their bodies.

The Bible has something profound to say about the connection between our outer and inner selves in this verse from 1st Peter:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self….”

Meg is a very flawed character and doesn’t make all the right choices along the way. (I don’t know many people in life who fully have, even if we’re trying.) But she does come to understand that being desired and being loved are two different things, a truth I want every girl in my life to grasp deeply. And if Meg’s identity comes from within, she will have to choose the path of loving others, even when it seems impossible.

Especially then.

Blog Stops

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Through the Fire Blogs, August 20 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 22

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 23

The Book Club Network, August 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 25

Blogging With Carol, August 26

Labor Not in Vain, August 27

Simple Harvest Reads, August 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Beauty in the Binding, August 29 (Author Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, August 29

Of Blades and Thorns, August 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachelle is giving away the grand prize package of a hardback copy of Sky of Seven Colors, a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed bookplate, a set of 3 bookish themed waterproof stickers, and a bookmark with exclusive Sky of Seven Colors character art!!

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/2716b/sky-of-seven-colors-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Countin’ On Jesse

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: (Inspirational) Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 12, 2023

Peeps’ gym owner Jesse seeks accreditation. Accountant Brenna wants to help Jesse reach his goal. They’re a great team, but can she count on him when trouble strikes?

Accountant BRENNA MCKINLEY only wants what’s best for Peeps, the wildly popular gym in Valiant, Texas. But when money goes missing, and she’s the obvious suspect, will she be able to clear her name or face criminal charges? Keeping her dream job matters, but falling in love with her boss isn’t part of the plan. Neither is the creepy guy stalking her.

Young veteran JESSE JACOBS manages and co-owns Peeps, an exercise facility in Valiant, Texas. He needs help to gain accreditation for the gym, and his new accountant is all in. But is she who she seems? Too bad he’s falling for her like a man with no parachute. When the pressure builds, PTSD renders him moody and volatile, risking everything he loves.

Book Excerpt

Her steps quickened when Leo bellowed, “You can land in my lap anytime.”

Once she pushed through the swinging door to the kitchen, the roar of the dining room shut off like a faucet. She flicked the salad remnants from her blouse into an industrial waste bin.

The assistant manager hurried in, waving her over. His eyes pooled with sympathy. “Breena.” He smoothed a pencil-thin mustache over his grimace. Ramon wasn’t a bad sort—he just never got her name right. “Steve saw the whole thing. What if you straighten out my bookwork for the rest of your shift?”

Her tight jaw slacked. Ramon was offering her a way to stay out of sight and stay on the clock. If Steve didn’t fire her on the spot. “I owe you.”

“Any reasonable person could see the mishap wasn’t your fault.” Ramon sliced a wary glance behind him and pointed to his office. Reasonable wasn’t one of Steve’s virtues. “Hurry.”

She willed her shaky legs to move.

“Brenna!” Her name boomeranged around the busy kitchen, hushing idle chatter. Too late. Maybe Steve would be in a forgiving mood. She turned slowly. His red face assured her nothing of the sort would happen.

“I guess you’re done.” Steve’s tone was deceptively mild.

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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 biweekly faith column for the local newspaper.

Countin’ On Jesse is her debut novel, and she’s hard at work on the rest of the Valiant series. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war. As she kept writing, her focus generalized to include ordinary people who learn how to move forward after devastating events. Her writing has a strong spiritual thread since she considers a return to faith in God the solution for what ails the civilized world.

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.

Countin’ On Jesse placed second in inspirational contemporary romance in the TARA contest. It was also a finalist in the Crown and the Maggie contests for unpublished authors.

About the Book

Book: Maeve’s Pledge

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 21, 2023

Pledges can’t be broken, can they?

Finally, out from under her father’s tyrannical thumb, Maeve Wycliffe can live life on her terms. So what if everyone sees her as a spinster to be pitied. She’ll funnel her energies into what matters most: helping the less fortunate and getting women the right to vote. When she’s forced to team up with the local newspaper editor to further the cause, will her pledge to remain single get cropped?

Widower Gus Deighton sees no reason to tempt fate that he can find happiness a second time around. Well past his prime, who would want him anyway? He’ll continue to run his newspaper and cover Philadelphia’s upcoming centennial celebration. But when the local women’s suffrage group agrees that the wealthy, attractive, and very single Maeve Wycliffe acts as their liaison, he finds it difficult to remain objective.

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 native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

When asked to contribute a story to the Suffrage Spinsters series, I immediately sat down and researched the suffrage movement. I was surprised to discover that the crusade to get women the right to vote began the 1830s. Nearly twenty years later, a women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, an event considered the actual “birthplace” of women’s suffrage.

The history of suffragism in America is fascinating because of the large percentage of women who were against getting the right to vote. As I continued to delve into the history of the movement, I unearthed many references to an incident that occurred at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton decided to write a document similar to the US “Declaration of Independence,” call it the “Declaration of the Rights of Women,” and present it at the Exposition’s July 4^th celebration.

Their request to speak was summarily dismissed, and in fact, few women were able to obtain tickets to the event.

Undeterred, Anthony came up with an alternate plan. On July 4th, in the midst of Richard Henry Lee’s speech (grandson and namesake of one of the Declaration of Independence signers), she marched down the aisle inside Independence Hall and handed a scroll tied in a festive navy-blue ribbon to the host, then turned and made her way out of the building, distributing copies to the clamoring crowd as she went. Outside, she read the document aloud as the remaining copies were distributed. Newspapers covered her presentation and printed portions of the document. Word spread, and countless newspapers outside of Philadelphia picked up the article.

I knew I had my story, and I hope in some small way Maeve’s Pledge honors those tenacious men and women who fought to gain women the right to vote.

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

Interview with Linda

• What inspired this book?

Many of my books incorporate real historical events, and I wanted to do the same thing with Maeve’s Pledge. I poured over newspapers and biographies of the men and women involved in the Suffrage Movement to find an interesting or pivotal moment in the cause. I stumbled on an article about the 1876 Centennial Exposition (world’s fair) that took place in Philadelphia. At the July 4^th celebration during the fair, Susan B. Anthony presented her “Declaration of Women’s Rights,” a document which equated women’s “oppression by men with that of the American colonies during King George III’s reign. I attended the 1982 World’s Fair in Knoxville so I could visualize the setting, and I remember many events and celebrations from the bi-centennial, all of which informed my writing of the story.

• Which author influenced the you most?

That is a great question, and it’s hard to select just one, but if you insist!   I would have to say Elizabeth Camden has influenced me tremendously for a couple of reasons. Her research is impeccable and I know her books are stories are going to be completely accurate, and her plots center around real events such as the Chicago Fire or the cure for tuberculosis. 

• What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

• Describe your view as you’re sitting in your writing chair.

Believe it or not, the view from my writing room was the deciding factor for purchasing our current home. Fortunately, my husband fell in love with the basement, so I didn’t have to work too hard to convince. Him! My office looks into our back yard which is very wooded and rustic. There is a stone wall that divides our property from the 15-acre horse farm we abut. The view is gorgeous no matter what season: in the spring and summer it is lush and green. Plus, I always hang a basket of flowers, so I am visited by a variety of birds. During Autumn it is alive with gold, red, and orange. In winter, the snow lays on the walls and skeletal trees providing a totally different view.

• If you could have one book or piece of art or music on a deserted island, what would it be and why?

I would take Vincent Van Gogh’s “The Yellow House.” He called it “The Street.” I use it as my computer wallpaper. I enjoy all of Van Gogh’s work, but this is my favorite piece. He lived there in 1888 and was quite happy. Not had he found a place that inspired him to paint, but it was big enough that friends and fellow painters could come and stay. I can always make up stories in my head, or sing songs I know, but I would want to have the painting on the deserted island so I could look at it.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

By The Book, August 15 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 16

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 17

Bizwings Book Blog, August 18

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 19 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 20

Artistic Nobody, August 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

Stories By Gina, August 23 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Sylvan Musings, August 25 (Author Interview)

Connie’s History Classroom, August 26

The Book Club Network, August 27

Bliss, Books & Jewels, August 28 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving awaythe grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and 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/27320/maeve-s-pledge-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Path to Forgiveness

Author: Lisa M. James

Genre: Christian Fantasy

Release Date: January 21, 2022

Reckless. Extravagant. Wasteful. These were all words that could describe Esther. Thirteen years of careless living had left Esther and her young son destitute. When her husband disappears at night, leaving Esther with the full burden of their debt, Esther has no choice but to claim her husband is dead and enslave herself and her child to stay alive. So severely had she broken the relationships in her life, she never expected a man from her childhood to speak on her behalf and carry the weight of her debt. Yet Esther soon realizes that escaping the demons of her past would not be so easy.

Levi had little interest in seeing Esther again. When a promise to her father leaves him honor-bound to take her as his wife, he struggles with the bitterness he holds toward her for allowing her addictions and selfishness to derail her life. Yet, he could not hide the deep desire within him to be a husband and a father, even to a woman he did not love and a child that was not his by blood.

Discover the story of a reckless woman in A Path to Forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa M. James is an independent author, product marketing manager, and former Sunday School teacher. She is also a regular guest blogger for various IT digital publications. She is committed to creating fantastical worlds with clean romances and diverse female leads. Her novels have hit the Amazon Best Sellers list for numerous categories, including: Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, and Christian Romance. Her fictional writing is inspired by Historical Fiction, Fantasy genres, and Biblical Fiction. When not writing, Lisa loves talking about her faith, Disney movies, and football while drinking chai lattes.

More from Lisa

I have always loved historical romances, especially ones that take place in Biblical times. However, I am not a historian and I love to make things up, which is why I write fantasy novels.  A Path to Forgiveness was my first venture into Christian Romance set in a Fantasy world. If you enjoy historical romances, you will get a feel of that in the world I created since I am so greatly influenced by Biblical history.

A Path to Forgiveness is a story of repentance inspired by the parable of The Prodigal Son. Esther is a woman who feels unworthy of forgiveness. She believes she deserves to be punished for her choices. Levi is a man from her childhood, who does not disagree with her. His heart has grown hard from his own life experiences.  In A Path to Forgiveness, they both go on a journey learning how to accept and receive God’s overflowing mercy and grace. I hope you enjoy reading Esther and Levi’s redemption story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Interview with Lisa

What inspired this book?

The women in the lineage of Jesus inspired this work. We are always told how its women with not great reputations that were found worthy to name in Jesus’ lineage. And I wanted to write a series on “prodigal women”, women who didn’t make the best choices but are searching for a redemptive path.

Which author influenced the you most?

In terms of writing Christian Fiction, I have to give credit to Lynn Austin. Her book, Song of Redemption, first opened me up to Christian Fiction and I became hooked ever since. I really prayed that God would give me a story in my heart tailored to Christian audiences.

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” Anytime I hit a rough patch, this verse is pressed onto my heart.

What is your vacation spot?

I’m semi-embarrassed to say this but I make annual (sometimes semi-annual) trips to Disney World with my sister. It’s not even about the rides. We’ve gone enough times that we like to just walk around and eat and enjoy parades and such. It’s become our tradition.

What are you reading right now?

I’m reading two fantastic books right now, The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 13

Guild Master, August 14 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Simple Harvest Reads, August 16 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 19

Through the Fire Blogs, August 20 (Author Interview)

The Book Club Network, August 21

Artistic Nobody, August 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 22

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a plum pansies print Vera Bradley bag 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/2716a/a-path-to-forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Ghost Writer, book two

Author: LG Nixon

Genre: Young Adult Fiction/Religious/Christian Fantasy/Mysteries & Detective Stories

Release Date: December, 2021

Ghost hunters, Lucy Hornberger and Schuyler Williams, are chasing ghosts through their school. As they vanquish one ghost, another ghost appears, and Lucy gets blamed for the destruction. She soon learns someone has been cursed, but who?

Darnathian and his Irredaemon forces are still after the Lucy’s artifact, called the Spectrescope. It allows her to see and track spirits. It also hides the Spirit Sword that vanquishes the daemons. Darnathian is determined to learn the source of the Spectrescope’s ancient magic, unlock its secrets and find the Life Tree. If he can eliminate Lucy Hornberger, all the better.

Using the power of the magical artifacts that were in the trunk she purchased from the vendor at the flea market, Lucy and Schuyler must end the hauntings, break the curse, protect the Spectrescope, and do it all without getting expelled from school.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Anne

About the Author

Meet LG Nixon, author, coffee connoisseur, motorcycle enthusiast, and collector of strange artifacts. With her zany imagination, she fuses a page-turning fantasy with a haunting theme and turns it into a spirit filled adventure with quirky and likable characters. After a long career, she left the workplace behind and turned to writing. Her stories are lighthearted but carry an underlying message of the importance of a Biblical worldview. She researches and writes full-time from her home in Michigan where she prowls the night star gazing and watching for a supernatural event. LG loves to ski, ride motorcycles, travel, and fly small planes; but no bungee jumping, thank you very much.

More from LG Nixon

I’ve always had zany and quirky imagination. Growing up in a creaky old house with a grandmother who told stories of ghostly visitations, I was curious. As a child, I filled journals with mystery and detective stories.

These days I write about ghosts and spirits to entertain, and use scripture as dialogue to portray God’s love and forgiveness, our hope of redemption, and the reality of a supernatural dimension just beyond our perception.

Why would a Christian author write about ghosts? Because scripture is filled with ghosts and spirits, angels, and demons along with some amazing creatures. God uses incredible imagery to capture our imagination and draw us deeper into His word. I love to study scripture because I always find new truths that go beyond the scope of imagination.

My writing has grown from my love for Jesus and a desire to share my faith with hope and encouragement. The Issachar Gatekeeper series is designed to show young adults in a fun, adventurous way the impact Christian principles can have on their lives and to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

Our heroine, Lucy, has a wonderful neighbor, Mrs. McGoo, who always comes through to save the day with her delicious chocolate chip cookies. Lucy’s best friend, Schuyler Williams, says, “A really good chocolate chip cookie is nearly a spiritual experience, don’t you think?” So, we are sharing this recipe with you so you can sit, relax, and share some with a friend. Enjoy!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 4

For the Love of Literature, August 5 (Author Interview)

The Lit Lady, August 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 6

The Book Club Network, August 7

Through the Fire Blogs, August 8 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 9

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 10

Artistic Nobody, August 11 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, August 12

Guild Master, August 13 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Cafe, August 13

Holly’s Book Corner, August 14

Simple Harvest Reads, August 15 (Guest Review from Anne Rightler)

Beauty in the Binding, August 16 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, L.G. is giving away the grand prize package of a custom printed canvas tote bag including a signed copy of the book, mug and coaster, book light, bookmarks, and other goodies!!

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/2772a/the-ghost-writer-celebration-tour-giveaway