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Coming Home to Truth Celebrate Lit Book Review and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Coming Home to Truth is a Christian historical romance fiction by author Michelle De Bruin. This is the story of Lacy Jones. She has just graduated from high school and yearns for freedom. It is also the story of Conrad Van Drunen. He has spent the last four years raising his children and building furniture. Both are great characters.

I enjoyed the author’s style of writing and was immediately invested in Lacy and her story, Conrad’s, as well. Their characters were well crafted and believable. Most of the others were also likable, but one in particular was rather irritating. The conversations and various situations that happened appeared authentic for early 1900s Iowa. Through the deft pen of author De Bruin, I felt swept away to that time and place. 

This book has so many beautiful life lessons to ponder. There is an uplifting inspirational message of trusting God. Sprinkled throughout the book are illustrations of faith, hope, peace, grace and love. The story shows that while family members mean well, they do not always know what is truly best for another member, that people are often put in our lives for a reason by God, and that your first impression is not always correct. Most of all, it maintains that trusting God and keeping your faith is essential.

I recommend this to lovers of Christian historical romance fiction. It has a nice romance and side stories. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. A complimentary copy was provided from Celebrate Lit, but these opinions are my own. 

About the Book

Book: Coming Home to Truth

Author: Michelle De Bruin

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

Release Date: June 20, 2022

In a search for her future, Lacy Jones travels with a friend to a new town where a single dad shows her how to find meaning and lasting success.

Lacy Jones, a graduate of her small high school, knows her whole world is about to change. She dreams of freedom from the struggles with her health, and of the independence that comes with a steady job. When her friend invites her to share the journey to visit the teacher from their country school days, Lacy finally gets the chance to chase her dreams. But when the girls get separated along the way, Lacy is left to make the trip alone. Arriving in a strange town, Lacy is reunited with old friends who introduce her to a new life, new relationships, and a new way of seeing herself.

Conrad Van Drunen has spent the last four years developing his furniture business and raising his two children. He knows they need a mother, but he isn’t ready to talk of remarriage. When Lacy Jones falls across his path, Conrad is forced to make some changes. His brother and sister-in-law offer their assistance from babysitting and financial counsel to matchmaking, but Conrad has other plans. Losing hope of finding what he lost with his first wife, Conrad discovers the mother he’s been seeking for his children in the most unexpected place.

Journey with Lacy and Conrad through trials and joys where deception and the truth can sometimes look an awfully lot alike.Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband of 25 years and two young adult sons who are college students at Iowa State. She has a bachelor’s degree in religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle serves as a chaplain for Pella Regional Health Center. She writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website: michelledebruin.com

More from Michelle

Coming Home to Truth is the second in a trilogy of books set in a small Iowa town during the years 1913 through 1918. This is the second series of books I have written. The Tomorrow series is the first set, and if you’ve already read it, you will recognize characters that appeared in Hope for Tomorrow, Promise for Tomorrow, and Dreaming of Tomorrow.

This book is a delightful story of Conrad, a single dad, and Lacy, a young lady searching for a place to belong. Conrad would like to find a mother for his two school-age children but feels that the risks are just too high. Lacy wants to prove that she can support herself and can use her talents in photography to establish a new career.

In this story, Lacy’s friends see her differently than she sees herself. It causes her to take a second look at her life to decide what is true and what isn’t. This book takes us on a journey with Lacy and Conrad through trials and joys where deception and the truth can sometimes look an awfully lot alike.

Thank you for joining me on this tour. I hope you enjoy the blog posts and enter the drawing for the giveaway. Follow me on social media and subscribe to my newsletter at https://michelledebruin.com/.

Grace and peace,

Michelle De Bruin

Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, September 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 2

Texas Book-aholic, September 3

Lighthouse Academy Blog, September 4 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 5 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 5

lakesidelivingsite, September 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 8

Connie’s History Classroom, September 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 10

For Him and My Family, September 11

Cover Lover Book Review, September 12

Karen Baney Reviews, September 12

Holly’s Book Corner, September 13

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 14 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, September 14

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/27fb1/coming-home-to-truth-celebration-tour-giveaway

Letters from My Sister Book Review

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Letters from My Sister by author Valerie Fraser Luesse is a three-hundred-and-fifty-two-page paperback. Published by Revell, this historical Christian fiction is poignant with heavy topics of physical abuse, illness, and death. It also includes relationship and family life lessons with a bit of mystery and romance.

Set in Alabama during the twentieth century, this is a touching tale of sisterly love. It is the story of sisters Emily and Callie. These sisters are extremely close to one another. When trials come, they begin to occasionally write letters to each other. In the letters they pour theirs hearts out about the issues they are facing.

The author did a wonderful job crafting the characters in this book. They are endearing and most have baggage that make them seem real. The sisters are Southern girls with a bit of sass. I felt transported to the time and place of the story by the author’s exquisite words. It took only a few pages to become invested in the story and the lives of the sisters. There were different subplots and a few twists that kept me turning pages. In fact, the ending was not expected by this reader. 

I loved that their servants/slaves were treated like family and friends. Civil War books or books dealing with the horrors of slavery are difficult for me to read. I hate the injustice of it. This book pulled at my heart and made me shed a few tears. 

I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers. For me, I wish it had just a bit more Christian content. This would make a wonderful book club choice. There is so much to discuss! It gets a 4 star rating from me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Author

Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of Missing Isaac, Almost Home, The Key to Everything, and Under the Bayou Moon. She is an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she recently retired as senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse received the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society for her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana. A graduate of Auburn University and Baylor University, she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave.

Bold and Brave Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Bold and Brave is a children’s picture book written and illustrated by K.A. Cummins. On the first page it has a sweet dedication and scripture Philippians 4:13. It is a great book on encouragement and overcoming fears.  

This is a story about Lily. She is a young autistic girl with big dreams about singing a solo on the big stage. Unfortunately, she gets nervous around people and noises because of her autism. Lily has tremendous support from her parents and teacher. She also prays for help from God.

The author has written a lovely book depicting how to be brave and overcome fear. She has tucked in some facts about what groups of certain animals are called. Kids will love learning that. The illustrations show how sensitive some children can be to noises and crowds. I loved how it reinforced what can be done to support someone who is afraid. It should help children understand those with sensitivity issues better.

I highly recommend this book for children aged three to eight. Even though this has a scripture reference before the story, there is only one mention of praying and nothing else religious mentioned. It would make a great addition to a children’s school or church library. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Bold and Brave

Author: K.A. Cummins

Genre: Picture Book

Release Date: August 31, 2023

Sometimes courage is loud like an elephant, and sometimes it’s quiet like a llama.

Lily, a young autistic girl with a vivid imagination, wants to sing the solo in the school’s choir show. However, the thought of standing at center stage turns her heart a gloomy grey. School is overwhelming enough when no one is watching. Now all eyes will be on her. Will she overcome her fear and be bold and brave?

Bold and Brave is a whimsical picture book showcasing the heartwarming bond of family while visually drawing readers into Lily’s experience and inspiring them to be bold and brave. It’s aimed at readers aged 3 to 8.Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

K.A. Cummins is an author and an artist. She explores storytelling in a variety of mediums, blending the wonders of science with the possibilities of what if. When not crafting stories, Cummins loves spending time with her family, collecting fun socks, and venturing outside her comfort zone to try new things—at least once!

Connect with her through her website at https://authorkacummins.com, where you can sign up for emails about upcoming releases.

More from K.A. Cummins

“Bold and Brave” is about a young autistic girl who wants to sing a solo in the school’s choir show. While a colorful pair of socks initially inspired the fiction story, it was my personal experiences as a woman and as a mother that most influenced it.

Stories often use words to draw readers into what a character experiences, but I wanted to do something different for this story. I wanted the illustrations to show readers the parts of the young girl’s experience that are often harder to explain.

For some, the smallest actions can take effort and courage, and their boldness and bravery doesn’t always show on the outside.

I hope “Bold and Brave” inspires readers, and provides an accessible insight into one autistic experience.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 22

The Book Club Network, August 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 24

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 26

A Reader’s Brain, August 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 27

For Him and My Family, August 28

Vicky Sluiter, August 29 (Author Interview)

Raining Butterfly Kisses, August 29

Pause for Tales, August 30

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 31

Cover Lover Book Review, September 1

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2716e/bold-and-brave-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Little Christian’s 123s Celebrate Lit Tour and Giveaway

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Little Christian’s 123s written by author Lila Noffsinger is one of the best Christian Children’s books that I have seen. It is beautifully illustrated by talented artist, Lucy Shin. Children will love the pictures as well as the unique method of using the Bible to learn to count. The rhyming prose will make it easy for them to learn about biblical things, too.

In this adorable book, each number from one to ten has its own page along with a Bible reference. The illustrations coincide with each lesson perfectly. The book begins with one for One God and ends with ten for the Ten Commandments. Each number has a little biblical explanation. At the end of the book are Scripture references for examples used for the numbers. Also included is a website link to download coloring pages that are included in the book. Children will love that.

I highly recommend this educational, entertaining, and enlightening book for children. This would make a great gift for any child aged one to five. Sunday School and Children’s Church teachers would benefit from having this in their classrooms. It would be great for a baby shower gift, too. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Little Christian’s 123s

Author: Lila Noffsinger

Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book

Release Date: October, 2022

A Little Christian’s 123s is a fun and playful read that teaches kids numbers with rhymes and Bible stories. This charming bite-sized book is packed with Biblical truth, and children learn not only their numbers but also the foundations of Christianity!

Big, bold, colorful numbers help little ones with number recognition, and kids of all ages learn about key biblical stories in this endlessly re-readable book. The pictures are inspired by real, geographic places, and they give adorably illustrated glimpses of what Jericho, Mt. Siani, and the Sea of Galilee actually looked liked!

Kids love this charming book for the colorful and engaging illustrations, and parents love that it teaches numbers wrapped in Biblical truth, and that, with every read, their kids are reminded that Jesus loves them.Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lila Noffsinger grew up in a lazy beach town and now lives in an energetic city with her husband and two daughters. She has always loved sharing her Christian faith through the written word, and she is now excited to share her debut children’s book.

In looking for books for her first daughter, she had difficulty finding options that were not only educational but also spiritually enriching and visually engaging. After having her second daughter, she had some midnight hours to let her mind wander, that wandering turned into what became A Little Christian’s 123s. She looks forward to publishing more books in the Little Chrsitian series, teaching preschool level learning concepts with Bible stories. A Little Christian’s Animals is
currently in the works and expected to be available Fall 2023.

When Lila isn’t writing or researching what camel saddles looked like for a future book (true story), she is playing with her girls, cooking, crafting, reading, and adventuring with her family.

More from Lila

My first daughter was a good sleeper. As an infant, she would wake up, eat, and 20 minutes
later we’d be snuggling into our respective beds to return to dreamland. My second daughter
was a different story. When she woke up and ate, it was only the start of our time together.
To stay awake, I thought of traits of my family for each letter of the alphabet. My daughter is
Adorable, Bubbly, Caring, and so on. After nights of this, it morphed into things from the Bible
for each letter, and then later for each number. I enjoyed dwelling on these thoughts through
the midnight hours.

Meanwhile, in the daylight hours, I struggled to find books I wanted to read to my 1.5 year old.
We read and enjoyed a lot of books! But I desired to find a book that was cute, biblically
enriching, and educational. We had plenty of books that met one or two of the categories, but I
had this unexplainable urge to find a book that hit the trifecta.

Through God’s prompting and my own sleep deprivation, my nighttime musings and my daytime
seekings merged into the idea of writing my own book: A cute, Bible-based book about
numbers 1-10. The trifecta!

The book idea grew, and within the year people were reading published copies of A Little
Christian’s 123s! I am eternally grateful to illustrator Lucy Shin, who took my awful sketches
and pages and pages of historical and geographic reference pictures, and turned them into such
cute and engaging art! Without her, the book may have been educational and biblically
enriching, but I promise you that nobody would have wanted to look at it.

Since publishing the book, it has sold hundreds of copies and been enjoyed by kids all across the
country. My daughter loves to tell me that Jesus loves her and that He is her friend, which she
learned from the last page. I hope and pray that similar experiences are happening in other
homes as well!

It is an honor to be on tour with Celebrate Lit, and to celebrate this tour, I hope that you will
enjoy these coloring pages inspired by the art in A Little Christian’s 123s. Thanks!

Blog Stops

Lots of Helpers, August 16

Girls in White Dresses, August 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, August 18

Vicky Sluiter, August 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 20

Texas Book-aholic, August 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 23

Older & Smarter?, August 24

The Book Club Network, August 25

For Him and My Family, August 26

Artistic Nobody, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Labor Not in Vain, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lila is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon Gift Card, a signed hardcover book, and an accompanying activity & coloring 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/27323/a-little-christian-s-123s-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Laws of Attraction Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Laws of Attraction is Book Two in the Wyoming Sunrise Series by author Mary Connealy. This is a Christian historical western adventure with a mystery and romance. Even though it is Book Two, the author has written it in such a way that it contains enough background information that it may be read as a stand-alone.

Set in 1870s Wyoming, this is the story of Nell Armstrong. She is a sweet, feminine widow that owns a dress shop in town. Not only is Nell a strong, independent lady, but she is great at detective work. One thing she loves to do is make dresses, but unfortunately she gets orders for chaps from all of the local cowboys.

Brandon Nolte is a widower with three daughters. He is a homesteader and struggling to raise the three girls by himself. When they wander into Nell’s shop, she decides that the girls need a little female help.

The Dead Eye Gang comes back and hits another stage. Nell begins to investigate and the Gang makes her their next target. They add a lot of action, mystery, and adventure to the tale.

The characters are wonderfully crafted. They are believable and easy to engage. Nell is one of my favorites. I especially enjoyed her rapport with the girls and sweet relationship with their father.

The author has created an interesting page-turner that begs to be read in one sitting. There are twists, heartfelt moments, giggles, and some scenes that made me shake my head. I was invested in this brilliant story from page one. There are beautiful life lessons on family, friendship, faith, and relationships.

I highly recommend this captivating book. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from this reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

Celebrate Lit Team

The Laws of Attraction

About the Book

Book: The Laws of Attraction

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: June 20, 2023

Can they risk giving in to the attraction between them while their lives are on the line?

If widowed seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might just quit the business altogether! So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower struggling to raise three girls on his own, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls properly, and Nell finally has a chance to create beautiful outfits while also teaching the girls to sew.

But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover who has a target trained on them before it’s too late.
Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

More from Mary

The Laws of Attraction, the idea of it, was what kicked off the whole Wyoming Sunrise series.

A woman justice of the peace.

Wyoming, oddly enough, was the first state in the union to give women the right to vote. And it wasn’t just voting, it was suffrage. That meant so much more than just voting. There were property rights involved, the right to serve on juries, and the right to run for office or be appointed to political offices.

Wyoming was the first state to have a woman justice of the peace. I read about Esther Hobart Morris and thought, hey, my heroine could be the second justice of the peace.

My heroine is a seamstress. Of the three heroines in the Wyoming Sunrise series, Nell, the heroine of book #2, is the one who is not in a traditionally masculine role. In book #1 Mariah is a blacksmith. In book #3 Becky is a lady rancher.

Nell just wants to sew pretty dresses and make beautiful bonnets. She likes to tat her own lace. She likes flowery fabric and lots of ruffles.

And then she moved to Wyoming. Nine thousand total residence and five men for every one woman. And the few women who are there all sew their own dresses.

To add to that, Nell, a widow, didn’t have a happy first marriage. She has no interest in marrying again. Staying single in a state like Wyoming isn’t easy, but she’s managed it. Her first husband was a lawman, and when a band of stagecoach robbers are plaguing the area, Nell finds she’s got skills to investigate these crimes that far exceed the local sheriff.

The sheriff is impressed, and when the town’s justice of the peace resigns, the sheriff appoints Nell.

I just had so much fun with this book. Nell is frustrated because she isn’t getting to make dresses. She does discover a talent for working with leather and making chaps. She hates it, but the orders just keep pouring in and she’s making a tidy living. Not having a lot of fun but definitely prospering.

And then a local homesteader with three half-grown daughters, all of whom desperately need a new dress, runs across Nell, and she wheels and deals him into letting her make them in exchange for his daughters working for her, making chaps.

Nell’s talent for investigating crimes soon puts her in danger. And Brandon Nolte, her best customer, finds himself, Nell, and his girls all surrounded by danger.

The Laws of Attraction—fun, fast-paced, and love is the most fundamental law of all.

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

Texas Book-aholic, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 30

Connie’s History Classroom, July 31

Book Looks by Lisa, July 31

lakesidelivingsite, August 1

Lighthouse Academy Blog, August 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 2

Mary Hake, August 2

Betti Mace, August 3

Cover Lover Book Review, August 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 4

The Book Nook, August 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 5

She Lives To Read, August 6

Labor Not in Vain, August 6

Daysong Reflections, August 7

Holly’s Book Corner, August 7

Splashes of Joy, August 8

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, August 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 10

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 10

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 11

Wishful Endings, August 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/26d5b/the-laws-of-attraction-celebration-tour-giveaway

Letters of Comfort Book Review

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Letters of Comfort by best-selling author Wanda E. Brunstetter is Book Two in her series The Friendship Letters. This is a Christian, contemporary Amish fiction. It may be read as a stand alone, but since the book shares characters with Book 1, readers might benefit from reading it first. The author does a stellar job keeping readers appraised on the activities that happened previously.

This is the story of Doretta. The book opens with Doretta and finance William joyfully counting down the days until their wedding. Then tragedy strikes in the form of a buggy accident and things swiftly change. Doretta is critically injured and in a coma. William is killed without her even knowing it.

From page I was invested in the story and its characters. My heart hurt for Doretta for the deep loss she had incurred. Her story was written in an open and honest way. This book shows ways that help those who are hurting. There is a strong message of faith woven throughout the entire fabric of this novel.

With themes of grief, depression, struggles, friendship, faith, and second chances, this is an emotionally charged story. Depression is handled in a realistic way. The characters are expertly crafted and believable. The dialog is authentic. For the most part the story is predictable, but the message of hope and restoration is genuine. This is a deeper, realistic subject series than most Amish ones that I have read. These issues are things that happen to everyone.

I highly recommend this book. It will stay with you and make you ponder over its finely crafted tale for a long time. This would make a great reading group choice. After the conclusion of the story, is a recipe from it. Following that are a note from the author, discussion question guide, and a listing of all of the books written by the author. I rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the publisher but these are my honest words.

PRODUCT DETAILS

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BZR27CJ4
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barbour Fiction (August 1, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 1, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3860 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 322 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1636094872

About Book Two 

Doretta Schwartz used to be so happy and passed her positive attitude along to friends in several letters she wrote each month. But that all changed the day she learned of her fiance’s death and a heavy weight of depression fell upon her. Feeling empty, she puts away her letter writing and won’t even respond to calls from friends. William’s twin brother, Warren, is also grieving his loss, while at the same time, trying to be supportive to his parents and Doretta. Doretta responds to Warren’s friendship, but is he just becoming a replacement for the once-in-a-lifetime love she lost?

About the Author 

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in the Amish life. She is the author of over 100 books with more than 12 million copies sold. Many of her books have landed on the top bestseller lists, including the New York Times, USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and CBD.

A Summer at Thousand Island House, Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Summer at Thousand Island House by award-winning author Susan G. Mathis is a Christian historical romance. It is Book 4 in the Romance at the Gilded Era Resorts Series written by various authors. All books in this series are linked by the Gilded Era Resorts. Even though this is book four it may easily be read as a stand-alone with no difficulty.

This is the story of Addison (Addi) Bell. Working as a teacher as well as an entertainer, she will be nanny this summer at the Thousand Island House on Staples Island. Her charge, Jimmy, is the son of Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a widower. She also has a few other children to teacher or entertain.

The author has written a sweet romance that presents much information on the era and locale. I gleaned a lot just by reading this novel. The characters are well crafted and the conversations sounded authentic. With the vivid details, it was easy to imagine the beautiful accommodation and surroundings.

It took me a little bit to become invested in the story, but once I did I was hooked. Addi is a delightful character. Her interest and affection for children is genuine. I enjoyed the manner in which she taught them and how much they loved her.

Not everything is peaches and cream in this story. A couple of characters have a mean streak. Addi finds that her charge has gone missing. Plus there is a strict code of conduct stating employees may not fraternize with other employees or guests.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this tale and highly recommend it. It was a nice, quick read for me. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Summer at Thousand Island House

Author: Susan G. Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: July 25, 2023

She came to work with the children, not fall in love.

Part-nanny, part entertainer, Addison Bell has always had an enduring love for children. So what better way to use her creative energy than to spend the summer nannying at the renowned Thousand Island House on Staple’s Island? As Addi thrives in her work, she attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy.

But when Jimmy goes missing, Addi finds both her job and her reputation in danger. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the Thousand Islands community?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than twenty-five times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has eleven in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Peyton’s Promise, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment and A Summer at Thousand Island House. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, two Indie Excellence Book Awards, and four Literary Titan Book Awards. Reagan’s Reward is a Selah Awards finalist. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

More from Susan

BEHIND THE SCENES AT A SUMMER AT THOUSAND ISLAND HOUSE

I’ve been writing about the Gilded Age for several years now. A Summer at Thousand Island House is my eleventh published story, and I had so much fun creating it. The American Gilded Age was a time of rapid technical advances, industrialization, and thousands of new inventions from about 1870-1910. Mark Twain coined the term in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today that satirized the era of social problems that were masked by a layer of thin, gold gilding.

It’s a fascinating time in history, especially in the Thousand Islands. I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. All of my books are set during the Thousand Islands Gilded Age, when the wealthy came and scooped up the islands and built lavish summer homes, mansions, and castles.

It was an era of economic growth and wages were higher than Europe, so massive immigration drew about twenty million to the U.S. shores. Unfortunately, it was also a time of unequal distribution of wealth where the rich got richer and the poor working class suffered.

Many young women worked as servants until they married, and that’s what my stories are about—those nameless, faithful women who cooked and cleaned and served tables for the rich and famous. These “downstairs” women had fascinating stories to tell, and I plan to tell many of them.

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. There really was an entertainment pavilion on Staple’s Island where the patrons of Thousand Island House enjoyed all kinds of amenities, including a daycare. And US Presidents, including President Grant and President Chester Arthur (whom you meet), vacationed at Thousand Island House.

Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge. Addison Bell cares for children. Liam Donovan manages the pavilion and Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector and single father, comes and goes.

And all of my Thousand Islands’ stories have hope as the central theme. Hope for a better future. Hope for love. Hope for healing. A Summer at Thousand Island House also focuses on healing broken hearts and embracing God’s redemption.

Mathis’s attention to detail and rich history is classic Mathis, and no one does it better.—Margaret Brownley, N.Y. Times bestselling author

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 18

Alena Mentink, July 18

Karen Baney Reviews, July 19

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 20

She Lives To Read, July 20

Texas Book-aholic, July 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 22

Connie’s History Classroom, July 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 23

Book Looks by Lisa, July 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 25

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 26 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, July 26

The Book Club Network, July 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 28

Holly’s Book Corner, July 28

Cover Lover Book Review, July 29

Blossoms and Blessings, July 30

Blogging With Carol, July 31

Pause for Tales, July 31

For Him and My Family, August 1

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/26b9c/a-summer-at-thousand-island-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

Rescued in the Wilderness Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Rescued in the Wilderness is a Christian historical romance novel set in 1779 by author Andrea Byrd. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into this beautifully written novel.

This is the story of Lucinda and William. They have each had hard lives and bear scars, both physically and mentally. While at a gathering place, William overhears Lucinda’s mean-spirited father selling her to a man, and William rushes to save her. They set off on an adventure that is filled with danger, trials, faith, and trust. 

The author does a fabulous job describing the beauty of the scenery from Virginia to Kentucky. Her characters are unique and realistic. I was invested in their lives and stories. My heart hurt for the past that caused them so much heartache. Both main characters were strong and kind-hearted. I enjoyed many of the secondary characters, too.

There is a beautiful message of faith woven throughout this entire book. The author does an exemplary job illustrating how God is always with us. He provides peace, joy, and healing while encouraging us to forgive those who have wronged us.

I loved the love story element. It was sweet watching walls slowly break down. There were a few twists and turns. I found it to be so interesting that I could not stop reading it until I made it to the end all in one sitting. A real page-turner! 

This is a wonderful Christian historical fiction. I highly recommend it and am eagerly awaiting Book 2. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided from CelebrateLit, but these are my honest words.

Celebrate Lit Team

About the Book

Book: Rescue in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 27, 2023

William Cole cannot forget the cruel burden he carries, not with the pock marks that serve as an outward reminder. Riddled with guilt, he assumed the solitary life of a long hunter, traveling into the wilds of Kentucky each year. But his quiet existence is changed in an instant when, sitting in a tavern, he overhears a man offering his daughter—and her virtue—to the winner of the next round of cards. William’s integrity and desire for redemption will not allow him to sit idly by while such an injustice occurs.

Lucinda Gillespie has suffered from an inexplicable illness her entire life. Her father, embarrassed by her condition, has subjected her to a lonely existence of abuse and confinement. But faced with the ultimate betrayal on the eve of her eighteenth birthday, Lucinda quickly realizes her trust is better placed in his hands of the mysterious man who appears at her door. Especially when he offers her the one thing she never thought would be within her grasp—freedom.

In the blink of an eye, both lives change as they begin the difficult, danger-fraught journey westward on the Wilderness Trail. But can they overcome their own perceptions of themselves to find love and the life God created them for?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Andrea Byrd is a Christian wife and mom located in rural Kentucky, who loves to spend time with her family in the great outdoors, one with nature. Often described as having been born outside her time, she has a deep affinity for an old-fashioned, natural lifestyle.

With a degree in Equine Health & Rehabilitation gathering dust and a full-time job tethering her to a desk eight hours a day, Andrea decided it was time to show both herself and her children that it is truly possible to make your dreams come true. Now with over 1,000 contemporary Christian romance novellas sold, Andrea is pursuing her passion of writing faith-filled romance woven with a thread of true history.

More form Andrea

There is so much inspiration that fed into the creation of Rescue in the Wilderness.

Not only was the Good Lord’s guiding hand ever-present, but so was the influence of those that came before me. This story was inspired by my own ancestors, as well as the countless others, that made the arduous journey through Cumberland Gap to settle in Kentucky. Those brave souls opened up a whole new world, and for some of us, established the area in which their families would preside for centuries to come.

As a lover of books that integrate history into fiction myself, I also wished to shed light on the “Hard Winter” of 1779-1780. This was a winter that came early, and with great intensity. While it caused hardships for many across the country, it made the journey through the Cumberland Gap all the more perilous.

Beyond these historical facts, I also wished to pay tribute to those who suffer from chronic pain conditions. I will never forget the day a friend of mine, whom the Lord called home all too soon, told me of her childhood rheumatoid arthritis and how there were days she was in too much pain to leave her bed. In this book, I wished to explore what pioneer life might have been for someone who suffered from such a condition.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 29 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Connie’s History Classroom, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 3 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, July 4

Betti Mace, July 5

Pause for Tales, July 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6

For Him and My Family, July 7

JESUS in the EVERYDAY, July 7

Karen Baney Reviews, July 8

Cover Lover Book Review, July 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 9

Splashes of Joy, July 10

To Everything There Is A Season , July 10

Holly’s Book Corner, July 11

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2678e/rescue-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Pursuit of Miss Parish Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

This is Book Two in the Christian historical Aprons and Veils Series by author Grace Hitchcock. It is a lovely book that caught my attention immediately. This is a sweet western romance that will delight readers. Even though it is the second book, it is easily read as a stand alone.

This is the story of Belle Parish. She arrives from Charleston to New Mexico to be a Mail Order Bride for Colt Lawson. After meeting him she gets a feeling that something is off. He, however, is determined to convinced Belle that he is a great guy and that it is okay to go ahead with the wedding.

Belle takes a job as a Harvey Girl. If you do not know about the Harvey Girls, this book will teach you so much. I loved learning about them in such an interesting, entertaining way. Timeless messages on faith, trust, love, joy, and peace abound in this beautiful book.

The author has crafted some wonderful characters. I loved her descriptive wording that made me feel like I was right there. There is so much going on in this book. Danger, romance, adventure, redemption. Expect a few twists and turns. It is an interesting, fast paced western. I gleaned so much from it. 

I highly recommend it. It would make a nice book club choice. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: May 31, 2023

Love’s gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream.

With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson’s letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.

Colt Lawson didn’t want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn’t back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in the New Orleans area with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

More from Grace

Questions from READERS for Grace Hitchcock

Q: As a mom, how/when do you find time to write?

Grace Hitchcock: I used to walk around the block to my favorite coffee shop in New Orleans, writing with a delicious latte and scone beside me, headphones in with the perfect soundtrack playing waiting for the muse. . . and now days, I write during Sofia the First episodes blaring in the background for my toddler while the baby sleeps and my Kindergartner is in half-day school.

On the days when I can’t get the word count down during those tiny moments, my husband takes the babies for an hour in the evenings and tells me to go write! When I’m on tight deadline with days left to go, the house usually isn’t the cleanest and Laundry Mountain, in all its splendor, may just fall on top of us. Sometimes while on deadline, I get the urge to pause and clean, but if I ignore the impulse long enough, the feeling generally passes. Once the book is in to my editor, it’s time to clean.

Q: What is your favorite source of inspiration for creating the characters in your stories?

Grace Hitchcock: For main characters, I use Names Through the Ages to figure out their names based on their background and once I know a character’s name, it’s as if the heroine/hero stroll into my writing room and I get to know their personality, the story closely following.

For the supporting characters, I have a need/plot point that they need to fill and I build their personality around that need. Not quite as exciting haha but they serve a purpose. But, I always remind myself to try to fill them out because they do not know they are not the main characters.

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Grace Hitchcock: One of my earliest memories is writing stories in my little diary in my closet. (Remember the diaries with the locks on them that were super easy to pick, but still dreamy to have a book with a lock on it.)

I started taking my desire to write seriously when I was a senior in high school. I was homeschooled and my mom let me write a novel for my senior English project to test that theory if I wanted to write. It was so fun to write, I knew that’s what I wanted to do, so I got my Masters in Creative Writing and I’ve been typing away ever since 

Q: What is your writing process like?

Grace Hitchcock: I usually begin with a spark of an idea that I at once research to see if it would work with the eras I enjoy writing (Gilded Age and Regency England). From there, I do a deep dive into writing out a chapter by chapter plot, which generally takes about a week to ten days.

Once I have my plot down, I do about a week or two more of basic research and begin the first very, very rough draft that I usually finish at 50,000 words after 3 months of writing.

Then, I research any spots that needed improving in the first draft and go full editing mode, pausing throughout the book to research spots that need more description and historical accuracy, which is about two months and then, I do a third round of edits and research while doing a line edit, which takes a month.

By the time I get to the 6-month mark, I am more than ready to have a break haha and I send my 75,000/80,000 word novel off to my publisher/editor who does a content edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, another editor does a line edit, sends it back to me for three weeks, then another editor does a copy edit and sends it to galleys (where they format the book) and send it back to me to proof one last time for two weeks! Then, it goes to press at usually 75,000-100,000 depending on the novel. So long story short, 6 months to write and about 2 months to edit!

Q: Do you have any tips for aspiring authors? 

Grace Hitchcock: In this business, just about every author gets a rejection from a publisher . . . even by publishers who later accept them!

When I began sending out one of my first manuscripts, I thought it was pristine, but after about 15 rejections, I put it on the shelf and focused on a new manuscript with fresh eyes and new goals based on some of the industry professionals’ suggestions. Six months after I shelved that first manuscript, I went back and looked over it . . . the professionals were right. It wasn’t ready and it would require a lot more love (aka bleeding edits) before I attempted to send it out again. Sometimes, time is what you need to get a fresh perspective.

But it is also important to remember that when you get a rejection letter, they are not rejecting you. They are rejecting the work. And as much as you see it as a work of art, the publishers see it as a product. They are there to sell a product and if the product isn’t ready, it won’t sell well, so take heart and “hone your craft” and focus on any feedback you received that has merit.

That critique was very hard for me to hear haha but it helped push me to keep learning, attending writer conferences, and following my dreams. Over the years, I have had novels rejected by Barbour, Bethany, and Kregel, but I tried again and again and eventually signed with each publishing house! So keep it up! You can do it!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 16

Vicky Sluiter, June 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 17

She Lives To Read, June 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 18

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

Alena Mentink, June 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 20

Bigreadersite, June 20

Connie’s History Classroom, June 21

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 22

Betti Mace, June 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

Karen Baney Reviews, June 24

Blogging With Carol, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 25

Labor Not in Vain, June 26

Mary Hake, June 26

Cover Lover Book Review, June 27

Holly’s Book Corner, June 27

Splashes of Joy, June 28

Pause for Tales, June 28

Jodie Wolfe -Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 29

Lights in a Dark World, June 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed copy of The Finding of Miss Fairfield AND The Pursuit of Miss Parish with bookmarks and book magnets, 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/2658d/the-pursuit-of-miss-parish-celebration-tour-giveaway

Father’s Day Reflections and a Recipe

Posted on by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Tomorrow is Father’s Day.  The history of its origin is rather vague.  In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge recommended that Father’s Day become a national holiday, but nothing was done.  Years later in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as the official day to celebrate Father’s Day. However, it wasn’t until 1972, during the Nixon administration, that Father’s Day was officially recognized as a national holiday.

 
I am one lucky girl to have had two amazing fathers. My dad, whom I had for forty years, was compassionate, intelligent, loving, faithful, generous, respected, and so much more than words could ever describe.  A giant in faith he was a true son of God.  Best of all, he came into our lives about a decade after my daddy was called home to be with the Lord.  God, our Heavenly Father, is so good and knows what we need, when we need it.  He put Dad in our lives to help heal that broken spot that was ripped open when Daddy died.  Dad was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle.  God used a bad situation for good.  I am forever grateful.
 
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IMG_2286 Sure there are times I still miss my Daddy.  He was in my life for a short twelve years. He, too, was a son of God, kind, compassionate, and giving. I have cherished memories of him.
 
I was blessed by both of my grandfathers, too.  My paternal grandfather, Granddaddy, and I were particularly close. I was the first born on that side, and yes, spoiled rotten.  My maternal grandfather, Pappaw, eleven grandchildren and loved each one of us. He always carried pieces of butterscotch candy or Juicy Fruit gum to give out. Today isn’t about tears and missing them.  It is about the good memories of the time we had together.  The promise of seeing them again in Heaven.  It is a time to be thankful.
 
So, I am.  Thankful for all of the men in my family.  For the grandfathers, fathers, hubby, uncles, son, son-in-law, brother, brothers-in-law, nephews, and cousins.  You are appreciated and loved even though you may not hear the words.  Happy Father’s Day!  I love you and am grateful you are in my life.  To the other patriarch in our family, Uncle Gale, thank you for your Christian leadership and your love.
If you think you are alone without a father this year like I am, you are so wrong. We have our Abba that created us. Don’t forget to spend time with our Heavenly Father today. He knows us better and loves us more than anyone else ever will. Reflect on all the blessings He has given to you and your family. He is waiting to welcome us home when our time here is finished. Tell Him how much you appreciate Him.
 
 
 
P.S. This fudge recipe was a favorite of Dad’s and my husband, Dennis. They both wanted me to scrape the pan and give them the little bits.