Act of Valor Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Act of Valor

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational romantic suspense

Release Date: June 1, 2019

A True Blue K-9 story …When airline employee Violet Griffin encounters several suspicious passengers, she’s thrust into the crosshairs of a drug smuggling operation. NYPD officer Zach Jameson and his drug detection beagle, Eddie, can tell this is no small-time threat. Someone’s gunning for Violet, and after recently losing his brother, Zach refuses to lose her, too…especially now that she’s gone from friend to the woman he’s falling for.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

Dana Mentink really knows how to write action-packed, high energy romantic suspense. Every book with her is an intense adventure that leaves me hanging on the edge of my seat. This book is actually book 2 in True Blue K-9 Unit series that is written by multiple authors. Since I didn’t read book 1 by Lynette Eason, I missed out on quite a bit of background that gets addressed briefly in this second book. To fully enjoy the series and the multiple characters introduced in the overarching storyline, you should start from book 1 and follow along as each new book in the series is released.

This story focuses on Zach, one of the Jameson brothers on the K-9 Unit, and Violet, his long-time neighbor and childhood friend. Zach is suffering from losing his oldest brother and doesn’t know how to find his way from the pit of despair until his dearest friend Violet gets caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous drug smuggler. As Zach tries desperately to protect Violet, their friendship deepens even as danger mounts. I really liked Violet’s tough yet compassionate and faithful personality. Though this storyline has a tidy ending, the murder of Zach’s oldest brother and former chief of the K-9 Unit (the overarching storyline of the series) is still unresolved and I suspect it won’t have closure until the very end of the series.

If you enjoy a well-written romantic suspense with great characters, you will definitely love this book. I received a copy of the book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over forty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Barbour, and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, and a chubby box turtle. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

More from Dana

Cops and killers and beagles, oh my! It was a ton of fun writing the second book in the new True Blue K-9 Continuity series. First of all, I had the honor of working with some AMAZING authors. (It’s challenging creating a world together and keeping all those details straight!) I had the privilege of following the amazing Lynette Eason, so that’s always a plus! Second, I learned all about the astonishing world of beagles! Those critters are just amazing. For instance, the original beagles were tiny, only 8 inches tall and could be carried in a pocket, which is why they called them Pocket Beagles. I need one of those! The name beagle comes from the French, which is translated “wide throat” or “loudmouth.” This is well earned by Eddie in my story, who will occasionally let loose with the trademark baying. The beagles small size, general friendliness, and ferocious scent drive, make it the perfect dog to sniff around airports and get into compact spaces. Eddie enjoys doing just that with Zach, his handler and best friend. He earns those gourmet treats that Zach bakes up for him. Best of all, Eddie was rescued from death before he became a canine cop star! It’s just awesome when you can twine fact with fiction to come up with a tail wagging suspense story! I hope you enjoy the second installment in the series!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Genesis 5020, May 16

Multifarious, May 17

Through the Fire Blogs, May 17

Lighthouse Academy, May 17

Reading Is My SuperPower, May 18

Blogging With Carol, May 18

Daysong Reflections, May 19

Carla Loves to Read, May 19

Wishful Endings, May 20

EmpowerMoms, May 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, May 20

Remembrancy, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 21

Simple Harvest Reads, May 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Hallie Reads, May 22

Among the Reads, May 23

Moments, May 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 24

Just Your Average reviews, May 24

Real World Bible Study, May 25

Pause for Tales, May 25

Ashley’s Bookshelf, May 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 26

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Bigreadersite, May 27

janicesbookreviews, May 27

Inklings and notions, May 28

Rev. Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray, May 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a print copy of the book, a beagle coloring book, and an 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/e012/act-of-valor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Moments We Forget Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Moments We Forget

Author: Beth Vogt

Genre: Contemporary fiction, woman’s fiction

Release Date: May 7, 2019 Moments We Forget cover

Jillian Thatcher has spent most of her life playing the family peacemaker, caught in the middle between her driven, talented older sister and her younger, spotlight-stealing twin sisters. Then on the night of her engagement party, a cancer diagnosis threatens to once again steal her chance to shine. Now, Jillian’s on the road to recovery after finally finishing chemo and radiation, but residual effects of the treatment keep her from reclaiming her life as she’d hoped. And just when her dreams might be falling into place, a life-altering revelation from her husband sends her reeling again. Will Jillian ever achieve her own dreams, or will she always be “just Jillian,” the less-than Thatcher sister? Can she count on her sisters as she tries to step into a stronger place, or are they stuck in their childhood roles forever?

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

“And me? I would always be the designated driver of the emotional vehicle that carried our merry little trio.”

Brace yourself for an emotional impact when you pick up this book. This book, written in first person perspective from middle sister Jillian and third person from oldest sister Johanna and youngest sister Payton, will burrow deep into your heart with its raw, real, and heart-rendering discovery of self, love, sisterhood, and faith as the sisters battle the hard things of life like cancer survival, insecurity of never being seen and never being enough, past family tragedies, betrayal, and loss of hopes and dreams. I didn’t read the first book (Things I Never Told You) and I do feel that I missed some background history of Payton and her deceased twin sister Pepper but the author did an excellent job of weaving the past and Payton’s story from book one into this storyline. I don’t have sisters but felt the sisterly dynamic and the struggle of sisterhood all the way down to my bones due to the author’s gift with words. Beth Vogt paints a beautifully broken world full of hurting people striving for hope in the Thatcher sisters and those looking for a stirring and insightful contemporary women’s fiction will love this book.

Jillian, the forever peacemaker in the family, is at the bottom of the pit, even after surviving breast cancer. As her life spirals out of control, her oldest sister Johanna, who has had her life in a neat and tidy square box all her life, faces personal challenges and work changes that send her life spinning. Payton, the youngest, is still trying to come to grips with her newfound faith and her budding feelings for Zach as her overloaded school and work schedule threaten to topple her. The three sisters are very different but compliment each other so well when they’re actually in agreement. Payton and Jillian’s walk toward faith is natural and encouraging.

I can’t wait to read the third book, which will likely feature Johanna as the first person narrator. She’s the least likable of the three sisters but I’m sure that she’ll have the biggest change of heart and spirit that will draw the sisters in a tighter bond than just genetics alone.

I received a copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Beth-Vogt Beth K. Vogt is a nonfiction author and editor who said she’d never write fiction. She’s the wife of an Air Force family physician (now in solo practice) who said she’d never marry a doctor—or anyone in the military. She’s a mom of four who said she’d never have kids. Now Beth believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A women’s fiction novelist, Beth’s first novel for Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018.

Beth is a 2016 Christy Award winner, a 2016 ACFW Carol Award winner, and a 2015 RITA® finalist. Her 2014 novel, Somebody Like You, was one of Publishers Weekly‘s Best Books of 2014. A November Bride was part of the Year of Wedding series by Zondervan. Having authored nine contemporary romance novels or novellas, Beth believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us.

An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and also enjoys speaking to writers’ groups and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people, and their youngest daughter, Christa, who loves to play volleyball and enjoys writing her own stories. Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

More from Beth

“A sister is like yourself in a different movie, a movie that stars you in a different life.”

Deborah Tannen (1945-), sociologist

I’m launching Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters series, and I’ve just turned in the final book in the series. I’d love to share book three’s title with you, but I don’t know what it is. (Of course, book three might have a final title by the time you read this—that’s part of the fun of prerelease deadlines.)

One thing I do know: the theme of “Little Women gone wrong” is woven through all of the books . . . thanks to the Thatcher sisters: Payton, Pepper, Jillian, and Johanna.

Sisters, be they real or imaginary, can be complicated.

Of course, there are sisters who have close relationships. They “get” each other and love doing life together.

But then there are the sister relationships that are like mismatched socks. Or those expensive jeans you loved in the store, but when you bring them home, they never quite live up to those moments in the dressing room.

Such are the Thatcher sisters. Johanna, Jillian, Payton, and Pepper grew up in the same family. They’re all tall. They love Broncos football and board games. But in so many ways their lives are like different movies because they each made different choices. Choices that changed and separated them. Moments We Forget continues to explore whether the Thatcher sisters can find a way to understand each other enough to bridge the distance between them.

Blog Stops

Livin’ Lit, May 7

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 7

The Power of Words, May 7

Among the Reads, May 8

Carpe Diem, May 8

Quiet Quilter, May 8

Wishful Endings, May 9

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, May 9

Simple Harvest Reads, May 10 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Remembrancy, May 10

God’s Little Bookworm, May 11

Just the Write Escape, May 11

Spoken from the Heart, May 12

Splashes of Joy, May 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 12

Through the Fire Blogs, May 13

Genesis 5020, May 13

By The Book, May 13

Bigreadersite, May 14

A Baker’s Perspective, May 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 14

Pause for Tales, May 15

Moments, May 15

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 15

All-of-a-kind Mom, May 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 16

Texas Book-aholic, May 16

janicesbookreviews, May 17

Living Life Free in Christ, May 17

To Everything A Season, May 17

Real World Bible Study, May 18

Older & Smarter?, May 18

A Reader’s Brain, May 18

Inklings and notions, May 19

Hallie Reads, May 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 19

Godly Book Reviews, May 20

The Becca Files, May 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Beth is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card plus a softcover copy of Moments We Forget!!

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/e26d/moments-we-forget-celebration-tour-giveaway

Shine the Light Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Shine the Light Shannon is out to save the world one caring act at a time. She’s stood by her best friend, Amber, through their whole lives especially when Amber lost her sight. She has an active outreach ministry to the homeless and disenfranchised. And she’s even let down her guard long enough to let a boyfriend, Justin, into her life.

Her life has settled into a pleasing routine of teaching, freelance photography work, quiet dinners with Justin, and taking Amber on treks to find new subjects for her visionary paintings. But when a man from her past shows up, her secure world crumbles into triggered PTSD episodes that threaten everything she relies on. Will she be able to overcome these old memories, or will her past crush any hopes she had for a future?

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

April McGowan writes beautifully about difficult topics in such a real, gritty, raw, and heart-stirring way that you will be spellbound from chapter one till the end of the book. This book is the sequel to Hold the Light and the story will make more sense if you read that book first, since a few of the characters from the first story play major roles in this one. The author approaches difficult topics like homelessness, mental illness, and PTSD with care and love while underscoring the need of everyone to feel loved and accepted.

Shannon, a gifted photographer and teacher, continues to battle her past in foster care where she felt unwanted, unloved, and unworthy. Despite unconditional love from her fellow art teacher Justin, she can’t seem to break free from the clutches of darkness that her memories bring forth. Shannon has a long journey ahead of her that is rocky, filled with pitfalls and danger and uncertainty, but her spiritual journey toward freedom from fear and faith in her Savior is so tangible and real. I loved Justin and his steadfastness. He’s an unlikely hero from a first glance on the outside but his beautiful heart and soul make him an absolutely swoon-worthy one.

This is not light romance, though the romance between Shannon and Justin is sweet and tender. This book is about those difficult places in our hearts and lives that need God’s light and intervention and how much He wants us to reconcile, forgive, and love. This book is about reaching out to those who need us and staying true to them.

I received a copy of the book from WhiteFire Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

April MsGowen April McGowan loves to read and write inspirational fiction. She and her husband, two children, and her ‘mews’ (three cats!), live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. April is a member of Oregon Christian Writers, the Christian Author’s Network, and American Christian Fiction Writers. When she’s not writing, homeschooling her son, or playing board games, you might find her at her drum kit, imagining she’s on a world tour. Hey, it could happen.

More from April

Writing About Tough Subjects—with Hope

I began writing over twenty years ago. And technically I wrote long before that as well. But those pieces were ‘just for fun.’ However, as I look back on my short stories, blog posts, and now my published work, there’s a definite theme: overcoming. Overcoming childhood abuse, overcoming an abusive marriage, overcoming loss—physical and emotional. And those overcoming stories were not about overcoming through our own strength, which is so often flawed and lacking, but by relying on the One who can heal us from every wrong, every hurt, and every loss.

After my first novel, Jasmine, I asked my readers what they’d like me to focus on in my next books—what subjects were overlooked in fiction today? The overwhelming consensus was adoption, loss, and mental illness.

As a contemporary fiction author, I stay current on social issues, so that wasn’t a huge jump for me. My readers saw a gap, and I did, too.

Not that it’s wrong to simply read for entertainment—shoot, I do! But I’ve always loved gripping stories with people I could identify with who were overcoming obstacles I’d faced, or watched a loved one face—stories that offer real hope in the face of tragedy.

So began my journey. In book one of this series, Hold the Light, I wrote about sight loss and adoption. I wrote about best friends who were solidly there for each other in the face of great hardship and pain. And in book two, Shine the Light, I’m doing the same—with a twist.

There’s a lack of representation and writing concerning mental illness and how it affects the sufferer and those around them. There is a stigma that is significantly changing, but it’s something we’re still hesitant to discuss. Myself and many I know are deeply touched by this issue, and I think we’re long past due letting those that suffer from mental illness and their families know that they are not alone. Or if they are, that they don’t have to be.

Book two, Shine the Light, is about Shannon’s life. Her love for the downtrodden, the lost, and the injured. Her passion for the underdog. How she became the stalwart friend she is to Amber in Hold the Light, the obstacles she’s overcome, and those she has to continue to grapple through with God’s help.

As with all of my books, I’ve vetted this story with people who have faced these situations and am very careful to respect their stories as well as staying true to my characters. I hope you’ll dive in and find Shannon to be a deep and real and identifiable character. I hope you’ll discover in her a friend.

I know you’ll grow to love her as I do.

The giveaway: Many of my books are set in Portland, Oregon, and as a celebration of that, I’m offering a giveaway celebrating two of my favorite things about the city: Powell’s books and super good coffee! Also cats…but I can’t give one of those away in a contest! Well…I could try, but I’d probably fall in love with it and never send it to you…so for now, books and coffee!

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, May 4

The Power of Words, May 4

Godly Book Reviews, May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 6 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Through the Fire Blogs, May 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8

Real World Bible Study, May 9

Retrospective Spines, May 9

For Him and My Family, May 10

Mary Hake, May 10

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 11

janicesbookreviews, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

A Reader’s Brain, May 12

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 13

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 14

Carpe Diem, May 15

Inklings and notions, May 15

Inspired by Fiction, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, April is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Powell’s gift card, a Powell’s coffee mug, and Stumptown coffee!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e21c/shine-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Memory House Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Memory House

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Christian Romance

Release Date: April 2, 2019

Embracing the future means remembering the past . . . When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either. Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share. Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

“You are not a has-been. You are a not-yet. Or a you’ve-not-seen-me-yet. But do not let your mistakes, which you’ve paid for dearly, define you. Let them refine you.”

Rachel Hauck is one of my all-time favorite contemporary romance and dual time-line authors for so many reasons and this book just proves that her writing gets better with each book (how DOES she do that?!). The characters in her book are so real, tangible, broken and lovable. The dual time-line works well to bring a story of remembrance, finding true self, forgiveness, healing, and faith with intricate details that fit together perfectly. Reading this book was like settling down with an old friend I haven’t seen in a while – equally comfortable, excited, and expectant – and catching up on the ups and downs of life with honesty and vulnerability and letting her story touch my heart, encourage my soul, and uplift my spirit. This book is a must-read!

Beck and Bruno share the present-day timeline as Beck yearns to find herself while being plunged into the great unknown and uncertainty of her future. Bruno holds many shared memories that Beck has forgotten and their childhood friendship begins anew even as he struggles with his own past and sense of failure. Everleigh and Don share their 1960s timeline as Everleigh hides herself in widowhood and Don tries to coax her out into the world of the living. Both the couples’ stories converge in a house on Memory Lane where Everleigh and Don lived out their married years and Beck happens to inherit when Everleigh dies. All four characters have guilt, shame, and regrets that drag them down but learn to rise above them and become the new creations God has promised.

I know Rachel Hauck hasn’t written a series for some time now, but I would love to see follow up books with some of the minor characters in this book – particularly Tyvis!!

I received a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Rachel Hauck_headshot Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauc

Excerpt from The Memory House

When Mama Applegate spoke as if Everleigh were a guest rather than a family member, she embraced it with grace. Because at the end of the day, she was Rhett’s wife. She alone shared his dreams, his heart, his life.

And at night, when she couldn’t sleep, his soft breathing was her lullaby.

“Listen, mister, I have to get back to work or I won’t make it home in time for our dinner.” She tugged at his shirt collar. “So are you going to tell me why you’re here?”

“I was going to wait until tonight, but I got so excited . . .” Rhett stepped over to the desk in front of Everleigh’s and retrieved a long white canister. “Here. Open it. I feel like a kid at Christmas.”

“Rhett, what have you done?” She pried away the cap and slipped out a set of drawings.

“Here, let me.” Rhett unrolled a rendering of a cozy house with a wraparound porch nestled between two cottonwoods. “Our house, Ev. I took those sketches you made after we were married and gave

them to the architect. What do you think?”

“Th-this is our house?” She wrapped her arms around his waist, leaning against his thick arm as she studied the drawing.

“It’s our house, darling.”

Everleigh studied the drawing. It was just like she imagined. “Are you sure?” She gazed up at her husband. “I didn’t think we’d saved enough money.”

“We’ve saved every penny of your salary, and I finally sold the stud bull to Jacob Marshall. He’s been after me for a year . . .” Rhett held her with one hand while flipping through the drawing with the other. “I bought the ten acres by the stream. You know, the one with the trees we loved. Dad wanted to give it to us, but I said no strings.

I wanted to buy it so he can’t hold it over me. Not that he would, but family business can get tricky.” Everleigh leaned to see the name of the road. Memory Lane.

“Darling, the section right off Memory Lane? The spot I wanted?”

Rhett’s grandmother had named the dirt road years ago, when she imagined a large family with lots of grandkids running around.

She envisioned an Applegate community.

But her sons, Melvin and Earl, went to war. Only Earl—nicknamed Spike—returned home the fall of 1918. He inherited the ranch, married Mama Applegate, and fathered Rhett, an only child. Grandma’s two daughters married and moved away.

“Your granny would be proud, darling,” Everleigh said. “We’re beginning her dream.”

“Sh-she would.” Rhett cleared his throat, pressing his fist over his cough. “So, w-what do you think?”

…

Tell him! The timing could not have been more perfect.

“Rhett, sweetheart—”

He jerked his wrist up, checking his watch. “Oh, Ev, sorry, darling, but I promised Dad I’d pick him up from the hardware store thirty minutes ago.” He gave her a quick, passing kiss. “I’d planned to show you these tonight, but I just couldn’t wait.” He rolled up the drawings and tucked them into the canister. “What is it you wanted to say?” On reflex, he checked his watch again.

“Nothing,” she said, smiling. “I’ll see you later. We can talk then. I have work to do anyway.”

“You sure?”

Everleigh fell into him and pressed her cheek against his chest.

“You make my dreams come true, Rhett Applegate.”

He kissed her one more time, then held her at arm’s length.

“Distraction, girl, you are one beautiful distraction.”

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads , April 22

The Avid Reader, April 22

Wishful Endings, April 22

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 23

The Power of Words, April 23

Andrea Christenson, April 23

Worthy2Read, April 23

Carla Loves to Read, April 24

Blogging With Carol, April 24

Spoken from the Heart, April 24

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 24

C Jane Read, April 25

Reader’s Cozy Corner, April 25

Lis Loves Reading, April 25

For Him and My Family, April 25

CAFFEINATED CHRISTIAN RAVES-N-REVIEWS, April 26

Literary Reflections Book Blog, April 26

Jeanette’s thoughts, April 26

Carpe Diem, April 26

Mary Hake, April 27

EmpowerMoms, April 27

My Devotional Thoughts, April 27

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 27

Bigreadersite, April 28

Inklings and notions, April 28

Pause for Tales, April 28

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, April 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 29

Rachel’s Back Talk, April 29

For The Love of Books, April 29

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, April 30

Quiet Quilter, April 30

Just the Write Escape, April 30

Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 1

Godly Book Reviews, May 1

Lights in a Dark World, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Older & Smarter?, May 3

janicesbookreviews, May 3

Living Life Free in christ, May 3

The Becca Files, May 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 4

A Reader’s Brain, May 4

Inspired by fiction, May 5

Moments, May 5

To Everything A Season, May 5

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of a copy of The Memory House!!

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/e2aa/the-memory-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Review & Giveaway

Weddings willows and revised expecatations

About the Book

Book: Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations

Author: V. Joy Palmer

Genre: Contemporary Romantic Comedy

Release Date: February 14, 2019

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to the mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she’ll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what’s left of their family’s legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon shes forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother’s renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for help, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.

Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl’s insane plan. While Apryl claims they’re archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.

But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?

Click here to purchase your copy,

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

This is the first book by V Joy Palmer that I have read and it was a refreshing change of reading style for me since I read quite a bit of historical, Biblical, and suspense fiction. The book has a lot of sass, sarcasm, wit, and laugh-out-loud moments, especially when Apryl narrates her part of the story in first person. Apryl and Chance both possess a wicked sense of humor and carry on sharp-edged dialogue. There are many movie and pop culture references throughout the story that bring an extra layer of fun to the story.

Apryl is gifted in her creativity but dragged down by self-doubt and negativity. Chance is someone she grew up with and had a crush on for many years. Due to interference from Chance’s father, they become “mortal enemies” by teenage years and still don’t see eye to eye years later. Chance is a steadfast, loyal, hard-working, and tender man who is still working through past hurts even as he puts his faith and hope in his Savior. As circumstances throw them together in a venture that leave them uncomfortable yet irresistibly drawn to each other, they learn about forgiveness, trust, faith, and love that withstands obstacles. There is a subplot involving Apryl’s twin sister Courtney and her boyfriend Dallas which is also sweet and heart-warming as they learn about how God can work through two imperfect people to bring about good.

This book is a follow up to V Joy Palmer’s first book Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations but it can be read as a stand-alone (I did not read the first book prior to reading this one and thoroughly enjoyed it). If you enjoy a well-written contemporary romantic comedy with a wonderful faith component, you will absolutely love this book. I’m hoping for a third book that will concentrate on Izze, Courtney, and Apryl’s housemate and friend Kaylee.

I was given a copy of the book by WhiteFire Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterationsand a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

More from Joy

I’ll confess something to you guys.

For about a year, I hated these characters. Like I vehemently hated them. For their refusal to bow to my will, I counted the ways I could take revenge against them for my own sadistic pleasure, and I seriously considered printing the manuscript just so I could burn it in an oil drum while I laughed like a Disney villain. I’m told my “Ursula laugh” is uncanny.

Some of you may be laughing. Some of you may be rolling your eyes. Some of you may be gasping in horror at the thought of an author killing her beloved characters. Or some of you may smirk and say, “I’ve been there, only I did kill my characters.”

I dove into the story with a wide-eyed innocence that came from thinking I was in charge of the story. My characters slapped that doe-eyed look off my face, letting me know I had no idea what I was doing. Sure, I knew the basics… They start off arguing, then fall in love… I had a couple great kiss scenes planned… Worth in God would be explored… Jokes would be made… But I could not get these stubborn characters to cooperate, and I was pulling my hair out by the roots trying to force them to get on board with my excellent program! I didn’t understand them, and their actions didn’t make any sense. Then my computer crashed…and died…taking over twelve thousand words with it. (A part of me thinks Apryl was behind it.) Suddenly, I was at square one, but I was actually a little relieved. Now I could start over.

Cue muffled sobs here.

After the untimely demise of my computer, I went to the 2016 American Christian Fiction Writers conference. At that conference, Ted Dekker said something in one of his keynote sessions that changed everything for me.

“Write to discover yourself.”

I still get chills when I think about this, and it has nothing to do with the below zero temperatures in my neck of the woods.

My writing changed after that. I made myself vulnerable, pouring my heart into Apryl and Chance’s journey like it was my personal journey. And as my literary world started to blossom, my literal world felt like it was being scorched by an exploding sun of heartache. And when that nasally (or does it only sound that way in my head?) voice whispered that I was worthless, God’s declaration of love was a big, bold font across the pages.

Through Apryl and Chance, I rediscovered my own worth to my Father.

And I hope you can, too.

I hope you laugh (the seagull scene is a favorite of mine). I hope you swoon (Apryl and Chance Forever!!). I would be especially pleased if you had to look up one or two pop culture references because I’ll just feel cool. But more than anything I hope you can rediscover your worth in our Father’s eyes, whether it’s for the first time or the seven hundred and eleventh time.

Our worth isn’t defined by our jobs, our mistakes, our families, or the plans we have. Our worth is in a loving God who calls each of His children by name. Our worth is in our Father.

Set to the tune of a romantic comedy, there are a lot of little truths sprinkled throughout Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, but our worth in God is the glue that holds it all together – at least for me! This was the truth I wanted to convey in Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations all along. But until I started to understand this (I definitely haven’t mastered it!) in my own heart, how could I write about it?

I hope you guys enjoy Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations. I hope this truth touches your heart in some way.

And I hope you laugh. A lot.

Hugs,

Joy Palmer

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, April 27 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, April 27

The Becca Files, April 28

Moments, April 28

Godly Book Reviews, April 29

Just Your Average reviews, April 29

Kat’s Corner Books, April 30

Creating Romance, April 30

Maureen’s Musings, May 1

Hallie Reads, May 1

For Him and My Family, May 2

Vicky Sluiter, May 2

Wishful Endings, May 3

Emily Yager, May 3

The Christian Fiction Girl, May 4

Inklings and notions, May 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 5

Through the Fire Blogs, May 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

A Baker’s Perspective, May 8

Cultivating us, May 8

Texas Book-aholic, May 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 9

A Reader’s Brain, May 10

janicesbookreviews, May 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joy is giving away a grand prize package that includes a signed copy of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations,
a signed copy of Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, a Hand-Carved Reading Willow Tree Figurine, a Character-Inspired Locket,
a Custom Roaring Twenties Book Sleeve from The Cozy Life Etsy Shop, an Anne of Green Gables Mug Rug from Bookish Star Designs Etsy Shop, and a Chai Latte Soy Candle in a Vintage Mug from Joplin House Cafe!!

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/dfea/weddings-willows-and-revised-expectations-celebration-tour-giveaway

Beauty in Hiding Review & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Beauty in Hiding

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

Release Date: March 12, 2019

Book 2 in the Beauty in Flight series:

Harper’s second chance at life will become a second stint in prison if anyone connects those two dead men to her.

Nutfield, New Hampshire, is as good a place as any to hide from the murderer Harper left behind in Maryland. All she has to do is lie low and make enough money to keep herself and Red alive until she can figure out who her enemies are.

Jack Rossi isn’t sure what to make of his beautiful new tenant and her confused grandfather. Something’s not right, but the love he sees between them and the care she takes of the old man convinces Jack they’re trustworthy. As drawn as he is to Harper, she’s his tenant, so she’s off limits.

Derrick, Harper’s ex-boyfriend and Red’s grandson, needs to find his grandfather and get his hands on the old man’s money before Derrick ends up with a bullet in the skull. And when he gets his hands on Harper, she’ll be sorry for what she’s put him through.

Harper and Jack grow closer, but so do her enemies. If Harper can’t trust Jack with the truth, she may lose more than just this glimpse of true love. She may lose her freedom—or her life.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

A fantastic follow-up book to Beauty in Flight! I really enjoy how Robin Patchen starts out both books with details and background info to build up characters and situations and then spins the plot into a fast-paced, suspense-filled one about halfway through. This is book 2 of the series and it’s the kind of series that must be read in order. If you enjoy a well-written suspense novel with a bit of romance and a nice faith thread, you will love this book and the series.

Harper is on the run with her “grandfather” Red and, though Red’s dementia flares up more often, Harper is determined to keep him safe. In a small New Hampshire town, they start fresh but Harper’s ugly past and what both Harper and Red witnessed come to haunt them. Red’s grandson and Harper’s ex-boyfriend Derrick needs a lot of cash to dig out of a gambling debt and becomes seriously desperate as he spans the country hunting for Red and Harper so that he can get his grandfather’s money and revenge on Harper. Past and present collide to form a suspenseful tornado….but the answers lie in the third book of the series and I can’t wait to read it!

I was given a copy of the book via JustRead Publicity Tours and Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Aside from her family and her Savior, Robin Patchen has two loves—writing and traveling. If she could combine them, she’d spend a lot of time sitting in front of her laptop at sidewalk cafes and ski lodges and beachside burger joints. She’d visit every place in the entire world—twice, if possible—and craft stories and tell people about her Savior. Alas, time is too short and money is too scarce for Robin to traipse all over the globe, even if her husband and kids wanted to go with her. So she stays in Oklahoma, shares the Good News when she can, and writes to illustrate the unending grace of God through the power and magic of story.

More from Robin

I was raised in a Christian home. Our parents took my sister, my brother, and me to church every Sunday. They taught us right from wrong, but eventually, kids have to make their own choices. In my case, I chose wrong for a long time.

Don’t misunderstand: I was always a pretty nice person. I wasn’t a thief, and I didn’t kill anybody, but I made a lot of bad decisions. Sinful decisions. I discovered that one bad choice often led to the next and the next until I was trapped in a life of my own making with no idea how to get out.

But God… two of my favorite words in the English language.

God had a different plan, and He pulled me out of the muck and changed my life. He showed me that I was not the person I’d been acting like. He showed me who I was, and He taught me to walk in the truth of my identity.

Harper Cloud isn’t me, not at all. First of all, she tall and blond and drop-dead gorgeous. More than that, her choices are nothing like mine were. But she’s in the same boat I was. Thanks to a series of bad decisions, Harper was in a hole, and she didn’t know how to get herself out of it. She used drugs to quiet the condemning voices and told herself lies to make herself feel better. Someday, she told herself, she’d get her life together enough to go home to her parents. Because she couldn’t go when she was a mess. She couldn’t go until she’d done something they could be proud of.

Thanks to a bad choice in boyfriend, Harper not only didn’t go home, she ended up in prison.

Harper’s story begins two years after she’s released. It’s the story of a woman desperate to be free of her past, clinging to hope when there’s every reason to despair, and desperate to believe what she’s been told about this Savior, Jesus Christ.

Harper will learn about love and redemption and salvation in the course of the three books that make up the Beauty in Flight series. That is, if she can survive the danger that seems to follow her wherever she goes.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 13

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 13

amandainpa , April 13

Through the Fire Blogs, April 14

Blogging With Carol, April 14

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 14

Genesis 5020, April 15

Spoken from the Heart, April 15

Lights in a Dark World, April 15

Through the Lens of Scripture, April 16

Among the Reads, April 16

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 16

Godly Book Reviews, April 17

Living Life Free In christ, April 17

Remembrancy, April 18

Just One More, April 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 18

Emily Yager, April 19

Reader’s Cozy Corner, April 19

Texas Book-aholic, April 19

Daysong Reflections, April 20

Carla Loves To Read, April 20

janicesbookreviews, April 20

Just the Write Escape, April 21

For Him and My Family, April 21

EmpowerMoms, April 22

Simple Harvest Reads, April 22 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Maureen’s Musings, April 23

Bigreadersite, April 23

A Reader’s Brain, April 23

Real World Bible Study, April 24

The Lit Addict, April 24

Older & Smarter?, April 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 25

Inklings and notions, April 25

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 26

Pause for Tales, April 26

The Becca Files, April 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and the entire Beauty in Flight Series!!

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/de7a/beauty-in-hiding-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Governess of Penwythe Hall Celebration Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Governess of Penwythe Hall

Author: Sarah Ladd

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: April 16, 2019

In the first of a new series from beloved Regency romance author, Sarah Ladd, Delia, a governess to five recently orphaned children, would risk anything to protect them . . . even her heart.

Cornwall was in her blood, and Delia feared she’d never escape its hold.

Cornwall, England, 1811

Blamed for her husband’s death, Cordelia Greythorne fled Cornwall and accepted a governess position to begin a new life. Years later her employer’s unexpected death and his last request to watch over his five children force her to reevaluate. She can’t abandon the children now that they’ve lost both parents, but their new guardian lives at the timeworn Penwythe Hall . . . back on the Cornish coast she tries desperately to forget.

Jac Trethewey is determined to revive Penwythe Hall’s once-flourishing apple orchards, and he’ll stop at nothing to see his struggling estate profitable again. He hasn’t heard from his brother in years, so when his nieces, nephews, and their governess arrive unannounced at Penwythe Hall, he battles both grief of this brother’s death and bewilderment over this sudden responsibility. Jac’s priorities shift as the children take up residence in the ancient halls, but their secretive governess—and the mystery shrouding her past—proves to be a disruption to his carefully laid plans.

Rich with family secrets, lingering danger, and the captivating allure of new love, this first book in the Cornwall Novels series introduces us to the Twethewey family and their search for peace, justice, and love on the Cornish coast.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

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Sarah E. Ladd received the 2011 Genesis Award in historical romance for The Heiress of Winterwood. She is a graduate of Ball State University and has more than ten years of marketing experience. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing family and spunky golden retriever. Visit her online at SarahLadd.com; Facebook: SarahLaddAuthor; Twitter: @SarahLaddAuthor.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

Oh, Sarah Ladd will pull you into her beautiful world of Regency England with its prim and proper glamour, betrayal, intrigue, and time-old loyalty and love of family. The author is a master of Regency storytelling and her enchanting writing style has no rival. The plot is well-crafted with plenty of surprises along the way. And the charterers! Their real, flawed yet brave hearts will capture yours from page 1. If you enjoy historical romance, this book is a must-read.

Cordelia is a widow with a tragic and secretive past who’s devoted her life to rearing the young Twethewey children as their governess. When the children’s father dies from a tragic accident, they, along with Cordelia and their tutor, are sent to Penwyeth Hall under the guardianship of their estranged uncle Jac. Unfortunately Delia’s past follows her into this new life and she must join forces with Jac to provide for and protect their young charges. Delia and Jax’s relationship is slow and fraught with misunderstandings, yet tender and sweet as well.

It seems that this is the first novel in the Cornwall series; I can’t wait to read the next book and see which character it will feature.

I was given a copy of the book from Thomas Nelson via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

More About The Governess of Penwythe Hall

5 things to know about Cornwall, England:

Throughout its early history, Cornwall’s inhabitants called the country Kernow.
Early inhabitants largely spoke their own language known as “Cornish,” which became nearly extinct in the 1800s
The country has a long and rugged coastline and there were frequent shipwrecks.
Fishing was a major industry, with herring, mackerel, and sardines being common catches.
In 1870, novelist and poet Thomas Hardy called Cornwall “the region of dream and mystery.”

Imagine yourself in The Governess of Penwythe Hall with these pictures of 19^th Century life in Cornwall

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/gallery/2016/may/19/everyday-life-in-cornwall-captured-in-the-19th-century-in-pictures

Sources:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/cornish_nation_01.shtml

https://www.maritimeheritage.org/ports/Cornwall.html

http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/cornish-fishing/history-of-the-cornish-fishing-industry.php

Blog Stops

Back Porch Reads, April 11

LifeofLiterature, April 11

Moments, April 11

Genesis 5020, April 11

Maureen’s Musings, April 12

The Power of Words, April 12

Mary Hake, April 12

To Everything A Season, April 12

KarenSueHadley, April 13

EmpowerMoms, April 13

For the Love of Literature, April 13

Inklings and notions, April 13

The Avid Reader, April 14

Blogging With Carol, April 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 14

Rachel’s Back Talk, April 15

Wishful Endings, April 15

Simple Harvest Reads, April 15 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Kat’s Corner Books, April 16

All-of-a-kind Mom, April 16

Daysong Reflections, April 16

The Becca Files, April 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 17

Blossoms and Blessings, April 17

Remembrancy, April 17

Worthy2Read, April 18

By The Book, April 18

Texas Book-aholic, April 18

Just the Write Escape, April 19

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 19

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 20

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 20

For HIm and My Family, April 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 21

Inspiration Clothesline, April 21

Pause for Tales, April 21

Through the Fire Blogs, April 22

Bigreadersite, April 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 22

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, April 22

Inspired by fiction, April 23

A Reader’s Brain, April 23

Hallie Reads, April 23

Henry Happens, April 24

Connect in Fiction, April 24

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, April 24

janicesbookreviews, April 24

Giveaway

The Governess of Penwythe Hall

To celebrate her tour, Sarah is giving away a grand prize of a finished paperback copy of The Governess of Penwythe Hall!!

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/de80/the-governess-of-penwythe-hall-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wrong Way Out Spotlight & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Wrong Way Out

Author: Lill Kohler

Genre: Speculative Christian Thriller

Release Date: March, 2019

What would you do if your world suddenly changed overnight?

Lucy Grossen lost it all, but Nathan Burrows came to her rescue, much to the displeasure of Walker Stewart. Nathan challenges Lucy and Walker in several ways to think beyond what they see. When they follow Nathan’s leadings their lives are changed forever. Then life takes yet another twist and Lucy and Walker are plunged into another adventure.

Malcolm Greenfield isn’t sure he can trust Marla McCluney, but out of his loyalty to a deceased friend he sticks around to help her. When Marla’s life seems to be threatened Malcolm seeks the help of Lucy and Walker.

Will they help? Will they offer hope to a couple they don’t know? And how far will they go to help?

When things look bleak there is always hope that someone will come along and help you get your feet back on the ground.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Lill Kohler wears many hats… mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, writer, blogger, and aspiring gardener. With each one she tries to follow the paths to which God leads her. Each journey has led to another. As a military brat and spouse she traveled the world, and currently lives in Texas. In the midst of those adventures God called her to the path of writing. Before publishing the Way Out series she was published in Guidepost’s book Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware and OakTara’s Falling In Love With You.

You can follow her posts on her blog sites: www.rocking-myworld.blogspot.com, www.AbueSpeaks.wordpress.com , lillkohler.wordpress.com.

More from Lill

When Things Go Wrong

After much struggling we finally got the Sterno container open. I left an assistant to place the canister in the holder below the chaffing dish, while I went to check on some of the food. My foot barely crossed the kitchen threshold when I heard a scream followed by a ker-thunk. My stomach flipped as I quickly returned.

Staring at an upside down sterno can was the assistant. Quickly I picked up the can and looked for damages. The pink gelatinous goo now sprinkled the table, her shirt, the floor, the kitchen half-wall and, of all things, the beautiful gauze backdrop. With all hands on deck, every worker scrambled with wet and dry towels to pick up every spot we found before any of the wedding party arrived. It created a bond for us that day.

Have you ever had a kitchen disaster you wanted to sweep into the trashcan before anybody entered the room? To my shock, my aging mother confessed to numerous kitchen disasters in her years of cooking for the family. Sometimes this included making a needed substitution to a recipe. Often the change brought success. Below is one such recipe where coke was substituted for sherry.

Whether it’s spilled flammable gel or lacking a recipe ingredient, life can mess with our plans. If we just go with it, we might find the end product can bring about good and not failure.

Beef Cloydienne

Beef stew meat – amount to your tasting

1 stalk celery

1 chopped onion

3-4 large carrots

2 large potatoes

sprig of Cilantro

1 tsp dried parsley flakes

dash of minced dry garlic

salt and pepper to taste

dash Worchestire sauce

package of dried beefy onion soup

1/2 c water

1/2 -1 cup Coca-cola

Cook at 250 degrees for 4-5 hours

Stir in 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup 1 hour before serving

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 6

Through the Fire Blogs, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Simple Harvest Reads, April 9 (Spotlight)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

janicesbookreviews, April 12

A Reader’s Brain, April 13

Inklings and notions, April 14

The Becca Files, April 15

Artistic Nobody, April 16 (Spotlight)

Bigreadersite, April 17

For Him and My Family, April 18

Just the Write Escape, April 19

Giveaway

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

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/de83/wrong-way-out-celebration-tour-giveaway

This Daring Journey Review & Giveaway

About the Book

This Daring Journey

Book: This Daring Journey

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: March 26, 2019

As a half-Indian raised among her Peigan tribe, Moriah Clark knows better than to trust white people. The tragedy that resulted in her birth is proof enough. But when her trusted grandfather marries her to a white man, she has no choice to but to obey and hope this new life isn’t her downfall. Her white husband turns out to be a decent sort, but his unexpected death left her to birth a newborn baby among hostile mountain men. She wants nothing more than to retreat to the safe haven of her tribal upbringing. When a mysterious frontiersman arrives on her doorstep seeking her deceased husband, his offer to escort her and the babe to her people seems like the opportunity she’s been praying to find. But can she trust him?

Samuel Grant has been sent to retrieve Henry Clark for his sister’s wedding, but the sight that greets him at the little cabin in the woods is not what he expected. Not only has the man died, but Henry’s wife is fighting off an aggressive gang of men at gunpoint—while trying to conceal a newborn. He can’t leave the pair unattended, so helping her travel into the mountain country to reach her family seems like the only option. If he can win her trust, that is.

Such a grueling journey with a three-week-old baby will be risky, but the challenges that arise test them far more than either expected. When a devastating surprise increases the danger ten-fold, Moriah focuses all her efforts on keeping her newborn daughter alive. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t realize how much of her heart belongs to the mountain man—until it’s too late.

Click here to purchase your copy.

Guest Review from Mindy Houng

Misty Beller yet again succeeds in captivating and enchanting with her beautiful redemptive love story set in the backdrop of wintery harshness of the Canadian mountains. Her previous five books in the Heart of the Mountains series all have similar setting but it never gets old; there is so much beauty and danger in the mountains during the winter and the struggle of the main characters to survive is real, tangible, and heart-wrenching at times. The story has a nicely paced plot, endearing characters, and spiritual growth and affirmation in both Moriah and Samuel. This is book 6 in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone (but I highly recommend reading all the books in the series since the Grant family is so lovable!).

Moriah is a recent widow, fighting to keep her newborn and herself alive. She’s resourceful, formidable, and determined yet has self-doubts due to her half-Indian heritage. Samuel is loyal, kind, steadfast, and tender yet he himself has self-doubts from all his perceived failures. Samuel arrives to fetch Moriah and her family for her husband’s sister’s wedding, not realizing the husband is dead. Thus begins their journey into the wilderness of Canada. If you enjoy well-written historical romance, you will totally love this book (and the entire series!).

I was given a copy of this book via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

About the Author

Misty Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters

More from Misty

How did I get started writing?

I’ve always loved to read, but several years ago I was putting together my bucket list, and realized that I really did want to write a novel. So, “Write a novel that’s published” made it near the top!

I decided, it’s now or never, and made the commitment to do it. So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian historical western romance. But where to start? I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me plan. I stumbled upon (a.k.a. God led me to) the best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell. For all you writers out there, I can’t recommend it highly enough!

From there, I’ve soaked in every bit of writing instruction I can from some amazing groups and individuals. And I’ve spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen. Writing is in my blood. It’s my passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the words for His purpose.

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, April 4

Simple Harvest Reads, April 4 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

The Power of Words, April 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, April 5

Real World Bible Study, April 6

Pause for Tales, April 6

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, April 7

Splashes of Joy, April 7

Blossoms and Blessings, April 8

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, April 8

Mary Hake, April 8

Godly Book Reviews, April 9

Connie’s History Classroom , April 9

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, April 10

Carla Loves To Read, April 10

A Reader’s Brain, April 10

Library Lady’s Kit Lit, April 11

Wishful Endings, April 11

janicesbookreviews, April 11

Through the Fire Blogs, April 12

Vicky Sluiter, April 12

The Becca Files, April 12

Carpe Diem, April 13

For Him and My Family, April 13

Bigreadersite, April 14

Daysong Reflections, April 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 14

Connect in Fiction, April 15

Texas Book-aholic, April 15

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, April 15

Inspired by fiction, April 16

For the Love of Books, April 16

Inspiration Clothesline, April 16

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, April 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 17

Inklings and notions, April 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away a 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/de81/this-daring-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Finally Accepted Guest Review from Mindy Houng

Finally Accepted is a 305 page novel by Toni Shiloh. It is in the African American Christian Fiction Category.

About the Book

There’s only one thing Chloe Smith has ever wanted: family. Yet the DNA results she’s received have thrown her life into a tailspin. Her utmost desire has ended up being the catalyst for shaking her faith. She doesn’t even know who she is anymore, and she’s certainly too messed up for her longtime crush to give her more than a second glance. Darryl Jones is struggling between his past and the grace God so freely offers. His sins feel too big for him to handle, let alone expect the woman of his dreams to accept. Chloe is the only woman he’s ever wanted and the one he doesn’t deserve. As they form a tentative relationship and examine their faith, Chloe and Darryl ache to know they are finally accepted and fully loved.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.

She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the president of the ACFW Virginia Chapter.

You can find her at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.

Thoughts from Mindy Houng

4.5 stars for this newest addition to the Freedom Lake series. It’s book 3 in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. This book is so much more than just the romance between Chloe and Darryl that’s been blossoming since high school. It’s about the deep hurt of rejection from family, true acceptance and forgiveness, redemption and God’s unending grace and mercy. Toni Shiloh addresses quite a few tough issues in this book with grace, tactful skill, and honest, raw emotions.

Chloe and Darryl are broken, hurting people because of abandonment by their parents; even though Chloe is a Christian and Darryl is not at the beginning of the book, their hurt, pain, and anger are the same. Despite their brokenness, they are bright, upbeat, and loving people trying to come to terms with their past suffering and the people who’ve caused it. Their journey to healing, though bumpy and difficult, is beautiful.

If you enjoy a well-written contemporary romance with a wonderful theme of redemption and forgiveness, you will enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book from author/publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.