Purchase your copy here.

About the Book

Liberty comes with a price. Can a fledgling nation bear the cost?

British forces advance upon a struggling colonial army. The time of decision has come. Declare independence, or give up the fight. The weight of a nation rests on Samuel Adams’ shoulders as he joins the delegates of the Second Continental Congress. Can he raise the cause of Liberty above the fear of the King’s wrath in the hearts of his countrymen?

Three riveting short stories follow Samuel Adams as he struggles through the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence and evokes the Dawn of Liberty.

Dawn of Liberty

Liberty hangs in the balance. With Pennsylvania’s vote divided, the declaration may not pass. Samuel Adams has two hours to convince the delegates to pass the document, or the lives sacrificed for freedom will be worthless.

A Shot at Freedom

“The Regulars are coming!”

Samuel Adams is awakened by Revere’s cry of alarm. A large force of British soldiers are marching on Lexington to seize him and his compatriot John Hancock. Adams and Hancock encourage the militia to make a stand against the Regulars, but should they stay and join the fight, or escape to safety?

Travail of a Nation

Samuel Adams felt the weight of the nation resting on his shoulders as he and his cousin entered the Pennsylvania State House. If the declaration did not pass today, their chances at ever truly gaining independence were all but lost. The British forces bound to arrive in New York any day would crush their revolution if it was not bolstered by a formal declaration. The “Travail Of A Nation” has begun…

My Two Cents

As a history buff, I was so excited to read this book and I wasn’t disappointed! Amber draws you right into the stories, I felt like I was right there watching the events unfold. There was not a dull moment nor was the reading dry.

Dawn of Liberty was very well written. Amber brought the characters to life with their own personalities. Her research was impeccable and spot on.

My favorite part of the story was that it brought to light just how much our forefathers sacrificed to create the United States.  With July 4th coming up, I will be remembering and celebrating very differently.

I give Dawn of Liberty 5 out of 5 stars! With our nations birthday coming up, you definitely want to add this to your TBR list!

I received this book through the Celebrate Lit blogging program in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author

Author of over half a dozen books, Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call “historical fiction at its finest”. She lives in Colorado and spends half her time volunteering in the Ozarks. Visit her online at www.AmberSchamel.com/

Guest Post From Amber Schamel

On July 4th, 2016, Americans across the nation will celebrate the 240th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Besides the basic overview you got in history class, how much do you really know about the document and the men that signed it?

As an American and a history nerd, I was upset when I realized how much I didn’t know the struggle these men went through, who they really were, what they felt, and what they were putting on the line when they signed their name to that document. There are SO many inspiring stories in the signers and founding fathers, so when I began looking at which signer to feature in Dawn of Liberty, it was a tough decision to pick only one. One of the signers was terminally ill and rode unthinkable miles through the rain to be there in time to sway the vote. Most were away from their homes and families for incredible amounts of time. Some sacrificed fame and fortune.

But after looking through all of the names, I ended up with Samuel Adams. Sam is such a passionate and inspiring character, and I really related to him. He voiced his passion for freedom and independence before the idea was popular, spent countless nights writing articles and pamphlets promoting the cause, always held faith and optimism that someday the Colonies would be free from the tyranny of England. His character is so intriguing and inspiring…Yet, Sam is only known as a beer brand.

Talk about infuriating a history nerd!

Sam Adams is a patriot and a hero. The more I learned and read about him, the more I liked him. Americans should know Sam for who he really is, rather than as the icon to sell liquor. That’s why I am so excited for people to meet Sam in DAWN OF LIBERTY. These stories give folks a chance to experience the tension in Philadelphia at the time of the signing, meet some of the signers, and feel the weight of the decision placed in their hands. It is my hope that this collection of short stories will make the signers more than just portraits in a history book. By the time you finish reading it, my prayer is that you feel you know Sam and his compatriots as friends.

Blog Stops

June 21: inklings and notions

June 22: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

June 23: Petra’s Hope

June 24: A Greater Yes

June 24: Simple Harvest Reads

June 25: A Holland Reads

June 26: bigreadersite

June 27: Red Headed Book Lady

June 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

June 29: History, Mystery and Faith

June 30: A Northern Belle

July 1: Singing Librarian Books

July 2: Book Bites, Bee Stings, and Butterfly Kisses

July 3: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

July 4: Cassandra M’s Place

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amber is giving away a signed copy of The Healer’s Touch and a $15 Amazon Gift Card! Enter to win here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9ccf

To purchase your copy click here.

About the Book

In our current digital world, the internet puts every entrepreneur and creative artist smack dab in the middle of social media and marketing. With an online tsunami of informational how-to’s, deciding which methods work best challenges the best of us. In Social Media Strategies: Discover Powerful Tools of the Trade without Losing Your Soul, uncovers the most relevant techniques, skipping unnecessary fluff by going straight to up-to-date tactics and tips used by experts.

Inside these pages, a wealth of simple, savvy tricks aids understanding of things like SEO, Facebook algorithms, top performing platforms, and key ingredients for engagement. You’ll also have a treasure trove of links, templates, time saving applications, and what’s projected to change in cyberspace so you can stay ahead of the curve. However, your worth is not the sum of hard numbers. No longer do you have to feel depersonalized by ranks and formulas. T.H. Meyer combines trending social media content followed by encouraging words that redirect your soul to God. In the right hands, social media is a powerful tool for entrepreneurs and small businesses or any person with a message to share.

Guest Post from T.H. Meyer

Often times, we write (or live life) with two voices in our head.

One voice belongs to the Critic. This voice says, “Your friends or peers may not like your work? Worse, you know So-n-So will hate it!”

“Who do you think you are?”

“You could fail!”

“You’re putting yourself out there, why risk it?”

“You’re sloppy and lack analytical, time management skills.”

“Apologize ahead of time to those one-star readers you know are telepathically hating your words right now!”

The other voice belongs to the Encourager. This voice pushes you out of your comfort zones because you have that one reader in mind you want to help. This voice says, “Give words to lift their spirit.”

“Show them what you’ve learned so they don’t have to struggle like you did.”

“Help them see a better way.”

“Brighten their day and give them hope.”

“Provide practical information that’ll make their life easier.”

“Point them in the direction where peace and joy abide.”

We may begin with the Encourager, but it’s the Critic that stops us. It’s the Critic that paralyzes us with insecurity and inaction. And if we proceed with the Critic, we move with such caution we end up writing to the Critic instead for the Encourager. In fact, the Critic wrestles the pen out of our hand and so, we add disclaimers until our whole book is about placating the Critic.

We want the Critic to like us.

They won’t.

We want the Critic to see our good intentions.

They don’t care.

We want the Critic to know we understand.

He’ll only slap at our attempts, laugh in our face with pungent garlic breath, and still hate whatever we’re doing.

When I began writing my debut book about social media strategies, I wrote to help the struggling artist, writer, or entrepreneur take advantage of what’s available at their fingertips. I wanted to provide applicable information to improve their understanding and presence. My desire included helping them get ahead while also remembering where their true hope comes.

But that all changed when the Critic showed up.

Instead, I added disclaimers before every chapter, like:

“Hey, if you don’t like this stuff, I’m so sorry, just skip this chapter, in fact, just skip this whole book. K? So sorry. Hate that you don’t like social media. I know it sucks. It sucks, right? Like big time? I know. So sorry. Social media can be the devil’s spawn. I totally get it. No, really I do. I’m a worm for writing that it can be used for good. So sorry to bother you with this. Oh look, squirrel!”

Yeah, true story.

Thankfully, I stopped doing that. I edited and rewrote. I got back to work and penned my book for the Encourager.

The most important part of this book is the writing under the word “Strategies”. It states: “Discover Powerful Tools of the Trade without Losing Your Soul.” I’m a social media manager who spent years, blogging and feeling like my soul was sucked out by all the platform-talk that I was told to focus on.

Add to that, the Christian publishing industry heavily relies on the number of followers you have before taking a risk on you, to the point, your whole worth as an author, a person can get wrapped up in a number. Sheesh. The pressure to be popular and viral can be defeating.

Also, I taught classes to local small business owners and entrepreneurs on how to maximize their social media presence. Essentially, I encouraged them (as a consumer myself) that clients, consumers, and community can’t find you if they don’t know about you. So this is as much as service to potential clients and community as it is for their business. But I found many business owners were overwhelmed by the deluge of information regarding social media.

That’s where this book comes in. I wrote it to be a help to others, but especially to Christians who feel like their souls die a little more every time they try to tackle social media, platforms, and latest changes in the social media landscape.

My Review

This book has so many tools to help with social media.  Social media can be very overwhelming and time consuming. T.H. Meyer’s book will help you maximize your time and production.

This book is an amazing tool for authors.  In an age where platforms are all the rage, Social Media Strategies will help you navigate building your social media platform while remembering you are not just a number nor is your worth in the number of people who follow you. As an author, this is a book I would not be without.

T.H. Meyer created a book that brings social media into the “I can do this” category. She breaks it down into small easy sections and the links make it easy to start right away! I love how she gives information, tips and tricks but keeps your soul in the forefront.

If you are a seasoned blogger or just beginning, this book is a must have! I give Social Media Strategies 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book from the Celebrate Lit blogging program in exchange for my honest review. For more information about Celebrate Lit, visit www.celebratelit.com.

About the Author

T.H. Meyer’s writing has been featured in online magazines such as C’est La Vie: THE MAGAZINE and The High Calling along with guest posting for Amber C. Haines, Jennifer Dukes Lee, and at The Gift of Writing to name a few. Besides her current employment as a social media manager and content writer, she founded Outside the City Gates and worked as a creative director for the Sunday Circle Group, a worldwide collaboration of talented artisans, poets, photographers, speakers, and writers. She lives among Rye pastures on a farm in east Texas, far removed from big-city slickers. On any given day, eight resident ducks waddle under her bedroom window and quack like dogs when ready to eat. Her favorite pastimes are family, writing, juicy in-depth conversations, and unsweet tea. Connect on her blog Fear Not: Infusing Courage into Your Gifts & Talents, Facebook, or Twitter

Blog Stops

May 31: Just Commonly

May 31: Karen’s Krayons

June 1: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

June 2: History, Mystery and Faith

June 3: Blogging With Carol

June 4: Splashes of Joy

June 4: Mary Hake

June 5: The Power of Words

June 6: Simple Harvest Reads

June 7: A Greater Yes

June 7: Cassandra M’s Place

June 8: Singing Librarian Books

June 9: Bukwurmzzz

June 10: Tell Tale Book Reviews

June 11: Smiling Book Reviews

June 12: Southern Soul

June 13: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour,  T.H. Meyer is offering a HUGE give away: A Kindle Fire and several Amazon gift cards! Click to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/9ad2

Genre: Fiction, Historical, Children’s Publisher: Clean Reads Publication date: January 6, 2016 Number of pages: 208ClaireLee’s life changes when she must take charge of her siblings after her mother becomes depressed from a difficult childbirth. Frightened by the way Mama sleeps too much and her crying spells during waking hours, ClaireLee just knows she’ll catch her illness like a cold or flu that hangs on through winter. ClaireLee finds comfort in the lies she tells herself and others in order to hide the truth about her erratic mother. Deciding she needs to re-invent herself, she sets out to impress a group of popular girls. With her deception, ClaireLee weaves her way into the Lavender Girls Club, the most sophisticated girls in school. Though, her best friend Belinda will not be caught with the likes of such shallow puddles, ClaireLee ignores Belinda’s warnings the Lavenders cannot be

Book Trailer
YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/s8x5lJKZFHU
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May 23–Reading Is My SuperPower
May 24–Bookworm Lisa | Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance
May 25–Katie’s Clean Book Collection | Christy’s Cozy Corners
May 26–Mel’s Shelves | Simply Harvest Reads
May 27–Christian Bookaholic
May 28–Singing Librarian Books

Purchase your copy of For Richer or Poorer here

About the Book

Elizabeth Whitte finds herself on the frigid border of Minnesota and Canada as winter sets in. When her plans for finding a husband and rushing back to Kansas fall through, she has to stay and learn a few things…like how to care for others.

Robert is a Mountie in Fort Frances, Canada. When he meets Elizabeth, his first instinct is to send her home. He’s been burned by women like her in the past and knows his life isn’t suited for them. Elizabeth’s pull is strong, but he cannot leave his beloved Canada.

As Elizabeth matures in many ways, Robert must decide if sending her back to Kansas is still his best option. Could she learn to love him, and his beautiful home?

My Two Cents

For Richer or Poorer is the second book in the series and the second book I have read by Kari Trumbo. I can not wait to read the next book in the series! I loved both of Kari’s books! Her books have characters you love to hate and characters you want to see get a happy ending. There were times that I wanted to scream and a couple of times I held my breath wondering what would happen next. I found myself engrossed in the story and I did not want it to end.

I love the themes of forgiveness, healing and restoration weaved into For Richer or Poorer.  I also loved how Elizabeth had a plan but God had a different idea – a better plan – for her.  This is a great reminder for us. How many times have we had plans that didn’t come to fruition but in the end, we look back and see God’s plan through the whole situation.

I give For Richer or Poorer 5 out of 5 stars.  An exciting book that leaves you wanting more!

Thank you to Celebrate Lit and Kari Trumbo for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author

Kari Trumbo is a writer of Christian Historical Romance and a stay-at-home mom to four vibrant children. She does freelance developmental editing and blogging. When she isn’t writing or editing, she homeschools her children and pretends to keep up with them. Kari has written three novels in the Western Vows series and one prequel/novella; all should be released by fall of 2016. Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing with the worship team, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband of eighteen years, two daughters, two sons, and four cats.

Places to follow Kari:

Website           Facebook         Twitter            Pinterest          Amazon

Blog Spots

May 1: Mary Hake

May 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

May 2: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 3: A Greater Yes

May 4: Bukwurmzzzz

May 5: Simple Harvest Reads

May 6: Artistic Nobody

May 6: Cassandra M’s Place

May 7: Red Headed Book Lady

Guest Post from Kari Trumbo

Welcome to the tour, my new friends!

The Western Vows series began, believe it or not, on a dream and a challenge. I’m very close friends with another writer. We’d been friends for about seven years when she published her first book. I offered to edit it for her and tucked my own secret thoughts of writing inside. She and I are so alike, we share a birthday, look similar, have similar interests and likes, but we are not sisters, at least in the biological sense. When I’d been editing for her for three years, in secret, I wrote a manuscript. It was during the month of our shared birthdays. I told her about it and she said the best thing to do when you start writing is to set that one aside and keep going. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) camp came the very next month and she challenged me to write another, right away. I’d had a story bottled up for over three years. I accepted her challenge, set my word count, and finished the first draft of To Honor and Cherish five weeks later.

I knew the story was good, I just needed to work on it, but while I was writing the story of Meg, stubborn Lizzy started pushing her way to the forefront of my mind. That would be For Richer or Poorer. I edited book one over twenty-five times and submitted it to a few agents, all of whom gave me good advice on how to improve it. Parts that I took out of book one in editing became the background of Forsaking All Others, the prequel and Rose’s story, explaining how a Sioux couple ended up on a Kansas ranch.

Lastly, and the most difficult, was To Love and Comfort, Margot’s story. She fought me every step of the way and that story had to be started over four times before I got it right. It will be released fall of 2016. There may be more novels in the Western Vows series, I’m not willing to write the end just yet. I’m currently working on two new series, one focused on a tiny town in Montana with three other authors, the other a series based in Nebraska.

In For Richer or Poorer, I’ll take you through the taming of Elizabeth Whitte. I didn’t like her much at first, and I don’t think you will, either, but keep reading! She reminded me a bit of Scarlet O’Hara in the beginning. She rushes off to Northern Minnesota to trick a man into marrying her so she can inherit her father’s ranch. She never dreamed that there might be men out there unwilling to listen to her every demand. Life is a little harsh for her, but she soon learns that the things she teased her sister Meg about enjoying, just might make her happy, too. By the end of For Richer or Poorer, Elizabeth was one of my favorite characters and Robert is, bar none, my favorite hero so far.

I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did writing it.

~Kari

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kari is giving away two wonderful prizes! The grand prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire. The first place winner will receive a copy of each of her books. This giveaway begins April 30 and ends May 9. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and entrants release any liability to this blog and Celebrate Lit.

Click here to enter.

Purchase your copy here.

About the book

Feeling stressed? Why not relax with an adult coloring book? Rachel J. Good’s Amish Quilts Coloring Book takes you back to a time and place that’s calm. Immerse yourself in a world of peace as you color the 25 different quilts.

Inspired by quilts seen in Amish country, many of these designs are based on traditional patterns, but some have been reimagined or repeated multiple times to create more intricate designs to color. Each quilt is printed on only one side of the page; facing pages contain inspirational Amish proverbs. To make the quilts even more colorful and interesting, sketch fabric designs – plaids, checks, paisleys, flowers, or abstract shapes – into the larger quilt blocks, use pattern stamps, or even collage fabric scraps to the pages. And if the designs inspire you to make quilts of your own, the pages can be used as templates for quilt-making.

My Two Cents

I have always wanted to quilt but have to be honest and say that I am horrible at sewing.  I love Rachel’s coloring book because I get to “sew” beautiful quilts by coloring them. I also get to  relax while doing it!

I like that each quilt has its own page so you can color and display each one. There is a beautiful proverb that goes with each page that I found very encouraging. This coloring book will bring you hours of fun.  It is not just for women or adults, my son colored the quilt displayed on this post.

I have included a colored and uncolored sample  for you to view.

I give the Amish Quilts Coloring Book 5 out of 5 stars. A fun book not to be missed!

About the Author

Rachel J. Good, inspirational author, writes life-changing, heartfelt novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She is the author of Amish romances in the Sisters & Friends series. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her novels. A former teacher and librarian, she completed her MA from Vermont College while raising five children. She is presently an MFA student in Writing and Illustration at Hollins University. In addition to having more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pseudonyms, she also juggles freelance editing and illustration careers. To buy the Amish Quilts Coloring Book: http://amzn.to/1VmIOUi. Visit Rachel at:

Website: www.racheljgood.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachelJGood1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661177.Rachel_J_Good

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/

Blog Stops

May 4: Bookworm Mama

May 5: Smiling Book Reviews

May 5: Cassandra M’s Place

May 6: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

May 6: Simple Harvest Reads

May 7: Blossoms and Blessings

May 7: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 8: Tell Tale Book Reviews

May 9: Karen’s Krayons

May 9: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

May 10: Texas Book-aholic

May 11: Singing Librarian Books

May 12: Through the Open Window

May 12: Petra’s Hope

May 13: Lighthouse Academy

May 13: Reader’s Cozy Corner

May 14: A Greater Yes

May 14: Artistic Nobody

May 15: Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses

May 15: Books! Books! Books!

May 15: Raining Butterfly Kisses

May 15: Quiet Quilter

Giveaway

[promosimple id=”986f”]

Purchase your copy here.

About the Book

No Neutral Ground: After his father divorces his mother because of her Jewish ancestry, Rafe and the rest of his family flee Germany. As a B-17 navigator, he returns to Europe. On the ocean voyage, he meets Jennie, an artist journeying to Sweden to work with the OSS.

Flying missions against his former homeland arouses emotions that surprise Rafe. Despite being rejected, he is troubled by the destruction of Germany and his heart still cries for his father’s love.

Sweden may be neutral, but it’s full of intrigue. Jennie assists the OSS at the American legation in Sweden. She thought she’d be doing passive, behind-the-scenes work. Instead, she’s pushed into an active role to gain intelligence and frustrate the Germans.

How can Rafe and Jennie succeed in their dangerous roles when they are so conflicted?

My Two Cents

Can I just say I love Terri Wangard? Her stories draw you right in and you can not put her book down! No Neutral Ground was both well researched and well written. Her characters have depth and you become attached to them. 

Rafe is my favorite character – I connected with his story. He felt lost, unloved, rejected. I think all of us has felt this way at some point in our lives. Rafe’s story touched me deeply.

One aspect of both Books is they make you realize that not Germans supported the Nazis. They give you a glimpse at how torn some Germans were. How heartbroken they were to see their homeland ensnared in war.

Terri makes you feel as if you were back in WWII right beside her characters. I give No Neutral Ground 5 out of 5 stars. This is a book you don’t want to miss and an author you want to add to your watch list!

About the Author

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. These days she is writing historical fiction, and won the 2013 Writers on the Storm contest and 2013 First Impressions, as well as being a 2012 Genesis finalist. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Her research included going for a ride in a WWII B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Connect with Terri:
www.terriwangard.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriWangard
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/terriwangard/

Blog Stops

May 3: Book Reviews From an Avid Reader

May 4:  A Greater Yes

May 5: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

May 5: The Editor’s Note

May 6: Daysong Reflections

May 6: Mary Hake

May 7: Bigreadersite

May 8: Inklings and Notions

May 9: Blossoms and Blessings

May 10: Bukwurmzzz

May 10: Cassandra M’s Place (spotlight)

May 11: Christian Bookaholic

May 12: Singing Librarian Books

May 13: Texas Book-aholic

May 14: Simple Harvest Reads

May 15: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

May 16: Artistic Nobody

Guest Post from Terri Wangard

I hadn’t planned on writing No Neutral Ground. Friends and Enemies (book one of the Promise For Tomorrow series) was the WWII story I’d wanted to write, inspired by family history on the German side. Finishing that, I’d started writing a contemporary story set in one of my favorite places, Green Lake, Wisconsin.

At an ACFW conference, I had an appointment to pitch Friends and Enemies with an editor. She said I’d be likelier to get a contract if I had a series. The Green Lake story got shelved.

What could I write to partner with Friends and Enemies? That stumped me. The German side of the story was my big interest, but another one? No. I had no desire to return to Nazi Germany. My ancestry is three quarters German. All of my forbearers arrived in America before 1900, but it’s still a bitter thought that their homeland spawned such evil.

Germany’s out, so that left me with the other side of Friends and Enemies—the B-17s. I’d chosen the Flying Fortress because of my timeline. In mid-1944, the only American military men in Germany were shot-down airmen. I had plenty of material I hadn’t used in Friends and Enemies, but the plot had to be different. Something other writers hadn’t touched on. Maybe…Sweden?

Who’s familiar with Sweden’s role in World War II?

If American planes got in trouble during their missions and couldn’t make it back to their bases in England, they sought sanctuary in neutral countries. Switzerland is usually the first that comes to mind. Tricia Goyer had already written The Swiss Courier which touches on internees.

But Sweden. I had even visited Sweden. In 1993, my dad and I had gone to Sweden to cover a classic boat show for our magazine, Classic Boating. During a free day, we had wandered around Stockholm and taken lots of pictures.

I started the research and discovered, hmm, there’s not much, especially if you don’t know Swedish. One book I acquired held a eureka moment. A B-17 was damaged and the pilot told the crew to bail out. The navigator hurried to the cockpit and implored him to try to make it to Sweden. He was from Germany, a former member of the Hitler Youth, and he did not want to be captured by his former countrymen. There’s my male protagonist! Rafe discovered he had Jewish ancestry and had to flee Germany. Now he’s back at war with the homeland.

I still needed a female protagonist, and Jennie proved hard to pin down. I was pulling her together throughout the writing. I enjoyed reading accounts of Betty McIntosh, who served with the OSS in the China-Burma-India theater. Why not enlist Jennie’s services with the OSS in Sweden? She’s talented but lacks confidence. Pretty soon, Jennie found her voice.

As my research continued, I made a surprising discovery. One of the photos I’d taken in Stockholm turned out to be the former home of the American legation in Sweden. Jennie’s workplace. And I had thought it was just an example of lovely architecture.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading about Rafe and Jennie in No Neutral Ground.

Giveaway

To celebrate her No Neutral Ground tour, Terri is giving away several prizes.  Click here to enter: https://promosimple.com/ps/97ca

The Master’s Calling by Amber Schamel is a 232 page book in the Biblical fiction genre. It is the third book in the Days of Messiah series. The Master’s Calling was published by Vision Writer Publications and was released on Nov 2, 2015.  To purchase your copy, click here.

About the Book

After generations of waiting, the Messiah has come at last. And not a day too soon. All his life, Malon Ben-Tyrus has been stifled beneath Roman laws and religious traditions, and he longs to be free. The oppression of the Romans worsens every day, and the religious system led by the Scribes and Pharisees has grown corrupt.

Malon believes his life calling is to become a disciple of the Messiah and help free Israel from bondage.  When Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, Malon knows this will be a historic event. Jesus will enter the city as the Son of David and take His place as the Messiah of Israel. He longs to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, but his family won’t allow him to go.

When at last his family consents, Malon arrives in Jerusalem only to discover that he is too late. The man he thought to be the Messiah has
been crucified,and Barabbas—his greatest enemy—has been set free.

Appalled by the cowardice of Jesus’ disciples, Malon returns home seething with frustration and despair. Everything he believed he was destined to become died with Jesus. Was he wrong about his destiny?

About the Author

Multi-published author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call “historical fiction at its finest”. A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft and is now the author of over half a dozen books. Between ministry, family and working in their family-owned businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. Amber is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.

Follow Amber: http://amberschamel.com/ Blog: http://www.stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmberSchamel Twitter: @AmberSchamel Pintrest – http://pinterest.com/AmberDSchamel/ Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7073165.Amber_Schamel

Blog Tour Stops

Feb 10: Mary Hake

Feb 11: Red Headed Book Lady

Feb 12: A Greater Yes

Feb 13: Bigreadersite

Feb 14: Simple Harvest Reads

Feb 15: Artistic Nobody

Feb 16: Cassandra M’s Place

Feb 17: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

Feb 18: Bukwurmzzz

Giveaway Information

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

Kindle Fire Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway