28 May 2023 1 Comment

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

About the Book

Book: Heart of Gold

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 11, 2023

They survived a harrowing near-death experience. Can a poignant family Christmas bring them together?

Ida needs a quiet Christmas at home to rest and find her footing again. But her boisterous family is anything but quiet and things only get worse when her U.S. Marshal brother brings home a prisoner for the holiday—the same outlaw that saved her life.

Tom Seymour discombobulates her. He’s arrogant and unrepentant. But when she’s forced to nurse his injuries, she realizes that his persona is all a facade. The man underneath is wounded and kind and in need of redemption.

But Tom must make a choice between his old life and the chance to make a new one with Ida. Can she trust the man he is becoming or will he betray her?

Click here to get your copy!

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 http://www.lacywilliams.net/vip.

More from Lacy

Do you like “stranded together” stories as much as I do? Being stuck in an airport, a snowstorm, a wedding weekend… Yes, please, to all of the above.

But has it ever happened to you in real life?

Twenty-plus years ago, when I was a freshman in college and before I started dating my handsome hubby, I dated this other guy.

We met at a mixer during the first few days of the semester and hit it off pretty quickly. Classes started, we saw each other a few times socially.

He was pledging a fraternity and invited me to go with him to a co-ed overnight trip.

And then when we got there, he sort of just… disappeared. For hours. I finally found him and then followed him around… until I finally got the hint. Sometime in the days between when he’d invited me to the float trip, and when we arrived, his feelings changed.

It was SOOO awkward for the rest of the night and then the next day. Not the place and time I wanted to be ghosted. And it was worse because I’d ridden down with a mutual friend and had no way to get the two-plus hours home until the next day.

It wasn’t a romantic or fun time. More like a disaster.

A disaster is exactly what my heroine Ida thinks about being stuck with ex-bad guy Tom for Christmas. They get snowed in with her family (and her deputy older brother) and at first it is awkward.

And then… it’s not awkward anymore.

By the time the snow melts, Ida has caught feelings for Tom.

You can read this story free in KU or win a copy through this giveaway! Ida and Tom’s love story is called Heart of Gold.

-Lacy

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 16

Alena Mentink, May 16

Texas Book-aholic, May 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

Connie’s History Classroom, May 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 21

Christina’s Corner, May 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, May 22

For Him and My Family, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 25 (Author Interview)

Kristina Hall, May 25

Cover Lover Book Review, May 26

Vicky Sluiter, May 27

Splashes of Joy, May 28

Sheila’s Reading Corner, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

To celebrate her tour, Lacy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/2606e/heart-of-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour and Giveaway for Chris Crossed Murder by Lauren Carr

28 May 2023 Leave a comment

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

Join us for this tour from May 1 to May 26, 2023!

Book Details:

Book Title: Chris Crossed Murder (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #4) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 10 hours, 13 minutes
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Mar 21, 2023
Format available for review: audiobook (audible download code), ebook: (MOBI for kindle, EPUB, PDF
Tour dates: May 1, to May 26, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

MY RATING: Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Carr is a master at creating unique, complex plots and colorful characters, both evident in her latest cold case mystery featuring Chris Matheson and the geezer squad. The plot is twisted, the mystery unique and the ending a surprise. A must-read!” – Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Marilyn R. Wilson, Author, Speaker, Book Reviewer

“Lauren Carr is among my favorite mystery writers. She knows how to write a fun tale while keeping readers engaged. …I would give Chris Crossed Murder one hundred stars if I could. I believe readers who enjoy reading well-written and clean cozy mysteries will most definitely want to read it. I have no doubt they will enjoy it as much as I did. The fifth installment from A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series is on my radar for when it releases.” – Review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery, Book Four) by Amy Campbell, Locks Hooks and Books

Book Description:
It proves to be a Christmas to remember when the Matheson family receives the horrendous news that Chris Matheson’s body has been found in the woods near an international airport.

Everyone is stunned—especially Chris Matheson.

The mystery deepens when they discover the victim has Chris’s federal agent badge and appears to have been investigating one of his old cases.

The Geezer Squad’s latest case is not only a whodunit but who-got-dun. Is this a case of mistaken identity? Was Chris the intended victim? If not, then they must identify the murder victim to find his killer.

With Christmas days away, join the Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad as they race to piece together the clues to their most puzzling case yet.

MY THOUGHTS ON Chris Crossed Murder

Chris Crossed Murder is the fourth book in A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series by Lauren Carr. In this story, Matheson is as surprised as anyone when he hears his own body was found in the woods near the airport. Does someone want Chris dead? And why? Time for the Geezer Squad to put their expertise together and find out just what is going on.

I love this Lauren Carr mystery. It’s my favorite of the series. The tension is pretty strong as the Geezer group search begins and they keep finding clues to lead them to the facts. I was listening to the audiobook and it was hard for me to stop listening.

Mike Alger does such a fantastic job reading this book. His voice changes with each character and with the tension rising was definitely a plus for me with the audiobook. I have enjoyed Alger’s readings of other books, and I believe each one gets a little bit better. If you are in the market for audiobooks, this one is an awesome one to try. In fact, the entire Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series would be an awesome choice for you. These books can easily be read as a stand alone, but when you read or listen to the first book, they are all so good you will definitely want to read then all. I highly recommend this book and series to you. I’m giving this audiobook Five Stars, and it deserves so many more!!

Special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Audible
B&N ~ BAM
BookBub
add to goodreads

Meet the Narrator:

One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California; Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children.

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~ twitter

Meet the Author:

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions.

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 3 – Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of ICE / giveaway
May 4 – Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST / giveaway
May 8 – Liese’s Blog – book series spotlight
May 9– Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID / giveaway
May 10– Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15– Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE / giveaway
May 15 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 16 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST / giveaway
May 17 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID / giveaway
May 18 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 – Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 –@enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 24 – FUONLYKNEW – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 24– @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 – fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 25 –Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE / giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST / giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID / giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

AUDIO REVIEW..The Last Thing She Said by Lauren Carr

27 May 2023 2 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in iRead Book Tours, Lauren Carr, Welcome

Book Details:

The Last Thing She Said (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #3) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 10 hours, 41 minutes
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Sep 16, 2019
Format available for review: audiobook (Audible download), ebook (MOBI, EPUB, PDF),
Tour dates: May 1 to May 26, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

Book Reviews

Too many twists and turns to easily share about this book. Nevertheless, Carr has pulled off another “hit” that kept me reading in one setting until the clues were so well together that the villain fell into our laps…or Chris’s, LOL Carr has put a lot into the book beyond the mysteries this time…Characters enjoyed chocotinis, visited book stores…and even blundered into getting engaged (the ring had been purchased 4 months ago)… But, for me, a special thank you for the political spoof at a time when politics at the national level is devastating, gave me a laugh and lightened the load of it all!” – Review by Glenda Bixler, Book Reader’s Heaven

Book Description:
“I’m working on the greatest mystery ever,” was the last thing noted mystery novelist Mercedes Livingston said to seven-year-old Chris Matheson before walking out of Hill House Hotel never to be seen again.

For decades, the writer’s fate remained a puzzling mystery until an autographed novel and a letter put a grown-up Chris Matheson on the trail of a cunning killer. With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris puts a flame to this cold case to uncover what had really happened that night Mercedes Livingston walked out of Hill House Hotel. Watch out! The clues are getting hot!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

We are on the third book in A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery series by Lauren Carr. This time, the Geezer Squad book club, that’s not a book club, has the job of finding Mercedes Livingston. This writer has been missing for decades, that is until an autographed novel and a letter shows up. Chris Matheson, with the help of the Geezer Squad is hot on the trail to find out what happened the night Mercedes walked out of Hill House Hotel.

WOW! what an awesome audiobook to listen to. My ears were glued to my phone as I listened to this amazing read by author Lauren Carr, read by narrator Mike Alger. The mystery and whodunit will keep you listening to find out who is responsible for Mercedes’ disappearance. The characters are many and they play their parts so well as they navigate each scene in an amazing way. This is one Murder mystery you don’t want to miss.

As I mentioned, I had the honor of listening to this beautiful, and sometimes scary Lauren Carr mystery from the mouth of narrator Mike Alger. Mike has an excellent voice reading this book, as well as others I have listened to. His voice is a smooth, masculine voice that is pleasant to listen to. I never got tired of his voice throughout the book. His voice change for each character made the story more enjoyable. If you enjoy audiobooks, or if you have wanted to try them out. This would be an fantastic choice for you. This series reads great as a stand alone, but it’s even better if you read it as a series. I very highly recommend this one. I’m giving The Last Thing She Said audiobook Five Stars for its excellent reading by Mike Agler.

A special thanks to Lauren Carr and IReadBookTours and to Mike Alger for a copy of this audiobook. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Narrator:

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~ twitter

Meet the Author:

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions.

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

Tour Schedule:

Enter the Giveaway:

https://gleam.io/1Zvba/chris-crossed-murder-audiobook-tour-giveaway

Winter Frost by Lauren Carr

26 May 2023 4 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

Book Details:

Book Title: Winter Frost (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #2) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category: Adult fiction, 8 hours, 56 minutes
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: Mar 22, 2019
Available for review in: audiobook (Audible download), ebook (EPUB, MOBI, PDF),
Tour dates: May 1 to May 26, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

MY RATING: Five Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

REVIEWS OF WINTER FROST

“Filled with twists and turns, Winter Frost reads perfectly well as a stand-alone, although it is part of a series. The author creates tension and suspense throughout by keeping the reader guessing; she keeps readers engaged with well fleshed out characters and a dash of humor. Sterling, the retired German Shepherd police dog turned card shark, is a new favorite. As the story flows, the truth unfolds, layer by layer, leading to a satisfying conclusion.

Winter Frost was an entertaining, at times humorous read with suspense, some surprises, and even cute animals in the mix.” Review of Winter Frost by The iRead Review

Book Description:
It all started with a chance encounter in the city with Blair, his late wife.

Chris Matheson and the Geezer Squad, working under the guise of a book club, dig into the events surrounding his late wife’s supposed death halfway around the globe. A state department employee shoots himself in the back three times. A CIA operative goes missing. A woman is targeted by an international assassin three years after being declared dead in a terrorist attack overseas.

Nothing is as it seems.

In his most personal cold case, Chris fights to uncover why the state department told him that Blair, the mother of his children, had been killed when she was alive. What had she uncovered that has made her a target? Who terrified her so much that she had gone into hiding and why are they now after him?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Chris Matheson buried his wife three years ago, at least that’s what he thought, but then he happens to run into her just as she was about to be murdered, for real. Now Chris is in trouble for taking out the guy who almost killed his wife, and there’s only one group of people Chris will let touch his case. The Geezer Squad book club, which is really not a book club at all. So, the Geezer Squad book club, along with Sterling, the German Shepherd and Thor the rabbit, dives head first into the Matheson case, to get to the bottom of what is going on. Will they find the answers they are seeking? Will they be able to clear Chris’ name?

Author Lauren Carr again pens another winner with Winter Frost. With the characters and setting so realistic, and the many twists and turns throughout the book, I couldn’t figure it all out until the end. Carr’s extensive research is evident by all of the details, and detailed scenes throughout the story. All in all this is an amazing murder mystery filled with lots of fun and entertainment.

And I’m happy to tell you that I listened to the audio version of Winter Frost. I once again enjoyed the voice of narrator Mike Alger, the smoothness of his voice. The distinctive voice changes with the different characters. Alger does a fabulous job with the narration in Winter Frost. If you are looking for a really wonderful audiobook to listen to, I very highly recommend Winter Frost by Lauren Carr, narratored by Mike Alger.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Selling over half a million books worldwide, Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—thirty titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions.

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

MEET THE NARRATOR

Tour Schedule:

Enter the Giveaway:

https://gleam.io/1Zvba/chris-crossed-murder-audiobook-tour-giveaway

ICE Audio book by Lauren Carr

25 May 2023 7 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in iRead Book Tours, Lauren Carr

Book Details:

Book Title: ICE (A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery #1) by Lauren Carr
Narrator: Mike Alger
Category: Adult fiction, 9 hours, 54 minutes
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: April 25, 2018
Available for review in: audiobook (audible download code), ebook (mobi, epub, PDF),
Tour dates: May 1 to May 26, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 (Lauren Carr’s books are murder mysteries, so there are murders involved. Occasionally, a murder will happen on stage. There is sexual content, but always behind closed doors. Some mild swearing (a hell or a damn few and far between). No F-bombs!

00:00

“Lauren spins an amazing web of lies, murder and love that will have you on the edge of your seat…I love the way Lauren spun this novel – I could not put the book down! I had to know what happened to Sandy and her unborn child and how this disappearance was tied into a string of other murders. I never saw the end coming but it was perfect and suited the novel. A definite must read novel!

“5-Star Review by Carla at Working Mommy Journal

Book Description for ICE.
When Sandy Lipton and her unborn child disappeared, the court of public opinion found young Chris Matheson guilty. Decades later, the retired FBI agent returns home to discover that the cloud of suspicion cast over him and his family has never lifted.

With the help of a team of fellow retired law enforcement officers, each a specialist in their own field of investigation, Chris Matheson starts chipping away at the ice on this cold case to uncover what had happened to Sandy and her baby and the clues are getting hot!

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Audible ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Ice by Lauren Carr is the first book in her new series, A Chris Matheson Cold Case Mystery. Chris Matheson has worked for the FBI for 24 years, and is now back in his home town. Chris now realizes how the gossips of the town are again accusing him for the Sandy Lipton disappearance. Will Chris ever be able to clear his name and have the retired life he deserves? This case may be just the one that The Geezer Squad needs to solve. I love these quirky characters and it’s K-9 German Shepherd. Come along on this captivating journey with author Lauren Carr and her loveable quirky characters in this intriguing Murder mystery that will keep you biting your nails throughout the entire story!

This time, I had the honor to listen to Mike Alger as he read this story. I have listened to Mr. Alger read stories before and I was excited to listen as he reads ICE. His voice is smoothe and easy to listen to. It’s easy to follow along as his voice changes with each character. If you love audio books and a good murder mystery, you will love ICE! Or if you have been thinking about trying audiobooks, this is an excellent one to start with. Lauren Carr’s mysteries and Mike Alger’s voice works perfectly together.

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Meet the Narrator:

Meet the Author:

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

The owner of Acorn Book Services and iRead Book Tours, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions.

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

connect with the author: website ~ blog ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ twitter ~ pinterest

Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 3 – Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of ICE / giveaway
May 4 – Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of WINTER FROST / giveaway
May 8 – Liese’s Blog – book series spotlight
May 9– Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of ICE
May 9 – Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID / giveaway
May 10– Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 10 –Casia’s Corner – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 11 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 11 – Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of the LAST THING SHE SAID
May 12 – Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 15– Blooming with Books – audiobook review of ICE / giveaway
May 15 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 16 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of WINTER FROST / giveaway
May 17 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID / giveaway
May 18 – Blooming with Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 19 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of ICE
May 22 – Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight
May 22 – @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of WINTER FROST
May 23 –@enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway
May 24 – FUONLYKNEW – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 24– @enjoyingbooksagain – audiobook review of CHRIS CROSSED MURDER
May 25 –fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 25 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of ICE / giveaway
May 26 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of WINTER FROST / giveaway
May 27 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of THE LAST THING SHE SAID / giveaway
May 28 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review of CHRS CROSSED MURDER / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Love in the Headlines by Penny Zeller

23 May 2023 10 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

About the Book

Book: Love in the Headlines

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 9, 2023

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Love in the Headlines is such a sweet read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Journalists Carleigh and Trey are always in competition with each other, and I think it’s safe to say that they don’t really like each other, because they each want to win that special story that drops right into their lap. What will eventually happen to these two? Will they find the story that makes them famous?

Author Penny Zeller does such a wonderful job writing this book. It is Christian fiction at its best, and we see the Christian life pouring out of the lives of the characters. Both Trey and Carleigh, along with the other supporting characters are spot on with each scene. Carleigh’s shih tzu Sullivan Theodore IV and Trey’s German Shepherd Jaxx were adorable in each of their scenes as well. And they were funny, so much humor. I laughed so much reading this story, and much of it was laugh out loud moments. I love how Ms. Zeller incorporates humor, faith and sweet romance in her books. And there was a bit of a mystery in this one was well. I am giving Love in the Headlines Five Stars! If you enjoy a good clean romance, this one I very highly recommend.

Can paper and paw prints draw these two nemeses together?

All Carleigh Adams wants is a relaxing evening. But Sullivan Theodore IV, her wayward Shih Tzu, has other plans. After escaping from home, Sullivan Theodore unlawfully enters what Carleigh assumes is a stranger’s house via a doggy door. Much to Carleigh’s horror, it is actually the home of her coworker and nemesis, Trey “The Irritating” Montgomery.

Trey Montgomery has had to work with “Quirky Carleigh,” his top competitor for the best articles at The Oakville Daily, for the past two years. It’s safe to say that she and her criminally-minded pet are his adversaries. Trey’s attempts to keep his distance from her are demolished when their boss thrusts them together as The Oakville Daily Duo, forcing them to work as a team on every. Single. Article.

Petty crimes and crazy shenanigans in Oakville soon draw Carleigh and Trey into doubling as detectives. When dogs, including their own pets, begin to mysteriously disappear, Carleigh and Trey join forces to uncover the culprit. As they work to report the daily news and solve the crimes in Oakville, can these two stubborn reporters find love in the headlines?

Faith, plentiful humor, and tender romance round out the latest Christian contemporary romance novel by Author Penny Zeller.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters and camping, hiking, canoeing, bicycling/cycling, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, blog, and on Facebook.

Subscribe to Penny’s newsletter for writing updates, news about freebies and giveaways, and other fun morsels.

More from Penny

The Inspiration Behind Love in the Headlines

When the idea for Love in the Headlines popped into my head, I knew I wouldn’t have to go far to find the inspiration for Sullivan Theodore IV, the spunky and mischievous Shih Tzu in the story.

For, once upon a time, a little white puppy needed a home.

From the second my niece and nephews walked through the door with him, Sulley Jaxx became more than just a pet. He became a member of the family.

It’s definitely not uncommon for dogs to become members of families. However, Sulley’s adoption became even more special because of his new family.

Years ago, my mom suffered a serious accident and she subsequently became wheelchair-bound. Unable to live the active life she once did, she and my dad were blessed to be able to move into the “mother-in-law apartment” of my sister and brother-in-law’s house.

My niece, Ally, has been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder, POTS, which can, at times, seriously interfere with her daily activities.

Enter Sulley.

My mom and Ally have what could only be considered as a “joint custody” arrangement. While Sulley’s favorite person is Ally, he is also quite partial to snuggling with my mom in her chair, and truly, my mom spoils him and lets Sulley get away with everything.

Sulley begs treats off a big softie known as my dad, aka Poppy, to his grandchildren, and Sulley runs like the wind with my nephew, Kolten. He recently gained a new admirer when my nephew, Seth, and his wife, Autumn, had their baby daughter.

And the inspiration behind the newspaper reporters? Back when video cameras were big, clunky, and oversized, my sister, cousin, friends, and I pretended to be reporters. We’d report and record the news, including some fun and very fabricated stories. Sometime I’ll have to do an archeological dig and locate those old VHS tapes.

I also wrote “articles” with friends and co-workers from my after-school job as the main characters of those articles. I wanted to be a reporter, and was blessed to be a photojournalist when my daughters were little. That launched my career as an author, my dream since I was in second grade.

Love in the Headlines takes readers on an enjoyable journey into a small, close-knit, American town where everyone knows everyone else. A town where faith and church are important. A slow-paced town where the newspaper’s main goal is to provide a family-friendly news outlet and everyone is excited when their photos or stories are featured. As Howard, the owner, says, “We should have an entire cache of great photos and well-written articles that will cause parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and everyone twice removed to purchase copies of The Oakville Daily.”

Love in the Headlines is a Christian contemporary romance with an enemies-to-lovers trope as the main theme. And, while most things in Oakville move at a relaxed pace, when a stranger begins committing crimes, including dognapping, Howard puts Carleigh and Trey, aka, The Oakville Daily Duo on the story. Will they realize their feelings for each other in the process?

With tender romance, faith, and abundant humor, I can’t wait for readers to meet Carleigh, Trey, Sullivan Theodore IV, Jaxx, and the rest of the gang.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

She Lives to Read, May 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17

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

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Bizwings Book Blog, May 22

Holly’s Book Corner, May 22

Splashes of Joy, May 23

Karen Baney Reviews, May 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Penny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift!!

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/25f5a/love-in-the-headlines-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Doktor’s Daughter by Nancy McDonald

19 May 2023 2 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

SCROLL DOWN TO READ REVIEW OF THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER

Join us for this tour from May 1 to May 19, 2023!

Book Details:

Book Title:  GIRL ON THE RUN (The Doktor’s Daughter) by Nancy McDonald
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 174 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher:  Iguana Books
Release date:   September, 2021
Format available for review: print-softback (USA and Canada), ebook (EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: May 1 to May 19, 2023
Content Rating:  G. It’s middle grade. No foul language. No sex scenes.

Book Description:

It’s 1933 in Berlin. The Nazis have seized power, and for thirteen-year-old Amelie Meyer life is changing in ways she never could have imagined.

Her new teacher is picking on Jewish students, her friends are starting to shun her for not joining their Aryan youth group and her father is getting remarried. As tensions mount at home and school, Amelie embarks on a perilous journey – with nothing less than her whole future at stake.

MY REVIEW OF GIRL ON THE RUN

In 1933, Berlin and Amelie Meyer are not happy that her life is changing in ways she never imagined. With her father’s remarriage and other changes in Amerie Meyer’s life, she is struggling mightly with the changes that are happening in her young life. Hitler’s control of Germany was kind of scary to read, yet at the same time, it was interesting and intriguing all the same. The historical events throughout the story were amazing, and I could sure tell the extent of the research that went into this story. Each vivid scene was so realistic.

This story was written for middle grade readers, but can be enjoyed by anyone, especially if you are a fan reading about the Hitler years and what he was involved in. I encourage you to check this book out.

Buy Now:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound
Abe Books ~ Book Depository ~ Books-A-Million

Add to Goodreads

You May Also Want to Review this book.

Book Details:

Book Title:  THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER by Nancy McDonald
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 166 pages
Genre: Historical fiction
Publisher:  Iguana Books
Release date:   Jun 19, 2022
Format available for review: print-softback (USA and Canada), ebook (EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: May 1 to May 19, 2022
Content Rating:  G. It’s middle grade. No foul language. No sex scenes.

Book Description:

Tragedy brings Amelie Meyer back to Berlin. It’s been four years since she was forced to flee her home, leaving everything behind — including her father.

Transformed by the Nazis, Berlin is now a drab and dangerous city, and Amelie can’t wait to return to Paris. But before she can leave, she finds herself swept up in an intrigue that makes her question everything she thinks she knows about her father. Is he a traitor or a hero? The only way to find out is to put her own life on the line.

MY THOUGHTS ON THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER

The Doktor’s Daughter finds Amelia back to Berlin, but things are very different and very dangerous now. Leaving this place behind again is always on her mind. But the longer she stays, the more she hears and realizes something out of the way is going on, and it all seems to be pointing to her father? How could this be when he was someone she totally thought she could trust? The answer is in this exciting and intriguing book that will give Amelia the answers she is searching so hard to find.

Nancy McDonald again knocks it out of the park with this fast pace conclusion to the two book series. Emotions are all over the place as we follow Amelia on the horrific journey into the life of the man she calls father, the man the thought she knew so well. I encourage you to check out The Doktor’s Daughter for a few hours of heart stopping enjoyment. I hope you enjoy this series as much as I did.

Buy Now:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
Barnes & Noble ~ Abe Books
Book Depository ~ Books-A-Million
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Nancy McDonald began her career as a journalist on television programs that include W5, Canada AM and Marketplace before going on to become a sought-after freelance writer, penning everything from documentaries to live-action scripts to comic books. The Doktor’s Daughter, the sequel to Girl on the Run, is her fourth novel. Nancy lives in Stratford, Ontario where she revels in Shakespeare, treads the boards with the Perth County Players and works part-time at Fanfare Book, Stratford’s only independent bookseller.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

May 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 1 – My Reading Getaway – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 2 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / guest post / giveaway
May 2 – My Reading Getaway – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 3 – Diane’s Book Journal – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 3 – @regallywritten – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN
May 4 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 4 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 5 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 5 – Character Madness and Musings – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 9 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 9 –Connie’s History Classroom – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 10 – Stephanie Jane – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 11 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 11– Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / author interview / giveaway
May 11 – Welcome To MLM Opinion’s Reviews – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway

May 12 – Library Lady’s Kid Lit – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHR / giveaway
May 12– Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 12 – Welcome To MLM Opinion’s Reviews – book review of THE DOKTORS DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 15 – Writer with Wanderlust – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 15 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 15 – Connie’s History Classroom – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 15 – @regallywritten – book review of THE DOKTORS DAUGHTER
May 16 – fundinmental – book series spotlight / giveaway
May 17 –Leanne bookstagram – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 17 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 17 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 18 – Liese’s Blog – book series spotlight
May 18 – History from a Woman’s Perspective – book series spotlight
May 18 – Splashes of Joy – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 18 – The Book Countess – book review of GIRL ON THE RUN / giveaway
May 19 –Leanne bookstagram – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 19 – Splashes of Joy – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway
May 19 – The Book Countess – book review of THE DOKTOR’S DAUGHTER / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

GIRL ON THE RUN by Nancy McDonald

18 May 2023 2 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in iRead Book Tours, Nancy McDonald, Welcome

Join us for this tour from May 1 to May 19, 2023!

Book Details:

Book Description:

MY THOUGHTS ON GIRL ON THE RUN

It’s 1933, Berlin and Amelie Meyer is not happy that her life is changing in ways she never imagined. With her father’s remarriage and other changes in Amelie Meyer’s life, she is struggling mightly with the changes that are happening in her young life, later causing her to flew her home for safety leaving everything behind. Hitler’s control of Germany was kind of scary to read, yet at the same time, it was interesting and intriguing all the same. The historical events throughout the story were amazing, and I could sure tell the extent of the research that went into this story. Each vivid scene was so realistic, thoughts about the book stayed with me long after I finished reading.

Buy Now:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
Barnes & Noble ~ IndieBound
Abe Books ~ Book Depository ~ Books-A-Million

Add to Goodreads

You May Also Want to Review this book.

Book Details:

Book Description:

Buy Now:
Amazon ~ Amazon.ca
Barnes & Noble ~ Abe Books
Book Depository ~ Books-A-Million
Add to GoodreadsMeet the Author:

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Enter the Giveaway:

Clarissa by Jean Jacobsen

14 May 2023 4 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in iRead Book Tours, Jean Jacobsen

Join us for this tour from May 8 to May 26, 2023!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance by Jean Jacobsen
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+) , 324 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: Jean Jacobsen
Release date:   Feb 2020
Format available for review: print-softback (USA only), e-book (EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: May 8 to May 26, 2023
Content Rating: G: Wholesome

MY RATING: FOUR STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

Tragedy brings them together. Will love tear them apart?

New York City, 1832. Clarissa Tanner is carefree and lighthearted until the sudden death of her parents. Forced to pay off family debts or lose her horse farm, she’s given one choice: auction off her beloved horses or reluctantly enter 1830s New York Society social season to face the dreaded marriage market.

Nicholas is a man on a mission, searching for his missing brother. Fearing Liam may be the victim of foul play, Nicholas needs to keep a low-profile while conducting his search. He takes a position as a dance instructor, providing refresher lessons to the beautiful but distracted Clarissa.

Clarissa and Nicholas find a connection through grief and movement as they fight their attraction to one another. Will they give in to their desires and find true love or will family obligations keep them apart?

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Bookbub

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Clarissa finds herself am orphan when her mom and dad were both killed. She is no longer a wealthy young lady because she and her grandmother fine out the farm has horrendous debts to pay in order to keep the farm and horses. Clarissa wants to sell neither of them, but she needs to find a rich husband and fast. In the meantime, Nicholas shows up looking for his brother, and was able to teach Clarissa dancing lessons. Though neither wanted anything from the other, they started getting closer and more attracted to each other, but Clarissa’s number one goal is to save the farm.

I never know what to expect when I read a new to me author, but I happy this is a delightful read. The characters are likeable and the story is well written. I like Clarissa and Nicholas and their interactions during their dance classes and around the farm. I found their romance to be sweet, and I was glad the book with it’s beautiful cover was a good, interesting, entertaining and clean read. For those loving a good farm and horse story, or a sweet romance, this is one you should try. I’m giving Clarissa: A Clean & Wholesome American Historical Romance by Jean Jacobsen Four Stars.

Meet the Author:

Jean Jacobsen is an award-winning storyteller of Sweet, Historical Romance. Featuring strong female characters, roguish heroes, and 19th Century adventure tales. She pens stories that transcend the heart and always have a happy ending. Because of Jean’s deep passion for history, she includes real events from the time period, making her stories come to life as they transport you to a by-gone era. Join her on the next adventure.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

May 8 – Cover Lover Book Review– book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 8 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
May 9 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
May 10 – FUONLYKNEW – book spotlight / author interview giveaway
May 11 – Character Madness and Musings – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 12 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
May 12– Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 15 – MacKade – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 15 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
May 16 – @regallywritten – book spotlight / giveaway
May 17 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 18 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 19 – mamof9 – book spotlight
May 19 –Diane’s Book Journal – book spotlight
May 22 – Older & Smarter? – book review / author interview / giveaway
May 22 – Novels Alive – book review / giveaway
May 23 – Sandra’s Book Club – book review
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
May 24 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / guest post / giveaway
May 25 – Blooming with Books – book review / author interview / giveaway
May 26 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
May 26 – Bizwings Book Blog – book review / giveaway
May 26 – History from a Woman’s Perspective – book spotlight

Enter the Giveaway:

https://gleam.io/lY7X6/clarissa-by-jean-jacobsen-book-tour-giveaway

Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules by Anne E. Beall

12 May 2023 1 Comment

by Splashes of Joy in IReadBook

Join us for this tour from April 24 to May 15, 2023!

Book Details:
Book Title:  Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life by Anne E. Beall
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 148 pages
Genre: Feminist, Fairy Tales, Literary Criticism
Publisher:  Independent Publishing
Release date:  Oct 2022
Tour dates: April 24 to May 15, 2023
Content Rating: PG + M. Some characters are executed for their transgressions, some violence

Book Description:

Explore the fascinating link between gender stereotypes in fairy tales and real-world life with Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life. This thought-provoking book carefully analyzes 200 folktales and fairy tales from around the world, uncovering a universal disparity in how male and female characters are punished for breaking the rules. Through a blend of thorough research and literary investigation, the book sheds light on how these stereotypes affect our families, politics, and education. A powerful feminist critique of social norms, this academic yet accessible exploration shows how our most cherished tales shape our cultures.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Anne E. Beall is an award-winning author whose books have been featured in People Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Toronto Sun, Hers Magazine, Ms. Career Girl, and she’s been interviewed by NBC, NPR, and WGN. Her book, Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales won a Gold award from Literary Titan. And her Heartfelt Connections book was named one of the top 100 Notable Indie books in 2016 by Shelf Unbound. She received her PhD in social psychology from Yale University and is the founder of the strategic market-research firm, Beall Research.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Hidden messages in Fairy Tales is a topic I’ve researched a little bit, simply because something you read to you children seems anything but for Kids sometimes. When this book came up for review, I immediately signed up because I wanted to see what author Anne E. Beall has to say. One thing I found out is, Beall did extensive research in order to write this awesome read.

Only Prince Charming Gets to Break the Rules: Gender and Rule Violation in Fairy Tales and Life uncovers a universal disparity in how male and female characters are punished for breaking the rules, the rules they break, and her findings are from the 200 folktales and Fairy tales she researched. In this book you will find out which gender breaks the most rules and if they are rewarded or even punished.

There are many charts with Ms. Beall’s findings that give percentages as to which gender breaks rules. I had my nose stuck in this book looking for information, and since I didn’t need to read the book in order from front to back, I found myself all over this book. I was amused but really not all that surprised that not only men were the biggest rulebreakers, it also seems they got off the hook many times where females were deeply punished. How fair is that now?

Another thing that I found interesting is the comparison between genders not only in Fairy Tales and Folktales, Beall switches to everyday life and how male and female are treated in real life situations. There is so much information here, you will benefit from having the book around for when a question pops up in your mind you want answered.

When I saw this short book, I thought it a quick read, but it’s anything but. This book will keep you engaged and entertained for many hours as well as days. It’s getting Five Stars from me and I would give it more if I could. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a bit of entertainment and knowledge. And one more thing, this makes a wonderful coffee table book with it’s beautiful cover, as well as a great conversation starter.

A special thanks to the author/publisher and iReadBookTours for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trab731a3ff-pde Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Tour Schedule:

Apr 24 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
Apr 25 – Stephanie Jane – book review / giveaway
Apr 26 – Casia’s Corner – book review / giveaway
Apr 27– Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Apr 28 – I’m Into Books – book spotlight / giveaway
May 1– Just Another Reader – book review
May 3 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
May 3 – 411 ON BOOKS, AUTHORS, AND PUBLISHING NEWS – book spotlight / giveaway
May 5 – Novels Alive – book review / giveaway
May 5– Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 8 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
May 9 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
May 9 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
May 10 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review / giveaway
May 11 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight
May 12 –Books for Books – book spotlight
May 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
May 15 –Sue’s Musings – book review / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

https://gleam.io/3FK8K/only-prince-charming-gets-to-break-the-rules-book-tour-giveaway

Tour and Giveaway – Reinhardt by Marianne Scott

12 May 2023 2 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Underneath the Fireflies by Marianne Scott

Please scroll down to see my review of Reinhardt

Join us for this tour from April 17 to May 12, 2023

Book Details:

Book Title:  Underneath the Fireflies by Marianne Scott
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 496 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Crowe Creations
Release date:  January 2023
Tour dates: April 17 to May 12, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 – Colloquial expressions in dialogue.

MY RATING FOR Underneath the Fireflies: FIVE STARS⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

No matter where Grace Walker goes, her extra sensory power goes with her. She’s an empath and she sees things — terrible things. After a tragic accident at the place where she works, she decides to take a mental-health break on a remote West Coast island. But she no sooner gets to Galliano Island when a vision of the murder of an Indigenous woman draws her into a disturbing and threatening dilemma.

MY THOUGHTS ON Underneath the Fireflies

Grace Walker sees things. Not like everyone that sees things normal, Grace has powers that cause her to see more than normal people. She decides to take a trip to a West Coast island for a break, but soon she was seeing the murder of someone. Could this be true? Read the book to find out, and you will see why Grace is seeing weird things.

I liked this story much. There are lots of different feelings and emotions here in this story that has me intrigued enough to keep reading. This story has many twists and turns, thrills and it is full of action and I enjoyed every minute of it. This book gets Five Stars from me. If you enjoy a good face pace thriller that will take you away on a heck of a mental journey, I encourage you to try this one out.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
add to goodreads

Also Available for Review!

REINHARDT

A Thriller

By Marianne Scott

Today May 12, 2023 I am reviewing this book

Book Details:

Book Title:  Reinhardt (a thriller) by Marianne Scott
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 224 pages
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Crowe Creations
Release date:  October 2022
Tour dates: April 17 to May 12, 2023
MY RATING for Reinhardt: FIVE STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Book Description:

He’s a Cold War spy hiding from one of his own. His real identity is tied to a treacherous past associated with American intelligence operations closed down after the end of the Cold War, and his enemy is relentless. All he has to do is change his name. Right? Wrong. Very wrong. Felix has eyes and ears everywhere.

MY THOUGHTS ON REINHARDT

If you enjoy a good fast pace thriller, look no more! Author Marianne Scott writes a compelling story that carries all of the fun I want to find in a good story of thrills and chills with a little mystery poured in the mix. With characters that are sure to grab your attention in one way or another, I thoroughly enjoyed this adventurous journey throughout this book. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Scott has instore for her readers next. And oh, I can’t forget the twists and turns that have you wondering what in the world is going on, as well as throwing you right off the track of figuring out the plot. I’m giving this one Five Stars. I encourage you to check out Reinhardt For your next read.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Marianne Scott is the Canadian author of four mystery thrillers and is currently working on her fifth novel, a sci-fi/thriller. She has a BA and a Diploma in Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University. She studied creative writing through Conestoga College and Humber College. She enjoys writing workshops such as those offered by Brian Henry, publisher of blog, Quick Brown Fox and One Lit Place, a writers’ hub by creator/editor Jenna Kalinsky. She has an author’s website and blog. She is a full-time writer who lives in the historic small Canadian village of Hespeler Ontario (now amalgamated with the city of Cambridge).

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

April 17 – Sue’s Musings – books spotlight / giveaway
April 17 – Novels Alive – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
April 17 – Bigreadersite – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
April 18 –fundinmental – books spotlight / giveaway
April 18 – Book Reviews by Linda Moore – books spotlight / giveaway
April 18 – 100 Pages A Day – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
April 19 -Cover Lover Book Review – books spotlight / giveaway
April 19 – Leanne Bookstagram – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
April 20 – Leanne Bookstagram – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
April 20 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book spotlight of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / guest post / giveaway
April 21 – Liese’s Blog – books spotlight
April 24 – Diane’s Book Journal – books spotlight
April 25– Readers Muse – book review of REINHARDT
April 26– Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
April 26 – Readers Muse – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES
April 27 – It’s All About the Book – book review REINHARDT
April 28 – @enjoyingbooksagain – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES
April 28 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
May 1 – Books for Books – books spotlight
May 2 – Pick a Good Book – books spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 2 – Sandra’s Book Club – book spotlight / giveaway
May 4 – Novels Alive – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
May 4 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / guest post / giveaway
May 4 – It’s All About the Book – book review UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES
May 5 – Locks, Hooks and Books– book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
May 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books– book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
May 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – books spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 10 – Mystery Review Crew – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
May 11 – Just Another Reader – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES
May 11 – Splashes of Joy – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
May 11 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway

May 12 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES /giveaway
May 12 – Mystery Review Crew – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / guest post / giveaway
May 12 – Just Another Reader – book review of REINHARDT
May 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

https://gleam.io/ZKDJ3/underneath-the-fireflies-book-tour-giveaway

Snow Storm Audio Version

11 May 2023 1 Comment

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

Join us for this tour from May 1 to May 26, 2023!

Book Details:

Book Title:

SNOW STORM by Mike Alger
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +)
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Publish America
Release date: July 2002
Format available for review: audiobook (Audible download), ebook (Gifted Kindle)
Will send print books out: USA
Tour dates: May 1 to May 26, 2023
Content Rating: PG – I wavered between G and PG…there’s no explicit language, but there is some mild-violence.

Book Description:

He smiled. “Kidnapping? Naw… you don’t have to worry about that. Oy’m not here to kidnap you. Oy’m here to kill you.”

You ever had one of those days? You know the kind. You wake up one morning, and all of a sudden an internationally feared assassin wants you dead? I hate it when that happens. And what do you do when the forecast for your friendly neighborhood TV weatherman looks like murder?

KRGX meteorologist Greg O’Brien is having one of those days. He just hopes it’s not his last.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

It seems like someone wants KRGX meteorologist Greg O’Brien dead. Though he doesn’t know why. So he’s off on a journey to find out why. This sends readers on a dangerous journey into the life of O’Brian and the intense information he is able to find out. This is one of those book you don’t want to read or listen to in the quiet of the middle of the night. But I did anyway and yeah, I was scared at every little sound outside, but I still loved it abd couldn’t put it down.

I enjoyed listening to the audio version of this book. Mike Agler does an amazing job reading his own book. His clear voice throughout is pleasant to listen to and I never got tired of listening.

I have listen to the narration of quite a few books by Mike Agler but this is a first to listen to his narration of his own book. I have to say it was a delight to listen to this one. I look forward to more books and narrations from this talented author and narrator.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Audible
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

connect with the author: website ~ acx ~ facebook ~ twitter

Tour Schedule:
May 1 – Mystery Review Crew – audiobook review / giveaway
May 1 – Mystery Review Crew – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 8 – Blooming with Books– audiobook review / author interview / giveaway
May 9 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway
May 10– Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review / giveaway
May 11 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review / giveaway
May 12 – Liese’s Blog – book spotlight
May 13 – Rajiv’s Reviews – audiobook review
May 16 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 17 – Diane’s Book Journal – book spotlight
May 18 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 23 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review / giveaway
May 24 – The Momma Spot – audiobook review / giveaway
May 25 – Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review / giveaway
May 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
May 26 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Underneath the Fireflies by Marianne Scott

11 May 2023 3 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in iRead Book Tours, Underneath the Fireflies by Marianne Scott, Welcome

Join us for this tour from April 17 to May 12, 2023

Book Details:

Book Description:

MY THOUGHTS ON Underneath the Fireflies

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
add to goodreads

Also Available for Review!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Reinhardt (a thriller) by Marianne Scott
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 224 pages
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Crowe Creations
Release date:  October 2022
Tour dates: April 17 to May 12, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 – mild profanity as in street dialogue

Book Description:

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Enter the Giveaway:

https://gleam.io/ZKDJ3/underneath-the-fireflies-book-tour-giveaway

Underneath the Fireflies by ye3wyt bcz

11 May 2023 1 Comment

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

Book Details:

Book Description:

BUY THE BOOK:h by vgt7pê
Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
add to goodreads

Also Available for Review!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Reinhardt (a thriller) by Marianne Scott
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 224 pages
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Publisher: Crowe Creations
Release date:  October 2022
Tour dates: April 17 to May 12, 2023
Content Rating: PG-13 – mild profanity as in street dialogue

Book Description:

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

Tour Schedule:

May 4 – Novels Alive – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
May 4 –Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / guest post / giveaway
May 4 – It’s All About the Book – book review UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES
May 5 – Locks, Hooks and Books– book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
May 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books– book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
May 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – books spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 10 – Mystery Review Crew – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
May 11 – Just Another Reader – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES
May 11 – Splashes of Joy – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / giveaway
May 11 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway
May 12 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES /giveaway
May 12 – Mystery Review Crew – book review of UNDERNEATH THE FIREFLIES / guest post / giveaway
May 12 – Just Another Reader – book review of REINHARDT
May 12 – Splashes of Joy – book review of REINHARDT / giveaway

Enter

Giveaway:

Tour and Giveaway When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Lincoln

10 May 2023 6 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

About the Book

Book: When Tomorrow Came

Author: Hannah Lincoln has such

Genre:Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: April, 2023

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Siblings Nan and Heath were abandoned by their father to make their own way. They always wished he would come back home to them, but that wasn’t to happen. After living their separate lives into adulthood, their father shows up and reunites the family. But his demands for both of his now adult children are more than they want to do or even hear from him.

From the beginning, my heart went out to these children. With the dad they had and their caretakers, their lives wasn’t good at all. Until they were old enough to make a life on their own. I just love Nan and Heath characters. I enjoyed following them along through their journey, always wishing I was there to help them. There is so much more to this story, but I don’t want to ruin it for you. You need to read this book to get the good stuff!

When Tomorrow Came is the first book I have read by Hannah Lincoln, and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for readers next. I’m giving this one Four Stars.

Click here to get your copy!

Betti Mace, May 3

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 10

Splashes of Joy, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 11

Books I’ve Read, May 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/25adf/when-tomorrow-came-celebration-tour-giveaway

In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart

09 May 2023 1 Comment

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

In the Shadow of the River is a story that grabbed me from the first page and wouldn’t let go.

Jacci Reed works as an actress on the Kingston Floating Palace Showboat because this is the only life she knows.

I haven’t read a lot of books about showboats, so I was happy to read and review In the Shadow of the River by Ann H. Gabhart. It was so much fun for me as I read all about showboats and how the operate. The shows were not only interesting, I found it a pleasant surprise to know the morals expected of the actors and actresses.

The Bark of Zorro by Kathleen Y’Barbo

08 May 2023 3 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

About the Book

Book: The Bark of Zorro

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Genre: Christian/Cozy Mystery/Romance Fiction

Release date: April, 2023

Who Is Spray Painting the Dogs in Brenham, Texas?

Strange happenings are afoot in Brenham, Texas, as dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic with a Z spray painted on them. The cops blame pranksters, while pet owners are blaming each other. Receptionist Cassidy Carter uses her social media expertise to try to get the culprit caught on camera, but Texas game warden, Jason Cameron, thinks online media attention is the last thing this case needs. When Cassidy’s post goes viral, more dogs are found painted and the clinic gets marked with a big Z too. How could her good intentions have backfired so badly?

About the Author

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

When she’s not spinning modern day tales about her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen inserts an ancestor or two into her historical and mystery novels as well. Recent book releases include bestselling The Pirate Bride set in 1700s New Orleans and Galveston, its sequel The Alamo Bride set in 1836 Texas, which feature a few well-placed folks from history and a family tale of adventure on the high seas and on the coast of Texas. She also writes (mostly) relative-free cozy mystery novels for Guideposts Books.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and one very adorable Londoner.

More from Kathleen

MEET BAXTER: LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A SCHNAUZER

Recently I’ve been working on a series of cozy mystery novels set in a veterinary clinic in Brenham, Texas. I love Brenham. It’s one of my favorite cities and I’m thankful that it’s very near to me. Without Brenham, there would be no Blue Bell ice cream.

But I digress.

While preparing for the release of the fourth book in the series, The Bark of Zorro, I thought about what drew me to writing this series, other than ice cream, of course. It didn’t take me long to realize it was the dogs. During the course of the series there are fancy pets and sassy strays, but they all have one thing in common: they steal our hearts.

Let me tell you about a pup that stole my heart.

Meet Baxter.

Baxter has very little stress beyond whether his water bowl stays full, his food bowl is consistently replenished, and his trips outside are not withheld. In short–which he is–Baxter is a low maintenance guy, er dog.

He makes our house a home and gives us ears to scratch and a built-in vacuum cleaner to handle any kitchen messes that reach the floor.

Unfortunately, this fellow has one rather annoying habit. He likes to walk a half-step ahead of me while looking back to be sure I am following. Not the best way to make progress of any kind. In fact, life would be much less complicated if Baxter would just let me do the leading while he does the following.

I said this recently. Aloud. Yes, to a Miniature Schnauzer. And as the words left my mouth, I was struck with the thought that maybe I am guilty of the same thing.

How many times have I gotten ahead of God only to realize He wasn’t having any of it? How many more times did I think I knew exactly where God was going–or what He was going to do–only to realize I was nowhere near close in my guess? Just as Baxter –who has appointed himself guardian of our home– sometimes barks when there’s nothing there, I too, let nothing (in the form of fear, worry, angst, or just plain imagination) grab my attention and hold it.

Here’s something else about Baxter: he’s small. Eleven pounds soaking wet small, to be precise. So small, my husband has to be careful where he steps lest he accidentally squash the poor pup with his size 13 shoes.

Though we’re physical much larger than my Baxter, I cam certainly relate to that feeling of being easily overlooked. Have you ever felt small? Really, really small? The kind of small where someone could walk right past and not even notice you?

Maybe it’s the people in your world who just don’t seem to know you’re there. Or it’s a goal you’ve long since given up accomplishing because it seems there are so many others doing it already.

Life can be that way. It’s all enough to make a person want to fade into the wallpaper or hide behind a potted plant. To make us feel as though we’re not at home, even when we are home.

I know that feeling. As a writer of Christian fiction for twenty years, I have been blessed to have sold more than two million copies of my more than one hundred novels, novellas, and nonfiction books. That’s anything but small. And yet when I look at all the amazing things that others have done, compare myself to others, well…small is exactly how I sometimes feel.

There’s just one remedy for that. Stop comparing! I’m a work in progress on this issue, but Baxter has this skill mastered. There are no comparisons in the Miniature Schnauzer world—something I could definitely learn.

Baxter has another side to him, a loyal and faithful side that I adore. Where I am, Baxter wants to be. My return from a brief trip away sends him into a crazy dance of joy that requires several rooms of the house to adequately perform. My presence is his source of joy and comfort.

So, the thought struck me: what if I looked at my relationship with God like that? What if I found contentment and joy merely in resting in his presence? What if I followed Him rather than leading? What if my home was filled with the evidence that God was not just welcome here but adored. What if…

I learned something years ago about this journey called the Christian life. The more I learn about the Lord, the more I realize how much I do not know and how very far away from any sort of perfection I am. That knowledge is sobering. Humbling.

And yet it is encouraging.

I wish you could all meet Baxter. But since you can’t check out The Bark of Zorro and the other books in the Gone to the Dogs series to meet our cast of fancy pets and sassy strays. I think you’ll like them and their humans. But then what’s not to like about a handsome game warden, a red-haired office manager with a penchant for her word-of-the-day calendar and the rest of the Lone Star Vet Clinic crew? Check them out and you’ll see!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Cover Lover Book Review, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28

Vicky Sluiter, April 29

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

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

The Book Club Network, May 3

Remembrancy, May 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

Debs book review, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 7

Mary Hake, May 7

Holly’s Book Corner, May 8

Splashes of Joy, May 8

Pause for Tales, May 9

Labor Not in Vain, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/25add/the-bark-of-zorro-celebration-tour-giveaway

Manhunt, Only the Strong Survive by Rena Groot

07 May 2023 5 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

About the Book

Book: Manhunt-Only the Strong Survive

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction

Release date: 2020

The Narrow Path Trilogy takes you on a journey that began before the dawn of time when angels rebelled and the dark, broken days of Earth began. Now is the time of the end. The terrifying reality is Josh is being pursued by the Manhunters. He has no idea why. His family has been captured. Are they alive? To survive the Tribulation, the reign of terror of the king, the children’s prison, the re-education camp, PTSD, the great deception, and betrayal by family and friends, deep faith in God and extreme courage are required. Only the strong survive.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

I am an artist, writer, online course creator (Broken to Beautiful…rena-groot.mykajabi.com), BnB host, have a Bachelor Of Education and a Master of Religious Education, have been a teacher in Canada and China, a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, and a missionary to the ends of the Earth. God has given me the honor of being an ambassador with “The Department of Eternal Affairs” to so many cool places–Haiti, a jungle village in Belize, the Ghetto in NYC, behind the Iron Curtain in Poland and Romania, in Israel, China, Thailand, Mexico, Canada, Africa, and Greece. I started a blog to bless, encourage, and sometimes challenge people. Here’s the link. renagroot.com.

Now enjoy this question and answer session with author Rena Groot. Thank you Rena for answering all of these questions for us.

1. Why fiction instead of non-fiction?

I write both. I felt inspired to write The Narrow Path Trilogy because I wanted a way to reach those who wouldn’t read a Bible. It worked. One man messaged me after he read Manhunt asking a bazillion questions and asking me to hurry up and write the sequel. He did decide to give his life to God. I hope Manhunt is part of what inspired that.

2. How long did it take to publish your first novel.

Oh goodness. That took years. I started writing while sitting under a mosquito net in China and wrote from morning until night. Two years later I finally put all the scribbly notes onto my iPad at a guesthouse in Haifa, Israel. It took several years for God to prepare my heart to write A Life Set Free. I could not have written it sooner. There are too many painful parts. It is written from a place of forgiveness, wholeness, and healing.

3. Do you like music or silence when you write?

Silence. I get distracted easily.

4. How much of your personality goes into your stories?

So much of me is in my stories. In Manhunt, there are a few scenes about Juliet in a foster home. Those were real scenes. I lived them as a little girl.

5. What special challenges did you face making your story stand out from others in the same genre?

I am not trying to make my story stand out. I leave that in God’s hands. I just write what He puts on my heart and trust it will speak to someone.

6. Your favorite thing about writing?

I get lost in the story. The people come alive to me. I don’t just tell their story, I see them and walk through the scenes with them.

7. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I put my heart and soul into writing. Sometimes I am so inspired I write all night. It is like a consuming fire that I can’t put out.

8. If I write a review of your book, what do you want to hear?

Haha…that you found it interesting, riveting, intriguing…something like that.

9. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones? Do reviews influence your writing?

I have read some of my reviews. I have not read any bad ones. One person on Amazon gave me a rating of 2 for my book Rose. One of Janette Oke’s beautiful books also had a 2…so I was thankful I was in such good company.

10. If you had one piece of advice for new writers, what would it be?

Ask God for inspiration and keep writing.

11. What are your hobbies besides writing?

I love to read, garden, I am starting Lavender Lane B & B May 1st, I am an artist, and I have an online course called Broken to Beautiful to encourage women who feel they are not enough.

12. Tell us a little about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself as a writer in five years?

I have no plans. God holds my future. I would love to be writing books to inspire people, but I guess we will see what God has planned for me. I am hoping I can be a writer and an artist in eternity. Can you imagine how amazing that would be?

More from Rena

The Narrow Path Trilogy takes you on a journey that began before the dawn of time when angels rebelled and the dark, broken days of Earth began. Now is the time of the end.

The terrifying reality is Josh is being hunted and he has no idea why. His family has been captured by the Manhunters and he doesn’t know if they are alive or dead. To survive the Tribulation, the reign of terror of the King, the children’s prison, the re-education camp, PTSD, the great deception, and betrayal of family and friends; deep faith in God and extreme courage are required. The ancient, narrow path is calling you. Come…

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 4

Artistic Nobody, May 5 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 5

Texas Book-aholic, May 6

Splashes of Joy, May 7 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 8

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 9 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 9

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 10

For the Love of Literature, May 11 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, May 12

Lily Book Reviews, May 13

Through the Fire Blogs, May 14 (Author Interview)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , May 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 16

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, May 17 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rena is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/25ca3/manhunt-only-the-strong-survive-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Brighter Dawn by Leslie Gould

06 May 2023 7 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Welcome

About the Book

Book: A Brighter Dawn

Author: Leslie Gould

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: March 28, 2023

Ivy Zimmerman is successfully navigating her life as a young Mennonite woman, one generation removed from her parents’ Old Order Amish upbringing. But when her parents are killed in a tragic accident, Ivy’s way of life is upended. As she deals with her grief, her younger sisters’ needs, the relationship with her boyfriend, and her Dawdi and Mammi’s strict rules, Ivy finds solace in both an upcoming trip to Germany for an international Mennonite youth gathering and in her great-great-aunt’s story about Clare Simons, another young woman who visited Germany in the late 1930s.

As Ivy grows suspicious that her parents’ deaths weren’t, in fact, an accident, she gains courage from what she learns of Clare’s time in pre-World War II Germany. With the encouragement and inspiration of the women who have gone before her, Ivy seeks justice for her parents, her sisters, and herself.

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Ivy Zimmerman's life is forever changed when her parents are killed in a tragic accident. A trip to Germany for an international Mennonite youth gathering can't come soon enough for Ivy. With loosing her parents, dealing with her sister, the community, her boyfriend, and her very strict grandparents, she is more than ready to leave this community of  Mennonite's for a while. But when she starts unraveling truths about her parents she finds in Germany, can she find the answers she so desires? 

I very much enjoyed this dual time story as we follow the present time Ivy and historical times Ivy's great-great-aunt's story about Clare Simons, another young woman who visited Germany in the late 1930s. I found it interesting seeing WWII and the Hitler age through the eyes of a Mennonite. The author does an amazing job with research and it is evident by the history we find in this book. Each detailed scene is covered in so much history, fans of WWII will sure want to indulge themselves in the pages of this intriguing book. I'm giving A Brighter Dawn Five Stars. I'm looking forward to what author Leslie Gould had in store for her readers next. 

A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

About the Author

Leslie Gould (www.lesliegould.com) is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of over 35 novels, including four Lancaster County Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing and enjoys studying church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and are the parents of four adult children.

More from Leslie

The historical thread of my dual-time novel A Brighter Dawn is set in Nazi Germany from 1937 to 1939. During that period of time, Germany incorporated Austria, mandatory registration of all Jewish property began, and concentration camps opened. Then came the Night of Broken Glass—the anti-Jewish pogrom in Germany, Austria, and the Sudetenland. Soon following was the German occupation of Czechoslovakia before the Nazis invaded Poland in September 1939.

My main character, Clare Simons, is a Mennonite young woman from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who is staying with her uncle and cousins in Frankfurt, Germany. She doesn’t follow current events much and struggles to balance the Nazi propaganda her uncle and oldest cousin believe with the events unfolding around her. Slowly, she begins to see the truth behind the Nazi lies.

One thing that broke up the narrative of the heavy events I researched and wrote about? The food.

When I traveled in Germany with my husband (who had lived there during his Army service years ago), I marveled over the scenery, became engrossed in the history, and definitely enjoyed the food. My background is Swiss, so it wasn’t that the food was unfamiliar. It was just at a level I hadn’t experienced before!

As I researched what Clare would fix for meals, I pored through cookbooks. For added inspiration, hubby and I ate at German restaurants. Jägerschnitzel (seared pork with gravy). Rinderbraten (paprika and caraway spiced beef roasted in red wine gravy). Wienerschnitzel (breaded and fried pork loin with warm potato salad and a vegetable remoulade.)

I noted food in research books, documentaries, and films. The entrees became focal points in the stories, including rabbit stew, a Christmas goose, and Sauerbraten with Spätzle and red cabbage. So did the desserts, including trifle and Black Forest cake.

When I visited Germany with my hubby, one of the things I really loved was stopping in a café for Apfelkuchen (apple cake) and coffee in the afternoon. In one scene in A Brighter Dawn, when Clare and her cousin Lena stop for coffee, they order apple cake too. Then, in another scene, Clare bakes an apple cake for the family of the nearby Jewish grocer who will soon lose their property.

Below is a recipe for a simple and dense German apple cake (which may have originated in Poland and been influenced by a Jewish apple cake recipe).

The food in A Brighter Dawn doesn’t take away from the narrative, but it is a reminder that a nurturing soul, such as my character Clare, can stand against the lies of an evil regime.

German Apple Cake

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter, melted
2 eggs
¾ cup white sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ to 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
5 cups apples—peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (to soften apple slices before baking, place in a microwavable dish with a lid and microwave them with a Tablespoon of water for 3–4 minutes)
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×13 cake pan.
Beat butter and eggs with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sugar and vanilla; beat well.
Stir together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Slowly add flour mixture to egg mixture; mix until combined. The batter will be very thick. Fold in apples and walnuts by hand using a wooden spoon. Spread batter into the prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 45–50 minutes. After 30 minutes, put a sheet of foil over the top of the cake to keep it from burning. Cool cake on a wire rack.

Possible Toppings

Before baking:

Crumble: ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ cup flour, 4–6 Tablespoons softened butter. Combine ingredients and evenly spread over the top of cake.

Butterscotch: Sprinkle a package of butterscotch chips over the top of the cake.

Almonds: Sprinkle almond slivers over the top of the cake.

After baking:

Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Drizzle with caramel sauce.

Sprinkle with white sparkling sugar.

Top with whipped cream.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 23

Lakesidelivingsite, April 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 24

Cover Lover Book Review, April 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26

Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Connie’s History Classroom, April 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 28

Vicky Sluiter, April 28

She Lives To Read, April 29

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 30 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, April 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

Mornings at Character Cafe, May 2

Bigreadersite, May 3

Bliss, Books & Jewels, May 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 5

Splashes of Joy, May 6

Pause for Tales, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Leslie is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Brighter Dawn and one $15 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/258b9/a-brighter-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wheeler’s Design by Rachel Skatvold

05 May 2023 4 Comments

by Splashes of Joy in Celebration Lit Blog Tours, Celebration Tours, Rachel Skatvold, Welcome

About the Book

Book: Wheeler’s Design

Author: Rachel Skatvold

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: March 28, 2023

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?

Sabrina Wheeler, single mom and business owner, won a scholarship to expand her pottery studio on Luamua Island. Now, she can finally have the career and life she’s been praying for. The scholarship includes a mentor, and Sabrina is anxious to make a good impression.

For Chad Berkley, an impromptu business trip to the Suamalie Islands couldn’t have happened at a worse time. Aside from it triggering his OCD personality, he also has important obligations in Yorkshire, and being absent for a month was not in his plans. The new assignment is an honor, however, and a huge step up in his career. He can’t risk disappointing his boss now.

But then he sees Sabrina. After their brief meeting at the business conference, he hasn’t stopped thinking of her. How had he missed that she is the business owner he’s been sent to mentor? Talk about distractions on his first big assignment. Will he be able to push his personal feelings aside and keep his focus on business?

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Wheelers Design by Rachel Skatvold
is book two in the beautiful Suamalie Islands series from Celebrate Lit Publishing. Sabrina Wheeler can finally get her head above ground with her business after winning a scholarship to expand her pottery studio on the Island. A pottery shop on wheels, that is. What a clever idea! And the instructor for those winning the scholarship is the heartstopping Chad Berkley, who’s heart did a flip when he saw Sabrina again and realizes she is the one he will be mentoring while on the Island. Stay tuned for a fun trip to the Suamalie Islands that you don’t want to miss.

I am sure glad the author has so much knowledge of pottery making. This is one craft I never indulged in, but I love the beautiful pieces it brings, and I really enjoyed following Sabrinia in her pottery shop on the go. The compelling characters are wonderfully crafted and engaging and you will find them pulling on your heart strings as they spend more and more time together. Rachel Skatvold is a fairly new to me author, and I will certainly be looking for more books from this author in the future. If you enjoy beautiful sunny islands where romance and love lurks in the shadows and faith runs through the lives of its people, I highly recommend this sweet book to you. I’m giving Wheelers Design by Rachel Skatvold Five Stars. I sure hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

About the Author

Rachel Skatvold is a Christian author and stay-at-home mom from the Midwest. She enjoys writing Christian romance and devotionals. Rachel has published over a dozen novels, including books in the Hart Ranch Series, set in the Montana wilderness and the Ladies of Ardena Series, set in medieval times. She is also a contributing author in the Whispers in Wyoming and Brides of Pelican Rapids Series. Other than writing, some of her hobbies include singing, reading and camping in the great outdoors with her husband and two young sons. You can find more information about Rachel and her books on her website: http://www.rachelskatvold.com.

More from Rachel

Sabrina Wheeler’s life has not gone quite the way she imagined. As a single mom, waitress, and in-home art studio owner with many responsibilities, she often wonders how her life could have gone if she’d taken a different path. After attending a small business convention and winning a scholarship to launch her mobile art studio, Sabriana sees her path shifting. Could this signal a new beginning for her? Find out in Wheeler’s Design.

Wheeler’s Design is inspired by the verse, Isaiah 64:8. “And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.”

During hard times we can all feel as though our lives resemble lumps of discarded clay. Yet, the truth is, we are God’s masterpiece in progress. He is still molding and shaping us into what we are meant to be. He will never discard us if we are His children.

During high school, I discovered a love for making pottery. While learning the art, it amazed me clay can be recycled over and over if the project doesn’t turn out right. It only has to be dried out a little and wedged until all the air bubbles are out before it can be molded into something new. As a busy homeschool mom and author I don’t have as much time for art, but it is still something I enjoy and have taught my children how to throw a pot on our pottery wheel at home. This special experience with my kids provided the inspiration for the relationship between Sabrina and her daughter, Hazel, who both share a love for making pottery.

Thank you for following the celebration tour for Wheeler’s Design. Please remember to follow the blog stops this week and don’t forget to enter in the giveaway!