About the Book

Book: Killer Christmas Evidence

Author: Sami A. Abrams

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 24, 2023

The search for a criminal…becomes a fight for survival.

The moment detective Cassidy Bowman links a chain of suspicious deaths to a serial killer, she becomes the deadly assassin’s number one target. But a blow to the head robs her of her memory and she can’t put the pieces of the case back together alone. Can she convince detective Kyle Howard to help her catch the culprit by proving her theory…before the killer succeeds in taking Cassidy’s life?

 

Clicke here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
Killer Christmas Evidence by Sami A. Abrams is a Love Inspired Romantic Suspense. It is the fourth book in the Deputies of Anderson County Series. While it can be a standalone novel it does involve characters from previous books in the series, I highly recommend reading them prior to reading this as they are great books and help you understand the team dynamic.

What you might need to know:
Cassidy and Kyle have both suffered great loss, and dealt with their grief in different ways.

What I think about this book:
This was a fantastic Suspense with deep emotional elements. Cassidy was a very complex character, driven by several factors. I really appreciate how her character developed throughout the story. Kyle was so angry that he cut all ties with Cassidy after his Fiancé’s death. It was interesting to read about how his opinions changed when Cassidy’s life was put in danger. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see what happens next in Anderson County.

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

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list.

More from Sami

While coming up with the idea for Kyle and Cassidy’s story, Killer Christmas Evidence, I loved the idea of a serial killer that no one knew about. Someone who killed in different places and in different ways to avoid detection. Kim Rossmo’s theory on Geographic Profiling was intriguing, and I wanted to implement that concept. But, as I started to write, I realized the idea was too big for a Love Inspired Suspense length book, so I had to adjust the story a bit to fit the situation. The basics are there, just not the details I had hoped for.

 

However, when I sat down to write and I got to know Kyle and Cassidy a little better, I realized the story wasn’t about the stealth serial killer, but about learning to let go of guilt and learning to forgive. How many times in our lives due to being hurt or the pain of loss do we assume we know the truth? Yet, if we listened—really listened—we discover not everything is what is appears to be. And the truth is not painful, but healing.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 24

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 24

The Avid Reader, October 25

Lighthouse-Academy, October 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

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

Blogging With Carol, October 27

Britt Reads Fiction, October 28

Simple Harvest Reads, October 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

Elly Gilbert, October 29

Betti Mace, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 31 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 31

She Lives To Read, November 1

The Sacred Line, November 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 2

Blossoms and Blessings, November 3

EmpowerMoms, November 3

Holly’s Book Corner, November 4

Raining Butterfly Kisses, November 4

Splashes of Joy, November 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5

Pause for Tales, November 6

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, November 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sami 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/28970/killer-christmas-evidence-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Light of Eidon

Author: Karen Hancock

Genre: Fantasy (reprint)

Release Date: July 11, 2023

Special Hardcover Edition of a Classic Christian Fantasy

Abramm has dedicated the last eight years of his life to becoming worthy to touch and tend the Sacred Flames of Eidon, and he expects to be blessed for his devotion and sacrifice. But on the eve of taking the vows that will irrevocably separate him from the life he was born to—as Abramm Kalladorne, fifth son of the king of Kiriath—he is betrayed by his spiritual mentor and sold into slavery by his brothers.

Swept along by the winds of a new destiny, Abramm is forced to compete as a gladiator. When the oppressed masses rally around his success, he discovers his suffering has molded him into something greater than he ever thought possible—to serve a purpose he never imagined.

Set in a world of swords and cloaks, of glittering palaces and mystical temples, of galley ships and ancient mist-bound cities, The Light of Eidon is the first volume of an epic series, Legends of the Guardian- King.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Mindy

I can totally see why this book won the Christy Award in 2004 when it was first published and why Karen Hancock holds the enviable spot in the Christy Award Hall of Fame. Now with an updated and streamlined cover from Enclave Publishing, the book is gorgeous inside and out. It’s a completely engaging allegory-fantasy novel that unfurls an epic adventure full of magic and good triumphing over evil. As characters navigate through pain, loss, and sacrifice, they learn about perseverance, true faith, and sense of purpose and calling. There is plenty of action in the gladiator games that is reminiscent of the movie Thor : Ragnarok.

 

Told from Abramm and Carissa’s third person point of view, we get to see the twins’ growth and maturation as they leave the country they have become disillusioned with and enter a cruel new culture that only seeks to use them. Their journey to finding each other is fraught with betrayal, heartbreak, and agonizing soul-searching. Abramm becomes a warrior from his priestly scholar beginnings and I expect he’s on his way to becoming a fierce king. I can’t wait to read the next book. My favorite character was Trap Meridon – the faithful, patient, steadfast, loyal protector of Abramm; I hope to see more of him in the series. The book is a little longer than my usual fare but I gobbled it up in no time.

 

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

About the Author

Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.

 

Excerpt from the Book

“WHY DO WE SERVE THE FLAMES?”

“Toward the realm from Shadow.”

“Why must we guard our purity?”

“To keep the Flames strong and bright.”

They sat cross-legged on the barge cabin’s single, narrow bunk, facing each other—Novice and discipler—their voices alternating in a steady rhythm of question and answer that had gone unbroken for nearly an hour. Since the noon prayer service, they had been reviewing the six codices of the First Guardian Station, codices Eldrin must know tomorrow for the final test of his novitiate. He had long since learned them so well he could answer without hesitation, but he didn’t mind the repetition. Right now it was just the sort of superficial mental occupation he needed to keep his thoughts off . . . other things.

“What is the source of the Shadow?” asked his discipler, one bony, ink-stained finger pressed to the page of the open catechism in his lap.

“The arrogance of Moroq conceived it,” Eldrin replied. “The passions of the flesh sustain it.” “Who is Moroq?”

“The dark son of Eidon and Lord Ruler of the rhu’ema. The Adversary. No man can stand against him, save One.”

“And that One is?”

“Eidon, Lord of Light, Creator of All, Defender of Man. Soon may he come, and swift be his judgment.”

The rhythm ended, and the silence that filled the void after it made Eldrin’s ears ring. He noticed the heat again, the sweat trickling down his chest beneath his wool tunic, the stifling mantle of his long, unbound hair weighing on his back. A fitful breeze danced through the high, open portal in the bulkhead, carrying the river’s dank odor and a disharmonious chorus of voices from the crowds on its bank. Thunder rumbled out of the distance.

Anxiety, held at bay by the long recitation, came oozing back. Soon they would be docking, disembarking, and marching up to the temple to begin the long ritual that would end with his initiation as a Guardian of the Holy Flames. Or not, if things went badly.

His discipler, Brother Belmir, smiled at him over small, round spectacles. “Flawless, as usual. Shall we do another?”

“I defer to your judgment, Brother.” Eldrin uncrossed his legs and recrossed them in opposite order, wincing as feeling tingled back.

“We’ll do a random selection, then.” Belmir leafed through the catechism, yellowed pages just brushing the slender gray braid that dangled over his shoulder. He was a small, birdlike man, all bones and angles, with a deeply lined face and shrewd gray eyes behind the spectacles. He wore the four gold cords of his station at his left wrist and, at his throat, the ruby amulet all Guardians were granted upon acceptance into the Holy Brotherhood of the Mataio.

Tomorrow Eldrin should receive an amulet of his own.

It was a day he had anticipated for eight long years; now the closer it got, the more uneasy he became. What if he walked up to the lip of the great bronze brazier tomorrow and the Flames rejected him?

 

Blog Stops

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, July 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 23

Texas Book-aholic, July 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 25

Romances of the Cross, July 25

Aryn the Libraryan, July 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28

The Book Club Network, July 29

Blogging With Carol, July 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 31

Simple Harvest Reads, August 1 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Artistic Nobody, August 2 (Spotlight)

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

Through the Fire Blogs, August 4 (Spotlight)

Of Blades and Thorns, August 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Barnes & Noble Gift card and a hardcover copy of The Light of Eidon!!

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/26ba5/the-light-of-eidon-celebration-tour-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.

Book Excerpt

Even when he’d had the flu,

Ethan had checked in daily because not only was he a partner in Fletcher,

Ethan and Mason’s hunting guide business, but he was also a key member of the county’s search and rescue team.

Now, with the cold setting in and hunting season looming, the chance of someone getting lost up in the mountains would increase dangerously with

the influx of hunters roaming the countryside. Ethan would want to be around to respond to calls.

So where was he?

The knot in Fletcher’s stomach wouldn’t let him simply dismiss his concerns and go about his daily chores. If something had happened to his friend and he did nothing, Fletcher wouldn’t be able to forgive himself.

He smacked his palms against the kitchen counter, grabbed his coat and headed out the door, the decision made. He’d ride over to Ethan’s and check

on the dogs; see for himself that everything was okay. Maybe Ethan had

returned exhausted from his trip. That would explain why he wasn’t answering any of Fletcher’s calls. This was the outcome he hoped for, and

yet the little niggling at the back of his mind wouldn’t let him accept it.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here

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.

About the Book

Book: The Underground Book Readers: United Forces

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle grade, pre-teen, teen dystopian

Release date: March 1, 2023

In the second book of The Underground Book Readers, Leena, Kahn, Casey, Jairus, Asher, and Conroy face unpredicted challenges. The World Force tightens its grip on the remaining teens and children of the Blue Ridge Mountains area. Increased patrols and drones are seen nearly every day as they visit their underground cavern to read forbidden books and study the Bible. The Underground Book Readers attempt to find out the identity and purpose of a new threatening group seen on a nearby mountain while they continue to work on an escape tunnel. But they soon discover there is more under Leena’s house than a cellar. The underground group design a spy mission to the other mountain. Questions remain about possible escapees who left to find a free territory in what used to be called the United States in the world before.

Book Excerpt

The next day, when the guards were not in sight, Conroy proved his skills by catching a fish and cooking it perfectly in a pan on a small outdoor fire. Conroy was at last voted into the Underground Book Readers Secret Society. Kahn believed that Conroy would be useful in the coming months.

And that is how a new family of six had been formed. But Kahn feared the unidentified people in the distance. He wasn’t certain of the kind of danger, but he was uneasy knowing they were moving in and out of the woods, grouping and scattering again, on the nearby mountain. He wondered if the actions of these people were random. He wondered if the strangers already knew about Leena’s house where the members of the underground readers now stayed at night.

Kahn considered Leena to be the bravest of all the members even though she was the youngest one in the group. It was Leena’s idea to spy on these newly discovered people. Kahn, who was hesitant to confront the unknown without planning and calculation, was surprised by Leena’s comments that her own parents, and the parents of everyone in the group, would encourage bravery at this point.

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here:

About the Author

Terry Overton obtained her Ph.D. in Psychology and her Ed. D. in special education. She taught in public schools and was a school psychologist and a professor before retiring in 2016. She began her second “career” after retirement writing Christian fiction books and devotionals. She hopes to share the Christian worldview through her writing and touch the lives of her readers. Her novels, middle grade readers, and picture books seek to entertain readers through the travel experiences and characters included in her books. Her books have earned Bookfest Awards, Firebird Award Winner, American Writing Award Gold, International Finalist Book Award, Reader Views Awards, Reader’s Favorite Awards and the Mom’s Choice Award. She currently resides in Laguna Vista, Texas, near the Texas-Mexico border. She enjoys Biblical history and general Bible studies, writing, and enjoying family and friends. She has seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

About the Book

Book: A Trail So Lonesome

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 12, 2023

Spending five months eating trail dust wasn’t Leo Spencer’s first choice. Or his second. He’s not one to run away, but some situations can’t be fixed and his family—two brothers and a sister—needs to start over. Which is how he finds himself on a westbound wagon train.

Evangeline has a secret, one that has sent her on a journey across the plains on the Oregon Trail. When her father is badly hurt and she needs help, Leo is there. A deal is struck and the two unlikely friends form an alliance… that leads to more.

But Evangeline’s secret looms over her… and Leo’s family troubles are far from over.

Book Excerpt

Two days ago, a little boy had been bitten by a snake while walking alongside his mother. Leo had heard about it sitting around the fire eating supper.

“No one. When Father liquidated—”

“Don’t tell me,” he interrupted her. “I don’t want to know.”

How had Evangeline and her father kept a secret this big?

Two thousand dollars. That much money would allow him to get Alice and Coop and Collin settled. He could buy them a castle with that kind of money. He’d planned to help them build a house, put in a garden, raise cattle. He’d known it was going to take years.

But with this kind of money, Collin and Coop could start a business. Alice could have a nice house, built to her specifications.

There had to be a catch.

“A lot of things can happen on the trail. More river crossings. Buffalo stampede. Sickness. What if —” What if James didn’t survive the injuries he’d sustained today? Leo couldn’t say the words.

She did. “What if we don’t make it to Oregon?” Her voice was quiet, pensive. “If you put in all the effort, I won’t hold it against you if there is a natural disaster or we get cholera. You’ll still be paid.”

Missed Any Excerpts, Go Here:

About the Author

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see in Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published sixty books in a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

About the Book

Book: The Ghost You Can’t See

Author: L.G. Nixon

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

Release date: November 1, 2022

Lucy is a ghost hunter, and she uses magical artifacts. Now she is experiencing a new level of spirit hauntings designed to bring her to a halt. Deceptive and nefarious beings are playing mind games, and she begins to doubt the love her family and friends. She must learn to see beyond the obvious and discern the hidden truths. Lucy discovers an ancient plot to overthrow the High King and destroy the beautiful city of Ascalon. Darnathian, the dark prince, is getting closer to finding the location of the Life Tree, and Lucy may not be able to stop him.

 

Click here to get your copy!

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 imagery to capture our imagination.

 

My writing has grown from my love for Jesus and a desire to share my faith with hope and encouragement. The Issachar Gatekeeper 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.

Author Interview with L.G. Nixon

1) What does success as an author look like to you?

Success to me is having readers tell me they enjoy the books, or parents and grandparents offer appreciation for the Christian principles the stories contain. That’s how I know I have achieved success.

2) What inspired this book?

My five granddaughters. Realizing they will be teens very soon, I wanted to give them, and all teens, a fun spiritual adventure designed to excite their imagination. The books introduce basic spiritual concepts while emphasizing the importance of Christian principles for a Biblical worldview.

3) Which author influenced you the most?

C.S. Lewis. His understanding of scripture and his ability to enlighten others remains pivotal to grasping the depth and beauty of God’s word.

4) What is your favorite Bible verse or life verse?

 Phillipians 4:13 NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

5) What are you reading right now?

Raising Dragons by Bryan Davis. I love dragon lore and I appreciate Bryan’s use of scripture with history and mythology. So fun!

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

I would need my Bible above all things. I find inspiration, comfort, beauty, and imagination. The psalms offer music and spiritual hymns. It’s God’s love letter to me and within its pages I hear His voice.

Thank you for letting us get to know you better!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 12

Texas Book-aholic, December 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14

deb’s Book Review, December 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Inklings and notions, December 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 20

Denise L. Barela, Author, December 21

A Baker’s Perspective, December 22 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, December 22

Blogging With Carol, December 23

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 24 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, December 25

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/23059/the-ghost-you-can-t-see-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Under the Hibiscus

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 25, 2022

Do you have to give God two-weeks’ notice when you quit the ministry?

After a lifetime of being her father’s right-hand girl, Ezra gets a small taste of freedom during her friend’s honeymoon visit to the Suamalie islands and decides enough is enough. All she needs is to find a replacement secretary, teacher, project manager, accountant… et cetera.

In fact, what he needs is a wife.

Scott Keil intended to serve the Lord on St. Alyn Island for life. He just never intended to do it without his wife. So, when his daughter begins balking at being saddled with a ministry she never signed up for, he knows he needs to find a replacement for her. And well, she’s right. A wife who loves organization and serving the Lord would be the perfect solution.

But only one woman interests him and loves his ministry nearly as much as he does. Natalie Dershem—the event planner at St. Alyn’s newest resort. Why did she have to be nearly as young as his daughter… and so intriguing?

Under the Hibiscus is the introductory Christmas “noella” in the brand-new, Suamalie Islands Series from Celebrate Lit Publishing. Grab this May/December Christmas romance today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:
Under the Hibiscus, a Contemporary Christian Romance  by Chautona Havig is the introductory Novella in the Suamalie Islands Series.  In this book we follow up with Ezra Keil who was introduced in Havig’s books in the Independence Island series. While you can read this book as a standalone, the Independence Islands are a great series to check out for more background on Ezra and her visitors in the book.

What you might need to know:
Ezra’s mother died during childbirth and she was raised alone by her father as a Missionary kid. In this book we learn that she didn’t always feel like she came as a top priority for her father.

What I think about this book:
I can honestly say that I don’t remember the last time that I read a contemporary Christan age gap romance, that made this such a delightful read. I was already intrigued by Ezra from the previous book, but it was very interesting to read about her father Scott.  Scott is devoted to his ministry to the exclusion of all else. Natalie moves to the Islands for an event planning job, but instead falls in love with the ministry. This was a great read, I can’t wait to see what happens in this series!

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

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

“I always wanted a son. But I wanted one a little younger than myself!” When Tevya said that to Lazar Wolf back when I was a teenager, little did I know that twenty years later, I’d say the same thing to my newly-minted son-in-law at my daughter’s reception.

It was a joke on me. I’d always said that I didn’t understand why people got worked up about age differences under twenty years. God called my bluff on that by sending me a son-in-law a year and a couple of months older than me and… nearly nineteen years (just shy by weeks) older than my daughter. People ask if I still think that it’s not a big deal.  And I do. As I said back then, it all depends on the couple.

But May/December romances aren’t always popular. Some people don’t enjoy them. Maybe I do because my husband is seven years older than I am, my father is eight years older than my mother, and I have friends and family with eleven and fifteen years difference respectively. It’s just… normal in my experience. And as my dear friend said when she heard about people making snide comments about my daughter’s engagement, “Why would she want a boy her age when she can have a man?” And yeah. That is one of the lovely things about May/December romances.

Well, Under the Hibiscus definitely went that route—not because I specifically wanted an age difference for the couple but because two things jumped out at me.  First, I couldn’t see Scott Keil with a woman his age. He’s such a young-at-heart-guy, and every woman his age my mind conjured… wasn’t.  And I couldn’t see it!

But even more than that, I thought of Ezra and how it would feel to be a daughter whose father started dating someone nearly your own age.  Especially since this wouldn’t be some socialite looking for a rich husband. Any woman interested in Scott Keil would have to love him and the Lord a great deal to be willing to accept such a large age difference. How would that go over with Ezra, and… what would their relationship look like. I mean, her stepmother would be a not-very-older sister’s age!

How does it all work out? Well… unfortunately, you’ll have to read to find out because right now? I don’t even know!

Blog Stops

By the Book, November 26

She Lives To Read, November 27

Texas Book-aholic, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Sylvan Musings, November 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Inklings and notions, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 2

For Him and My Family, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lots of Helpers, December 8

Blogging With Carol, December 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Chautona 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/22dbc/under-the-hibiscus-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Keeping Christmas: Volume One

Authors: Cathe Swanson, Chautona Havig, Olivia Talbott, Kathleen J. Robison, Denise L. Barela, Marguerite Martin Gray, and Naomi Craig.

Genre: Christian Christmas Romance

Release date: October 4, 2022

In castles far and near, long ago and yesterday, find happily-ever-afters wrapped in love and tied with Christmas joy.

The Lights of Castlebourne (by Cathe Swanson and Chautona Havig): He bowled her over at first sight–his dog, that is. Sydney just wanted a chance to do the landscape design at Castlebourne. She never dreamed the owner’s electrician would light up her heart at Christmas.

The Girl From Dalarna (by Olivia Talbott): She’s the most beautiful woman in Sweden, but she doesn’t want to be. A simple life among milk cows is all she desires. Will a scandal upend her plans and ruin her chances for love?

The Cross at Morioka Castle (by Kathleen J. Robison): In the ancient land of shoji screens and tatami mats, Ariko finds the stone ruins of Morioka Castle, and the mysterious cross that holds the secret of a Christian faith extending far deeper than Ariko ever imagined.

The Ghost of Christmas… (by Denise L. Barela): Abbigayl needs to get away for Christmas this year. No family, no questions about why she’s still single, no suggestion about being set up with someone’s friend. What will happen when Neuschwanstein Castle’s past converges with Abbigayl’s future?

Crystal Clear (by Marguerite Martin Gray): Rosalind’s muddied past and foggy future crystalize in Château Chenonceau, a refuge from gossip and more. Watch as the château and Christmas work their magic and break the bonds of propriety, and rejoice as Rosalind experiences the crystal-clear hints of peace, joy, and hope all around her.

The Weary World Rejoices (by Naomi Craig): Behind the elaborate furnishings of Herod the Great’s palace, conspiracy and distrust run rampant. Mysterious visitors from the east challenge everything Amal thinks he knows as palace scribe. Will his quest to uncover the Truth free him from the ornate shackles of palace life, or will he be the next victim of King Herod’s maniacal jealousy?

Grab a mug of something hot and delicious and curl up somewhere comfy. Your literary chariots await to take you on a journey from an early twentieth-century castle overlooking the Mississippi all the way back to the Holy Land at the time of Jesus’ birth. These six novellas, all set in castles real and fictional, celebrate the heart and joy of Christmas.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Guest Review from Donna

What I think you should know:

Keeping Christmas Volume One is a compilation of Christmas themed Novellas. In addition to the Christmas theme they are all centered around a castle in one form or another. The time frames of the book range from the time of Herod to contemporary with a nice mix of times and setting so there should be something for every reader.

 

What I think about this book:

Each of these stories were unique and compelling. I highly recommend this book and would read other books by each of these authors.

 

The Light of Castlebourne by Cathe Swanson and Chautona Havig is a contemporary story. I really enjoyed both of the main characters, Sydney and Philip as well as the supporting characters.  Sydney was a neat character, I enjoyed how she loved landscaping and plants and didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. Philip was slightly more frustrating at times, but it all came together to make a really fun story. I really look forward to reading the series.

 

The Girl From Dalarna by Olivia Talbott is a historical fiction set in 1833 Sweden. It was a very emotional story, Linnea had to leave her family and home and go to a larger city to try to provide for her mother and sisters after her father’s death.  Despite her exceptional beauty she was shy with a stutter and just wanted to be left alone to do her job. It was very interesting to read the story and see how her life changed. I really appreciated Rane and think that everyone should have a Rane in their life.

 

The Cross at Morioka Castle by Kathleen J. Robinson is a contemporary story set in Japan.  I found this story extremely fascinating . I loved Ariko and the beautiful way that she honored her faith as well as her family.  I enjoyed reading about some of the differences between Japanese culture and American culture. I  would love to read more books like this!

The Ghost of Christmas by Denise L. Barela is a contemporary story set in Neuschwanstein Castle.  I will admit I am a huge fan of Neuschwanstein Castle so I automatically geeked when I found out that it was the setting for this story. Abbi jumps at a chance to spend Christmas at Neuschwanstein and is swept into the magic of the Castle.This is the second book that I have read by Barela and I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I would love to see a series based on the characters who live and work in the castle.

Crystal Clear by Marguerite Martin Gray is a historical fiction set mostly in 1879 France. It follows Rosalind who is sent to stay in France after her older sister causes a scandal by breaking her betrayal with a Viscount.  This was a very sweet story with realistic characters.

The Weary World Rejoices by Naomi Craig is a historical fiction set in the time of King Herod in Jerusalem.  I really enjoyed this story. It was unique and fascinating.  That is a beautiful, heartbreaking and meaningful story. I can’t imagine being in Amal’s shoes, it was very eye opening. I definitely recommend this story!

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 Authors

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

Cathe Swanson writes books with creative plots and engaging characters of all ages, to glorify God and entertain and bless readers. Her heartwarming stories will make you laugh and make you cry – and then make you laugh again.

 

Olivia Talbott grew up in Montana, but currently lives in Kentucky with her husband and two daughters, a few sheep and a border collie. She loves words, traveling, pickles and having deep conversations about how Jesus changes everything. Visit her at oliviatalbott.com.

 

Kathleen J. Robison is an Okinawan-American, born in Okinawa, and raised in California, Florida, Mississippi, and Singapore. Her travels and her family are the sources of her inspiration for her books. Kathleen and her Pastor husband have eight adult children. Seven are married, blessing them with eighteen grandchildren and counting. Her ethnically diverse background extends to her family of currently thirty-five personalities which provide many opportunities to share God’s amazing love amidst the challenges of real life.

 

Denise L. Barela is a twenty-something-year-old writer with a passion for fiction, her faith, and just being creative in general. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…

 

Marguerite Gray enjoys the study of history, especially when combined with fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and Spanish and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She has two grown children and currently lives with her husband in north Louisiana. She writes historical fiction.

 

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor’s wife, Naomi Craig loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church, trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes or convincing her rescue dog, Freeway, to be cute on command for Instagram reels, you’ll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory with Naomi and Lisa, an author interview show on YouTube and your podcast platform of choice.

 

More from Denise

Hello everyone!

I’m excited to share this set of stories with you! All the authors have worked hard to bring you some Christmas joy and magic. We’ve each picked a castle to center our stories around. I mean, Christmas and castles go well together, don’t you think? You’ll get to explore different castles in different time periods while also getting to know all the characters in each story. That’s a lot of new friends to make!

For my story, I jumped on the chance to write about a castle that inspired the castle that always brought me joy growing up (if I’m being honest, it still brings me joy). I’ve always been a huge Disney nerd, and Princess Aurora has always been my favorite Disney princess. Growing up, I was blessed to be able to visit Disneyland for most of my life, and Sleeping Beauty’s castle was my favorite thing (I was so sad when they closed the walk-through part for several years). Even without the attraction part of it, I loved walking into the park and seeing it stand at the end of Main Street. I actually teared up seeing it for the first time after Covid.

What does all this have to do with my castle story? Well, in 1869, King Ludwig II of Bavaria began construction on Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle served as the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Let me tell you, if you thought Disneyland’s castle was beautiful, it’s got nothing on Neuschwanstein. If I were to pick a castle to live in, it’d be this one.

Setting aside the Disney connection, I was even more intrigued when I learned more about the king who commissioned it. The king was not very popular towards the end of his reign, and the day after he was sent to Berg Castle, he and a doctor were found dead in Lake Starnberg. The weird part? They ruled it a drowning, but there was no water in their lungs and clear signs of foul play.

Oh, but that’s not the only interesting fact this castle houses. This castle became a hiding place for some of the art the Nazi’s stole during World War II. Part of me wonders if any pieces are still hidden there. The Monuments Men group actually cataloged art found there, and it’s been preserved. Here’s a fun article from The Met all about it!

I hope you enjoyed learning about the castle that inspired my story!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 20

Through the Lens of Scripture, October 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 21

Texas Book-aholic, October 22

For Him and My Family, October 22

deb’s Book Review, October 23

Inklings and notions, October 24

Holly’s Book Corner, October 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Lots of Helpers, October 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

By the Book, October 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 28

She Lives To Read, October 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 30

Mary Hake, October 30

Blogging With Carol, October 31

Simple Harvest Reads, November 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Literature Approved, November 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 2

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, the Celebrate Lit Authors are 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/2224d/keeping-christmas-volume-one-by-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Every Star in the Sky

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 2, 2022

She is willing to testify against her trafficker. If she can stay alive that long.

“You’re safe here, Starr.”

How many times has Detective Cole Blacksky said that to her since helping her escape the life she’d been forced into eight years earlier?

Starr desperately wants to believe him, but she knows Brady Erickson, her former captor, too well. Although Cole has promised her protective custody on his family’s remote ranch, no place on earth is safe enough. Brady will stop at nothing to permanently silence her before she ever reaches the witness stand.

And he is powerful enough to do it.

If Starr wants to help Brady’s other victims, she has no choice but to put herself in God’s hands. And Cole’s. But the longer she and Cole stay hidden, the more her life is at risk.

And her heart.

 

Book Excerpt

“I only meant that if you see her heading for trouble, warn her she shouldn’t do or say something before it’s too late.”

Ruby bit her lip. “I’ll try. But I don’t know what I’d do myself if something happened to you. What would any of us do if—?”

Starr held a finger to her lips. Her muscles clenched at the sound of thudding boots in the hallway—never a good sign. A sharp rapping on the door confirmed her worst fear. Someone was coming for her. Was it Brady? Had he somehow found out she’d talked to a cop?

Before she could move, the door flew open, cracking against the wall. Brady’s broad shoulders filled the doorway. Ruby’s fingers, still clutching hers, went cold.

As they were expected to do, both scrambled to their feet and waited in silence for him to reveal the reason for his sudden appearance. Ruby stared at the floor, but Starr studied Brady’s face. Did he know? He didn’t look angry, but, as with everything when it came to Brady, she didn’t trust that.

 

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About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and Two Sparrows for a Penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband Michael and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

About the Book

Time After Tyme is a fun and thought-provoking mystery about secret codes, university intrigue, and two young girls who fancy themselves 21^st-century Nancy Drews.

 

When strange, coded messages turn up in the chapel prayer box at Bellevue University, the minister suspects a recent campus death may have been murder, so he enlists the help of amateur sleuths Kathryn Frasier and Cece Goldman to decipher the codes and solve the mystery. But when a couple of young girls get wind of it, they decide to find the killer on their own. Almost everyone on campus has something to hide, and the story fluctuates between the rational search for the truth by the adults, and the occasionally misguided, but surprisingly perceptive, insight of the children.

 

Set on the campus of a modern university, Time After Tyme is both a joyful romp through a cozy mystery and a serious look at the search for truth. The book reminds us of the seasons of our lives, from the irrepressible curiosity of youth to the treasured experience of maturity.

Book Excerpt

“I’m interested in finding the truth, no matter where it takes me.” I had the feeling she was stifling a smile.

“I see,” she said. “That’s very commendable.” She uses that word a lot. I had to look it up when I was a little kid because she always told me everything I did was commendable. It means “good.”

“And what are you investigating today?”

“I can’t tell you the nature of my investigation, but I have some questions you might be able to help me with.” I took my notebook and pen out. They make me look official.

“Wonderful. I’ll give you all the help I can.” She moved some books to the side and sat down behind the desk. She adjusted the pink bow on her lacey white blouse and leaned her arms on the desk so she and I were on eye level. I like it when I can look an adult right in the face. Makes me feel like we’re equal.

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