Meghan’s Choice Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I Welcome to my stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Meghan’s Choice.  There is information on the book, author, and a giveaway.  Be sure to sign up to win!

My Thoughts:

Meghan’s Choice by author Donna L. H. Smith is a Christian Historical Western Romance.    It is the tale of Meghan Gallagher, a spoiled belle from St. Louis who ends up in the rowdy railroad town of New Boston, Kansas.  It is filled with light, clean romance, some brawling violence, tender teaching about experiencing God, scripture, and drama.

The story is nice but I had a hard time engaging with the characters.  For me they were not well rounded or developed.  The conversations did not sound authentic or easy.  It all sounded forced and out of the time period.  There were a lot of characters that at times it was difficult to keep everyone straight.

The spiritual element was light until close to the end of the book.  Then it was heavily laced and genuine.  The author has injected humor and wit among the fighting and drama to make her story entertaining, but it needs more.  The writing is uneven and at times sluggish.

Life lessons on hearing from God, equality, prejudice, trusting God, and helping others were the shining parts of the story.  The sweet romance was a great lesson, too.  Forgiveness, others and oneself, is discussed.  I enjoyed the last third of the book much more that the beginning.

I was disappointed there were no Discussion Questions or Recipes.  There was a lot of mention of cooking and dining so recipes would be a lovely addition.  Group Questions would be helpful for a reading club.

I would recommend this for fans of Christian Western Historical fiction.  It has the potential to be an excellent book with a few changes.  A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own opinions.

About the Book:

Book: Meghan’s Choice

Author: Donna L. H. Smith

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance

Release Date: November, 2017

Meghan's Choice COVER FinalistMeghan Gallagher complies with her father’s demand that she work on her own for a year by choosing to tutor eight children in a wild Kansas railroad town. But she had no idea just how wild it was until she was rescued by a local dance hall the day she arrived, and soon after hit by a stray bullet. In short order, she meets a dark, handsome cowboy and a wholesome, attractive doctor who both vie for her heart. As things heat up around town, Meghan’s love life catches fire as well. Is she scandalous to allow both men to court her at the same time? And—how close a relationship with God does Meghan want? Will she draw near?

Meghan’s Choice (pre-published) was named a semi-finalist in the 2014 Operation First Novel by Jerry B. Jenkins and an honorable mention for the Golden leaf Award in 2015. Since publication, Meghan’s Choice was a Selah Award finalist and also in the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

Published in connection with Hartline Literary Agency, serving the Christian book community. Visit us at www.hartlineliterary.com.

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Donna SmithDonna L.H. Smith is a Kansas prairie girl transplanted to Lancaster County, PA. She is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program and holds two college degrees, both B.S. and M.A. in Mass Communication. She’s been married to a wonderful man named Kirby for thirty years. Her debut novel, Meghan’s Choice, made the finals of both the Selah and Will Rogers Medallion Awards. Rose’s Redemption, the sequel, was just released. She blogs, speaks at workshops and retreats and although she is at an age where many begin slowing down, she wouldn’t think of it. Recently, she took on the role of Managing Editor of Almost an Author.com, and serves as ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Mid-Atlantic Zone Director. She is also a member of AWSA’s Protégé program (Advanced Writers & Speaker’s Association).

More from Donna

Back in 2012, I wrote “Zorro” stories for Fan Fiction. I had an awful lot of fun with them, and people seemed to really like them. So, the thought came, what could I write for ‘real?’ I contemplated, prayed, and after a couple weeks or so, an idea came floating across my brain.

“Gunfight at Hyde Park.” Huh? I thought about it, and realized it was an obscure history lesson from my hometown in Kansas. I had Google it to get the details. I thought, well, I’m not gonna write a Christian romance novel just about a series of gunfights that killed and wounded more people than the OK Corral.

But I did think that the beginning of the gunfights could be the climax of the story.

Now, who should my heroine be? And the hero?

I started with that and took Christian Writer’s Guild’s Craftsman and the novel was completed in 2013—but only published in late 2017.

I’m proud of Meghan’s Choice. Pre-published it made the semi-finals of the last Operation 1st Novel that CWG held and placed in a couple of smaller contests. Last year, it made the finals of the prestigious Selah Awards for published books through the BRMCWC, and the finals of the Will Rogers Medallion Award.

My hope is that you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 12

Creating Relationship, August 13

Connie’s History Classroom, August 13

Moments, August 14

For Him and My Family, August 14

Godly Book Reviews, August 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 15

Emily Yager, August 16

Through the Fire Blogs, August 16

My Devotional Thoughts, August 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 17

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 18

Vicky Sluiter, August 18

Inspired by fiction, August 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 19

mpbooks, August 20

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 20

Pause for Tales, August 21

For the Love of Books , August 21

Older & Smarter?, August 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

A Reader’s Brain, August 24

Real World Bible Study, August 25

janicesbookreviews, August 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize of a copy of her 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/e5a3/meghan-s-choice-celebration-tour-giveaway

Warriors with Holy Hands Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

I wasn’t sure what to expect with Warriors with Holy Hands.  It was a poignant, haunting, different book.  At times it was hard to follow, but it is well worth the read.  This Christian novel spans different decades with different family members.  It deals with divine healing and evil curses, as well as family, love, praying, following God, and faith.

This is the story of Ruth.  She is alone in the world with only a distant relative.  Her health is failing and Ruth is looking for answers.  Could her problems be from a family placed done years ago?

I loved the rural southern setting where it began.  The author painted a picture that drew me in.  I enjoyed the Jewish traditions and symbolism the book covered.  It was something that I was able to glean more information from that I had not known.

The author has written a complex, thought provoking story.  At times I still think about it.    The mystery and intrigue are so compelling that I could not put the book down.  It has some adult sections in it and for that reason I would not recommend it for teens.

The many characters are believable.  Each have redeemable characteristics as well as flaws.  There are so many twists and turns in this book.  Just when I thought I had something figured out, the author surprised me and took a different direction.

I would definitely recommend reading this book.  It takes a bit to get invested but the story develops and you will be caught up in it. Do this as a book group.  There is plenty to discuss.  I rate it a 4 out of 5 stars.  A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own thoughts.

About the Book

Book: Warriors with Holy Hands

Author: Peter Toeg

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release Date: February 3, 2017

Warriors with Holy Hands CoverWarriors With Holy Hands  is the story of a young woman who finds herself lost in time and whose life over a period of three years is spiraling downward. Ruth Falk is stricken with an inexplicable illness and then orphaned. With only a distant relative in her life now, Ruth faces a life of debilitating pain and infirmity. She determines to look to the past for answers she believes her bloodline may reveal.

Searching through diaries and records, Ruth discovers blood relatives and others who lived far away over the course of a century.  We follow their lives across three generations culminating in the revelation of indisputable connections that are created—words and actions with lasting results.

Ruth learns that a curse spoken by one ancestor may have had a devastating domino effect, one whose beginning also engaged her prayer-warrior grandmother in a pitched spiritual battle to break. A challenged believer herself, Ruth grows in the faith of her predecessors who faced ominous situations.

The rich symbolism of Judaism provides a backdrop for the saga with traditions and meaning sprinkled throughout the story.

When she faces increasing paralysis, Ruth and a birth friend in the faith journey to the Southern Highlands of Tennessee where it all began. Here in the span of seven days—over ten months—all that has unraveled in recent years comes together. Life as she knows it will never be the same.

God reveals himself to Ruth and others in remarkable ways along a tortuous path that comes full circle.

Warriors is a mystery that is finally, stunningly, revealed as serendipitous fruit from the branches of a family tree. It is a story of encouragement and life that empowers those who seek God and believe.

Grab your copy here.

About the Author

Peter ToegPeter Toeg was a technical writer for over twenty years and a trained journalist who taught communication and media writing for fifteen years at a small Midwestern university. A believer for thirty years, he has roots that extend both to Iraq and Judaism, two themes in Warriors.

He writes full-time now: mostly memoir and short stories with several published. Writing is his avocation.

 

More from Peter

I’ve always been fascinated with connections, whether family or circumstances. As a memoirist, I have been granted a wonderful perspective on my life filled with connections. Warriors With Holy Hands is a family saga in that vein. Exploring our roots and bloodline. In Warriors, a young woman receives a wonderful gift from the grandmother she never knew and learns the power of prayer.

Ruth Falk, the main character faces two problems: an illness that is robbing her of her mobility and, as an orphan, little knowledge of her past. She wonders whether the two are connected: her background and her illness. So begins her amazing search. In her debilitating condition, time is not on her side.

As often happens in a family, we discover more than we expect. I did forty years after being orphaned myself. I learned that my father rescued his own sister and mother, spiriting them to safety with him when he emigrated from a hostile land to the United States. The grand deception was revealed in documents I’d tucked away. I’d never been told the story.

Ruth Falk also crosses paths with a man on a spiritual journey and another mysterious soldier-warrior, who is mentally gifted—and also her rescuer.

Spanning one hundred years and populated by a dozen remarkable people and a few miscreants, Warriors With Holy Hands is a mystery and adventure with wonders and rich spiritual truths. And maybe a miracle or two. It was quite a trip for me in the writing as I trust it will be for my readers.

Peter Toeg

Excerpt from Warriors:

“Tell me why you’re here, Jacob,” I said through the chorus. We sat at angles to each other in wicker chairs, the vantage of direct face-to-face lost. A candle on a small table before us illuminated considerably more than our plastic glasses and now-soggy paper plates.

“Everybody has to be somewhere, sis.” A quick response.

I pressed. “What are you looking for here? I have reasons—that you’ve hammered me with. What about your family? Are you taking the genealogy route?”

Jacob finished his wine. A loud swallow. I caught him looking at his stump, the prosthetic he’d removed before we came out. He’d rarely been this quiet in my presence this long, the flight excepted. Then he placed the drained glass down, stood, and, with his hand, moved the table to his left, pulled his chair more directly opposing me, and sat down. Military posture, his arms on the chair arms. He looked kindly at me with wine-softened eyes.

“I’m here to help you, Ruthie.” He looked into the night and back at me. “I confess I do have some unfinished business. You’re smart enough to know that—and what it is.” A sad smile formed, genuine emotion breaking out.

I saw hurt in his eyes brewing deep down. “Your father. You have a bridge to cross.” I touched his hand with mine and withdrew it after a moment. “Over a river.”

Jacob looked away longer now, and then back, but he said nothing.

“I can carry you, Jacob,” I said confidently. “You’re not alone.”

Jacob looked at me, a little surprised and pleased at the same time, his eyes damp. “We are kin, are we not? Covenant. A covenant of three.”

I nodded, looked at his stump and then down at my legs. I lifted up my plastic glass and looked at Jacob through its prism with a squint.

“Your father’s spirit is not at the river, but God is… Look for Him and you’ll find your father.”

He nodded. “As much as we think what happens is about us, it’s not, is it?”

I shook my head.

I had momentarily seen Jacob’s face distorted through the glass by the candlelight. Now, the glass removed, his face was almost radiant. “It is said the mystic knows God by contact of spirit with spirit; cor ad cor loquitur. He has the immediate vision…he hears the still, small voice speaking clearly to him in the silence of his soul.”

“And what is the translation?” Jacob perked.

I felt at rest in the moment after a day on the road had awakened nerve pain in my limbs. Gone now. “It means ‘heart speaks to heart.’ Some Catholic theologian. Some say that the origins of the heart speaking are in music—a crystal voice, the sounds of the night, the call of a bird—rushing water.” I waved my hand in a sweeping motion at the darkness before us that was filled with sound.

Jacob nodded then returned to his usual playful self. “So, you’re going to carry me, eh kid?”

“We all need to be carried.” (p. 123)

Blog Stops

Inspired by fiction, August 8

Godly Book Reviews, August 9

Betti Mace, August 10

Blogging With Carol , August 11

CarpeDiem, August 12

Mary Hake, August 13

Artistic Nobody, August 13 (Spotlight)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 18

janicesbookreviews, August 19

A Reader’s Brain, August 20

Inklings and notions , August 21

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Peter is Giving away a grand prize package of a $25 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/e7c1/warriors-with-holy-hands-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

Jewel’s Gold Celebrate Lit Tour and Amazon $50 Card Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

Author Caryl McAdoo has written a lovely Alaskan Gold Rush tale in Jewel’s Gold.  She is a master storyteller extraordinaire, and I always look forward to her books.  The author has a way with words that will take readers to times and places never before travelled.

I found this tale so fascinating.  The scenery was well defined that I felt like I took the trip with them.  This is much more than a romance tale. I learned about The Alaskan Gold Rush.  It has adventure, mystery, deceit, romance, and lessons on forgiveness, self discovery, and faith.

The characters are feisty and realistic.  Jewel is sassy and pretty.  Boaz was hard to like at first but then I warmed up to him.  Both of their mothers were a hoot!  This book provides some comic relief, too.

I highly recommend this sweet story.  As with all books, the author writes she brings glory to God.  I read this in one sitting and wanted more!  It definitely earned a 5 star rating from me.

A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

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About the Book

Book: Jewel’s Gold

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 20, 2019

Jewels GoldCan a tangled web snare two hearts and point them true north?

A Papa’s girl from the start, Jewel Jones remembers all the things he told her. Wealthy, but far from being a snob, she finds Boaz Branson both irritating and intriguing. How can she know if the handsome confidence man truly turns from his wicked ways, or if his interest only in her gold? Papa said let God’s peace lead her.

Only by God’s grace can Boaz escape the deceptions he plans to perpetrate on the beautiful heiress. While his head wants to flee the entanglement, his heart bids him stay.

Are Jewel and Boaz building on sinking sand, or have they found the golden nugget they seek?

Click here to grab your copy.

About the Author

Caryl Cabo BeachAward-winning, hybrid author Caryl McAdoo prays her story gives God glory! That is why she writes, why she breathes. Her forty-fourth novel has just launched, joining her best-selling title list! Besides writing, she loves singing the new songs the Lord gives her. (Listen to a few at YouTube.) Ron, her husband of 50+ years shares four children and eighteen grandsugars—life’s best blessings, Caryl says. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

Jewel’s Gold, my July release and book four in the Gold Diggers Collection, begins in San Francisco in 1895 and moves quickly north to Alaska on Troublesome Creek where Jewel’s papa has a gold mine. My husband Ron was on Troublesome Creek in 1993 seeking the Lord. While there, he also did a little prospecting.

To mention gold is to speak of wealth as gold is the most sought-after metal in the world. It’s found on every continent, and I’ve discovered it can be located our bodies as well! Mostly in our blood! Small traces have also been extracted from eucalyptus leaves, a favorite snack of Koala bears!

Jewel Jones is the daughter of Joshua Jones, son of Moses and Lanell introduced in SINS OF THE MOTHERS, book three in the Texas Romance Family Saga. Truth be known, little Joshua was in fact a Wheeler, not as Jones, though Moses reared him as his own son.

His real father was Caleb who married Mary Rachael Buckmeyer and talked her into running off to California. So, this book may also be classified as a ‘Companion Book’ to that highly acclaimed historical romance series.

Ron has always wanted to go back and show me Alaska, and one day we most likely will go north . . . but only in the summer! Who doesn’t love leaving Texas for northern, cooler temperatures in the summer?
This story has a little mystery along with the romance and history. When we drove the Oregon/California Trail last December, we visited the site of Sutter’s Mill where the gold rush of 1849 was born. That last place we went before turning south and east back to Texas was an unexpected stop.

On the American River, the park and museum offered an amazing place to visit, and knowing this book was on the schedule made it all the more interesting! I also believe that place will add to the genuine feel of Jewel’s Gold.

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 13

Power of Words, August 14 (Spotlight)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

Emily Yager, August 16

For Him and My Family, August 17

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Simple Harvest Reads, August 20 (Spotlight)

Blossoms and Blessings, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 22

janicesbookreviews, August 23

Artistic Nobody, August 24 (Spotlight)

A Reader’s Brain, August 25

Inklings and notions , August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away a grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/e71d/jewel-s-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

 

The Awakening of Miss Adelaide Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thanks for joining my stop on Celebrate Lit’s tour of The Awakening of Miss Adelaide.  I have information on the author and book as well as my review.  Be sure to sign up for the giveaway at the end, too.

My Thoughts:

This is an historical Christian book centered around the Great War, WWI.  The author reached inside for my emotions with this book and tore at them until they were raw.  I cried often while reading this and actually had to put it down at times.  It is an astounding story of love, family, the cruelty of man and the healing power of music.  Expect suffragettes, music, mystery, discrimination, romance, and so much more.

The opening chapter captured my attention and I was immediately invested.  I felt for Birdie instantly and loved the hymn she sang.  What I didn’t like was the way she was being treated in the Texas Asylum.  It was horrible.

Then the story switched to Italy and we met Adelaide Fitzgerald.  Adelaide was a strong, determined, caring, wonderfully complex woman.  The friendship with her housekeeper grew into a beautiful sisterhood in Italy.  The Italian was an added treat to the book.  The food was so well described that I could almost smell the tantalizing aromas.  Miss Adelaide had a strong faith and love for God.  It was woven all throughout the story. Through hymns, scripture, prayers, and acknowledgments, God was ever present in this poignant tale.

Author Linda Brooks Davis has a style of writing that is pleasant and very much to my liking.  The subject matter was at times gritty and harsh, but at others loving and beautiful.  It was very realistic.  This is no sweet bit of fluff, but rather built upon the cruel things life hands to people and how they choose to respond. At times the reality was too much for me.  There were twists and turns galore in this lovely book.

I loved the poetic way the author writes.  Her book had a nice lyrically flow.  Conversations sounded accurate and believable.  Places and details were spot on.  She had obviously done thorough research on this.  The book was well organized and written  extremely well.  My only complaint is I don’t like reading about the rougher things in history.  It hurts my soul just knowing they existed.

This isn’t a book for everyone.  If you enjoy historical books, especially those set during the War, this one will thrill you. The romance is sweet and breathtaking.  The mystery made me want to skip to the back and get the answer.  I didn’t and encourage you to keep reading, too. For me there was an abundance of heartache, trials, and hurt – just like life.

I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars only because there were no more stars!  Celebrate Lit provided a copy but I was under no obligation to write a review.  These are my own thoughts.

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About the Book

Book: The Awakening of Miss Adelaide

Author: Linda Brooks Davis

Genre: Historical 

Release Date: July, 2019

The Awakening of Miss AdelaideOrphaned as an infant, Oklahoma heiress Adelaide Fitzgerald has enjoyed every advantage. She possesses a unique gift for music and has excelled on the opera stage in Italy. As a philanthropist, she’s adored from America to Europe.

But Miss Adelaide is about to awaken in a 1918 nightmare. The Great War—and the Great Influenza—knock, and Adelaide finds her uninvited guests more than unwelcome. They threaten her life and alter her identity and purpose.

Snatched from a quiet life in an Italian villa, Miss Adelaide is thrust into conflicts others have created. What battle scars will she sustain? And where will love lead her?

In The Awakening of Miss Adelaide, war and peace, laughter and heartache, love and loss come together to ignite a fresh fire that reveals one woman’s hidden needs and potentials. 

What will gaining a fresh understanding of herself require of the Angel of the Opera?

About the Author

Linda Brooks DavisLinda Brooks Davis was born and reared, educated, and married in Texas. Her children and six grandchildren were born in Texas. She devoted the bulk of her 40 years as a special educator in Texas schools. But her mother and grandmother hailed from Oklahoma, the setting for Linda’s 2015 debut novel, The Calling of Ella McFarland, which won the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Award and the 2016 American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award. Linda continues to write from her home in San Antonio, Texas. She and her beloved husband Al worship and minister at Oak Hills Church. Linda enjoys chatting with readers through her website www.lindabrooksdavis.com.

 

More from Linda

Awakening Miss Adelaide begins with my mother’s cedar chest, which bore an unwritten warning: Hands off! Priceless treasures resided in its depths. My parents’ wedding suits. An old tattered quilt. Mother’s felt hat with a jaunty feather at the rolled-up grim. Bible notes. A stained tablecloth. Equally stained ladies’ handkerchiefs. And old, crocheted, scorched pot holders.

My paternal great-grandmother wrote letters and created intricate, painstaking handwork while she was committed to an asylum in Terrell, Texas. They represent the dearest items in the cedar chest.

Incalculable are the times over the years when a family member would comment Great-granny didn’t appear insane at all. I often wondered how it was she resided at a state mental hospital from 1900 until her death in 1948. How could an insane person write coherent letters and create such handwork?

Mystery shrouds those answers as surely as Great-grandmother herself.

Family legend developed around her. Stories varied from “She wasn’t crazy. Her husband wanted to get rid of her” to “She was an Indian who chose the name McFarland to avoid White bias against the indigenous people.” The truth hides somewhere amid the deadfall of her tragic life.

Sometimes research for a novel can feel like digging up bones. In a way, it is.

One such “bone” I got my teeth around and refused to let go was an article in a 1913 edition of Fort Worth Star-Telegram. It described a murder committed in the lobby of the Metropolitan Hotel. This violent act occurred in connection with an adulterous affair.

Consequently, heightened emotions, lowered common sense, and the control males exerted over females resulted in one man’s murder and the murderer’s acquittal. The “offending” woman’s husband dragged her home kicking and screaming and committed her to a mental asylum for “emotional insanity.”

I wondered if the “offending” man had been treated in like manner. Hardly.

How could I NOT include this morass in a novel?

Someone ought to write a book about that was often said around our family reunions. My interest in doing just that developed little by little over the years. The Women of Rock Creek series deals with some of the ways in which women were denied equal rights when they were denied the vote. Such realities presented an ideal platform for illustrating some women’s plight in the hands of unscrupulous men–inequality in education, the courtroom, and even in mental health care.

With an abundance of love and respect for my great-grandmother; her daughter, my grandmother; and her grandson, my father, I offer this imaginary story. It contrasts two different women: one with a voice heard around the world and the other with no voice at all.

I offer The Awakening of Miss Adelaide to the Lord to do with it as He sees fit. May this story inspired by the agony experienced by my great-grandmother serve to lighten someone else’s load.

Blog Stops

Bettimace, August 10

Godly Book Reviews, August 10

Reflections From my Bookshelves, August 10

Connect in Fiction, August 11

Mary Hake, August 11

Genesis 5020, August 12

Through the Fire Blogs, August 12

For Him and My Family, August 13

Just Your Average reviews, August 13

Life of a traveling wife, August 14

Connie’s History Classroom, August 14

Bigreadersite , August 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

Blessed & Bookish, August 16

Emily Yager, August 16

CarpeDiem, August 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 17

Daysong Reflections, August 18

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19

Pause for Tales, August 20

For The Love of Books , August 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 21

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

janicesbookreviews, August 22

A Reader’s Brain, August 22

Inklings and notions, August 23

Simple Harvest Reads, August 23

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/e682/the-awakening-of-miss-adelaide-celebration-tour-giveaway

Daughters of Northern Shores Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s book tour fir Daughters of Northern Shores.  I am so happy you came by.  I loved this riveting book and am excited to share information on it.

My Thoughts:

Daughters of Northern Shores is Book Two in Author Joanne Bischof’s Sons of Blackbird Mountain Series.  This is a historical romance set in post Civil War in the Appalachian Mountains.  It is gritty, realistic, and hard to put down.

The author has a poetic style of writing.  It is easy and unrushed.  Her story unfolds in its own time and will not be rushed nor slowed.  It has its own pace which is just right.

The characters are complex and yet lovable.  Some are beyond redemption and are down right despicable.  They are well defined and vividly described.  The women are capable, loving, and supportive of their men and family.  The men are strong, hard, and loyal to their family and friends.  Children are the highlight and lend their softness and humor to the story.

Themes of redemption, love, family, strength, faith, trust, forgiveness, feuds, helping others, and drawing deep inside for inner strength fill this intense mountain tale.  At times it was hard to read, but I was mesmerized and wanted to know what would happen next.  My emotions were raw and needed a break, but I kept reading.  I had fallen into this extremely well written book and was held captive on Blackbird Mountain until I finished it.

The author provided many surprises, twists, and turns in her plot.  She is a talented wordsmith.  I would love to see Book 1 and Book 2 be made into a movie.  As I read them,  I visualized scenes and actors.  It would be wonderful!

The author did impeccable research and I learned many things.  Discussion Questions are included so this would be a perfect book club read.  I wish the author had gone a little more in depth with what the women cooked and included recipes.

I highly recommend this captivating book.  While it could be read as a stand alone, you would miss so much if you skipped Book 1.  I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars.  A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was not required to write a review.  These are my own, honest words.

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About the Book

Book: Daughters of Northern Shores

Author: Joanne Bischof

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: March 12, 2019

Daughters of Nother Shores CoverAven Norgaard understands courage. Orphaned within an Irish workhouse, then widowed at just nineteen, she voyaged to America where she was wooed and wed by Thor Norgaard, a Deaf man in rural Appalachia. That the Lord saw her along the winding journey and that Aven now carries Thor’s child are blessings beyond measure. Yet while Thor holds her heart, it is his younger brother and rival who haunts her memories. Haakon—whose selfish choices shattered her trust in him.

Having fled the Norgaard orchard after trying to take Aven as his own, Haakon sails on the North Atlantic ice trade, where his soul is plagued with regrets that distance cannot heal. Not even the beautiful Norwegian woman he’s pursued can ease the torment. When the winds bear him home after four years away, Haakon finds the family on the brink of tragedy. A decades-old feud with the neighboring farm has wrenched them into the fiercest confrontation on Blackbird Mountain since the Civil War. Haakon’s cunning and strength hold the power to seal many fates, including Thor’s—which is already imperiled due to a grave illness brought to him at the first prick of warfare.

Now Haakon faces the hardest choice of his life. One that shapes a battlefield where pride must be broken enough to be restored, and where a prodigal son may finally know the healing peace of surrender and the boundless gift of forgiveness. And when it comes to the woman he left behind in Norway, he just might discover that while his heart belongs to a daughter of the north, she’s been awaiting him on shores more distant than the land he’s fighting for.

Click here to grab your copy!

About the Author

Bischof JoanneJoanne Bischof is an ACFW Carol Award and ECPA Christy Award-winning author. She writes deeply layered fiction that tugs at the heartstrings. She was honored to receive the San Diego Christian Writers Guild Novel of the Year Award in 2014 and in 2015 was named Author of the Year by the Mount Hermon conference. Joanne’s 2016 novel, The Lady and the Lionheart, received an extraordinary 5 Star TOP PICK! from RT Book Reviews, among other critical acclaim. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her three children. Visit her online at JoanneBischof.com; Facebook: Author, JoanneBischof; Instagram: @JoanneBischof.

More from Joanne

One of the questions I receive most often is “How do you get it all done?” As a single, homeschooling mom, I’ve long-since learned that there would be easier ways to have a day job than being an author, but God has been gracious in providing abundantly in so many areas. Here are four that I am most thankful for as I look back over the last few years, including this season of writing Sons of Blackbird Mountain and Daughters of Northern Shores.

Togetherness

Now, most authors would agree that “togetherness” isn’t exactly conducive to quality writing time – especially when kids are involved! And while I do need quiet focus to be able to work through a scene or chapter, what I’ve been thankful for is the chance to share story and research discoveries with my children. It’s created more unity around the stories. Instead of needing to usher the kids away, isolating them from the novels I’m writing, I’m able to invite them into them. For the Blackbird Mountain series, I walked them through the Pinterest boards, showing them the different characters. Then we did a history unit on Vikings since that’s the Norgaard Family’s background. We had a blast and it helped make “the story that Mom was working on”, something that they were more aware of and interested in. For my current work-in-progress, we just recently finished an all new history unit including visits to a few local museums and stories that the kids wrote on their own!

Patience

I used to want to write, write, write all the time. And often, that’s what I did! Well, I still would love to write as often as I can, but God has been teaching me something oh-so-important: patience. As part of this, I set aside certain parts of the week for writing office hours. These slots of writing time typically occur on Tuesday evenings, and include a few additional 1 ½ hours slots during the week, once homeschooling is done. In this manner, I am able to carve out some quiet writing time while still making sure the kids are having a great and productive day. But for any writer or working mom, we can agree . . . that’s not a lot of time when added up! In God’s wonderful provision, though, He seems to extend much richness to those little snatches of time. They might not be many, but they are mighty! It’s been a prayer of mine for several years now, that by keeping my writing below these other priorities, that God would help me fill in the cracks of time and energy—and He has been so faithful to supply. I still have my moments when I feel frazzled,  especially when deadlines are near, and that’s why I am thankful for this next lesson that God has been teaching me . . .

Communication

The thing about living with a writer, is that you often find them staring at a computer screen. That doesn’t look all that productive, does it? But what we’re doing on the other side of that screen is weaving a story-world of plot, characters, purpose, and heart. Typing words onto the page that we hope will touch lives, digging through old articles for research, or jotting down messy plotting notes that we pray will somehow amount to a story one day. By communicating with my kids (like sharing with them about the story and characters) I’m able to help them see what I’m doing and why. And since kids can be rambunctious and full of life (and questions, and needs for snacking, and ideas, and messes . . . *wink*) and since this writer works well with quiet, I have a little chalkboard that I hang on my doorknob when it’s one of my “office hour” slots. I jot down my start time and end time for that 1 ½ hour block, add a heart or smiley face, and often make note of what our next task will be like preparing a meal or doing an activity together. Then I shut my door and the little sign dangling from the knob outside helps the kids remember what I’m up to. It reminds them that I won’t be tucked away for long, but that I do need to focus for a little while. They’re always allowed to come knocking if a need arises, but for the most part, they’re happy on these afternoons with their own projects. When the hour or so is up, we reconvene and go back about our day, usually slipping into something fun that we do together. By having these slots of time in the week, and by communicating carefully with them in a way they can understand, it helps to bring us all what we need.

Grace

There are days when I blow it, and days when I need a lot of grace. Maybe I’ve spilled iced tea on one of the research books (don’t worry, this is a hypothetical example 😉 ) or maybe I didn’t save a scene properly, or just feel stuck and exhausted with a plot thread. These days can certainly tamper with the harmony, which begins with my heart and the need to remember the reason for why I write these stories: for God’s glory. When I begin to lose my calm, or grow frustrated or weary with the challenges afoot, I know it’s time to circle back to what it’s all for. It’s for the readers, it’s for my children, it’s for my joy, and most of all, it’s for God’s glory. By me being harried or stressed, very little of this is being accomplished! God has used the writing process to speak to my heart in ways that have reminded me of what I can surrender, and more and more of the ways that I can look to HIM for guidance. The lessons aren’t always easy, but through each season, and through each book, I have come to see more and more all the ways to be thankful.

Blog Stops

Retrospective Spines, August 6

Just the Write Escape, August 6

KarenSueHadley , August 7

Batya’s Bits, August 7

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 8

By The Book, August 8

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 9

Adventures of a travelers wife, August 9

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 10

Betti Mace, August 10

Connie’s History Classroom, August 11

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, August 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 12

Moments, August 12

Simple Harvest Reads, August 13

Connect in Fiction , August 13

For the Love of Literature, August 13

Aryn The Libraryan 📚 , August 14

Through the Fire Blogs, August 14

Bigreadersite , August 15

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, August 15

Daysong Reflections, August 16

Living Life Free In christ, August 16

A Reader’s Brain, August 17

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Inklings and notions , August 18

janicesbookreviews, August 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 19

LifeofLiterature, August 19

As He Leads is Joy, August 19

 

 

Jessie and James Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Welcome to the Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour and Giveaway for Jessie and James.  You will learn all about the book, author, and be able to sign up for the giveaway.  Two entrants will win an Amazon gift card.  Will one of them be you?

My Thoughts:

Author Jennifer Beckstrand has written a Christian Historical Western Romance novel for the Gold Diggers Series.  This is a sweet, humorous, inspirational novel that had me giggling many times.

It is the story of feisty Jessie.  She is a pretty, family loyal heroine that always can be seen with her trusty gun.  It is also the tale of geologist James.  Poor James has been sent to the Western mining town and gets teased about wearing the wrong hot.  When he and Jessie meet, one of them gets hurts, they both get a surprise and sparks start.

The author has done a wonderful job with this.  It captured my attention from the beginning and I was eager to see what would happen to this mismatched pair.  The characters seemed real and were easy to imagine.  The plot was well planned and researched.  Humor, mystery, faith, and romance were all woven together into one magnificent novel.

This book taught me a few things about mining.  I love books from which I can glean tidbits of knowledge.  It is readily apparent this is a Christian book.  I love that, too.  Author Beckstrand seems to know what readers want and delivers.

I would highly recommend this book.  It is a delightful tale that will take you out West and give you a taste of the mining life, which wasn’t easy.  I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars.  Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my honest opinions.

 

About the Book:

Book: Jessie and James

Author: Jennifer Beckstrand

Genre: Western Historical Inspirational Romance

Release Date: July 24, 2019

BECKSTRAND_Jessie _JamesJessie Madsen has her hands full helping her parents run their small farm and boarding house while every fortune-seeker in the country seems to be flocking to her small town in search of gold. It’s bad enough that claim jumpers won’t quit trespassing on her property, but geologist James Kelsey, mildly intriguing and surprisingly handsome for an Easterner, seems more interested in her than the mining business. Jessie is certain she doesn’t have the time or the need for a man, and after getting her heart broken, she has resolved never to fall for an outsider again. Add stolen cash, a fast-talking con man, and a pair of bandits, and Jessie is indeed up to her eyeballs in trouble. Will she soften her rock-hard exterior and let the geologist discover the hidden treasure in her heart?



About the Author


Jennifer beckstrandJennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hillseries, The Honeybee Sistersseries, and The Petersheim Brothersseries for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were both nominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth, the Honeybee sisters’ aendiBitsy, and Alfie and Benji Petersheim. Jennifer has written twenty-one Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. She and her husband have been married for thirty-four years, and she has six children and seven adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.


 


More from Jennifer


Jessie and James is my first published Western historical novel, and I couldn’t be more excited. The first book I ever wrote was a historical Western, and I’ve been wanting to write another one for ten years. (That first Western is still hanging around my house somewhere. I might decide to publish it next. J) For my research, I traveled to a real mining town about two hours from my house. Yes, it really is named Eureka, and it was a boomtown in the 1880s, the period in which my book is set. I met an old-timer in Eureka who told me some fascinating stories about mining then and now.


Did you know that you may own the ground your house sits on, but you only own it to sixty feet deep? So a mining company can come in and dig a mine right under your house, and it’s perfectly legal. Many mines were dug straight down or in any direction that would get them to ore faster. In the 1880s in Eureka, often they’d dig straight down using only picks, shovels, and dynamite. A plumb bob was utilized to make sure their tunnels were straight up and down. They usually dug down 600 feet then drifted horizontally a couple hundred feet, then dug down again. Some mines went deeper than 1800 feet. Nowadays, there aren’t many mines that deep. They’re more dangerous, so they’re too expensive to insure.


In Jessie and James, James is an ex-cowboy turned geologist looking for gold. Jessie is a feisty, independent woman who runs a boarding house with her parents and thinks Eureka needs a little more fire-and-brimstone preaching to keep the incorrigible miners in line. Jessie doesn’t want anything to do with a gold digger, and she’s willing to use her shotgun to run James off. But James doesn’t scare that easy, especially when the woman on the other end of that shotgun might turn out to be the love of his life.


Jessie and James is full of shotguns, bandits, and heart-stopping romance. Don’t miss it!


Blog Stops


Reading Is My SuperPower, August 1


Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 2


Betti Mace, August 2


Inklings and notions, August 3


Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 4


Blossoms and Blessings, August 4


Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 5


Christian Bookaholic, August 6


Splashesofjoy, August 6


Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 7


Connie’s History Classroom, August 8


Maureen’s Musings, August 8


Through the Fire Blogs, August 9


Bigreadersite, August 9


A Reader’s Brain, August 10


Blessed & Bookish, August 10


Texas Book-aholic, August 11


For Him and My Family, August 12


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12


Just the Write Escape, August 13


Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 14


janicesbookreviews, August 14


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to two winners!!


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/e57b/jessie-and-james-celebration-tour-giveaway




 

	


	



					
						


	

		
Cross My Heart Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

				

			Posted on  by abbasprayerwarriorprincess		

			


	
	
			


	

		
Welcome to my stop on the Cross My Heart Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway.  Please sign up at the bottom for the giveaway.  This is a wonderful book that I rated 5 stars!


My Thoughts:


Cross My Heart by Robin Lee Hatcher is a Christian contemporary romance.  It is Book Two in her A Legacy of Faith Series, but it can be read as a stand alone.  This book is so captivating that it grabbed my attention early and held it until the final page.


Author Hatcher is one of the elite group of wordsmiths that always produces a God glorifying, uplifting, page turning novel.  Always.  This one was no exception.  The story has been well planned and organized.  The details were well researched and I learned some things about equine therapy.  The duo story and time period was done flawlessly.


Christian inspiration and messages are not hidden or gingerly sprinkled, but instead given the attention they deserve.  I was left feeling delighted and refreshed.  This is such an encouraging tale.


Characters are unique, flawed, lovable, and realistic.  The small town in Idaho was a quaint setting.  Hatcher’s descriptive words brought it and the horse rescue farm to life.  I felt like ai was there.


Life issues tackled are tough ones.  Drug and alcohol abuse are in this novel along with recovery and healing.  Forgiveness, others and oneself, helping others, redemption, salvation, trusting God, and love are all in there, too.


I highly recommend this book especially if you are a contemporary romance fan.  The romance is sweet.  Everything about this book is lovely.  It gets a 5 star rating from me.  A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.


About the Book


Book: Cross My Heart




Author: Robin Lee Hatcher




Genre: Contemporary Romance


Release date: June 25, 2019


Cross My HeartCan two broken paths lead toward God’s redemption?


When Ashley Showalter and Ben Henning meet on Ashley’s horse rescue farm, they quickly discover how much they have in common. Both were raised by single moms. Both want to help where they see a need. And both work with horses in the Boise valley. Ben needs Ashley’s help and expertise after starting an equine therapy barn on his great-great-grandfather’s farm—and the more time they spend together, both Ashley and Ben have the feeling that there could be something more between them.


They also carry the burden of past experiences that may drive them apart if the truth is ever revealed. Ben is a recovering alcoholic with five years of sobriety behind him, while Ashley’s brother is an opioid addict residing in court-ordered rehab. Holding fast to the belief that addicts can never be cured, Ashley has promised herself she will never walk knowingly into the chaos created by addiction. Ben knows that with God, all things are possible—but will Ashley find it within herself to give love a chance? Or will her brother’s mistakes and the pain of her past jeopardize her future with Ben?


Cross My Heart threads together a contemporary love story with the heartwarming tale of Ben’s great-great-grandfather, Andrew Henning—reminding us that God’s Word is timeless and that His promises are new every morning.


 


Click here to grab your copy.


About the Author


Hatcher Robin LeeRobin 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 robinleehatcher.com; Facebook: robinleehatcher; or Twitter: @robinleehatcher.


 


More from Robin


MY WRITING DESK

ROBIN LEE HATCHER


I have a wonderful home office with a large screen iMac and the perfect place to keep important papers and reminders right in front of me for easy access. There is also a bed for my dog, Boo, because no office is complete without a bed to welcome the dog. Right?


I also do a lot of writing while seated in a big easy chair in the living room. It all depends upon my mood and how many reference books I might need at the time.


My office usually looks neat when I begin a book. By the time I’m writing the end, the room has become a disaster—stacks of papers demanding my attention and a layer of dust are the most obvious issues.


My office also serves as my art studio (where I do decorative planning and Bible art journaling), so every inch that isn’t taken up by writing related items is filled with art related ones—paints, washi tape, stickers, pens galore, etc.


An early riser naturally, I consider sleeping in to be anything after 6 AM. On a normal writing day, I try to get in half an hour on the treadmill first thing in the morning (and often return to it for ten minutes segments a couple other times during the day). Then I sit at my desk or in my easy chair to do my Bible study. And finally I begin writing.


I can usually create new words for about four hours or so a day. The rest of the work day is filled with editing, revising, research, and correspondence with publisher, agent, readers, and other writers. I have an active online presence which needs attention daily, as well.


I am also a late-in-life part time college student, taking my classes online, so at least a couple of days a week, you’ll find me doing assignments and taking quizzes. For some reason, I rarely use my office for that. The kitchen table seems to suit me better. Probably because it is a large table and I can really spread out.


I feel very blessed to be able to work at home. I had a full time job when I wrote my first book. In fact, I wrote nine novels over the course of nine years while still working full time. The month my ninth book released, I quit my job in order to write full time. Seventy books and almost 28 years later, I’m still at it. As I said, I am blessed.


Blog Stops


Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 27


The Christian Fiction Girl, July 27


The Power of Words, July 27


Carla Johnson-Hicks, July 28


Christian Bookaholic , July 28


Through the Fire Blogs, July 29


A Baker’s Perspective, July 29


Back Porch Reads, July 30


Cultivating Us, July 30


Godly Book Reviews, July 31


For Him and My Family, July 31


God’s Little Bookworm, August 1


Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 1


Daysong Reflections, August 2


EmpowerMoms, August 2


Southern Gal Loves to Read, August 2


Christian Chick’s Thoughts, August 3


Moments, August 3


Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4


Remembrancy, August 4


Pause for Tales , August 5


For The Love of Books, August 5


All-of-a-kind Mom, August 6


Hallie Reads, August 6


Living Life Free in Christ, August 7


To Everything A Season, August 7


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 7


Wishful Endings, August 8


Texas Book-aholic, August 8


janicesbookreviews, August 8


A Reader’s Brain, August 9


Inklings and notions, August 9


Simple Harvest Reads, August 9


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her 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/e5a6/cross-my-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway


 

	


	



					
						


	

		
Secret Ingredient is Love, Bread Recipes

				

			Posted on  by abbasprayerwarriorprincess		

			


	
	
			


	

		
Do you enjoy cooking and baking?  I certainly do.  There is something about taking a number of different ingredients, mixing them together, and creating something yummy.  A creation that makes the house smell warm and inviting.  Homey.  Love wafts out of the pan.  It is so calming.


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For me baking is a way to destress and also to show my family and friends that I love them. I love it when my parents stop by and I have made a big kettle of soup to share.  It warms my heart when family pops by and I just happen to have made their favorite pie.  Sometimes it lightens their load and gives them a smile if only for a short time.




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Does it work like that for you, too?  Do you enjoy cooking?  Do you have happy memories from Times in your kitchen?   Most people that love to cook and bake have precious, “sweet” memories of time spent in the kitchen.  The women in my family taught me to cook.  I loved being with them and they were always in the kitchen.  It seemed natural that the kitchen was a place I would love.  My mother and hers were the two women who taught me the most about cooking.




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Everyone has something special they make or a special added ingredient that like to toss into their dishes.  If I’m cooking a savory dish, garlic is my secret ingredient.  Even if it’s a smidge, I love garlic.  Now baking, that’s a toss up.   Depending on the dessert I will reach for vanilla or cinnamon.  Mmmmmmmm.  They both smell heavenly.  However, the most powerful secret ingredient is love.  People can tell if you made something lovingly.  My Grandmother always told me “if you cook with love, you will always love to cook.”








God makes sure we have all of the things we need for our daily bread.  He sees that we have money to buy ingredients.  There are cookbooks and family members to guide us.    We have been given the ability to put the ingredients together to make all different kinds of wonderful dishes.  All we need to do is have faith it will turn out and add our secret ingredient of love.




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He has given us every thing we need for faith, too.  We have all of the things we need.  The Bible is our instructional book.  Church is our classroom, and other Christians are there to help.  God has the ultimate secret ingredient . . . Jesus.  There is no greater love.






Best Banana Bread Ever


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1 c. sugar

2 eggs

1/2 c. oil

3 bananas, mashed

2 c. flour

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. vanilla

3 T. milk

1 c. chopped nuts, optional


Preheat oven to 350º. Beat sugar, eggs, oil, and bananas. Stir in dry ingredients, nuts, vanilla and milk. Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.










	


	



					
						


	

		
Midnight on the River Grey Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

				

			Posted on  by abbasprayerwarriorprincess		

			


	
	
			


	

		
Welcome to my stop for the Midnight on the River Grey Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway.  The is a Christian Historical Romance Mystery that is written by author Abigail Wilson. She is also giving away a copy of her book, so don’t forget to sign up at the end.


My Thoughts:


This was a great book.  It had mystery, drama, intrigue, and romance.  It took me one page to become invested and want to read this riveting story with the haunting blue cover.  This was a page turner.


This is the tale of feisty, determined Rebecca Hunter.  Her brother, Jacob, has been murdered, and Rebecca has determined Lewis Browning also known as the Midnight Devil, is responsible. Since all of her immediate family are dead, Rebecca and her aunt must live with her new guardian, who happens to be Browning.


The twists and turns are plentiful as well as much drama in this exquisite Regency romance.  I was very disappointed it was listed as a Christian novel.  The faith and inspirational message is very light.


Author Wilson has done a great job with her second novel.  Her writing style is even and has a nice, steady pace.  I enjoyed the authentic dialogue and her exceptional descriptions which whisked me off to Regency England.


The characters were not developed enough for me to become totally engaged with them. I was to a degree but not totally.  They just needed a little more honing.


I definitely recommend this to Regency lovers and mystery lovers.  A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but I was under no obligation to write a review.  These are my own words.  I rated it a 4 out of 5.


 


About the Book


Book: Midnight on the River Grey




Author: Abigail Wilson




Genre: Historical Romance/Mystery


Release date: July 2, 2019


Midnight on the River GreyAbigail Wilson returns to Regency England with another tale of murder, mystery, and romance.


After her elder brother’s mysterious death, Rebecca Hunter vows to expose the man she believes responsible-Mr. Lewis Browning-known by the locals as the Midnight Devil and by Rebecca as her new guardian. He alone was on the bridge that fateful night and openly admits striking her brother with his horse, but he claims he remembers little else.


Summoned to his reclusive country estate to await her London season, Rebecca plans her own secret investigation. Yet, Lewis Browning is not as she once imagined, and his motivation is horribly unclear. Recurrent nightmares and Rebecca’s restless feelings are further complicated by the shadow of her mother’s prior descent into madness and whether she too will follow the same heartbreaking path.


Even as midnight rides, strange injuries, and further murders lead back to Lewis, Rebecca can’t ignore the subtle turn of her heart. Has she developed feelings for the man she swore to see hanged? And moreover, can she trust him with her uncertain future?


 


Click here to grab your copy.


 


About the Author


Abigail-Wilson-1-200x300Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com; Instagram: acwilsonbooks; Facebook: ACWilsonbooks; Twitter: @acwilsonbooks.


 


An excerpt from Midnight on the River Grey


My heartbeat turned sluggish as an ache swelled in the back of my throat. This man—the


person responsible for my brother’s death—expected me to live with him? In his house? Madness.


“And if we refuse?”


“I’m afraid there is little choice in the matter at this point. The arrangements are already complete.”


Mr. Browning narrowed his blue eyes, scrutinizing me, no doubt, as the numbing shock of his declaration faded to resignation across my face. He sighed. “I do realize Greybourne Hall might hold unfortunate associations for you—”


 “Unfortunate?” My voice came out a bit louder than I’d expected. “Is that what you choose to call it?”


He gave a sideways glance at Aunt Jo then returned to me, a pained look hovering about his eyes. His voice, however, remained firm. “Forgive me if I startled you. I hadn’t expected such a violent reaction to what I assumed was the logical next step. Perhaps I should make myself a bit clearer.” He gave a curt sigh. “I only intend for you to stay at Greybourne Hall till some place more suitable can be arranged. Unfortunately, there are few options at present.”


Ice enveloped my heart. I had no wish to travel to, let alone live at that dreadful house, not even for a single night. In his letters, Jacob had described the rambling structure as a gray pile of stones fit for vampires, or worse. I could only image Mr. Browning, this dark-headed devil before me, at home in such a place.


Blog Stops


Fiction Aficionado, July 11


All-of-a-kind Mom, July 11


The Power of Words, July 11


Emily Yager, July 12


Blogging With Carol , July 12


Stories By Gina, July 12


Just the Write Escape, July 13


D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, July 13


Simple Harvest Reads, July 14 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)


For Him and My Family, July 14


Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 15


Wishful Endings, July 15


Godly Book Reviews, July 15


Texas Book-aholic, July 16


Retrospective Spines, July 16


Seasons of Opportunities, July 17


For the Love of Literature, July 17


Mary Hake, July 17


Genesis 5020, July 18


Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 18


Bigreadersite, July 18


Blessed & Bookish, July 19


Through the Fire Blogs, July 19


Blossoms and Blessings, July 19


Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 20


Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 20


Remembrancy, July 20


Inspiration Clothesline, July 21


Locks, Hooks and Books, July 21


Pause for Tales, July 21


A Reader’s Brain, July 22


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 22


Inklings and notions, July 22


Hallie Reads, July 23


A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 23


janicesbookreviews, July 23


A Baker’s Perspective, July 24


Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 24


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Abigail is giving away a grand prize of a copy of her 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/e5a8/midnight-on-the-river-grey-towers-celebration-tour-giveaway


 

	


	



					
						


	

		
Blessing Bentley Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

				

			Posted on  by abbasprayerwarriorprincess		

			


	
	
			


	

		
Greetings and welcome to my stop on Celebrate Lit’s Book Tour and Giveaway for Blessing Bentley.  This sweet Christian romance by author Chautona Havig is a page turner.  Read all about the book, the author, and the giveaway below.  Thanks for stopping!


My Thoughts:


This is a contemporary Christian romance that glorifies God without needing to get out a magnifying glass to see if it does.  It unapologetically gives glory to our maker throughout the entire book.  Bravo!  Author Havig is a modern day story teller extraordinaire.  She takes words and weaves them into the most entertaining stories using her God given talent.


”Blessing Bentley” is my favorite one written by here.  It is Book 1 in her new Marriage of Conviction Series.  The author has done a thorough job researching scripture on marriage.  She has compiled arguments on both sides of her debate.  As I read this delightful novel, I found myself nodding my head and talking to the book, the characters, or perhaps Chautona, the author.


The characters are lovable.  Some are predictable while others are complete surprises.  The differences in ages allow for some humor and heartwarming moments.  Bentley’s idea is good in theory but I can’t imagine doing it.  However, television is filled with reality shows that are similar, just without the scripture.


So many life lessons are included in this book.  Faith, family, forgiveness, friends, finances, trust, leaning on God, and praying.  Communicating between a couple is essential and the shows that.


I loved this fiction offering by author Havig.  I was invested in it within the first few pages and my attention stayed until “the end.”  The conversations were witty, barbed, and humorous.  The storyline had some twists and turns to keep it interesting.  Characters were like old friends that I adored.  My dishes piled up while I kept reading.  It is that good!


I highly recommend this book.  There were two things that I missed.  Discussion Questions is the first.  This book is perfect for a book club, maybe a newly engaged ladies’ group.  Questions would be such an added bonus.  So would recipe’s from the story.  That’s becoming a common thing and I love getting to read about someone making and enjoying cookies or a casserole and then find the recipe in the book.  Even without these, I still rate this 5 out of 5 stars.


A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but I was under no obligation to write a review.  These are my own thoughts.


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About the Book


Blessing Bentley Cover-sm


Book: Blessing Bentley




Author: Chautona Havig




Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romantic Women’s Fiction


Release date: June 13, 2019


Bentley Girard’s about to propose… to a guy she doesn’t even love.



Not THAT way anyway.



After studying everything the Bible has to say about marriage, she’s decided she wants in. Now. So who’s going to take her up on that offer?



And just why did no one reminded her that those vows include that little word, “love.”



Oops!



With her Bible in her hip pocket, and a shiny new ring on her finger, Bentley navigates this new world of marriage with grace and… oh, who is she kidding? She flounders until she gets a sure footing and hangs on tight.


About the Author


ChautonaChautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.


 


More from Chautona


If You Need to Save Time, Don’t Ask for Help


Not from my friend anyway. It all started with a conversation about Bentley…


She pops up now and then—the most ubiquitous (and yet not) of my unpublished characters, you might say. Who is this unsung Bentley, and why should we care about her? For that matter, why has her story been languishing in my “to be edited” pile for over a decade?”


It’s worse than that. Bentley isn’t the only book that’s been sitting there, unedited, waiting for a chance at daylight. There’s also Tait’s story. Andi’s story. Ami’s story… all the unpublished stories. Those don’t even include the partially done ones.


It’s an illness, I tell ya.


Some people may not know this about me, but I plot out my books while I’m driving. I get in the car, turn on my voice recorder, and talk to myself. You can’t know how grateful I am for cellphones. I don’t own or use one, but man I’m glad they exist. Know why? Because people don’t give you weird looks when you talk to yourself in the car now. When I was a kid, that wasn’t true. Not that I know from personal experience or anything. *whistles*


So one trip down south (it’s an hour and a half to go anywhere from my house, and most of my trips are at least three hours one way), I realized that Tait and Bentley’s stories could be merged. It would be awesome. Two books. One stone. If I did that to a bunch of my languishing manuscripts, I could clear out that unfinished file in no time! (Okay, let me dream here. Eternal optimist, remember?)


And that brings us back to Blessing Bentley


I was at my friend Sandy’s house (if you know Celebrate Lit, yes, that Sandy), and I told her I needed a new title. Why? Because now it included Tait and his story.


We talked. We schemed and plotted. Sandy wanted something to happen that just can’t. I’d seriously have to rewrite the entire series. Oh, and then there would be issues with already published books. Ahem.


Then it happened. She said the words. “It needs to be two books.”


I could have put an ice cube down her shirt. Do you remember how excited I was to have two combined into one??? Now we’re back to two books. Still, they were written as two. I just don’t have a satisfactory ending for Tait’s.


That’s when things got fun. Sandy tossed out one idea. I tossed it back. She remolded it and flipped it in the air. I caught it, made a few changes, and voila! We had a BOOK. And it would be adorable.


Then she swore at me.


Okay, so she actually just said, “You really need a third book, friend.”


Anyone who has ever heard her talk, can hear her voice there. I know you can. Still, as sweet and kind as she might have meant to sound, I heard swearing.


Another book. You’ve got to be kidding me! I went from having two books morphed into one being split back in two, and now you want to add one? I’m trying to reduce the to-do pile!


But then I remembered another story that’s been percolating since I wrote 31 Kisses.Carson’s brother is newly single. And well…


Yep. Enter trilogy.


Marriage of Conviction—that was supposed to be the title of Blessing Bentley. Who knew that when I started writing that book fifteen years ago—who knew it would end up being the title of a series instead. Marriages of Conviction. Blessing Bentley, Tempting Tait, and Charming Chloe.


Welcome to a new look on marriage and a wild ride with these characters!


And remember… if you think I have too many series… Well, this one’s Sandy’s fault.


Blog Stops


Among the Reads, July 8


Cultivating Us, July 8


Texas Book-aholic, July 9


janicesbookreviews, July 10


Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, July 10


A Reader’s Brain, July 11


Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 12


CarpeDiem, July 12


Retrospective Spines, July 13


Splashes of Joy, July 13


Back Porch Reads, July 14


Inklings and notions, July 15


Through the Fire Blogs, July 16


Godly Book Reviews, July 16


Lots of Helpers, July 17


Captive Dreams Window, July 17


Daysong Reflections, July 18


She Lives To Read, July 19


Blogging With Carol, July 19


Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 20


For Him and My Family, July 21


Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 21


 


Giveaway




To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a Blessing Bentley grand prize package that includes a paperback copy of the book, a book cozy, a Blessing Bentley Candle, and a $25 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/e550/blessing-bentley-celebration-tour-giveaway