Ellie’s Redemption by Mollie Jebber plus a giveaway!

About the book!

Title: Ellie’s Redemption

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Christian fiction, Amish

Release date: January 29, 2019

1912, Charm, Ohio

Ellie Graber is determined to restore her bad reputation in Charm, Ohio. She regrets leaving Amish life and the danger and heartache she caused her family and friends. Ellie loves working with Liza, and her best friend and cousin, Hannah, at Liza’s Amish Charm Bakery, attends church, and obeys Amish law, but the gossip about her past life won’t stop. Joel Wenger’s deep blue eyes tell her he cares for her, but she suspects his parents have warned him to stay away from her. Joel wants to trust Ellie’s changed but his sister, Maryann, who left Amish life broke their hearts. Will Joel ignore his parents and friends, face their anger and ridicule, and give her a chance?

📕MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 📕

I thoroughly enjoyed a visit back to Charm, Ohio and the Amish Charm Bakery. This is Ellie’s story, one in which the Amish kind of show who they really are. The Amish are taught very early own that forgiveness is a must because God commands us to forgive. But that still doesn’t stop the Amish gossip line to go full force, as it did with Ellie. Since she came back from her time in the English world, Ellie has done everything right as far as Amish standards, but the people still look down on her. They don’t want their kids to have anything with her and whatever happens, no one wants their son to show Ellie any kindness. And when Joel Wenger did just that, tongues started flapping. And Joel’s mother was NOT a happy mamm. In fact, she has her own daughter-in-law-to-be picked out, but Joel balked on her. This is a story you will need to read to get in on all of the drama of this Amish community at this point in their lives.

Molly Jebber writes another sweet, heartwarming Amish romance that will give you several hours of enjoyment. The characters were realistic and I felt they developed well as the story progressed. Though I enjoyed the story, this is not my favorite book from this author, it didn’t seem to flow as well as the other books I’ve read from Ms. Jebber. But I did like that she deals with struggles in the lives of her characters, just as we all struggle. And she does stress forgiveness, because that’s what God wants from His children. Even though sometimes it takes a while, as it did in Ellie’s case. All in all this is a nice book to have in your ‘to read’ list. And I look forward to the next book in this series. It’s just too bad we can’t taste all of those amazing bake goods coming from that bakery!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

Click here to purchase your copy!

 

About the Author

Molly Jebber writes Amish Historical Romance. Her latest release, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, is the second book in her Amish Charm Bakery Series. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, and Romantic Times. Her books have received widespread media attention throughout the US. Her books are sold in print and Ebook throughout the US and United Kingdom. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s organizations, and she offers presentations on writing and the Amish. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a full list of her books (and options stores to buy them), speaking events and recipes.

She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

 

Guest Post from Molly

Hi Friends!

Ellie likes newcomer Joel, and he’s the first Amish man to show interest since her return to Charm. She’s afraid when he learns of her rebellious past and the danger she brought to her family before turning her life around, he’ll end their courtship. Joel is frustrated his sister left Amish life before his family moved to Charm. He chooses not to tell Ellie about her, until he has no choice. What does the future hold for Ellie and Joel when their secrets are revealed?

Along with the story of Ellie’s Redemption are recipes!

Here’s one just for you!

 

Ellie’s Surprise Cookies

1 cup shortening 2 cups rolled oats (quick cook)

1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon soda

1 ¼ cup brown sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 ½ cups chocolate chips

2 eggs 2 cups flour

3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt

 

Sift dry ingredients. Cream sugar and shortening. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Stir in dry ingredients. Add oatmeal, vanilla and chocolate chips. Dough will be crumbly. Spoon a teaspoon of dough at a time on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.

Blog Stops

Quiet Quilter, January 29

Carpe Diem, January 29

Lighthouse Academy, January 30

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 31

Splashes of Joy, January 31

Janices book reviews, January 31

A Baker’s Perspective, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 1

Bigreadersite, February 2

Mary Hake, February 2

Maureen’s Musings, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

EmpowerMoms, February 3

Inklings and Notions, February 4

Captive Dreams Window, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Robin is Bookish, February 5

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

My Devotional Thoughts, February 6

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, February 7

SusanLovesBooks, February 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 8

For the Love of Books, February 8

Henry Happens, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Bibliophile Reviews, February 10

Connie’s History Classroom, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away a grand prize that includes an Amish doll, a handmade lap quilt (can be used as wall hanging), an Apple Pie recipe tea towel, a Blessings journal, a handmade quilted potholder, a $10 Amazon Card, Ellie’s Redemption Print Book, a mug, a 2019 Planner, pad and pen set, and a bookmark!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/da8b/ellie-s-redemption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tour Reminders

White Knights and Knight Moves by Julie Moffett

BOOK TOUR FOR BOTH WHITE KNIGHTS

AND

KNIGHT MOVES

BY JULIE MOFFETT

Enter a caption

 

📓BOOK SUMMARY FOR WHITE KNIGHTS:

My name is Angel Sinclair. I’m the youngest senior at Excalibur Academy for the Technologically Gifted and Talented in Washington, DC. I was pushed ahead a year because of my high IQ and considerable prowess behind the keyboard, making me an outcast even among my own peers. I’ve been looking for my dad all my life. A brilliant mathematician and cryptographer, he disappeared under mysterious circumstances when I was eighteen months old. Although my mom tells me I must put him in my past, it only makes me more determined to find out what happened to him. When weird accidents start happening at my school and the vice principal is involved in a deadly incident, I don’t see it as a coincidence. After launching my own investigation, with the aid of an unexpected set of allies calling themselves the White Knights, I discover a threat far greater than I ever could have imagined. I could take my discoveries to the authorities, but my own investigative methods would be at risk. Can anyone say hacking? No, it’s up to me to set things right. My goals are straightforward: clear the name of the vice principal, learn the truth about my father, and stay alive. In other words, save the day and don’t look too much like a dork while doing it.

If you enjoy spy and mystery adventures, you will like the White Knights series by Julie Moffett, YA/NA Mystery and Mayhem Award-winning author and writer of the popular geeky Lexi Carmichael mystery series. Try out Julie’s fun, young adult series today!

📓MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

I usually don’t read YA books, but I love the cover of the this one so I wanted to give it a try, and I am very glad I did. Though this book is mostly about high school kids, it is still a fun and interesting book to read, and I love the mysteries surrounding the story.

This is Angel’s first day as a senior at the special school for gifted students. Angel is an exceptionally smart student, outsmarting most of her peers. The only thing Angel did like was social skills. Angel would much rather be by herself clicking away at her keyboard than to be socializing with students her age. When an accident happened to the school principal, Angel suddenly had more friends rallying around her as she helped try to help solve the mystery of what was going on with the principal and in their school. And there was another mystery going on as well, they one concerning her father’s disappearance when she was very young.

This is such an enjoyable story, very well written by author Julie Moffett. I love that the story is clean and fun for teens as well as tweens, parents don’t need to worry about inappropriate surprises in the book. This is my first book from Ms. Moffett but I will be watching more books from this author in the future. If you enjoy a good mystery as an adult, this book isn’t perfect for you as well.

I received this book from Prism Tours and the author to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal  Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N

📓BOOK SUMMARY FOR KNIGHT MOVES:

My name is Angel Sinclair and I’m the youngest senior at a high school for technologically-gifted students. School bored me until my friends and I were unexpectedly tapped to try out for a top-secret spy academy. I’m not sure I have what it takes to be an operative for the U.S. government, but my friends and I are going to give it our best shot.

But first I have to go up against uber-skilled candidates who can do a thousand push-ups, kill a person with a fingernail file, and make handcuffs out of paper clips. My only defining skills are my mad hacking abilities and extreme awkwardness. I don’t know what kind of spy that would make me, but I’m not going down without a fight.

With my loyal friends by my side, we’re in a race to finish at the top of the class. Together we have the smarts…but we’ll have to battle our insecurities and work together or miss out on an adventure of a lifetime.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

In Knight Moves, Angel Sinclair is still in her high school senior year, only this time she and her friends, The White Knights are given an intriguing challenge. They were chosen to try out for a top secret spy academy. A challenge Angel wasn’t about to give up because that would  mean free of top spa training plus a guaranteed job after she finished the academy training. Just imagine what these genius hacking crazy geek girls can do with this opportunity! Just hang on for the ride as you follow these interesting and fun loving teens while trying to prove they can do the job.

Again author Julie Moffett writes and amazing and intriguing story full of action, mystery, laughter and high school students who are too smart for their own good. I was in awe at the knowledge of the genius students. I enjoyed the characters already introduced in the first book, White Knights, as well as the nearly created characters for this book. Ms. Moffett weaves together the lives of these students with the knowledge and crazy hacking abilities and the genius’ they are and  creates the story in a way it flows so smoothly and seems so realistic. I can’t wait for more from this author! And as with the first book as well, Knight Moves is a clean fun loving and entertaining read that teens and tweens alike with really enjoy, and want more. Even this older lady enjoyed this book and this series, so it’s really for everyone!

I received this book from Prism Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal  Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Moves-White-Knights-Book-ebook/dp/B07KX4S6GT/

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knight-moves-julie-moffett/1129939367h?ean=2940161752678T

About Julie…

Award-winning author:

2016 CRW Award of Excellence for Mainstream novel w/ Romantic Elements

2016 HOLT Award of Merit for Best Novel by a Virginia Author & Novel w/ Strong Romantic Elements

2014 Mystery and Mayhem Award for Young Adult/New Adult

2012 EPIC Winner Action/Adventure

Winner of 2002 Prism Overall Best of the Best Paranormal Romance

Winner 2002 Prism Best Time-Travel Romance

Finalist Daphne Du Maurier Award

Winner Holt Medallion (Romantic ELements)

Finalist Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence (Novella)

A linguist and journalist by trade, Julie Moffett has published historical, paranormal, and time travel romances, as well as action/adventure mystery novels. She grew up as a military brat (Air Force) and has traveled extensively. Her more exciting exploits include attending Kubasaki High School in Okinawa, Japan, backpacking around Europe and Scandinavia for several months, a year-long college graduate study in Warsaw, Poland and a wonderful trip to Scotland and Ireland where she fell in love with castles, kilts and brogues.

Julie has a B.A. in Political Science and Russian Language from Colorado College, a M.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and is nearly finished with her M.Ed from Liberty University in Virginia.  Able to speak Russian and Polish, she worked as a journalist for the international radio station, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Washington, D.C. for eleven years, publishing hundreds of articles. She now works as a proposal writer and research advisor for a defense contractor in the Washington, D.C. area.

Julie is a single mom with two sons, who keep her quite busy. She belongs to Romance Writers of America and Washington Romance Writers where she served six years on the organization’s Board of Directors. She was also the Market News Columnist and Feature’s Editor for the organization’s monthly newsletter, Update, for eleven years.

Visit Julie’s website at: http://www.juliemoffett.com Watch Julie’s Lexi Carmichael Book Trailer here:

Follow Julie on Social Media:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JMoffettAuthor

Instagram: https://instagram.com/julie_moffett/

The Marine’s Return by Rula Sinara

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Marine’s Return
(From Kenya, with Love #6)
By Rula Sinara
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
January 1st 2019 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He can’t be her hero…

But he made a promise to keep her safe

Wounded marine Chad Corallis just wants to be left alone. Until he discovers his best friend’s very pregnant widow is in danger. A dedicated nurse, she refuses to leave her Serengeti medical clinic when it’s threatened by poachers. Chad is honor-bound to protect her, but who will save him from falling for his best friend’s wife?

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Lexi was determined To keep her dead husband’s dreams going by working at the Serengeti medical clinic and raising their baby to know a part of his fathers heritage. But when Chad found out that his best friends very pregnant wife was working at the clinic, Chad was determined to close the clinic down because he had made a promise to his friend, that if anything happened to him, Chad was to take care of his wife. Well, the time has come for Chad to fulfill that purpose.  And the Best Way, Chad knows how to do that is to close the clinic down. But Chad had no idea who he was up against with Lexi. But he was soon to find out the determination that Lexi felt in keeping the clinic open. Thus the journey begins.

I really did enjoy this story. This is the first book in the series that I have read and I hope to read more from this author. I enjoyed the creative characters and the way  they seem so realistic. I have not read very many books set in Kenya, so this part of the book was very interesting to me. I enjoyed the scenes at the clinic as well as the surrounding areas. The talk about the wildlife, and especially how they could he at the sounds of the wild. As I read, I would imagine hearing the different animals as they made known their presense.

I also appreciate how the Arthur deals with a wounded Marine, His life and what he goes through during his time of healing, and the life he is forced to live after his injuries.  There’s a lot of things happening in this book. A lot of characters of which I didn’t quite get them all straightened out. But I plan to read the other books in the series to get to know some of the other characters that I read about in this book. This is really a fun And Entertaining book to read. This is not the usual kind of book I read but it is a clean romance book that I very much enjoyed. I also want to thank the author for the nice Thank You note and Bookmark!

A copy of this book was provided by Prism Tours and the author, Rula Sinara. I was not ask to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are my own personal opinions.

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she’ll ever admit to. Rula’s writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush, on Twitter, on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

January 28th:
Launch
Christy’s Cozy Corners
underneath the covers
Rockin’ Book Reviews
Hearts & Scribbles
January 29th:
Splashes of Joy
Among the Reads
The Power of Words
Deal Sharing Aunt
January 30th:
Baroness Book Trove
E-Romance News
EmpowerMoms
Becky on Books
January 31st:
Harlie’s Books
Book Reviews & More by Kathy
Remembrancy
Locks, Hooks and Books
February 1st:
Thoughts of a Blonde
Reading Is My SuperPower
Hallie Reads
Wishful Endings
February 2nd:
Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1 WINNER WILL RECEIVE:
– Autographed print copies of the first three books of the ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series – The Promise of Rain, After the Silence and Through the Storm.
– A set of three, 15x15in canvas tote bags featuring the first 3 covers of the ‘From Kenya, With Love’ series.
– A 12×18 Harlequin Heartwarming tote bag
– A ‘Teenie Beanie Baby’ (TY trademark) elephant named ‘Peanut’
– Bookmarks

Open internationally
Ends February 6, 2019

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

The Essence of Humility by Lynn U. Watson Plus Giveaway!

About the Book

Title: The Essence of Humility

Author: Lynn U. Watson

Genre: Devotional

Release date: January, 2019

We live in a culture overwhelmed with disrespect, egos, entitlement, rudeness, and offense — lives focused on self, rather than God or others.

The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13. Every descriptive word included in the list whispers humility.

Patience — humility Kindness — humility

Not rude — humility Not arrogant — humility

Rejoices in truth — humility No envious or boastful — humility

Not irritable — humility Keeps no record of wrong — humility

Jesus entered our world and walked among us. He placed no importance on rank or position. Jesus life reflected love because it reflected humility, and He invites us to live and love like Him.

Journey with our hostess, Cinnamah-Brosia and her friends at The Coffee Cottage. They lead us on a journey to meet real life people — our contemporaries and those on the pages of God’s word, who encountered the same real life challenges you and I face each day. Learn the blessings of a life lived like Jesus lived —- with love and humility.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Cinnamah-Brosia and Her friends share life lessons and experiences using fruits, essential oils, aromas, botanicals, spice and more, as well as a look at what the scriptures say about each. And readers will learn the women of the Bible that used each of these in her everyday life. This is my first book by this author, and I was in for a nice surprise, because it was so much more than I expected. Ms. Watson creates a cast of characters that will surely keep you entertained as they meet real life people, and tell the struggles that we have in our own daily lives. I thoroughly enjoyed the way she weaves the stories into her characters to make them so realistic and fun. And what an amazing way to teach ladies the truths of the Bible that we need in order to live our lives more effectively for our Lord! I have an ecopy of this book but I plan on purchasing a print copy to have laying around so I can remember to pick it up and read it some, while taking a break from reading other books! This one is definitely for all of the ladies out there! And oh, I can’t forget, I love the cover!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

About the Author

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Lynn Watson combines many years’ experience in women’s ministry, love of essential oils, and her passion for God’s word to bring her readers freshly inspired encouragement for their walk with Jesus. Her devotional, The Essence of Courage, was recognized as a ‘must read’ by regional publishing industry leaders. Married since 1973, Lynn and Steve have filled their Bartlett, Tennessee home with handmade treasures and lots of love for family, especially their five beautiful (of course) grandchildren. Aromas of freshly baked bread often fill Lynn’s kitchen. Jasmine, her tuxedo kitty, enjoys sleeping in Lynn’s lap while she writes.

 

Guest post from Lynn

My first lesson in humility for Volume 3 of Cinnamah-Brosia’s Inspirational Collection came from an assumption. Right. Those are never a grand idea.

When God spoke to me about writing this book, he clearly gave me the subject: Love. I immediately headed to 1 Corinthians 13 – The Love Chapter of the Bible. Of course the book’s title would be The Essence of Love. The end material of The Essence of Joyannounced the new “Love” title coming in 2018.

And God laughed. I read 1 Corinthians 13 over and over again. It whispered “humility” over and over again. I called my dear friend – the one I consult with on every one of these books – and said, “You know what? Listen to this. Love is patient – humility. Love is kind – humility. Love is not arrogant – humility. You get the idea. Every single line of this beautiful passage comes down to the barest bones: humility.”

We both laughed a little, too. And we thanked God He clarified His instructions.

To live and love like Jesus requires us to humbly trust God and to humbly serve others.

In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul presents a lengthy discourse on the humility of Christ. It begins like this:

 

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

~Philippians 2:1-4 (HCSB)

 

The title morphed to The Essence of Humility. I placed the focus on common everyday botanicals and plants – those familiar to us today – for this third volume in the collection. The fun came as I dug the plants from Scripture. I pray you enjoy the connections as much as I did uncovering them and connecting them to Jesus’ life, and to a whole list of characters who lived on the pages of the Bible, along with our contemporaries here in the 21st century.

Thank you for choosing The Essence of Humility. So very many titles out there shout to be read. I am humbled for you to spend time with me here. I have prayed for every one of you.

 

Copyright 2018, Lynn U. Watson

 

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Splashes of Joy, January 25

A Reader’s Brain, January 26

Bibliophile Reviews, January 27

A Baker’s Perspective, January 28

Creating Romance, January 29

Mary Hake, January 29

Aryn The Libraryan, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 31

The Becca Files, February 1

Godly Book Reviews, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

Janices book reviews, February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 4

Through the Lens of Scripture, February 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lynn is giving away a grand prize of a wire basket that includes a hand-stamped “Gratitude, Kindness, Humility, Love” spoon necklace, Hillhouse Naturals fresh Linen hand lotion, locally hand-crafted Lavender-Eucalyptus body and foot scrub, embroidered “Love One Another” hand towel (nice ‘n soft), cozy Chamomile herbal tea, and a paperback copy of The Essence of Humility!!

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/d93b/the-essence-of-humility-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Love to Behold By Sharlene MacLaren

About the Book

Title: A Love to Behold

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Christian romance, historical

Release date: January 8, 2019

Publisher: Whitaker House

Two years after the Civil War, Lydia Albright, 27, is an established teacher in Boston when she senses God’s call to leave the comfort and security of her job and go south. She accepts a position to teach in a school for former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. A church there that’s affiliated with the American Missionary Association offers support, along with room and board at the parsonage.

The Ku Klux men are hell-bent on seeing that the new school fails. Lydia’s life is threatened, and the parsonage, church, and school are vandalized.

But they haven’t contended with a strong, determined woman like Lydia before. It also helps that she has a couple potential suitors on her side.

A Love to Behold is a tale of people who grow strong in the face of adversity and a church that learns love, compassion, and acceptance, even in the face of cruelty and hatred.

Click here to purchase your copy!

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Wow, this book leaves me full of emotions, some good, some not so good. I just barely remember when the KKK was going pretty strong in our area. And as a child, I’ll admit I was scared to even hear talk of the group. I also remember feeling like the men were cowards because they wouldn’t show their faces. And it’s was the same reasons that the men in the KKK group in this story. They didn’t want anyone to know what they were doing. But they had such a hatred for people for black people that they did horrible things to try and drive them out of school and communities.

My heart hurt so bad for the teacher if the school that Lydia Albright taught. She was the new teacher that came from Boston to teach the black children. Children that were now free and willing to learn to read and write. But Lydia was sure spunky enough to stand up to these men. Which only made them more determined. And Reese, bless his heart, his heart was so tender and willing to help Lydia and her students, no matter the strong opinions of some of the neighbors, including his own dad and brother. Sharlene MacLaren does a fantastic job of creating characters that we do amazingly realistic, and they developed so well throughtout the story.

As you can tell, there is so much going on in this story. The tension and emotions were first at an all time high, then they would hit bottom, and then back up again. If this is a subject you enjoy reading, I highly recommend A LOVE TO BEHOLD for anyone to read. It is so refreshing to read a book that ends as sweet as this book ends. I’m glad I had the honor to review this book!

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating in 1971 with an education degree, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally with a singing ensemble for one year. In 1975, she came home, returned to her teaching job, and married her childhood sweetheart. Together, they raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying families of their own. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, “Shar” loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!
A Christian for over fifty years, and a lover of the English language, Shar always enjoyed dabbling in writing. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school, and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, always when the teacher’s back was turned, “pass me the next page.”
In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, and in 2006, she signed a contract for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her writing career. With eighteen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, she daily gives God all the glory. She dedicated her last novel, Their Daring Hearts, to Jesus.
Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and made several television appearances and radio interviews. She loves speaking for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their beautiful white collie, Peyton, and their ragdoll cat, Blue.
Shar loves hearing from her readers. If you wish to contact her as a potential speaker for a church function or would simply like to chat with her, please feel free to send her an e-mail at sharlenemaclaren@yahoo.com. She will do her best to answer in a timely manner. You may also find her on Facebook.

 

Guest Post from Sharlene

My dear readers,

It has indeed been my great privilege and pleasure to write this series set in Civil War times. What a thought-provoking, amazing, and heart-wrenching era in American history.

If you read all three books in the “Forever Freedom” series—Summer on Sunset Ridge, Their Daring Hearts, and A Love to Behold—you will have gotten some history lessons regarding the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers; Abolition; the Underground Railroad, which the Quakers were instrumental in launching; life as a Union soldier in the Civil War; the Freedmen’s Bureau; and Reconstruction, that period following the war when the south had fallen into great dis-repair. Also prevalent in this third book is a bit of history regarding the origin of the Ku Klux Klan, a hate group that formed during the Reconstruction period.

Although I did not appreciate history as a young girl, as an older adult, I’m quite fascinated by it. History itself is a great teacher. Learning about it can be everything from exhilarating to depressing, challenging and yet exciting. It is my prayer that as you read my books, you’ll not only find them entertaining, but also inspiring and uplifting. I aim to encourage, not discourage. Much of history—if we dwell on it—can be disheartening, but focusing our hearts and minds on Christ gives us courage and confidence. Let us learn from history, but let us look to the future with hope in our hearts.

With love and a prayer for God’s best blessings,

Shar

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 22

Maureen’s Musings, January 22

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 23

Genesis 5020, January 23

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, January 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 24

Splashes of Joy, January 25

Blossoms and Blessings, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Mary Hake, January 26

Godly Book Reviews, January 27

Daysong Reflections, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

Robin is Bookish, January 28

My Devotional Thoughts, January 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 29

The Becca Files, January 30

For the Love of Literature, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

Janices book reviews, February 1

A Baker’s Perspective, February 2

Bibliophile Reviews, February 3

Carpe Diem, February 4

Bigreadersite, February 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks 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/d8d2/a-love-to-behold-celebration-tour-giveaway

30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders Plus Giveaway

ABOUT THIS BOOK 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

When I first saw this title I was like some other people, I thought there is no way to understand the Bible in 30 days. But as I started looking through the book, and all of the different features there, I begin to understand a little  better where this author was coming from. And as I started going through the chapters, the different exercises in each chapter, my understanding of my Bible begin to come together and make a difference. Ive taken a few pictures to show you some of the different things that’s  in this book, things that really helped me a lot.

And I am not finished with this book. I went through it pretty fast to do this review, but I plan to make it a Bible study shortly and go through it taking it much slower. There is so much in this one book. And since there over 500,000 copies in print, well that tells you something! I wish there was some way I could get this book into the hands and homes of every Christian, as well as everyone that wants to understand their Bibles better. I highly recommend this book, 30 Days to Understanding the Bible, by Max Anders.

I received this book from FlyBy Productions to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

 

Hi, I’m Max Anders. I am the author of over 25 books, including the bestselling 30 Days to Understanding the Bible (over 500,000 copies in print) and my most recent book, Brave New Discipleship (Thomas Nelson – 2015). I am also the creator and general editor of the 32-volume Holman Bible Commentary Series. I recently created a video-based basic discipleship curriculum entitled The Brave New Discipleship System, based on the ministry principles I outlined in the book, Brave New Discipleship, and I am currently creating a members only site, “The Change Zone,” which provides resources, strategies and information to guide and accelerate your spiritual journey.

Buy link: http://bit.ly/30DaystoUnderstandingtheBible

Promo video link:  https://youtu.be/6J8xqfbsGBM

Official website:  http://www.biblein30days.com

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

Please comment to be entered, and leave your email. No email, you are not eligible to win because I have no way to get in touch with you!

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”):  Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

Grand Finale for No Safe Place by Sherri Shackelford

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

No Safe Place

By Sherri Shackelford

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Note from the Author

Welcome to this blog tour! I’m excited to share the journey with you. My latest release is near and dear to my heart because this book starts a new adventure for me…

The Power of Words – Guest Post

Forensic Accounting
“Follow the Money”

Accounting might not seem dangerous, but hiding money is integral to nefarious activities. In the opening scene of Jack Ryan on Amazon, Jack is seen tracing the financial dealings of a suspected terrorist. What Jack discovers leads him on a harrowing adventure to the Middle East, but the spark of his investigation was a rather mundane series of financial transfers…

Splashes of Joy – Review

“I thoroughly enjoyed “No Safe Place” by Sherri Shakelford! I love fast pace detective stories and this one kept me on the edge of my to seat the entire time I was reading it. In fact, I read this one in one setting! . . . “No Safe Place” will take you on a wild and scary journey, through more horrific scenes than you want to think about, but in the end, it will leave you thinking about this book and the characters long after you finish reading.”

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

Her heart racing, Beth took the stairs two at a time and pushed open the door to the parking garage. Only a couple other cars remained. Keeping her back straight and her gait purposeful, she crossed the distance.

The sound of her heels striking the concrete echoed through the cavernous, empty space. Pausing beside the car, she dug in her purse for her keys. Normally she kept them at the ready when exiting a parking garage. Corbin’s unexpected appearance upstairs had distracted her.

As she fumbled with her purse, she dropped the bag. “Calm down, Beth.”

Jorie Loves A Story – Review

“In my experience, this particular imprint is notorious for grabbing you by the throat straight-off the first page and never quite letting you feel released til you conclude the story! No Safe Place accomplishes this. . . . Ms Shackelford has a knack for Contemporary drama – she alights you inside her scenes with a certain kind of polish and flair for understanding the ready details you need to see in a scene to know its the modern era. . . I love finding Contemporary authors who are in-tune with this modern era and who can write realistic impressions of the people any of us could meet on the street.”

Colorimetry – Guest Post

Homeland Security

The details are sketchy, and the government has been tight-lipped, but various reports have concluded that the worst cyberattack in US history started in a cybercafe in Afghanistan. An American Pentagon worker (presumably), using the internet services of a foreign café, picked up a ‘cyber worm’ on his computer. He then transferred data from the infected computer to a thumb drive. The virus hitched a ride. When that same thumb drive was plugged into the Pentagon computer system, the worm went wild…

Rockin’ Book Reviews – Review

“This is an action packed, suspenseful, romance novel you will not want to miss! . . . Each chapter leaves the reader anxious to discover, “What happens next?” . . . The characters seemed very real, and the scenes were well described so the reader felt he/she was a part of them.”

Simply Kelina – Review

“I really enjoyed the writing style. This is not the first book written by the author, but it is the first within the suspense genre. I would not have known this while I was reading. I think she did a great job with the pacing and thrilling aspects of the story.”

Labor Not in Vain – Review

“Great tension between the characters, and a well paced plot, there is a lot going on. I liked the complexity of the plot perfect within this format, it fit well and kept me hooked, there was a lot going on but I never got lost. A book well worth reading, and great first foray into suspense for Ms. Shackelford!”

By The Book – Review

“If you are looking for an adrenaline-laced, romantic suspense to start off your reading new year, then you need to check out No Safe Place by Sherri Shackelford! This book has it all — engaging characters, danger and intrigue aplenty, and romantic sparks. . . . All in all this book would be a great companion for a weekend getaway or staycation. Suspense and HEA — what are you waiting for!”

Wishful Endings – Guest Post

My Favorite Suspense Books

Like many people, I got hooked on romantic suspense after reading the classic, Rebecca by Daphne DuMauier. Lately, I’ve been addicted to the Orphan X series by Gregg Hurwitz. Another favorite is Alex Kava, whose first book was set near where I live. The latest book I read was The Far Empty, by Scott J. Todd…

Heidi Reads… – Review

“This is my kind of suspense book. Not so intense that I’m biting off all my nails and can’t go to sleep, but engaging and compelling and has me turning the pages to see what happens next. . . . This is a story that I didn’t want to put down and felt that great feeling of satisfaction as I finished. Highly recommend to fans of light romantic suspense!”

Faithfully Bookish – Guest Post

Tips on Hiding

When I bought the book, Playing Dead: A Journey Through the World of Death Fraud, my husband was a little worried. The book was written by Elizabeth Greenwood, and I used her name as the inspiration for my heroine, Beth Greenwood.

The book is a fascinating look into the underground world of ‘making people disappear.’ Believe it or not, there’s an entire underground industry dedicated to helping people fake their death—should the need arise…

Locks, Hooks and Books – Review

“I enjoyed No Safe Place. . . . Beth and Corbin’s story was one that kept me on the edge of my seat. I never knew where they would end up. I could not put the book down until the end.”

Among the Reads – Review & Interview

“Sprinkling just enough wit throughout the story to keep it from being overly suspenseful, author Sherri Shackelford has Corbin and Beth fleeing from one place to another in an attempt to elude their pursuers. . . . Readers who enjoy authors such as Dana Mentink and Tanya Stowe are bound to enjoy this one as well. . . . I want to be sure to read more books by this author!”

Can you tell us a little about what inspired No Safe Place?

I really enjoy stories about regular people who are forced into extraordinary circumstances. I liked the idea of someone with a very ho-hum job in a boring office building who is thrown into incredible danger. I also like stories where people are ‘on the run’.

Book by Book – Review

“No Safe Place by Sherri Shackelford gives readers a quick, suspenseful (and romantic!) read, and I quite enjoyed it. . . . I recommend adding it to your TBR today!”

The Becca Files – Review

“Fast paced with plenty of action, No Safe Place was a rather quick read for me. I finished the whole book in just two sittings and in less than a day. It quickly grasped my attention and held me until the end. . . . I’d easily recommend it to fans of suspense.”

EmpowerMoms – Review

“I absolutely loved it! . . . Great characters, great story line, clean romance. I highly recommend reading this suspenseful, action packed book! I read it in one night because I couldn’t put it down-it was awesome! I can’t wait to read more books by this author.”

The Barefoot Reader – Excerpt

The accountant was running. Innocent people didn’t run. She’d been Corbin’s first suspect since her name had come up in the previous audit. Didn’t help that she’d spent the past week behaving like a textbook example of a guilty person. She was edgy and jumpy—rarely leaving her desk—even for meals. She didn’t want anyone messing with her computer. She didn’t want anyone to know what she was doing. Innocent people had nothing to hide.

Strike one.

Corbin pushed open the door to the garage, and his blood froze.

Author Loraine D. Nunley – Review

“I loved the page turning suspense and the push-pull of the romance. . . . This was a fast paced suspense with a good romance topped with relatable characters.”

Tell Tale Book Reviews – Review

“Sherri Shackelford delivers up non-stop adventure and suspense in a race for survival that crosses state lines. . . . I really enjoyed this book and I am definitely looking forward to more exciting romantic suspense from this talented author.”

Harlie’s Books – Excerpt & Review

There was a bullet hole in the hood of his car, and the woman sitting next to him had become a liability to a terrorist cell laundering money. Corbin didn’t know the extent of her knowledge, and he wasn’t letting her out of his sight.

She raised the canister once more. “All right. But I have the pepper spray, remember?”

“I’m not likely to forget.” That stuff was potent. Residue had both their eyes watering in the confined space of the car. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I did save your life. A simple ‘thank you’ would suffice.”

“Corbin is a dream. He is definitely going on the book boyfriend shelf for me. . . . Beth is just one of those heroines that you truly root for in a book. . . . The plot itself is [relevant], very fast paced (love), realistic and interesting. Yes, interesting. . . . I really loved this book. Corbin and Beth stole my heart and I have a new author to read from a beloved Harlequin line.”

Two Girls and a Book – Review

“No Safe Place is a fast past and well written book. From beginning to end I found myself completely caught up in the lives of Beth Greenwood and Corbin Ross. . . . I thought this book had the perfect amount of suspense, well-developed characters and most important, a surprise and oh so sweet sending.”

Min Reads and Reviews – Excerpt

Beth shut the train’s inner door and tugged the curtains over the square window of her private 
roomette—a tiny space featuring two facing seats and an overhead bunk that pulled down. The heels finally chugged, and the train lurched. She exhaled her pent-up breath. As the station faded into the distance, her pulse gradually slowed to a normal rhythm.

An hour into the trip, she almost felt as though she could breathe normally again.

A knock on the door sent her heart leaping into her throat.

Remembrancy – Review

“Shackelford maintains a perfect balance of intense action and personal moments between Corbin and Beth, making their building attraction natural and authentic. . . . Corbin and Beth are people of faith with an inner strength that makes them do the right thing no matter the personal cost which had me rooting for them from the get-go. . . . I hope to see more romantic suspense reads from Shackelford in the (near) future.”

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

No Safe Place
By Sherri Shackelford
Christian Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
January 1st 2019 by Love Inspired Suspense

He lives by the law.

She’s running for her life.

After forensic accountant Beth Greenwood uncovers a money-laundering scheme tying her company to the organization that murdered her mentor, she knows she needs to go into hiding. With ruthless killers in pursuit, she’s forced to rely on homeland security agent Corbin Ross’s protection—even as his investigation suggests Beth is complicit in embezzlement. Can their uneasy alliance develop into something deeper—and keep them alive?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

About the Author

A former naval reservist with a top-secret security clearance, Sherri writes rapid-fire suspense featuring captivating characters and heart-pounding romance. She’s authored more than a dozen novels for Harper Collins publishing, including both historical and contemporary suspense.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│BookBub│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will win “A Little Bit More Romance Box,” which includes the following items in a Decorative Box (pictured):

– Romance Bubble Bath

– Classic Cover Harlequin Notebook

– Collectible Addition Book of Romance Poems

– Romance Bath Bomb

– Scented Candle

– Fuzzy Socks

– Books: No Safe Place and His Substitute Mail-Order Brideby Sherri Shackelford, and Undercover Memories by Lenora Worth

US only

Ends January 23, 2019

click here for the giveaway

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Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher

ABOUT THE BOOK

For these two broken hearts, the first step toward love will be a huge leap of faith. Jessica Mason isn’t looking for love when she meets Ridley Chesterfield. Instead she is still reeling from the tragic, unexpected loss of her husband and daughter—and awaiting the arrival of her unborn child. Harboring the secret of her husband’s betrayal, her pain is deeper than anyone knows. Ridley Chesterfield is hiding out in Hope Springs, Idaho, avoiding a political scandal and the barrage of false media headlines that have tarnished his good name. The last thing Ridley wants is a relationship—but when fate leads Ridley to form a friendship with his reclusive and pregnant neighbor, he wonders if this small-town hideout might be more of a long-term destination. When Jessica begins to read her great-grandfather’s Bible, she finds a connection with a man she never knew. Somehow the verses he marked and the words he wrote in the margins open her heart to healing. And as Ridley and Jessica help each other forgive the people who have broken their hearts, they must decide if the past will define them or if they will choose to love again. Who I Am with You weaves together a modern-day romance with Jessica’s great-grandfather’s story from the 1930s, reminding us that some truths can cross generations and that faith has the power to transform families forever. Who I Am with You is the first book in Robin’s new “A Legacy of Faith” series.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Who I Am With You Starts off remembering the tragic deaths of Jessica’s husband and daughter. Jessica is secluded in her home in Hope Springs Idaho and that’s the way she wants it. Until Ridley Chesterfield moves into the house next door, trying to hid from the tragedy that happened with his job. Two people hurting and alone gradually starts communicating to each other.

I really enjoyed this story. Though Jessica and Ridley were hurting, they were both at odds with God because of their situations. It’s when Jessica was given a Bible that belonged to her grandfather that she begins to read the notes he had written decades ago that her heart begin to soften. And as she and Ridley spend time together, they begin enjoying each other’s company, and there is definitely an attraction there!

Robin Lee Hatcher has written a wonderful story dealing with hurts and tragedy, but of love, forgiveness and grace. Weaving together two lives that are at a total loss, and bringing a healing neither ever suspected. I love the contrast between the past, with Jessica’s grandfather offering his help through notes in his old Bible, and the life Jessica is now living. To me that adds a sweeter note to the story. All in all, this is a beautifully written story that you are sure to love.

I received this book from Read with Audra to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 75 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Robin is an ACFW Carol Award winner and an eight-time finalist and has won two RITA Awards and been a finalist eleven times. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award, the HOLT Medallion, the National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award. She is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog and a persnickety tuxedo cat. For more information, visit www.robinleehatcher.com, Facebook: robinleehatcher, Twitter: @robinleehatcher and Instagram @robinleehatcher.

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An Amish Homecoming by Beth Wiseman,Amy Clouston,Shelley Shepard Gray,and Kathleen Fuller

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Book Description

Four brand new Amish stories of coming home.

No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston

Estranged daughter Eva Dienner has been staying with her in-laws, the Riehls, since her husband was killed in a fire, but now she wants her son to meet his maternal grandparents. Upon her return, Eva finds that the man her parents always intended for her is living in their daadihaus and running the dairy farm for them for free, despite her suspicions of him taking advantage of her family. Eva knows she should put the past behind her, but is she ready to move into the future?

When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman

Hurricane Harvey forces Sarah Zook to return to the home she fled six years ago when she couldn’t face her stern parents’ reaction to her unplanned pregnancy. Upon her return, Abram King can think of nothing but the pain she caused him—until he meets Sarah’s daughter and realizes that he never really stopped loving Sarah. Sarah and Abram must find a way to face the truth of their past so they can rekindle their first love.

The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray

After the death of her Englisch husband, Irene Keim seeks a fresh start by staying with her new friends Mary Ruth and Henry Wengerd in exchange for helping them around the house. But when Mary Ruth and Henry’s son Marcus comes around, he isn’t pleased with the woman they’ve taken in and is determined to push her out. Misunderstandings abound, but both Irene and Marcus learn that people aren’t always what they seem.

What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller

Independent and headstrong, Carolyn is determined to forge ahead with the opening of her bakery, a lifelong dream, in the Birch Creek home she left ten years ago. But she’s in over her head and needs help with the cleaning, shopping, and deliveries. Carpenter Atlee Shetler is visiting Birch Creek to escape the memories of his late wife. He takes a job renovating the new bakery and finds the project—and its owner—to be much more than he bargained for. Both Carolyn and Atlee must face pains of the past if they want to have the bright future God has planned for them.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

This was such a fun book to read. I love to sit down with these short story books because I can read each one in a setting  and it’s nice to do that. Each of these authors, Beth Wiseman, Amy Clipston, Shelley Shepard Gray, and Kathleen Fuller are among the top of my Amish authors list.

No Place Like Home by Amy Clipston Was an interesting read. Eva had moved away from home to move with her husband’s side of the family, well she moved without her parents blessing before she married. But when he was killed, not long into their marriage she still didn’t go home. When her son ask about her other grandparents that he had never met, Eva decided it was time. And what she found was not what she imagined. You have to read this story to find out all about what Eva found!

 

When Love Returns by Beth Wiseman  Sara Zook left home, again without her parents blessings and leaving the Mann she loved. When she moved back six years later with the reason she left in the first place with her, feelings quickly changed. Her parents had missed out on too many years of their granddaughter’s life. Read the story to find out what’s next

The Courage to Love by Shelley Shepard Gray Irene Keim was very happy staying with the Amish couple she met, but when their son found out, he was not happy, forcing her to move out. But after many difficult issues happening that all changed! Just how? Well you need to read this book to find out!

What Love Built by Kathleen Fuller

Carolyn is so happy to be opening her backers, after all it has been 10 years in the waiting, but she needs help. When Atlee decides to visit Birch Creek so try and escape the heartaches he’s suffered from the death of his wife many years ago, he stumbles upon Carolyn’s store and decides he wants to help her. But the longer they worked together the more attracted they were to each other. But Atlee couldn’t forget his wife. Read this story to find out what happened to Carolyn and Atlee’s attention to each other.

This book is worth the read folks. If you love Amish books, this is a must for you! I received this book from BookLook Bloggers to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Flights of Fancy by Jen Turano

About the Book

Title: Flights of Fancy

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Christian Historical Romance, Gilded Age

Release date: January 1, 2019

Publisher: Bethany House

Miss Isadora Delafield may be an heiress, but her life is far from carefree. When her mother begins pressuring her to marry an elderly and uncouth duke, she escapes from the high society world she’s always known and finds herself to be an unlikely candidate for a housekeeper position in rural Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ian MacKenzie is known for his savvy business sense and has built his reputation and fortune completely on his own merits. But when his adopted parents are in need of a new housekeeper and Isadora is thrown into his path, he’s unexpectedly charmed by her unconventional manner.

Neither Isadora nor Ian expected to find the other so intriguing, but when mysterious incidents on the farm and the truth of Isadora’s secret threaten those they love, they’ll have to set aside everything they thought they wanted for a chance at happy-ever-after.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

This book was a very delightful read! I love Je  Turano books and this one is as good if not better than her other reads! Isadora was desperate to hide from the horrible Duke her mother was trying to marry her off to. Why he had been married three times before and all of his previous wife’s had mysteriously disappeared. Isadora did not want to number four! So with the help of several influential people, Isadora landed a job at Glory Manor. But the Glory was not what Isadora expected st all. What had she gotten herself into?

I love Isadora’s character, and she was so adorable as she tried to do her job at the Glory Manor farm. She had farm owner Ian so confused, he was drawn to her, but her housekeeping skills were such a manner that she ended up being banned from a number of them. But her personality was so adorable, everyone fell in love with her. Especially the four children Ian’s aunt and uncle took in because there was no space for them at the orphanage.

So much is happening in this story it is impossible to capture it all in a review. So I’ll just tell you, this is a book you don’t want to miss! The characters are so loveable and realistic, they will steal your heart and keep it! You will find yourself laughing a lot throughout this story, and maybe even crying a little. And if you are like me, you will find yourself cheering Ian and Issie on, no matter what happens.

A copy of this book was provided by Celebration Lit Tours and the author for me to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.

 

About the Author

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO.

 

Guest post from Jen

Q & A With Jen Turano

 

“Flights of Fancy” is the first book in the American Heiress Series. What inspired you to write this series?

The inspiration for this entire series started off with a What If? All of my proposals for new series start off that way, and this time it was – What if Consuelo Vanderbilt had balked when her mother insisted she marry the Duke of Marlborough – and then that led to – What if she’d run away until her mother came to her senses? Just like that, an entire series was born – a bit of a different take on American heiresses because in all three books, my heiresses might decide to go a tad…rogue. We start off with Miss Isadora Delafield – who does run off to avoid marriage to a duke, then we get to meet Miss Poppy Garrison, who is an unexpected heiress but who can’t quite seem to get a handle on the expected social decorum of the day, and then the final book revolves around Miss Beatrix Waterbury – who gets banished to Chicago after she annoys her mother one too many times, and once there, well, gets up to a bit of mischief.

 

How do you come up with the names of your characters?

I find most of my names as I research the New York Four-Hundred, although I normally take a first name here, a last name there so I’m not stepping on any toes by writing about an actual historical figure – except for some of the main figures in New York society back then, such as Mr. Ward McAllister – who was the social arbiter of the day, or Mrs. William Astor, who was the queen of that society. What I don’t do is simply make up names, no matter how outrageous they may appear. And, no matter how I may love a certain name, if the character decides it doesn’t suit them, that’s it, it’s out and I’m back to the drawing board.

 

How do you picture your character? Do you use Pinterest, magazines, movies?

Odd as this may seem, I don’t use pictures for my characters. They start off in my mind as a blurry figure, and then, they develop from there – I like to keep my descriptions of them somewhat vague on the pages so that the reader can imagine them exactly the way they’d like them to be.

 

What are some of your favorite resources for historical research?

I’ve been building up a research library over the past few years and now have over 200 books dedicated to the Gilded Age. My favorites are – “A Season of Splendor” by Greg King, “Society as I Have Found It” by Ward McAllister, “The Gilded Age in New York – 1870-1910” by Esther Crain, and “ ‘King Lehr’ and the Gilded Age” by Elizabeth Drexel Lehr.

 

The setting for “Flights of Fancy” is a bit of a departure for you since it’s set in and outside of Pittsburgh. Any reason for that?

My mom was born in Pittsburgh, and unfortunately, her father, a prominent attorney back in the day, died when she was only four. I thought it would be cool to set a story in Pittsburgh, which would then allow me to really dive into some research. And get this – while I was doing that research, I found this obscure journal called “Memoirs of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. In that journal was a bit about my great-grandfather, Fred, his wife, Susie, my grandfather, and his brother and sister, but I’d never heard about this brother, who apparently died quite young. One of the most fabulous research tidbits I’ve uncovered to date.

 

What are you working on now?

I’ve just recently turned in the content edits for the second book in this series, “Diamond in the Rough,” and I’ve also turned in a novella about the Harvey Girls that will be coming out in a novella collection in Fall, 2019. With those out of the way, I’m now starting the third and final book in the American Heiress series, Miss Beatrix Waterbury’s story, but I’m having a bit of a struggle with the hero at the moment – he was supposed to be Edward, but he doesn’t want to be an Edward – I think he wants to be Norman – but, time will tell on that one – don’t hold me to the name – it’ll depend on if he changes his mind or not – pesky characters.

 

You seem to enjoy adding animals in many of your stories. Will we find any animals in “Flights of Fancy?”

Since Miss Isadora Delafield ends up on a farm, I do believe you will find a few animals, such as an adorable cow by the name of Buttercup, a few goats that seem to have a great liking for laundry, and…there might be some chickens.

 

Thanks for stopping by today, everyone! Always enjoy visiting with all of you – in fact, that’s the best part of my job!

All the best,

~ Jen ~

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 10

Among the Reads, January 10

Through the Fire, January 10

To Everything A Season, January 10

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 11

Blogging With Carol, January 11

Southern Gal loves to Read, January 11

Back Porch Reads, January 12

KarenSueHadley, January 12

Godly Book Reviews, January 12

Daysong Refections, January 12

Livin Lit, January 13

The Christian Fiction Girl, January 13

The Becca Files, January 13

Texas Book-aholic, January 13

Rebekah’s Quill, January 14

Blossoms and Blessings, January 14

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, January 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 14

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 15

Just the Write Escape, January 15

Stories By Gina, January 15

God’s Little Bookworm, January 16

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, January 16

Splashes of Joy, January 16

Janices book reviews, January 16

Happily Managing A Household of Boys, January 17

Mary Hake, January 17

Maureen’s Musings, January 17

Bibliophile Reviews, January 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 18

Baker Kella, January 18

Simple Harvest Reads, January 18 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 19

Captive Dreams Window, January 19

Robin is Bookish, January 19

Carpe Diem, January 19

Have A Wonderful Day, January 20

Life with the Tribe, January 20

Inklings and Notions, January 20

Rachel’s Back Talk, January 21

Inspiration Clothesline, January 21

amandainpa, January 21

A Baker’s Perspective, January 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 22

Pause for Tales, January 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 22

Raining Butterfly Kisses, January 23

Live Love Read, January 23

A Rup Life, January 23

Bigreadersite, January 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away a grand prize of a trunk filled with all of Jen’s full-length novels released to date!!

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/d8d1/flights-of-fancy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Denise Hunter’s “On Magnolia Lane”

SYNOPSIS:

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes the final book in Hunter’s Blue Ridge Romance series.

Pastor Jack McReady has secretly carried a torch for Daisy for two long years. She’s a member of his congregation, after all, and she’ll never see him as more than a trusted counselor. Jack’s best friend Noah has taken every opportunity to encourage his lovesick friend, but when Noah catches wind that Daisy has joined an online dating site, he takes matters into his own hands and orchestrates a meet-cute of the most unconventional kind.

Owner of the local flower shop, Daisy Pendleton is content with her small-town life, but she’d sure like someone to share it with. After several disastrous first dates, she’s about to give up—and then she finds a seemingly wonderful man online. Daisy gets to know TJ through a series of messages but finds herself spending more time with Pastor Jack outside of the church at the same time. What she doesn’t know is that her online prospect and Jack are one and the same.

Just as Daisy’s love life starts to look promising, a mysterious woman appears in town. Daisy is faced with a revelation about her family that turns her world upside down, and she looks to both TJ and Jack for help.

Jack must find a way to reveal himself as her online suitor without breaking her heart and losing her trust. As Daisy faces Jack’s betrayal, she’ll have to learn to extend grace to herself, her family, and the man she’s grown to love.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

On Magnola Lane is the third and last book in The  Blue Ridge Sunrise series and I am sorry this series is coming to an end. I have enjoyed getting the know the characters of Copper Creek, Georgia and will miss them! I am glad that Pastor Jack and Daisy have their own story. But trying to court Daisy was not an easy task, since she looks at Jack as her pastor and councilor. Why he can’t even get her to drop the ‘Pastor’ in his name. He wants to be just plain Jack!

I really enjoyed the characters of Daisy and Pastor Jack. Daisy was a fun person to be around, and I love the fun scenes talking about her unique flower shop. And Jack was a special kind of guy that was always there for everyone. When Noah signed Jack up on the dating app Daisy was using the fun really begin. It was an interesting journey as “TJ” aka Jack and Daisy started talking. And wouldn’t you know they hit it off in no time. The journey  continues, the chats were more frequent and more informative as well as rather interesting, since everyone else knew who TJ was. Everyone but Daisy. But what will happen when they finally meet? How will Daisy really feel?

You can read the book and find these answers and a lot more entertainment when you read Denise Hunter’s “On Magnolia Lane!”

I received this book from TLC Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

 

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

@tnzfiction #OnMagnoliaLane #DeniseHunter #thomasnelson #christianfiction #cleanromance #greatbooks #mustread #tlcbooktours @tlcbooktours

About the Author 

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

 

 

 

No Safe Place by Sherri Shackelford

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Launch for

No Safe Place

By Sherri Shackelford

Note from the Author

Welcome to this blog tour! I’m excited to share the journey with you. My latest release is near and dear to my heart because this book starts a new adventure for me. After writing historical fiction for many years, No Safe Place is my debut novel in the genre of romantic suspense. The main character, Beth Greenwood, has discovered information that puts her life danger. Reluctant to trust the authorities, she takes matters into her own hands to save her life. With ruthless killers in pursuit, she forms an uneasy alliance with homeland security agent Corbin Ross—even as his investigation suggests Beth is complicit in embezzlement.

— Sherri

No Safe Place
By Sherri Shackelford
Christian Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages
January 1st 2019 by Love Inspired Suspense

He lives by the law.

She’s running for her life.

After forensic accountant Beth Greenwood uncovers a money-laundering scheme tying her company to the organization that murdered her mentor, she knows she needs to go into hiding. With ruthless killers in pursuit, she’s forced to rely on homeland security agent Corbin Ross’s protection—even as his investigation suggests Beth is complicit in embezzlement. Can their uneasy alliance develop into something deeper—and keep them alive?

Goodreads│Amazon│B&N│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK 

Beth Greenwood has no idea which she should trust after she uncovers a money laundering scheme, but since homeland security agent Corbin Ross is with her, she has no choice but to trust what he is telling her. But someone wants to get to Beth and shut her up, and they will go to any means to get rid of her. But Corbin is determined to do whatever is in his power to do, just to protect her. Can he trust her? He has no idea, but it won’t be long before everything comes to surface and the bad people revealed. Or will they be?

I thoroughly enjoyed “No Safe Place” by Sherri Shakelford! I love fast pace detective stories and this one kept me on the edge of my to seat the entire time I was reading it.  In fact, I read this one in one setting! I had to find out who was doing what! The characters were great, reliable and believable! And throughout the story there was just enough doubt to keep me wondering if the good people were really the good ones, or was one of them dirty, and pretending. “No Safe Place” will take you on a wild and scary journey, through more horrific scenes than you want to think about, but in the end, it will leave you thinking about this book and the characters long after you finish reading.

I received this book from Prism Tours to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal  Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Tour Schedule

January 7th:
Launch
The Power of Words
Splashes of Joy
January 8th:
Hearts & Scribbles
Jorie Loves A Story
January 9th:
Colorimetry
Rockin’ Book Reviews
January 10th:
Simply Kelina
Labor Not in Vain
By The Book
January 11th:
The Barefoot Reader
Heidi Reads…
January 14th:
Faithfully Bookish
Locks, Hooks and Books
Among the Reads
January 15th:
Book by Book
The Becca Files
January 16th:
EmpowerMoms
Wishful Endings
Author Loraine D. Nunley
January 17th:
Tell Tale Book Reviews
Harlie’s Books
Two Girls and a Book
January 18th:
Min Reads and Reviews
Remembrancy
January 19th:
Grand Finale

About the Author

A former naval reservist with a top-secret security clearance, Sherri writes rapid-fire suspense featuring captivating characters and heart-pounding romance. She’s authored more than a dozen novels for Harper Collins publishing, including both historical and contemporary suspense.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│BookBub│Pinterest│Instagram

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will win “A Little Bit More Romance Box,” which includes the following items in a Decorative Box (pictured):

– Romance Bubble Bath

– Classic Cover Harlequin Notebook

– Collectible Addition Book of Romance Poems

– Romance Bath Bomb

– Scented Candle

– Fuzzy Socks

– Books: No Safe Place and His Substitute Mail-Order Brideby Sherri Shackelford, and Undercover Memories by Lenora Worth

US only

Ends January 23, 2019

ENTERGIVEAWAY