The Ghost Writer Review and 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

The Ghost Writer is a fun book for teen and young adult readers. Although, being an ‘old’ adult, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is the second book in The Issachar Gatekeeper series written by L.G. Dixon, but I found it easily read as a stand-alone story.

Teenage friends, Lucy and Schuyler, have been chosen by Iam to fight battles against ordinarily unseen evil spirits and find themselves in some very edge-of-the-seat situations. As they wield their weapons against the annoying and destructive ghosts, Lucy also has numerous issues to deal with in the physical realm. They are realistic issues that will resonate with readers–the death of a pet, parents losing a job, destructive fire, and nasty teachers to boot.

The characters are likable and relatable. The author portrays Lucy as a compassionate daughter, a courageous warrior, and a caring, sometimes crazy friend. I especially liked Lucy’s neighbors, Bill and Vivian, and how they looked after Lucy and her family during their struggles and when things went haywire at the school.

The author expertly threads spiritual values throughout, giving readers a good balance with fantasy and mystery. At the end of the book, the author has a word of encouragement and a list of things for readers to think about. There are also several helpful short indexes of scripture references used in the story, a glossary, and a cast of characters.

As noted before, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more of this series. I was given a complimentary copy of the book through CelebrateLit and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.

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

Love Like No Other Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Love Like No Other

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Suspense

Release Date: June 27, 2023

Trying to overcome a past like hers might just help him overcome his.

Alicia Gray wants one thing: to prove her capabilities as a doctor. Maybe then she can escape the feeling that her mother’s abandonment was deserved. She’s never felt worthy and grew up in foster home after foster home, always being told that if she did better, if she was more amenable, she’d find her place. When she came to Suamalie, the last thing she expected to find was a man whose grumpy personality conflicted so piercingly with her sunshine demeanor.

Colin Tremblay was dishonorably discharged from his army medic position and sent home in disgrace after his twin brother stole from his clinic. Back on the islands, he’s bounced from job to job, never finding anything that satisfies him. To make matters worse, his twin niece and nephew convince him to spend his summer overseeing their camp activities while working alongside Little Miss Sunshine herself.

This grumpy versus sunshine romance is sure to send them both scrambling when Colin confronts Alicia’s need to please while she reminds Colin that not every bad day is a reason to run for the hills.

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:

Love Like No Other by Tabitha Bouldin is the fifth 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 meet Doctor Alicia Gray and Island Native Colin

What you might need to know:

Alicia grew up in foster care after being given up at birth.

Colin’s brother and sister-in-law died in a crash due in part to addiction, their children were left orphans. This deals with some of the emotional trauma surrounding this.

What I think about this book:

While this is not a fluffy easy “beach read” it is a good book that covers some pretty hard subjects. Alicia was a very easy character to relate to for me, in an effort to serve others she allowed herself to be bullied into over serving. Colin was a character with a tougher exterior, but he was quick to catch your attention. I enjoyed seeing the characters get to know each other and work at the church camp. I appreciate how the author allowed the characters to be vulnerable and real while also showing them heal. I wish that their story would have lasted longer and hope we will get glimpses of them in future books.

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 has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and started writing in 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her two boys, you’ll find her curled up with a book.

More from Tabitha

When it came time to write my Suamalie Island book, I knew it was time for me to head back to the place I love best. It was time to bring back the cowboys. Colin might not be a cowboy in his own mind, after all, he left the ranch and worked for years as an Army medic and wants nothing more than to help people as a way to make up for not being able to save his brother when he needed it most. Alicia, the island’s resident mobile doctor, feels the same way. You would think that these two would manage to get along since they both want the same thing. Not so. They disagreed on almost everything. From a personality perspective, they couldn’t be more different. Alicia is sunshine and rainbows to Colin’s storm clouds. The one thing they can agree on is helping others, and when things get tough, Colin is the one person who Alicia finds she can trust to follow through and not back down from the hard aspects like throws their way. And threaded through it all is Colin’s cowboy past and the heart that carried him across the battlefield and back to the islands he’s always called home.

Blog Stops

The Book Club Network, July 28

Life, love, writing, July 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 29

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 30

Simple Harvest Reads, July 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 31

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 1

Texas Book-aholic, August 2

She Lives To Read, August 3

By the Book, August 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5

Karen Baney Reviews, August 5

Babbling Becky L, August 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 7

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 8 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 8

Aryn the Libraryan, August 9

For Him and My Family, August 10

Batya’s Bits, August 10

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/26d5a/love-like-no-other-celebration-tour-giveaway

Estuary Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Estuary

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Release date: June 13, 2023

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace… or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Nico’s theory that their lost Betarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

What an incredible start to a new time-traveling series by Lisa T Bergren! I have not read the River of Time series so now I need to go back to her first time-traveling series to get the background scoop. My lack of previous knowledge about the Betarrinis and Forellis did not interfere with my understanding of the plot or my complete enthrallment with the book and the characters. The backdrop of 1372 Toscana, Italy was beautiful, dangerous, and engaging. The history of medieval Italy and the constant warfare among the city-states were fascinating to “live” through as first person voices of present day Luciana and 1372 Tiliani guided the story. The battle scenes were realistic and action-packed, the romance slow and tender, the faith thread present and grounding.

And the characters! Luciana is careful but fearless in her loyalty and Domenico, her twin, is bold and passionate. I loved the fierce warrior brother-sister duo Giulio and Ilaria and can’t wait for what will happen next with them. Valentino was a swoony hero – mighty warrior in battle and loyalty yet gentle and compassionate as a healer. Tiliani and Valentino are star-crossed lovers from warring clans while Luciana and Giulio (and Domenico and Ilaria possibly, though we haven’t seen a whole lot from these two) are star-crossed lovers from different time periods. The ending is a cliff-hanger and I’m bouncing on my toes for the next book to release!

If her Gifted series is any indication of what’s to come, I’m totally excited about the adventure that will come my way in medieval Italy through this series. I received the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over sixty books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-flying-from-the-nest young adult children.

More from Lisa

NEVER GO TO ITALY! BUT IF YOU DO…

Never go to Italy, I tell everyone, because it gets under your skin and then you have to go back! I’ve been six times over the years. Once with Tim and our BFFs, once with my extended family, twice with a daughter in tow (doing research in Rome and Venice), once to Tuscany alone for a romantic ten days with Tim, and this last summer, with extended family again. It was our 30^th anniversary and so we went as far north as the Dolomites (jaw-dropping, Italian Alps). And in the future I want to explore the whole coast of Italy—on both sides!

As a writer it’s glorious, because you get to see remnants of history all around you! I get super excited when I get to walk through the remains of a castle or Roman ruins or even among vineyards, soaking up the smells and sights and cataloging details I can put in my novel so readers feel like they are there too. My family is patient with my sign-reading and desire to take extra long walks, trying to outline what it would be like in medieval times. The food, the views, the people make them pretty happy travel companions.

I am frequently asked what I would recommend for a travel itinerary for people going for the first time. Here’s what I tell them:

THE INTRO TO ITALY ITINERARY

If possible, I highly recommend you go late-Spring or in the Fall. Summer is SO much more crowded and winter can be cold/rainy/snowy!

Day 1: Using an “open-jawed” ticket (arriving from one airport, departing from another), fly to Italia!

Day 2: Arrive in Rome in the afternoon/eve. (You lose some hours/time zones in transit!) Stay up until at least 9 or 10, walking the streets, eating gelato, soaking up being in ROME! The goal is to get your body in the right time zone/avoid jet lag.

Day 3: Morning Colosseum tour with a guide group that will take you to the basement, where the gladiators prepared and animals were caged, then on to the Forum. Spend the afternoon walking to quintessential sites such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona. Sit and sip something, watching the tourists and locals. Find a fun restaurant for dinner—you’ll want reservations at the most popular places, so research before you go.

Day 4: Morning Vatican tour/Sistine Chapel. Afternoon exploring other sites important to you.

Day 5: Taxi back to airport to rent a car; drive to Tuscany; check into a villa or agriturismo for five days. My preference is somewhere around Montepulciano or Siena. Many provide nightly dinners or you may want to cook!

Day 6-9: Explore a different hill town each day. My favorites are Montepulciano, Siena, Pienza. But there are so many. Just follow your nose one day!

Day 10: Return car to Rome early morning; take train to Florence for the day/night. Have advance reservations to “The David.” Consider reservations for the Uffizi if you’re a fan of classic art. Just explore the city if you’d rather not. Climb the Duomo for a fantastic view of the city.

Day 11: Train to Venice; check into a hotel on the Grand Canal or one of the smaller ones. Start getting your bearings by riding the water bus. It’s noisy but you can see the whole canal for little $. Find a great place for dinner. Again, do some research before you go and make reservations!

Day 12-13: Saint Mark’s (pay to climb to next level!); pay to go up the Campanile (tower) at sunset; walk/wander far enough to get out of the tourist zone—the old naval yard is cool. Take the water bus out to Torcello, the birthplace of Venice. Stop at Murano and Burano. Pay for a private water taxi tour at sunset or take the classic gondola ride.

Day 14: Take a water taxi to the airport. It’s a short walk from the docks and a very cool way to end your trip. Arrivederci! (Which means, “Until we meet again.” Because now, you’ve BEEN there. And you’ll HAVE to return! It’s THAT great!)

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30

Texas Book-aholic, July 1

Christina’s Corner, July 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 3

Through the Fire Blogs, July 4 (Spotlight)

Robin’s Nest, July 4

Aryn the Libraryan, July 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6

Wishful Endings, July 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 8

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 9

Blogging With Carol, July 10

For Him and My Family, July 11

Simple Harvest Reads, July 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, July 13 (Spotlight)

Kristina Hall, July 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, autographed copy of the book and an Etsy-artist “Oceans” bookmark!!

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/26792/estuary-celebration-tour-giveaway

Man of Shadow and Mist Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Man of Shadow and Mist

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: June, 2023

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”

–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

Set in Victorian England of 1890, Man of Shadow and Mist beautifully ties the gothic with romance and faith. What a fascinating historical romance! The swirling mystery and intrigue regarding a vampire kept the underlying tension taut as we discovered the character of Sir James, one page at a time. The rare but devasting medical condition called porphyria was interesting to read about. I loved the cameo appearance of Bram Stoker and the beginning of how his manuscript of Dracula may have come about, as well as some secondary characters in this book named after those in his book.

Sir James was a perfect Victorian hero – brooding, abrupt, and mysterious, yet loyal, noble, honorable, kind, and thoughtful. Rosa was a great heroine – a lover of books, spunky, and progressive in her thoughts. Their faith and surrender to God’s will were profound. Albin Mallow was an interesting character that gave us a light-hearted break from the heaviness and sorrow in James’ life (but he also made a choice that showed his growth and maturity in the end).

If you enjoy historical romance with a touch of gothic, you will absolutely love this book. I received the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

More from Michelle

A Visit to Whitby

Every time I skip across the pond, I make it a point to visit Whitby. What’s the draw? This northern Yorkshire town is steeped in history and is every bit as magical today as it was back in Bram Stoker’s day…when he went to visit and was inspired to set much of his Dracula tale there. In fact, that is exactly where he got the inspiration for the name Dracula when he visited the library and did a bit of research.

Sound interesting? Then come along with me on a virtual visit with pictures from my last trip.

When walking the windy, narrow roads of Whitby, you can’t help but let your imagination wander because it’s as if you’re there in the nineteenth century. Can’t you just see a long-gowned heroine glancing over her shoulder at you as she flees down this lane?

And overlooking these lanes is the infamous abbey ruins, an eerie sentinel that sits atop the cliffs. It is rumoured a ghostly woman appears in the window, but I didn’t see her.

Still in operation today is this old coaching inn, which of course I had to use in one of my scenes.

There are still fishermen who ply these waters for trade, but this harbor isn’t nearly as active as it was centuries ago.

Twice I’ve made the coastal hike from Whitby to Robinhood’s Bay. This is where I imagined librarian Rosa Edwards riding her bicycle delivering books.

And yes, indeed, the sea mists are a very real thing, sometimes so thick it’s disorienting.

So, see what I mean? Whitby is a magical place, well worth the effort to get to if you ever venture over to England. And if that doesn’t quite fit into your budget or schedule, never fear.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L, June 29

Book Looks by Lisa, June 29

Betti Mace, June 30

Vicky Sluiter, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 1

Back Porch Reads, July 1

Daysong Reflections, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 3

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 3

To Everything There Is A Season , July 4

Cover Lover Book Review, July 4

Kristina Hall, July 4

Connie’s History Classroom, July 5

Scott’s book reviews, July 5

Lights in a Dark World, July 5

Sylvan Musings, July 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 7

Pause for Tales, July 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews , July 8

annette_reads_daily, July 8

Through the Fire Blogs, July 8

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

Blogging With Carol, July 9

Where Faith and Books Meet, July 10

Wishful Endings, July 10

For Him and My Family, July 11

Blossoms and Blessings, July 11

Holly’s Book Corner, July 12

Splashes of Joy , July 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-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/26791/man-of-shadow-and-mist-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Heart for News Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Heart for News

Author: Susan K. Beatty

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 30, 2023

Will a heart for news get a scoop on love?

Though Margo Durand invests her whole heart into working for her family’s newspaper, her father refuses to modernize, and she harbors a secret fear of approaching interviewees and all things dangerous—except riding her Vespa everywhere. But when Margo follows evidence that two government officials are corrupt, Margo discovers danger, intrigue, and a legal sort of blackmail.

Professional race car driver, Steve Grayson, arrives to finish recuperating and overcome his fear of getting back on the track while pursuing his desire to open a race car driving school on Le Cadeau Île. If he can find the money and convince the owner to sell.

When Margo’s best friend sets Margo up with Steve as a tour guide, conveniently forgetting to tell him Margo is a reporter, they tour the islands until Steve is willingly dragged into the investigation. The investigation only opens new questions, creates new trials, and has the potential to destroy their budding romance.

Does pursuing a relationship just before he leaves to take part in one last racing season even make sense?

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:

A Heart for News by Susan K. Beatty is the fourth 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 meet Island Native Margo Durand and visitor Steve Grayson.

What I think about this book:

This was such a fun book, I really enjoyed getting to know Margo, a reporter on the Island of Laumua. It was interesting to read about how her father ran the newspaper, in contrast to how Margo wanted to develop the newspaper. It was also fun to watch Margo develop a relationship with Steve. I appreciate how they worked through their differences. This book wasn’t all fluff, it had mystery and danger woven throughout!

This was a great romantic suspense, I can’t wait to see what happens next on the Islands!

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

Susan K. Beatty is in her third career—from journalist to homeschool tech writer to her life-long dream of becoming a novelist. She is proof you can start a new writing career late in life. Susan released her first published fiction in September 2019, and now an awarding winner author, this is her third novel, with several novelettes and short stories to her credit. She is passionate about finding courage through faith and grit. Susan lives with her husband of forty-nine years in Southern California. Add children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the mix and she has little time for her favorite hobbies of reading, watching classic movies, British crime dramas, and traveling.

More from Susan

Long ago, when I was a journalism student and then a newspaper reporter, the idea of running a small-town newspaper “out west” fascinated me and was part of my daydreams. Of course, there hadn’t been an “out west” for decades before I had such ideas.

When Celebrate Lit asked me to be part of the Suamalie Islands series and I needed to choose a business for my main character, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to run a small-town newspaper, at least in fiction.

Margo, the main character, works for her father, the owner and publisher. But he’s stuck in the 20^th century, and our modern heroin dreams of bringing the paper into the 21^st century, much to her father’s despair. It was fun to explore the push and pull between generations, between old-school methods and new technology.

Although Margo is the heroine who finds the courage to expose the corrupt politicians, she has one major flaw, a fear, that hinders a news reporter’s job. I don’t want to reveal any spoilers, so you’ll have to read A Heart for News to find out what her problem was.

Then there’s the male main character, Steve Grayson, a famous race car driver, who comes to the Suamalies to recover from a racing accident and to face his own fears. And to pursue his own dream of building a driving school and racetrack.

After a rocky beginning, Margo and Steve collaborate to meet those fears head on and to see if, together, they can realize their impossible dreams, and just maybe find love.

I hope readers are encouraged overcome their fears and to pursue their own so-called impossible dreams.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 20

Aryn the Libraryan, June 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 22 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22

She Lives to Read, June 23

An Author’s Take, June 24

Texas Book-aholic, June 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 26

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 27

lakesidelivingsite, June 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 29

Simple Harvest Reads, June 30 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 1

Sylvan Musings, July 2 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/26778/a-heart-for-news-celebration-tour-giveaway

Snow Globe Travelers: Salvaged Time Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Snow Globe Travelers: Salvaged Time

Author: K. A. Cummins

Genre: Middle-grade Science Fiction/ Science Fantasy

Release date: June 29, 2023

Malvine and the Bog Hunters are gone, but a far more insidious force lurks in the shadows.

A month after Malvine’s defeat, Sarah is still living on the planet Elohi, unable to find her father or return home to Earth since the GSGT needs more rubidium for the journey. Then a nearby peaceful planet, Alym, is destroyed by the Shark Riders. A cryptic note from Sarah’s father hints that the dissident group NGTA could be behind the attack. And Elohi is next.

The only answer is joining the GSGT training program so she can search for proof and convince the GSGT to intervene. But Sarah’s emerging mutations cause disruptions in her classes, and her search only leads to more questions as she starts to suspect someone wants her to fail.

If Sarah doesn’t uncover the truth and the traitor in time, Elohi will fall to the Shark Riders—and she will never be able to return home.

Enjoy the second book in the Snow Globe Travelers series, a middle-grade science fiction series with fast pacing, unique tech, shocking twists, and a mystery that keeps you guessing. Aimed at ages 9+.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

K.A. Cummins is an author and an artist. She explores storytelling in a variety of mediums, blending the wonders of science with the possibilities of what if. When not crafting stories, Cummins loves spending time with her family, collecting fun socks, and venturing outside her comfort zone to try new things—at least once!

Connect with her through her website at https://authorkacummins.com, where you can sign up for emails about upcoming releases.

More from K.A. Cummins

Have you ever wondered if the past surrounds us—not physical evidence, but the actual past—as an echo or an unseen layer of our world?

In Snow Globe Travelers, twelve-year-old Sarah Ann Reisende stumbles upon a mysterious snow globe shop where the globes connect to other worlds. These worlds aren’t just other planets in the universe. They are also the same planets in parallel dimensions.

The idea comes from Hugh Everett’s Daughter Universes Theory. Hugh Everett proposed that every situation with multiple outcomes creates a copy of the universe where the other outcomes play out. I like to imagine this looks like a tree, where each outcome splits into different directions, branching out spacetime infinitely.

Trees are also another interesting marvel in the world. Tree rings can tell us a tree’s age and a little about the growing conditions for each year of life. As if the past imprinted on them.

Merging the idea of spacetime being like a tree and the past being imprinted on trees, is what led me to wonder—do remnants of the past surround us like tree rings? If we could view these remnants of time, what would they show us?

I explored these questions while writing the second Snow Globe Travelers book, Salvaged Time. Ultimately, using the idea to connect characters to people in the past, and to develop new fictional tech devices.

But now I wonder, what do you imagine we would see?

Interview with K.A. Cummins

What does success as an author look like to you?

Writing a book readers want to read more than once, one that resonates with them. Or at least one that brings them joy or inspires them, even if it’s only during the time they spend reading it.

What inspired this book?

Years ago, another writer’s flash fiction challenge included selecting a title from a list and writing a story for it. That’s what inspired the idea for Snow Globe Travelers, and it was the original story title: Life in Snowglobia.

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

Picking one is hard, but there’s a verse in Ephesians that I comes to mind more often than others:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)

The verse reminds me that now matter what challenge I’m facing, it isn’t the worldly challenge I’m battling. It’s the spiritual forces at work in the situation, and God is with me.

What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading advance copies of two picture books: Books aren’t for Bears by Mark Berry and Snug as a Bug by Karl Newson. After that, I plan to read Drive-Thru Miracle by Dana Edwards.

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

It’s a beautiful spring day. Afternoon sunlight spills into the room through the windows and glass door, where our cat has stretched out to nap. Outside, the sun bathes the oak trees. It casts a glow on their new leaves as the leaves dance and sway to the wind chime’s soft melody.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 26

Simple Harvest Reads, June 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 28

Artistic Nobody, June 29 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30

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

Guild Master, July 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 4

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

Blogging with Carol, July 6

A Reader’s Brain, July 7 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, July 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 8

Blossoms and Blessings, July 9 (Author Interview)

debs book review, July 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.A. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/2678c/snow-globe-travelers-salvaged-time-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Not So Peaceful Journey Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Not So Peaceful Journey

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 13, 2023

Dreams of adventure send him across the country. She prefers to keep her feet firmly planted in Ohio.

Rennie Hill has no illusions about the hardships in life, which is why it’s so important her beau, John Welch, keeps his secure job with the newspaper. Though he hopes to write fiction, the unsteady pay would mean an end to their plans, wouldn’t it?

John Welch dreams of adventure worthy of storybooks, like Mark Twain, and when two of his short stories are published, he sees it as a sign of future success. But while he’s dreaming big with his head in the clouds, his girl has her feet firmly planted, and he can’t help wondering if she really believes in him.

When Rennie must escort a little girl to her parents’ home in San Francisco, John is forced to alter his plans to travel across the country with them. But the journey proves far more adventurous than either of them expect.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
A Not So Peaceful Journey by Sandra Merville Hart is the third book in her Second Chances Series. The story starts in Hamilton, Ohio in July of 1884. This book features Rennie Hill and John Welsh who were characters in the previous books, however it can be read as a standalone if needed.

What I think about this book:
This book had such realistic and relatable characters. If we are honest we have all had a point in life where we feel like we are just waiting for “life” to get started and that is the point where we meet Rennie in this story. She has waited not so patiently for John’s sister to finish college so that he will finally feel like he can come back home. However she is heartbroken that instead of coming home to her, John wants to travel and see the country. At the beginning of the story John and Rennie have grown apart to such an extent that it seems impossible that they would end up together. John suffered great loss and chose to embrace life and chase his dreams. Rennie has experienced poverty and wants to know that her life is stable and provided for. How many of us are torn between their dreams and having a stable life and what it can take to bring those dreams together. This was a wonderful book, the author gives us an amazing tour of 1884 railroad travel while allowing John and Rennie to find out if there is a future for them.

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

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

More from Sandra

It was fun to invite readers on this book’s journey!

To those who lived in the 1880s, venturing into this newly-settled and largely-unsettled West had become much safer—though not without danger—with the system of railroads already in place. I enjoyed taking readers to Chicago, Omaha, Oakland, Ogden, and Sacramento, as well as frontier towns along the journey such as Cheyenne.

Our heroine is a telegraph operator. She temporarily leaves her job to escort a little girl to her ailing mother in San Francisco.

My research about telegraph jobs taught me quite a bit of terminology.

For example, a clatter arises when another operator “calls.” The call begins with something like “B m—X n”, which means the B m is the station receiving the call and X n is the caller.

B m must signal a reply that she’s ready to receive the call.

The Sounder receives sounds of the alphabet in dots and dashes. Some operators sent messages too rapidly to understand. When this occurs, the receiving operating asks for it again with a Break (she opens her “key” to break the circuit) and interrupts with “Please repeat.”

“G.A. the—” means “Go ahead” and “the” was the last word she understood.

Operators end every message with his/her own private “call” as well as the office’s call and “O.K.” at the end of each message.

Wired Love, which was written by telegraph operator Ella Cheever Thayer in 1879, provided many insights about the job’s daily tasks.

One of them was the lack of privacy on the lines. She can hear the messages sent to other wires but only offices on the same wire. In Wired Love, operators heard messages sent to and from twenty offices.

By the way, the public grew so fascinated with the role of women in telegraphy that it became the topic of romance novels and short stories, creating a new genre called “telegraphic romance” in the latter 1800s. That’s a little-known fun fact for you!

I enjoyed writing this series. I invite you to read the whole “Second Chances” series beginning with A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1, A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2, and A Not So Peaceful Journey, Book 3.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, June 14

Alena Mentink, June 14

Betti Mace, June 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 16

Texas Book-aholic, June 17

Karen Baney Reviews, June 17

Connie’s History Classroom, June 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 19

For Him and My Family, June 20

Lily’s Book Reviews, June 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 21

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 22

Mary Hake, June 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23

Blogging With Carol, June 24

Blossoms and Blessings, June 24

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

Cover Lover Book Review, June 26

Pause for Tales, June 27

Holly’s Book Corner, June 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra 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/2658b/a-not-so-peaceful-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Vanishing Act Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Vanishing Act

Author: Edwina Kiernan

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release date: May 2, 2023

Hollywood legend Kent Selwood isn’t happy sharing the limelight with rising star Stella Sanders. Tired of Stella’s drama, Kent makes it clear—he wants Stella gone.

Seamstress Bonnie Roseland is practically invisible to everyone at the studio, except for slick actor, Jerry Jackson. He’s the one man she wishes would leave her alone. Her deep-rooted faith helps her see beyond the glitz and glamor to the broken realities and dysfunctional atmosphere at the studio. She sometimes wonder if God has a purpose for her there or if she should just move on.

When the studio receives blackmail letters, Kent’s attitude makes him the prime suspect, and he’s swiftly banished from the lot, despite insisting that he’s been framed. Only Bonnie believes him, and she’s confident she knows who the real culprit is.

But when a ransom note arrives after Stella goes missing and evidence is discovered that clearly implicates Kent, will Bonnie help him uncover the truth in time to save his career… and Stella’s life?

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

A Vanishing Act is a Christian Historical Fiction by Edwina Kiernan 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 is set in Hollywood and revolves around a film studio featuring Kent Selwood, the studio’s leading man and Bonnie Roseland, seamstress.

What I think about this book:

This is a sweet Christian mystery surrounding threats made against the studio’s leading lady. Bonnie is such a steady, sweet character, I enjoyed reading the book from her perspective. With the author’s details I could almost imagine being behind the scenes on a movie set. I appreciate how she stayed true to her faith and did not compromise on her convictions. Kent is very Beast-like and his attitude makes him easy to dislike at the beginning of the story, however he is not the only person in the story whose behavior is suspicious. Jerry was also a character who was very slimy. There was no shortage of suspects in this book. This makes for a light hearted mystery good for almost all ages!

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

Edwina Kiernan is the Christian author of the Amazon bestseller, Ruby’s Redemption. Her Inspirational Regency romance series, Gems of Grace, explores how God’s grace can heal hurts, establish faith and renew hope.

An enthusiast of classic novels and history, Edwina combines her faith, imagination and research in hope-infused tales set in times past. A lifelong word admirer, with Welsh and Irish heritage, she started writing stories early in childhood, and is never too far from a pen and paper.

When she’s not writing, Edwina loves spending time with her dashing husband and lively little son, reading and studying the Bible, getting lost in a captivating novel and drinking more types of tea than most people realize even exist.

Visit her website at EdwinaKiernan.com for more information, and to join her mailing list for free gifts, updates and lots of classic and historical fiction goodness.

More from Edwina

Glitz and glamor, sunshine and smiles — is that what you first think of when you hear the word, ‘Hollywood’? It seems like a whole other world, full of sparkle and shimmer.

But what’s beneath the surface?

In A Vanishing Act, Bonnie Roseland is about to find out…

Every book I write has a key verse from the Bible. A verse that anchors the message or theme of the story. A Vanishing Act’s verse is 1 Samuel 16:7: “…man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”.

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of judging people on their appearances. And there’s a lot of that going on in the book. But there’s also a lot of revelation, of realization, and of redemption.

It’s my prayer that as you read A Vanishing Act, you’ll enjoy the twists and turns of the tale, but that you’ll also embrace the truth of Bonnie’s words to Kent: “I know Hollywood seems like a place where God isn’t welcome, but He’s here, too. And He loves you.”

So grab your copy and join Kent, Bonnie and a cast of varied characters as they work hard, take risks and solve a dangerous mystery.

And remember… Things aren’t always what they seem.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 12

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 14

Connie’s History Classroom, June 15

Texas Book-aholic, June 16

For Him and My Family, June 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 18

annette_reads_daily, June 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 21

Blogging With Carol, June 22

Simple Harvest Reads, June 23 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Holly’s Book Corner, June 24

Denise L. Barela, June 25 (Author Interview)

Scott’s book reviews, June 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Edwina 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/26589/a-vanishing-act-celebration-tour-giveaway

Unassailable Interview and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Unassailable

Author: K.J. Rowe

Genre: Teen/Young Adult

To be picture perfect on the outside can cause people to think you have it all together on the inside. Which is exactly the case for Hope Meyer.

Stuck in a dead-end job with no vision for her future, parents arguing at home and newly-single under terms she bitterly objects to, Hope puts on a brave front in the face of friends. Only, she’s not as subtle as she thinks. Called out on her pretense by a close friend and, drawn into a mission project that causes her to question everything she’s been led to believe, Hope finds herself floundering.

Until recently, the perfect hair, manicured nails, a wardrobe straight out of a fashion magazine and a handsome suitor by her side had defined her. Now seeing those things as insignificant, and understanding why her boyfriend left, Hope turns to her youth minister for help; with one burning question in mind:

Who was she?

Set on a path of self-discovery, Hope finds her day to day both unraveling and piecing together like a jigsaw as her perception begins to alter.

Will she embrace how God defines her and ultimately learn what true happiness is?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister…

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

More from K.J. Rowe

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve been writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my family members…

However as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened, moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a famers wife, that He resurfaced the writing desire and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

Interview with K.J. Rowe

Which part of the book was the most difficult to write?

I found most of the book difficult to write actually. The themes within needed to be handled with care but, the standard God calls His children to, needed to be brought across. Unassailable certainly went through many, many alterations to end up as the finished story that is now available for all to read.

What inspired this book?

Personal experience – as in all of the books in my Casts of Silver series. Each book holds a part of my own testimony. It is my prayer that I can help others through the written word, so that they can learn from mistakes I’ve made, or can learn from lessons that I’ve learnt.

Which author influenced the you most?

Francine Rivers. I picked up her Mark of the Lion series from my High School library when I was 12 years old. It impacted me in so many ways that I have read that book series innumerable times. It was then I realised how deeply a book can influence its reader.

What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

This is a hard question. There are so many! However, I believe the one that sits just a whisker above all others is Philippians 4:6-7. That verse, even though I knew it well, hit me like a tonne of bricks when I was going through a very dark time. And truly, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

What is your vacation spot?

When I was growing up, my parents took the family to a place called Eagle Point, Victoria, to holiday every year. I have so many incredible memories around Eagle Point, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, that those places will always hold a special place in my heart. However, these days, with a family of my own, we head over to a beautiful place called Robe, South Australia. It’s where my husband has holidayed since he was a kid, and it’s like a second home. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, June 17 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, June 18 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, June 19 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 19

Texas Book-aholic, June 20

Blossoms and Blessings, June 21 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 23

Artistic Nobody, June 24 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, June 25 (Author Interview)

Lily’s Book Reviews, June 25

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 27

Beauty in the Binding, June 28 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29

Guild Master, June 30 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.J. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon voucher and a signed copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2659b/unassailable-celebration-tour-giveaway

Amish Wilderness Survival Review and Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Amish Wilderness Survival

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: (Amish) Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2023

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches. . .

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
Amish Wilderness Survival in an Amish Romantic Suspense by Mary Alford. It is set in the same Amish community as some of her previous books.. If you don’t want spoilers you will need to read Shielding the Amish Witness and Covert Amish Christmas prior to reading this book. This book features Fletcher Shelter and Leora Mast.

What you might need to know:
Leora just finished chemo for breast cancer for the second time. This book does not focus on the treatment, but does share some of Leora’s struggles and fears about cancer.

What I think about this book:
This is a super fast paced suspense book, with nonstop action from the first page to the last. I could easily see this as a book that a reader couldn’t bring themselves to put down until it was over. Leora tugged at my heart. Fletcher was such an interesting character, I love how he was determined to protect Leora and find his friend. Molly the German Shepherd was such a great addition to the story. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to see what happens in this community next!

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

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a preteen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

More from Mary

Before the Story Begins

Every good Christian romantic suspense has a beginning where the hero and heroine are introduced to each other and to the danger they’ll be facing, followed by an ending where everything (usually) is tied up nicely.

In Christian (and Amish) romantic suspense, there must equal amounts of danger, romance, and faith.

As a reader, one of my favorite parts of the book is when the hero and heroine have backstories that draw me in and have me pulling for them to overcome their pasts as well as the villain chasing them.

In AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, the heroine, Leora Mast has a heartbreaking backstory. As a teenager, Leora’s and her twin brother Tanner’s parents were killed in a fire that was later ruled arson. They relocated to Colorado to be closer to their aunt and uncle and grandparents. Soon after, Leora’s brother left the Amish faith and joined the marines.

As an adult, Leora has gone through 2 separate rounds of breast cancer. She’s just finished the final round of chemo when her brother goes missing and Leora travels to West Kootenai, Montana to find Tanner’s marine lieutenant hoping to get answers about her brother’s disappearance.

Instead of finding her brother or Ethan Connors, she runs into Fletcher Shetler and the danger unfolds quickly from there.

Fletcher Shetler’s family has seen their share of heartaches as well. They have lived in West Kootenai for several generations. Fletcher’s grandfather started the furniture making business and the family mill their own timber for the pieces they create. Fletcher has a big heart and has been taking care of his mother since his father passed away.

Fletcher can’t imagine living anywhere else but his West Kootenai community and being part of a close family. But that loyalty cost him the love of his future bride when she chose to leave the community and break his heart.

Both Leora and Fletcher must put aside their pasts to try and find out what happened to her brother and Ethan before it’s too late.

From facing down armed kidnappers, to almost being swallowed alive by a sinkhole, to being forced to hideout in a cave in order to avoid being captured, Leora and Fletcher face one trial after the other, and yet they persevere thanks to each other, Ethan’s K-9 German Shepherd dog, Molly, and their faith in God that is unshakable.