A River Too Deep is a 274 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre and was released on October 23, 2013. To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

In the spring of 1817, Alcy Callen and her father visit a step-uncle they have long presumed dead; but instead of enjoying a loving reunion, they are plunged into treachery and deceit. Nothing is as they expected and little is what it seems. Even the man who helps her escape is not the reliable suitor he appears.

Alcy is caught between gratitude and fear, unable to avoid her rescuer’s attentions or understand the responses they stir. Neither can she tell what sort of man he is or what he intends to do with her in the strange place they are going. Will he keep her for himself or will he sell her to the highest bidder?
Of one person only is she certain, but will he come for her before it is too late?

My Two Cents

I can’t say enough about this book! I loved, loved, loved it!!! The writing is superb with a great plot line and well developed characters. It is obvious the author has down her homework! The history is very accurately portrayed.

The faith aspect of the book is well intertwined. I loved the verses she used and there are aspects we can take away from the book to apply to our lives. I found encouragement in this story.

I give A River too Deep 5 out of 5 stars. This is definitely not a book to miss! 

About the Author

Sydney Tooman Betts and her protagonist-husband currently reside in the Shenandoah Valley near the extensive cavern system that inspired the setting for several early chapters of this book. While single, Ms. Betts (B.S. Bible/Missiology, M.Ed) was involved in a variety of cross-cultural adventures in North and Central America. After marrying, she and her husband lived in Europe and the Middle East where he served in various mission-support capacities. Her teaching experiences span preschool to guest lecturing at the graduate level and serving as the Sunday School Superintendent, Children’s Church Director, or Women’s Ministries facilitator in several evangelical denominations.

Before penning her first novel, A River too Deep, she ghost-wrote several stories for an adult literacy program.

Blog Tour Stops

Feb 1: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

Feb 2: Cassandra M’s Place

Feb 3: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

Feb 4: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

Feb 5: Lavish Bookshelf

Feb 6: Daysong Reflections

Feb 7: Mary Hake

Feb 8: Christian Bookaholic

Feb 8: Reading Is My SuperPower

Feb 9: Texas Book-aholic

Feb 10: A Greater Yes

Feb 11: Simple Harvest Reads

Feb 11: Through the open window

Feb 12: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Feb 13: BukWurmzzz

Feb 14: For The Love of Books

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Grace’s Forgiveness by Molly Jebber is a 320 page novel in the Christian Amish genre.  It  is published by Kinsignton Publishing Corp and was released on Jan 26, 2016. To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

A handsome newcomer with secrets shows a yearning Amish woman a chance at happiness—but their love will need all their courage to keep . . .

Grace Blauch is skilled at midwifery—and crafting quilts that help others pass on messages of enduring family love. But a disfiguring birthmark keeps the young Amish woman from a husband and home of her own—until Mark King arrives from another community. His helpfulness and independent nature earn Grace’s respect. And he finds her outspoken ways and determination to do right irresistibly appealing. Soon Grace is planning a wedding quilt of her very own . . . until her father discovers that Mark’s shunned brother is hiding somewhere in town . . .

Grace can well understand why Mark took such a risk once she hears his wrenching reasons. But she fears even prayer will not convince her father to restore his blessing on their union. She wills herself to face the end of her dreams, but sudden danger and an impossible act of generosity will show her that abiding hope can inspire the most precious of miracles  . . .

My Two Cents

I have loved everything Jebber’s written and was looking forward to Grace’s Forgiveness.  Jebber did not disappoint! I was drawn in from the beginning. The plot was well written, the story moved at a nice pace, and the characters were well developed.  I felt as if I was right there watching the story enfold.

From the beginning, I felt a connection with Grace.  There are characters who are difficult and provide great tension for the story – you really want to reach through the page and strangle them.  Grace’s sweet spirit and loving demeanor can be drawn on to apply in our own lives.

This story was well researched and very well written. I give this story 5 out of 5 stars.  I loved it and would highly recommend it. It is a book I will be reading again and again!

Thank you to Celebrate Lit and Molly Jebber for a a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I have received not compensation for this review and all opinions are my own.

About the Author

Molly Jebber is an educational, motivational, and Women’s Christian Connection speaker. She was raised in a small town in the Midwest, and insists if you had blinked twice, you would’ve missed it. She loves God, her family and friends, sunshine, swimming and traveling to the Amish communities.  Creating historical Amish characters and throwing them into difficult situations and joyous times has been challenging and fun for her. The greatest reward she’s experienced in becoming an author is meeting wonderful people from all over the world who’ve been encouraging and supportive.

Blog Tour Stops

Jan 26: Cheryl’s Book Blog

Jan 27: Texas Book-aholic

Jan 28: Rockin My Mom Jeans

Jan 29: Book Bites, Bee Stings & Buttergly Kisses

Jan 29: Bukwurmzzz

Jan 30: Quiet Quilter

Jan 31: The Power of Words

Feb 1: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life

Feb 1: Cassandra M’s Place

Feb 2: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberation

Feb 3: Just Commonly

Feb 4: Big Reader’s Site

Feb 4: Artistic Nobody

Feb 5: Seasons of Opportunity

Feb 6: Through the Open Window

Feb 7: A Greater Yes

Feb 7: Simple Harvest Reads

Feb 7: Reader’s Cozy Corner

Feb 8: Jeannette’s Thoughts

Feb 8: Splashes of Joy

Feb 9: Red Headed Book Lady

Giveaway

To celebrate the release of her new novel, Molly is giving away a Kindle Fire! Be sure to enter below.

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Just Kin by Caryl McAdoo is a 322 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre.  It is self-published and was released on January 2, 2016.  To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

Love covers a multitude of sin.

A stolen kiss ignites a fire that burns all the way from Texas to New York City. Torn apart by war, rejection, and a letter with news she never wanted, Lacey Rose takes her shredded heart and runs. Charley figures out something isn’t right, but is duty-bound to the Confederacy until a deathbed order sets in motion a series of events that tests his love, honor, and commitment to the breaking point.

Can the two lifelong friends see past the pain to finally realize God’s plan for them to be more than just kin?

About the Author

Caryl, praying her story gives God glory, loves writing for Christian genres–historical and contemporary romance, Biblical fiction, and mid-grade especially. In 2014, Simon and Schuster debuted VOW UNBROKEN, a historical Christian romance set in 1832 Texas, and Caryl followed with three additional novels. In April, LADY LUCK’S A LOSER (contemporary, mature, inspirational romance); September’s debut, HEARTS STOLEN (set in 1839-1844), book two of her historical Christian Texas Romances–a #1 Amazon Best-seller; and in November, A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS, volume one of her new Biblical fiction series, The Generations–also an Amazon #1 Best-seller.

 

In 2008, her high school sweetheart-husband Ron moved her to the woods of Red River County. Caryl counts four children and sixteen grandsugars life’s biggest blessings believing all good things come from God. Praying her story gives God glory, she hopes each one ministers His love, mercy, and grace to its readers. She and Ron live in Clarksville, Texas with two grandsons, Christian and Benjamen.

Blog Tour Stops

Jan 20: Christian Bookaholic

Jan 21: Simple Harvest Reads

Jan 22: Bukwurmzzz

Jan 23: Through the Open Window

Jan 24: 100 Pages per Hour

Jan 25: Debbie’s Dust Deliberations

Jan 26: Bigreadersite

Jan 27: Texas Book-aholic

Jan 28: Henry Happens

Jan 29: A Greater Yes

Jan 30: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

Giveaway

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below to enter to win one of the fabulous prizes Caryl is graciously giving away!

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After the Rain is a 570 page novel in the Christian historical fiction genre and was released on September 29, 2015. Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

He becomes the love of her life. She becomes his biggest challenge.

It’s 1908, a year in the Edwardian Age, the year J.M. Barrie’s play What Every Woman Knows, premiered in Atlantic City and the first Model T rolled off the assembly line in Detroit. It is a year when the world faced one of its worst disasters in history, when the New Year would heal the wounds of loss. Louisa Borden lives a privileged life in Chevy Chase, Maryland, a new and thriving community on the outskirts of Washington, DC for the well-to-do. Against the wishes of her domineering grandmother, she retreats from the prospects of a loveless marriage and instead searches for what she hopes is her calling in life.

When her horse is spooked along Rock Creek, she is thrown from the saddle—an embarrassing situation for any affluent young lady. Soaking wet, bruised and humiliated, she is carried up the muddy bank to safety by Jackson O’Neil, a stranger to the city, who changes the course of everything, including the lives of all those around her.

My Two Cents

Just like the hauntingly beautiful cover, About the Rain has a beautifully rich story line. Gerlach has wonderful ideas for her story and it is filled with adventure.  The focus on family was really encouraging to see. The twists kept me guessing until the very end.

Although I did love the story line, I struggled a bit reading the book because of the grammatical errors.  It was also sometimes confusing who is who (one time the author uses the wrong name  when a character is speaking). With a little more editing, this would have been a perfect story.

Even with the above said, I am glad I read After the Rain. It was special to see the bond of family. It is a wonderful story written with historical accuracy.

I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

About the Author

Rita Gerlach is a best-selling author of inspirational fiction with a romantic bent, including The Rebel’s Pledge, Thorns in Eden and The Everlasting Mountains, Surrender the Wind, and The Daughters of the Potomac Series. She lives in Maryland near the Catoctin Mountains with her husband Paul.

Giveaway

Enter below for your chance to win an autographed paperback copy of After the Rain and the audio books of The Daughters of the Potomac series.

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Blog Tour Stops

Jan 11: Our Perfectly Imperfect Life

Jan 12: Singing Librarian Books

Jan 13: Bukwurmzzzz

Jan 13: Artistic Nobody

Jan 14: Daysong Reflections

Jan 15: Texas Book-aholic

Jan 15: Blessed and Bewildered

Jan 16: Reading is My Super Power

Jan 17: Through the Open Window

Jan 18: Jendi’s Journal

Jan 19: Splashes of Joy

Jan 19: Christian Bookaholic

Jan 20: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Jan 21: Proverbial Reads

Jan 22: Simple Harvest Reads

Jan 22: Cassandra M’s Place

Jan 23: Big Reader’s Site

Jan 23: Janette’s Thoughts

Jan 24: The Editor’s Note

Jan 24: A Greater Yes

Jan 25: For the Love of Books

The Ancient Words Series consists of two books: Where Can I flee (released August 13, 2014) and In The Shadow Of They Wings (December 8, 2015). Both books were independently published.  To purchase your copy of Where Can I flee, click here.  To purchase your copy of In The Shadow Of Thy Wings, click here.

Book Information:

Where Can I Flee

War is on the horizon during the spring of 1861. It will be an event that will change the lives of everyone in its path. The Harper family included.

Frank Harper is a young man full of dreams and ambitions. Even when the country is split and war breaks out, Frank will do whatever is necessary to see his dreams come true, even when that means putting on a uniform and leaving home.

For the first time, Claire Harper is forced to consider the reasons behind such a conflict. Should slavery be abolished? Which side should she be on, and what does God have to say about this? Claire is torn between her own opinions and those of her family. The struggle within her only increases when she repeatedly runs into a kind and handsome Union soldier. She longs to see her brother turn to Christ before it is too late. Desperate to reach her brother with the gospel, Claire pens a series of inspiring letters. Will she be able to handle all the obstacles of war and continue to be a witness to those around her?

How long can Claire last when her heart is torn in half and she is burdened for her brother’s soul? How long can Frank resist his sister’s urgent pleas or the gentle tugging from within? Can a man outrun a holy God?

In the Shadow of Thy Wings

Devastation sweeps across the land, and the families of Maple Grove cannot escape when war arrives at their front doors. After her father entrusts her with a new and dangerous task, Sally Chandler must find the courage to obey despite her fear. Meanwhile, her best friend, Claire Harper, is determined to serve others, even if it means putting herself in danger. But with a certain handsome Union soldier stationed nearby, Claire finds her heart in danger of falling for the enemy. Their differing loyalties create complications that neither could expect; her twin brother fighting for the Confederacy is only one of them. Frank Harper left home with one goal in mind – to become a prosperous plantation owner. Two years later, not only is he further from his goal, but he’s beginning to question his own desires–something that becomes more complicated when his heart becomes involved. The families of Maple Grove must learn how to survive the uncertainty of war and a country split in two. While the war in the nation rages on, the battle within grows stronger. Will they learn that the only safe place to hide is in the shadow of Thy Wings?

My Two Cents:

These two books really bring to light the struggles and hardships brought on by the Civil War.  They also show hope, love, courage, and forgiveness. I loved how the Gospel was weaved throughout the story.

The Harper family is a close knit family and this shines throughout the books – especially in Where Can I Flee.  The letters between brother and sister (twins) are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.

I have to admit that the beginning of the first book (Where Can I flee) was slow and it took me several chapters to get into it.  However, once I did, I really enjoyed the writing. Heath had a well developed story-line.  Her characters had depth and I found myself able to connect with them.  I wanted to see what would happen next. I do wish is that the verbiage would have been more consistent and true to the time period.  This would give the story more authenticity.  For example, most of the time Claire speaks like someone from the upper class though her family are poor farmers. Once in a while there is a “y’all” thrown in yet other times she will say “you”.  The shop keeper often times spoke like someone who  was poor.  There are a few other parts of the story I wish had more clarity and were more resolved.

Overall, I give these two book 4 out of 5 stars.  If you like historical fiction, these are two books you would definitely enjoy!

Thank you to Celebrate Lit and A.M. Heath for an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

Author Information:

Being raise in a small Tennessee town, A.M. Heath grew up with a love for southern history and nostalgia. She lives with her husband and four children in Southern Tennessee where they embrace the small town lifestyle.

Giveaway Information:

 

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Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin is a 384 page book in the Christian Historical Fiction genre. It is the first book in the Waves of Freedom series. Through Waters Deep is published by Revell and was released on August 4, 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

It is 1941 and America teeters on the brink of war. Outgoing naval officer Ensign Jim Avery escorts British convoys across the North Atlantic in a brand-new destroyer, the USS Atwood. Back on shore, Boston Navy Yard secretary Mary Stirling does her work quietly and efficiently, happy to be out of the limelight. Yet, despite her reserved nature, she never could back down from a challenge. When evidence of sabotage on the Atwood is found, Jim and Mary must work together to uncover the culprit. A bewildering maze of suspects emerges, and Mary is dismayed to find that even someone close to her is under suspicion. With the increasing pressure, Jim and Mary find that many new challenges–and dangers–await them.

Sarah Sundin takes readers to the tense months before the US entered WWII. Readers will encounter German U-boats and torpedoes, along with the explosive power of true love, in this hopeful and romantic story.

My Two Cents

Through Waters Deep is the first book I have read from Susan Sundin and it was fabulous.  I was hooked from the beginning.  Sundin’s book had it all – mystery, suspense, romance, friendship, surprises and tension.  She has a way of writing that makes you want to grab your highlighter because the words move you and you do not want to forget them.

Sundin’s writing is wonderful but her historical research was superb.  She wove the history in where it was not overwhelming but supplemented the story well.  I felt as if I was right there inside the story. Plus, I learned somethings about World War II that I had not known before.

The main character, Mary, is very easy to like. She is quiet, efficient at her job, and very humble.  Jim is an admirable character.  I enjoyed seeing Mary and Jim’s friendship develop and how they supported each other in difficult times.  This book inspired me to listen more and be a better friend.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  This is a story you do not want to miss!

Thank you to Litfuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my review.  No monetary compensation was received and all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Sarah Sundin is the author of With Every Letter, On Distant Shores, In Perfect Time, and the Wings of Glory series. In 2014, On Distant Shores was a finalist for the Golden Scroll Awards from both AWSA and the Christian Authors Network. In 2011, Sarah received the Writer of the Year Award at the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. A graduate of UC San Francisco School of Pharmacy, she works on call as a hospital pharmacist. During WWII, her grandfather served as a pharmacist’s mate (medic) in the Navy and her great-uncle flew with the US Eighth Air Force in England. Sarah lives in California with her husband and three children. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin by clicking on the work “Form” below.  This giveaway ends on Sept. 6 at 11:59 pm PDT.

Beyond the Ashes by Karen Barnett is a 320 page novel in the Christian historical romance genre. It is the second book in The Golden Gate Chronicles but can be read as a stand alone. Beyond the Ashes is published by Abingdon Press Publishers and was released on June 16, 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

Where better to rebuild and face one’s fears than in 1906 San Francisco, a city rising from the ashes? Ruby Marshall, a young widow, is certain she’ll discover new purpose assisting her brother Robert with his cancer research, but she doesn’t anticipate finding new love. Dr. Gerald Larkspur dreams of filling his empty home with family, but he’d always hoped it would be a wife and children. In the aftermath of the great earthquake, the rooms are overflowing with extended family and friends left homeless by the disaster. When Robert’s widowed sister arrives, the close quarters seem close indeed. Ruby and Gerald’s fledgling romance is put at risk when Gerald develops symptoms of the very disease they’re striving to cure. Together they must ask—is it worth a second chance at love when time might be short?

My Two Cents

Beyond the Ashes was my first experience with Karen Barnett’s writing and I was not disappointed.  Taking place right after the earthquake and great fire in San Fran, Beyond the Ashes brings to light the frivolity of our lives and reminds us to focus on what is important. Many of the characters have suffered loss and appreciate the time they have been given with each other realizing each day is never guaranteed.

Beyond the Ashes was well-written and was captivating from the beginning.  I was particularly impressed with the research she has completed both with the history that is reflected in the novel as well as the medical knowledge she displayed. This makes the book feel very authentic.

Many of us suffer loss -devastating loss- in our lifetime. Sometimes this makes us question God and His sovereignty.  Loss can also make us question our faith and take what we think is the easy, safest path in life.  Barnett marvelously weaves these issues into Beyond the Ashes to encourage us to remember that our faith and our hope is in the Lord.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.  I could not put this book down! You will be greatly encouraged by this book.  It is a definate must for your TBR list.

Thank you to the LitFuse Chicks for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all view expressed are my own.

About the Author

Karen Barnett is the author of Beyond the Ashes, Out of the Ruins, and Mistaken. Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs. You can learn more at KarenBarnettBooks.com.

Two Roads Home by Deborah Raney is a 304 page novel in the contemporary fiction genre. It is published by Abingdon Press and was released on June 2, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.

Overview

What if it’s too late for dreams to come true?

Minor—but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman’s initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans’ son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington’s friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless—and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.

With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?

My Two Cents

Two Roads Home has strong themes of trust and faith, both in the Lord and in your spouse.  It also wonderfully portrays family struggles and how a family supports one another through difficult times. Particularly, I found it encouraging how real the characters were in their thoughts, feelings and emotions. Love requires sacrifice. Sometimes we know the right thing to do but still struggle with not letting the sacrifice cause us to become harsh and bitter. Deborah develops a beautiful parable of how this works in a family who wants to do the right things but are still human.

I will state that the book was a little slow in places. The writing could have been more developed as the writer tended to “tell” you the story instead of “show” you the story. I was disappointed with the ending as well.  The story did not feel complete. I would have liked for the story to be resolved a bit more.

I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. This would be an encouraging book for those struggling in their marriage.

About the Author

Deborah Raney’s books have won numerous awards, including the RITA, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and the Carol Award, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. She and her husband, Ken, recently traded small-town life in Kansas-the setting of many of Deborah’s novels-for life in the (relatively) big city of Wichita, where they enjoy gardening, antiquing, movies, and traveling to visit four children and a growing brood of grandchildren who all live much too far away.
Find Deborah online: website, Twitter, Facebook

In a town where Amish and Englisch mingle every day, a grisly murder leads to mutual suspicion. Can Amber and Hannah find the killer before fear unravels the community . . . or he strikes again?

Even before she heard of Owen Esch’s death, Hannah Troyer knew something was amiss at The Cat’s Meow yarn shop. The store has been closing at odd times, the ever-dependable Mary isn’t always at her post . . . and an Englisch man has been seen loitering around back.

Now, as leaves of brown, gold, and orange blanket Middlebury, Indiana, Owen lies dead on the Pumpkinvine Trail. The only clues to the murderer’s identity point in two very different directions—one of them leading right to The Cat’s Meow.

The police call in a federal investigator, but Hannah and Village manager Amber Bowman are in no mood to wait for them to figure out what they already know—that no one from the Amish Village could have killed Owen Esch.

Amber and Hannah will need to work quickly to solve the murder mystery and bring harmony back to the Amish community.

Murder Tightly Knit has all the makings of a good book: Romance, suspense, mystery and a great setting.  Vannetta goes back to a cute Amish village setting that was in her first novel.  It was wonderful to visit the characters once again to see how they are faring.

Vannetta starts the book right off with the murder. What makes the book so interesting is the snippets she adds from the killer’s point of view.  The book twists and turns and has you holding your breath in several places.  Most of her characters are interesting, if not a little bit eccentric, and she merges them beautifully.  Although there are a couple of characters you will want to scream at – the tension always makes for an interesting read.

Vannetta creates such a unique blend by using both Amish and English characters.  She includes many interesting bits about the Amish to make her story authentic.  The reader will see she has spent time researching this book and did not just throw it together. It will be a story that captivates, draws you in, and leaves you with a smile on your face!

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Murder Tightly Knit is an Amish Christian romance/suspense novel written by Vannetta Chapman and published by Zondervan Publishing. It was released on December 16, 2014.  Murder Tightly Knit can be purchased through Amazon for $15.99 in print or $7.99 for the e-book.

Vannetta Chapman is the author of the best-selling novel A Simple Amish Christmas. She has published over one hundred articles in Christian family magazines, receiving over two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. In 2012 she was awarded a Carol Award for Falling to Pieces. She discovered her love for the Amish while researching her grandfather’s birthplace of Albion, Pennsylvania.  Visit Vannetta’s webiste: www.vannettachapman.com  Twitter: @VannettaChapman  Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks

Giveaway!

Would you like to win a copy of Vannetta Chapman’s Murder Tightly Knit? Follow me on facebook.com/simpleharvestreads and leave a comment below answering the question: Several of Vannetta’s characters are managers – either of a specific shop or of the entire village.  What do you think makes a good manager? Giveaway ends Sunday, Feb 22 at midnight PST.  Be sure to come back Monday to see if you won!