The Quilt Room Secret Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on March 7, 2024March 6, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Quilt Room Secret by author Lisa Jones Baker is a contemporary Christian Amish novel. This is part of the multi author series, The Heart of the Amish, but may be read as a stand alone. It is a delightful addition to this sweet series.

This is the story of Trinity (Trini) and Jacob. They were childhood friends and have been out of touch for years. When they do connect, it is like time has stopped. The chemistry between them lights up the pages. Unfortunately, they each have obligations and future aspirations that could cause problems.

Trini is such an intricate character. She owns a quilt shop and her own house. Being independent she does not care to live alone. There is a deep secret that she has been harboring but shares with no one.

All of the characters are believable and authentic. It was easy to become engaged with them and their lives. The author’s style of writing is easy to read and comprehend. I loved the Christian and life lessons she built into the tale.

I highly recommend this interesting and entertaining story. It would make a fun book club read because there are many topics to discuss. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Quilt Room Secret

Author: Lisa Jones Baker

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release Date: February, 2024

Trini Holds Secret Dreams for Her Future

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this new series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

As they took turns pushing each other on the swing that hung from a large tree, the mature—for a five-year-old—Jacob Lantz asked Trini Sutter to marry him. The nine-year-old thoughtfully responded that she’d consider his proposal when they were older.

Nearly two decades later, the Amish farmer returns to the beautiful countryside of Arthur, Illinois, to take the independent owner of The Quilt Room up on her promise. Quiet, handsome Jacob is truly in love with the spirited list maker, and Trini finds herself falling in love with Jacob, but the youngest of eleven has big plans of her own.

Jacob’s long-held aspirations are put to the test when he learns that Trini has been holding a secret. He prays for a turnaround of events; however, when Trini moves away from her tight-knit community, he begins to realize that his dream of them being Mr. and Mrs. most likely won’t happen.

Will Trini forfeit her own well-laid plan for the man of her dreams?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa Jones Baker writes Amish Inspirational fiction. She grew up near Arthur, Illinois, and became acquainted with the Plain Faith at an early age when they custom-made and installed her family’s kitchen cabinets. On weekends, she and her parents frequented the quaint Amish town, often the setting of her stories, where they purchased meat, cheese, and home-made baking spices. Now, decades later, she still loves visiting; the town and the people yet intrigue her, and she so appreciate the talent of quilt-making almost as much as she loves horse and buggy rides. But there is much more to this perplexing group than meets the eye; they are extremely disciplined, hard-working, and honest…and they don’t all think alike. For these reasons, writing about them is her passion.

Lisa was fortunate to have been raised in a loving, Christian home by two wonderful parents: a reading specialist mother who plays the piano, and a retired Junior High Principal father who’s also an avid fox hunter. She has a B.A. in French Education and is a former school teacher who loves gardening, cooking, reading, positive thinkers, and every dog she meets. Although a homebody, travel has played a large part of her life. Over three decades of working with the airline industry has landed her on five out of seven continents.

More from Lisa

Secrets fascinate me. They always have. From experience, I know that they’re difficult to keep confidential. And when the wrong person gets hold of what you don’t want out. . .There’s no telling what will happen!

List maker Trini Sutter has decided her future, even though what’s ahead comes with great risk. The owner of The Quilt Room in Arthur, Illinois, relishes being in control of her life. But what she doesn’t expect is for someone to get wind of her deep, dark secret and to leak it to her tight-knit Amish community! Now that the quilter’s confidential plan has become public, will she be able to pull it off? Or will Gott override her “list” with the destiny He has planned for her? Find out in The Quilt Room Secret.

Enjoy this short excerpt:

“Trini, look at me.”

She hesitated. Did she dare? She didn’t know what it was about Jacob that stole her voice. Her breath. Her entire being.

With one gentle motion, he placed his finger underneath her chin. He was so close, the light cinnamon on his breath lingered in the small distance between them. His clothes smelled like outdoors. She could see tiny lines around his eyes. They made him take on an even more manly appearance. His voice was barely more than a whisper. “You feel it too, don’t you?”

The last thing she wanted was any romantic complications that would interfere with her plans to leave. I must not lead Jacob on. I must not lead myself on. What I’m feeling…it’s wrong.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, February 29

Vicky Sluiter, March 1

Holly’s Book Corner, March 2

Devoted To Hope, March 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Lighthouse Academy Blog, March 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 7

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 7

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

She Lives To Read, March 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 10

Splashes of Joy, March 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 11

For Him and My Family, March 12

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 13 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, March 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card & print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3cf/the-quilt-room-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

What I Promise You Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on March 3, 2024March 3, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

What I Promise You by extraordinary wordsmith Liz Tolsma is Book Two in her Echoes of the Past Series. It may easily be read as a standalone. Beginning in 1943, jumping to. 1955, and finishing in 2022 this incredible tale combines history, contemporary, World War II, and Christian fiction in a masterful way. It gave me all of the feels and emotions.

The book begins with Noemie Treves, a pregnant Jewish woman. During the time of the Holocaust, she and her husband are arrested. The author has done research to provide accurate details of this horrible time in our history. Characters are expertly crafted and come alive on the pages.

There are suspense, mystery, drama, as well as a beautiful Christian message all blended into this novel. The story is captivating and the writing superb. This tale will stick with you long after you have finished it.

I highly recommend this poignant book. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: What I Promise You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 1, 2024

A Family’s History Is Lost to the Ravages of WWII in Southwest France

1942
Noémie Treves, a young, pregnant Jewish woman, had her entire world shattered when she is arrested and taken to the Camp de Rivesaltes transit camp in Southwest France. No sooner does she arrive, though, than she assists in helping two young girls scheduled for transport escape to a nearby maternity hospital. The matron there befriends her and changes her name to help hide her. But nothing goes according to plan, and Hannah finds herself doing the unimaginable to save one precious life.

2022
Caitlyn Laurant is haunted by recent events in her life and hopes becoming a nurse on the mission field will help her forget. While in training, she and her friends travel to France where her grandfather was born. What should have been an easy search for his birthplace turns into anything but and reveals secrets that no one alive has ever heard.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is the author of several WWII novels, romantic suspense novels, prairie romance novellas, and an Amish romance. She is a popular speaker and an editor and resides next to a Wisconsin farm field with her husband and their youngest daughter. Her son is a US Marine, and her oldest daughter is a college student. Liz enjoys reading, walking, working in her large perennial garden, kayaking, and camping.

More from Liz

The Story behind the Cover of What I Promise You

In the late summer, I got the preliminary cover for What I Promise You. While Barbour Publishing always does a great job with their covers, and the one they sent was very nice, I wasn’t crazy about it because it didn’t tell the story at all. The mansion that plays such a big part in the novel was nowhere to be seen. Barbour is fantastic when it comes to working with me to get great covers, so I asked if we could include the real mansion that the story is based on. Turns out that they were having trouble getting copyright permission to use any image they could find of the maternity home.

That was disappointing. But I got brave and let them know that I took a picture of it when I was in France last year, and they could use it, but I’m not a very good photographer and I only used my iPhone. I attached the photo to the email and didn’t hear anything for a while.

Then in October, I wanted to include a preorder link to the book on social media or something and went to Amazon to grab it. And there was the cover. I went back and forth between the cover and my picture, and sure enough, it was the picture of the maternity home I had sent them! So I not only wrote What I Promise You, but some of my photography is on the front. I never thought that would happen. Am I in the wrong profession?? Just kidding!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 27

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 27

Lots of Helpers, February 28

Lighthouse Academy Blog, February 28 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 29

For Him and My Family, February 29

Betti Mace, March 1

Devoted To Hope, March 1

She Lives To Read, March 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3

Texas Book-aholic, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Lily’s Corner, March 5

Bizwings Book Blog, March 5

lakesidelivingsite, March 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, March 7 (Author Interview)

Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 8

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, March 8

Cover Lover Book Review, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

Holly’s Book Corner, March 9

Pause for Tales, March 10

Labor Not in Vain, March 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 11

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 11

Lights in a Dark World, March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-Gift card and print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3ce/what-i-promise-you-celebration-tour-giveaway

Secrets and Wishes Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on February 26, 2024February 25, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Secrets and Wishes is the second installment in the Stone Creek Brides series. Written by author Kathleen Rouser it may easily be ready as a standalone. This Christian historical romance was entertaining as well as interesting and inspiring.

Set in early 1900s, this is the story of Maggie Galloway. She is a spirited widow raising a young son. It is also the story of Thomas Harper. He is a widower with four children. They both live in the charming little town of Stone Creek, Michigan.

The author has a captivating way of telling a story. It kept me turning page after page until I had finished the novel. Each character is unique and believable, right down to the children. The struggles faced by Maggie and Thomas were realistic. My heart went out to both of them. The author threw in a few twists and turns. Those always make a story fun. I appreciated the strong Christian message.

I highly recommend this beautiful novel. It had me invested within the first few pages. All lovers of historical, Christian, or romance fiction will love stepping back in time into Stone Creek. I give this book a 5 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but this is my honest opinion.

About the Book

Book: Secrets and Wishes

Author: Kathleen Rouser

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: January 30, 2024

She only wants a fresh start, but her past might be the only hope to save his life—and the lives of countless innocents.

Determined widow Maggie Galloway dreams of a peaceful life and a successful business. And winning the Silver Leaf Flour Company baking contest could be the key to that success. She even has a chance at a prestigious position through a dashing former beau. But when her son gets into a fight with the local pharmacist’s son, Maggie’s peaceful life is derailed.

Reserved pharmacist and recent widower Thomas Harper is also looking for a fresh start for himself and his four children. But when Thomas falls gravely ill, his only choice is to enlist the help of the local baker with a knowledge of concocting remedies. He’s even more reluctant to admit that Maggie may also be the remedy for his grieving heart. And when a traveling medicine man’s medicines beget tragedy, Thomas and Maggie must overcome their differences to save the children of Stone Creek—and face the growing attraction between them—before it’s too late.

Click here to get you copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Rouser is a multi-published, award-winning author of historical and contemporary Christian romance. She is a longtime member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers. She resides in southeast Michigan, a location which she often uses in her novels, with her hero and husband of forty-some years and two sweet cats who found a home in their empty nest.

More from Kathleen

Maggie Galloway’s Prizewinning Recipe

Maggie Galloway was a secondary character in my first Stone Creek Brides novel, Rumors and Promises. As the older sister and housekeeper of hero, Ian McCormick, she liked to have her say. I enjoyed getting to know Maggie as I created her character. She was so much fun to write I knew she needed her own story.

She has a knowledge of remedies from working with her pharmacist husband in the past, but Maggie is also a prizewinning baker because of her creative and cherished recipe for pecan snickerdoodles. I hope you’ll enjoy her recipe.

Increasing the vanilla in her favorite snickerdoodle recipe while adding toasted chopped pecans to the dough and the cinnamon sugar made for the delightful crunch and a nutty taste, which had won her second place in the recipe contest. (From Maggie’s musings in Secrets and Wishes.)

Maggie Galloway’s Pecan Snickerdoodles

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 ¼ cup flour

½ cup chopped toasted pecans

Cinnamon sugar mixture:

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon finely chopped toasted pecans

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease cookie sheet.

Beat butter until creamy. Add 1 cup sugar, baking soda, and cream of tartar, mixing well.

Beat egg and vanilla into the mixture. Slowly add flour and chopped pecans to the mixture.

Set dough in the refrigerator (or the icebox in Maggie’s day) for at least a half an hour to make it easier to handle.

While you’re waiting, mix the cinnamon sugar ingredients together with the 1 tablespoon finely chopped pecans.

When the dough is ready, roll into small balls and roll in cinnamon sugar/nut mixture.

Place a couple of inches apart on the cookie sheet and bake for 9-11 minutes, only until slightly golden brown along the edges. Yield is approximately two dozen cookies.

Blog Stops

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 22

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 22

Devoted To Hope, February 23

Vicky Sluiter, February 23

Texas Book-aholic, February 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 25

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26

lakesidelivingsite, February 27

Betti Mace, February 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 29

Cover Lover Book Review, March 1

For Him and My Family, March 2

Holly’s Book Corner, March 3

Pause for Tales, March 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the garand 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/2a256/secrets-and-wishes-celebration-tour-giveaway

Winds of Ruarch CelebrateLit Book Tour

Posted on February 7, 2024February 5, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Winds of Ruarch by author DM Griffin is a collection of Biblical fiction novellas. Each novella is the author’s interpretation of the individual stories of five minor prophets. These prophets are Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Obadiah, and Malachi. It is a hefty 660 pages.

This poignant book is filled with emotions of remorse, sadness, sorrow, redemption, and love. It shines a different mor personal light on each prophet. The author has a nice style of writing. It is easy to follow and imagine the scenes. The dialog seemed a bit modern at times. Scripture is fluent throughout the entire book. I cannot image the research and work this project entailed, but the end result was amazing.

After reading each section, I was driven to read the prophet’s account in the Bible. I was better able to visual what I was reading. The author offered a plausible tale of what might have happened to fill in the blanks. At the end there are discussion questions for personal or group deeper exploration. This would make a nice small group book study or book group.

I highly recommend this to any Biblical Fiction lover or someone interested in the minor prophets. It is interesting and educational. 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: Winds of Ruach

Author: D.M. Griffin

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Winds of Ruach is a compilation of five novellas fictionally traversing a period in Israel’s history that spans three hundred years. God used the prophets to speak to His people during a tumultuous time when faith was challenged and spiritual discipline was necessary. Five prophets lived out the message of God in a way that girded their faith and inspired those who truly listened to God’s voice. Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Obadiah, and Malachi were God’s chosen spokesmen.

Book One: Jonah felt he had every right to be angry when tragedy struck his household. He would soon learn that anger was a barrier to a right relationship with God no matter how justified the source of that anger. What happens when Jonah realizes that his deep-seated anger might cost him everything? Will he learn to embrace his forgiving God?

Book Two: Nahum was a victim of God’s wrath as it fell on the land of rebellious Israel. Intimidated for the majority of his life with little memory about his origin, Nahum struggles to trust God for vindication. Grappling to understand why everything keeps going wrong, will Nahum surrender to the only One who can truly defend him?

Book Three: As a child, Habakkuk’s faith was pure and unadulterated. As a priest serving in the Temple, however, Habakkuk realizes that something is keeping him from experiencing the fullness of that faith. He doesn’t truly trust God’s heart toward him. Will he learn to be brave despite the circumstances that threaten the very existence of the Temple?

Book Four: Obadiah lived in two worlds while feeling as if he spiritually belonged to one. Born to an Edomite father and Jewish mother, he was constantly at war with his brother. How long would it take for Obadiah to learn that the Lord was with him in the battle? Even if he lost it all, would having God be enough?

Book Five: Malachi wrestles with what he knows to be true about God and how his life is unfolding in contrast to that knowledge. What does it mean to worship with a pure heart, not with ulterior motives? As God has the final say with His people, will they listen and faithfully wait for the promised future of redemption?

Explore the themes woven into the books of the minor prophets through these fictional journeys that reveal how mighty the Winds of Ruach (Spirit) truly are as they blow across history into today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

D.M. Griffin currently resides in Northern California with her husband. They met in middle school a few days after she was transplanted to the West Coast at the tender age of twelve. She has three adult children who have been an endless source of delight and inspiration. She also has a precious new grandchild who brings her joy.

As a native New Hampshire girl, she fondly remembers spending her summers there as a child. Thick accents, small towns, and fascinating weather stirred the imagination of her young heart. She has always had a fondness for stories thanks to her imaginative mother who would make up wild, adventurous tales to tell her while tucking her into bed as a child.

She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

More from D.M.

I am a creature of habit who thrives on predictability. That being said, Winds of Ruach fell outside my comfort zone. If you have ever heard the phrase – if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans – you get the idea. I was deep in the throes of researching and writing a twelve-book series on the disciples of Jesus. My schedule was set. The routine was fixed. I had spent two years dedicated to The Follower Series. In between writing the first draft of book seven and editing book one, I was divinely halted. I didn’t exactly hit a block, so to speak. Instead, I was inspirationally diverted. It frustrated me for a short time.

Looking back on it now, I realize it was a blessing in disguise. At the time, my daily bible reading took me through the book of Jonah. Jonah 4:4 snagged my attention like a burr clinging to a pant leg. “Is it right for you to be angry?” That single phrase snared my heart with a compulsion to self-reflect. That meditation took me to places I had not been before. I followed the thread of anger woven throughout my life. Not the anger that manifests itself in hot, fiery outbursts but the hidden, silent anger that can turn into deadly pride or unrecognizable prejudice.

Anger wears many disguises. Some of those are loneliness and grief. I began wondering what might have happened in Jonah’s life to make him, a man of God, so angry that he would directly and blatantly disobey the Lord. The first short story was the beginning of a five-month diversion in my predetermined writing schedule.

I was inspired by other verses as I walked the landscape of Scripture through the books of the minor prophets.

With Nahum, I pondered how tragedy affects the trajectory of a life. With Habakkuk, I explored the difference between authentic worship and disingenuous faith. Obadiah is a short and sweet book of the bible, but it packs a punch. The theme of the resulting short story is about claiming one’s true identity as a child of God. Finally, Malachi wove the final thread into the fabric of this anthology which is ultimately about the Spirit of God moving through history to accomplish His will and purpose. Malachi is a story about knowing when to remain silent and when to ask questions of God. As I wrote Winds of Ruach, I thought about the importance of destiny and promise.

Some of my early readers asked me which was my favorite prophet. Honestly, the only way I could answer that question is to say that it is whichever story I am reading at the time. I was greatly blessed while writing Winds of Ruach, drawing out biblical themes I had never noticed before. These five prophets are near and dear to my heart. Truly, the imagination is a gift from God. And yes, I did go back to the ‘routine’ in writing. It took three and half years (half a year over my schedule) but the series I was working on prior to Winds of Ruach is now complete. God is good even in the distractions.

Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Artistic Nobody, February 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Beauty in the Binding, February 6 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Warrior Princess, February 7

A Reader’s Brain, February 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 8

Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 11 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 12

Lights in a Dark World, February 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of 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/29b07/winds-of-ruach-celebration-tour-giveaway

Hilltop Christmas Book Tour

Posted on February 1, 2024January 29, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Hilltop Christmas

Author: Kathleen D. Bailey

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Jane Archer isn’t sure there’s a Heaven, and the Rev. Noah Hastings can’t imagine Heaven without her.

When Jane Archer comes home to tiny Hilltop, New Hampshire, her goal is to take care of her convalescing grandmother and get back to Boston as soon as possible. She doesn’t expect to be saddled with the direction of the Hilltop Christmas Festival, three days of activities exalting the birth of a God she no longer serves. But Gram asks her to take over the Festival this year, and she can’t say no to the woman who saved her life.

The Rev. Noah Hastings didn’t want to come to Hilltop in the first place. Too small, too cold for this California boy. And he has trouble figuring out these Yankees, with their “thin sharp faces and sharper wits.” It’s his first church, and his goal is to amass some “ministerial brownie points” and be out of there. But his early life with his father has left Noah with damaged confidence, and despite his call, he’s not sure he can handle a pastorate, let alone Jane Archer.

Though the people of Hilltop have never stopped loving her, coming home reawakens memories for Jane of a childhood no child should have to live through. She feels her carefully constructed world crumbling, even as she resists the pull of Christ on her life. But when the integrity of the Festival is threatened, Noah must call on his Lord, and Jane on the God from whom she’s drifted, to find justice and restore Hilltop to what it is.

Ready to buy your own copy? Click here.

My Review

Hilltop Christmas by author Kathleen D. Bailey is Book 1 in the Hilltop Series. This is a Christian Contemporary romance, mystery, suspense, and more. The setting is Hilltop, New Hampshire, a lovely fictional town. After reading this, I want to go see New Hampshire myself.

This is the story of Jane and Noah. Jane comes to Hilltop to help her grandmother, who has broken her hip. Her grandmother normally heads up the holiday festival planning board. Jane is not a faithful Christian. Noah has accepted a position as Pastor of the local church. This is his first church.

The author’s style of writing is easy to follow. Her characters are expertly crafted and well defined. They are relatable, and I found myself invested in them and their story. Conversations sounded realistic. Surprises and twists are woven throughout the story as well as a Christian message.

The story is well thought, well organized, and well written. It was entertaining and ended up being a page turner. The mystery kept me guessing. I highly recommend this wonderful book. It would be a nice book club selection. The conversation topics are wide. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Get to know the author: Kathleen D. Bailey

I’m a journalist and novelist living in Southern New Hampshire. I was a child int he 50s, a teen in the 60s, a young adult in the 70s and a young mom in the 80s. It’s been a rich, colorful time to grow up and I’ve enjoyed all of it and written about most of it.

I’ve wanted to write fiction since I began reading it, at the age of five, and my dream was fulfilled — wait for it — at the age of 69. That’s how long God took to get ahold of me and get me in the right place to experience success. I published my first Christian historical romance, “Westward Hope,” with Pelican Book Group in 2019; the sequel, “Settlers’ Hope,” in July 2020; two related novellas, “The Logger’s Christmas Bride” and “The Widow’s Christmas Miracle” in December 2019 and 2020 respectively; and just saw the publication of the last “Western Dreams” book, “Redemption’s Hope,” in July 2022.

I had always seen nonfiction as a way to pay the bills, but I wrote two nonfiction local history books, “Past and Present Exeter New Hampshire” and “New Hampshire War Monuments: The Stories behind the Stones,” both with Arcadia Publishing, and somewhere along the way I fell in love with nonfiction. It’s the same dynamic — telling stories — and I hope to be around to tell many more.

I live in New Hampshire with my husband David and have two grown daughters.

The Christmas Gift Book Tour

Posted on January 31, 2024January 29, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Review:

The Christmas Gift is written by author John Alexander and illustrated by Angela Capel. This is a delightful children’s book that will capture their attention any time of year, not just Christmas. The story is told in a rhyming sing-song prose that children love. Illustrations are charming and coincide perfectly with the tale.

This is a heartfelt book that will teach children the importance of giving and caring for others. The mice suffer issues that some humans sadly do. By reading this, it will introduce children to the hardships of others and how helping them will impact their lives.

Children ages 3 to 8 will adore this book. Parents will have much to discuss and teach their littles. This would make a great gift or addition to a children’s library. I highly recommend this beautiful book. It earns a 5 out of 5 star rating from Me. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book:

Written by: John Alexander

Illustrated by: Angela Capel

Genre: Children’s books

As she warms herself by the fireplace in the mansion on a hill, Ms. Mouse considers her husband’s question, “What do you want for Christmas?” An angelic vision in the embers reveals the perfect request. The fulfillment of her gift demonstrates the joy of giving. This book should appeal to children ages 4-8 as well as educators, day care workers, and teachers in Christian schools who want to inspire the joy of giving.

Ready to buy your own copy? Click here.

About the Author:

JOHN ALEXANDER makes his home in Frisco, Texas. He has written children’s chapter books, Amber-Autumn Mystery Series, a book of poetry, Timeless Tales, and an award-winning picture book, Words That Soar. The Christmas Gift is his second picture book.

About the Illustrator:

ANGELA CAPEL is an Author/Illustrator and a member of SCBWI. She frequents the Write 4 Kids critique group in Frisco Texas and is a member of the 12 x 12 Challenge. She graduated with a degree in English Literature from Rowan University in New Jersey. She’s extra fond of drawing sheep and giraffes and generally enjoys a quirky protagonist. She draws the occasional comic strip and lives in the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband and two little girls.

Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on January 30, 2024January 29, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling by author EV Sparrow is a gritty, melancholy, Christian historical novel. For me it was a bit dark and depressing. Set in New York and then Minnesota this is the story of Mick Muldoon.

Mick is a widower who has also lost his children. He leaves Ireland and hopes to make a new and better life in America. His life has been filled with tragedies and depression since the day he was born.

The author has a nice style of writing. Her story is easy to follow. I did find it to be slow in some sections and quick to end. The characters are defined and relatable. Some were like old friends while others villainous. I adored sweet Shauna.

The Christian message is woven throughout the book. Where there is darkness, God is light and always there. Messages of love, faith, hope, and second chances are strong in the story. A few things bothered me, such as a lot of imbibing, cruel pranks, taking the Lord’s name in vain, and “Mister Death” having a name. There is never an excuse to take the Lord’s name in vain, especially in a Christian book.

This was a tough read for me. It is depressing for the majority of the book. The message it gives is worthy and worth reading the dark pages. It is not for the faint of heart nor young reader. It gets a 3 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling, a Novella

Author: E.V. Sparrow

Genre: Historical fiction

Release Date: May 10, 2023

A heartsore widower with hidden fears and little faith…
The naïve daughter of a farmer guarding a repulsive secret…
A township unaware of the hidden menace amongst them…

Heartbroken from losing his family and his farm, Mick Muldoon is hopeful as he emigrates to America with his siblings. All he finds is despair and no work. Were America’s rumored promises of plenty all lies? Would God ever hear and answer his prayers?

Seventeen-year-old Shauna McGann is determined to marry Mick Muldoon despite her mother’s objections. His past and his limp might repulse others, but not her. What burdens Shauna is her terrible secret – a secret she promised her friends she would keep. Now Shauna needs help and protection. Could she trust Mick, or will she lose everything by telling him?

Will Mick finally be free of loss and find success in America? Will Shauna overcome her fears and finally feel safe?

In this Muldoon’s Misfortunes prelude novella, author E.V. Sparrow creates a provoking tale of flickering faith and enduring hope through an emigrant’s efforts to adapt, and a young woman’s unprejudiced love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

E.V. Sparrow is a short story writer turned novelist. Her readers encounter God’s unexpected presence through her character’s escapades. Her own adventures she wrote about involved traveling in over twenty countries. Sparrow lived on an Israeli kibbutz, worked for the U.S. Army in Bavaria, and hopped a freight train for a weekend.

A highlight for Sparrow is when Guideposts and Bethany House Publishers accepted four of her anthologized stories before she signed a 3-book historical fiction series contract with Celebrate Lit Publishing.

Her father’s family’s immigration from Ireland, their letters and documents, and some family stories inspired her current historical fiction novels.

In E.V.’s personal and church life, she ministered through prayer, worship, mission teams, and in Divorce Care and Singles. California native relocated to North Carolina, E.V. Sparrow and her husband enjoy family time with their grandchildren and exploring their new state.

More from E.V.

I’m writing books inspired by my father’s family because they believed in God but wrestled with their faith. Faith doesn’t come easy for every believer. We grapple with intimacy with God, but does God battle with us?

My oldest brother shared some stories of our great-grandfather, who emigrated here after losing his wives and children in Ireland. Yes, at least two families. I wondered, how could a suffering heart and soul survive those losses? Our great-grandfather’s inner turmoil didn’t change once he resettled in America. I read letters he wrote to his son—our grandfather and sifted through family photos. Certain aspects from the timeline of great-grandfather’s life fashioned my main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick encountered God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it.

Thinking through a Scripture verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13, (NIV) “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love,” reveals what remains when all else we are accustomed to is gone. I assume hope is as powerful as faith and love. It’s a triangle of strength for us until it goes wobbly. What happens when one or two of the three stabilizers are weaker than the others? Wounded, confused, and resilient characters named Mick, Orla, and Liam Muldoon.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 25

Bizwings Book Blog, January 26

Sylvan Musings, January 27 (Author Interview)

An Author’s Take, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

A Reader’s Brain, January 29 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 30

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 31 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

By The Book, February 3 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 5 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, E.V. is giving away the grand prize package of an eBook copy of Muldoon’s Minnesota Darling and an Amazon $50 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/299bb/muldoon-s-minnesot-darling-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Divine Proverb of Streusel Book Review

Posted on January 27, 2024January 27, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Divine Proverb of Streusel is a Contemporary Christian Fiction. This family saga by author Sara Brunsvold is filled with cooking and small town church/community. It is a cleverly crafted tale that is ripe with Christian messages, proverbs, scripture, and German recipes.

The author has an easy-going style of writing. A slow pace set the tone for the story. This is not a book to be rushed. It needs to be carefully read and pondered.

Easy to follow, it had me engaged with the distinct characters. I loved reading about the different women and men in Nikki’s family. Each character is precisely crafted to fulfill a specific roll in this poignant multi-generational Christian fiction that is unique in many ways. I adored sassy Aunt Emma. The semi-romance between Uncle Wes and someone sizzles. Sparks fly!

Parts of the story made me emotional along with the characters. It is so easy to relate to certain situations or have a friend that has experienced the same thing. The Christian and life lessons are beautiful. Forgiveness, family, love, redemption, and acceptance are main topics that have remained with me. The proverbs are definitely noteworthy. Sprinkled throughout the story are priceless old German recipes. It was fun reading how they were made and tasted.

A few things bothered me because it was a Christian fiction. There is talk of going to the gravesite to speak to a deceased relative. A mention of drinking beer and not telling their minister. Talk of superstition and hero worship also bothered me. This is just me and may not bother you. In the storyline, I felt let down when certain things were planned and never happened. The ending seemed to appear too soon and was rushed. Do these make it a bad book. Absolutely not!

The Divine Proverb of Streusel is book that will long remain with readers. It will encourage, entertain, inspire, make readers think differently about family and friends in trials. Any reading group would love this as a choice. There is so much to discuss. Hopefully we will see it on a screen sometime as it will make a dynamic movie. I highly recommend this book and rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Revell Publishing, but these are my honest words. #TheDivineProverbOfStreusel

About the Author, Sara Brunsvold

Sara Brunsvold creates stories that speak hope, truth, and life. Influenced by humble women of God who find His fingerprints in the everyday, she does the same in her life and her storytelling. Sara’s recognitions include the 2020 ACFW Genesis Award for Contemporary Fiction. She lives with her family in Kansas City, where she can often be spotted writing at a park or library.

Bride by Beguilement Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on January 25, 2024January 24, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Bride by Beguilement by author Debbie Lynn Costello is a Christian historical romance novel. This is book two in the author’s Moonlight and Magnolias series. I had not read book one and was able to follow the story with no trouble. This could be read as a stand alone as well as part of the series.

This is the story of plantation heiress Kirsten Macleod. She is a delightful, caring, smart, hardworking, beautiful young woman. It is also the story of Silas, her handsome, hardworking neighbor. Both of these characters along with the secondary were extremely well thought and believable.

I enjoyed the author’s pleasant style of writing. It is easy to follow and provides enough details to sweep readers away to the time and place of the story. There were a few twists and turns, and some predictable things. I found a couple of situations a bit farfetched to be believable. The Christian message is woven throughout the entire book, which is refreshing.

This had mystery, intrigue, romance, as well as two adorable little girls and animals. I was invested in the story and characters immediately and found myself not wanting to put the book down until it was finished. For me, the end was a bit rushed.

I highly recommend this charming tale. It would be a delightful choice for a reading club. There is so much to discuss. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Bride by Beguilement

Author: Debbie Lynne Costello

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Release Date: September 25, 2023

Kirsten Macleod is in a bind. Her father’s last will and testament stipulates that she must either marry, lead the plantation into a first year profit, or forfeit it to her uncle. But marriage is proving no easy option. Every suitor seems more enamored with the land than with her. Until her handsome neighbor sweeps into her stable to the rescue… of her beloved horse.

Silas Westbrook’s last year at veterinary school ends abruptly when he is called home to care for his young orphaned sisters. Troubles compound when he finds an insurmountable lien on the only home they’ve ever known, and the unscrupulous banker is calling in the loan. The neighbor’s kind-hearted and beautiful stable girl, Krissy, provides the feminine influence the girls desperately need. If only he had a future to offer her. But to save his sisters from poverty, he should set his sights on Krissy’s wealthy relative Kirsten Macleod, the elusive new heiress. Surely this hard-working and unassuming young lady and the landowner could not be one and the same?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Debbie Lynne Costello has enjoyed writing stories since she was eight years old. She raised her family and then embarked on her own career of writing the stories that had been begging to be told. She and her husband have four children and live in upstate South Carolina. She has worked in many capacities in her church and is currently the Children’s Director. She loves the Lord and hopes people will be uplifted and inspired by her writing. Debbie Lynne has shown and raised Shetland Sheepdogs for eighteen years and still enjoys litters now and then. In their spare time, she and her husband take pleasure in camping and riding their Arabian and Tennessee Walking horses.

More from Debbie

I’ve always believed that a great book can go unknown without a great cover. What makes me say that? You’ll never know what’s in the book if you don’t read the back cover and you’ll never read the back cover if you don’t pick up the book and you won’t pick up the book unless the cover grabs you. I loved the cover of book one. It was perfect for the story. That left me feeling a bit anxious about the cover for book two. With the hero being a veterinarian who owned a horse farm and a heroine with a sick horse, the cover needed a horse. But let me tell you, there just aren’t that many horse models out there.

Most publishers and book designers don’t allow the author to submit a photo to use. I mean that just isn’t the way it’s done—and understandably so. There is a certain quality that has to be adhered to. Can you imagine what covers would look like if we could use our phones to take our cover picture? Well…I just happen to know a very capable photographer so I took a gamble and asked the cover editor if I could submit a picture of my horse, Trigger for the cover. To my surprise, they asked for copies of the photographer’s work, which I happily supplied. The cover editor was quite impressed and okayed the idea.

So with a photographer, a beautiful young lady, some 19^th century clothes, and my boy Trigger, I was part of the photo shoot, explaining how I envisioned the pose. When the pictures came back I was ecstatic! They were exactly what I was wanting. And better yet, the cover designer liked them as well!

I’m now trying to figure out how I can get Trigger to hold a book so I can take his picture with the cover. If you have any ideas, let me know! If you’d like to see more pictures of Trigger, you can see him on my FB page with my ‘through the ears of a horse’ posts.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, January 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 20

Mary Hake, January 20

She Lives to Read, January 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 22

lakesidelivingsite, January 23

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, January 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 25

Holly’s Book Corner, January 25

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

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27

Britt Reads Fiction, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

Simple Harvest Reads, January 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Debbie is giving away the grand prize package of an apron kitchen set (as pictured), a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of my 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/297cf/bride-by-beguilement-celebration-tour-giveaway

Loving Beth Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on January 21, 2024January 20, 2024 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Loving Beth by author Bonnie Rose Ward is a Christian historical romance. Set in Appalachian West Virginia after the Civil War this is an engaging tale of endurance, faith, love, and family.

The author has a nice style of writing and a is a fascinating storyteller. Her words are easy to read and had me imagining the characters and their actions easily. The faith message is heavily woven throughout the entire book. I appreciate that in a Christian book.

Characters are carefully crafted and authentic for the period and location. I fell in love with quite a few, but there are others that were horrible. Children and animals made me smile in multiple parts. There are twists and turns, heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, and a story that made me keep turning page after page.

This is the story of Beth McCullough. She lives alone in her family’s cabin. Her distant neighbors check on her and help. I adored her neighbors, Walter and Ruby Mae. Scenes with them always put a smile on my face. Beth sells eggs at the store in town to make money for her supplies. This is also the story of Jacob. His character is a bit of a mystery for some of the story.

The story is emotionally charged and gave me all types of feelings. Unfortunately, there were some major things that bothered me when reading this book. The Lord’s name is taken in vain. I could reason it out by saying the time and region play a part in that, but the bottom line is it is never acceptable. I was unpleasantly surprised to find that in a Christian book. There is also a scene where characters drink hard cider. I was surprised to find one drunk. Violence is also part of this tale.

I recommend this historical romance with caution. Because of the above, I do not think young teens should read it. The story is really entertaining and interesting. It gets a 3.5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Loving Beth

Author: Bonnie Rose Ward

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Fiction

Release Date: June 8, 2023

A courageous woman, a bitter man, and God’s plan.

Times were hard after Beth McCullough’s father died in the Civil War, but she and her mother are getting by on their little farm outside Rosewood, West Virginia. The kindly banker holding the loan lets them pay what they can. Then Beth’s mother dies suddenly, and the banker’s arrogant son gives her only thirty days to pay her full debt. Beth is left alone and lonely and fears losing the only home she’s ever known. It would be nice to have someone in her life like Jacob, the handsome man who found her mother. Then to her horror, Beth discovers two small children who’ve been abandoned. It’s one more thing for her to worry about, but Beth has to keep faith in God’s ability to work miracles.

Although he has to travel to Baltimore to care for his ailing mother, Jacob Wallace can’t stop thinking about Beth, but he’d promised his late wife he’d never love again after her tragic death. After receiving a letter with terrible rumors about Beth, Jacob returns to Rosewood, angry, bitter, and disillusioned, more determined than ever to keep his vow to never love again. He’s right to close his heart against Beth.

As Beth struggles to protect the children and keep her farm, she’s also defending against Jacob’s unfounded suspicions. The danger escalates with an attack and threats to her life. But God moves in mysterious ways. Is there room in Jacob’s heart for a new love? Will they learn to trust each other and have faith in God’s plan to find their way together?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Bonnie Rose Ward, an award-winning author celebrated for her vivid memoirs recounting life in the Alaskan wilderness, currently resides in West Virginia with her husband. Bonnie’s homestead is nestled within the serene foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The spirit of these mountains and her husband’s familial tales from the region breathe life into her compelling narratives of Appalachian resilience, strength, and the quest for love. Drawing from her fifteen-years in the wilderness, Bonnie’s present lifestyle encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Together with Samuel, she tends to a menagerie of goats, chickens, Zebu cattle, and other barnyard animals, while also cultivating their verdant gardens. When not immersed in her rural responsibilities, Bonnie transitions into her writer’s persona. At her keyboard, she masterfully weaves new tales echoing the valor of women, the fidelity of men, and the extraordinary miracles that God orchestrates in their lives. Bonnie Rose Ward is not just an author, but a storyteller—painting vivid pictures with her words that resonate with the human spirit’s trials, triumphs, and faith.

More from Bonnie

My husband, and I lived in the Alaskan wilderness for many years. We built cabins and lived off the land. While there, Sam shared stories about his ancestors—especially those of his spunky great grandmother, Easter Mullens. I was fascinated by her life. We eventually purchased my husband’s mother’s old homeplace nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, and together we built our home by hand, reminiscent of the cabins we built in Alaska. Living in the wilderness for fifteen years gave me the skills and understanding of how our forefathers and mothers’ must have lived in the 1800s. Sam often talked about his aunts foraging from the land—they knew what vegetation you could eat and what you couldn’t. I became enamored with these hardy, resilient mountain people and their stories.

I started to write Easter’s story as nonfiction, but my imagination took over and a fictional story grew from the fragments of her life and circumstances.

As you know, characters are typically a composite of people we know and characters we imagine, with a bit of ourselves sprinkled in there. Beth originally was a combination of Sam and my ancestors—at least, how I imagined them to be. As I worked with her, she took on a life of her own. Instead of simply being impressed by her courage, I realized how vulnerable she is. I also realized that being so young, she is going to make mistakes a more mature person wouldn’t. But I think her driving characteristic is her spunk. She does what she has to do to survive in a harsh world and to protect those she loves.

Jacob is a decent man whose devotion to his departed wife leaves no room for another. He has to come to terms not just with his wife’s death, but with what is expected from him as he puts the pieces of his life back together. Most importantly, he must realize his harshest expectations are those he has cast upon himself—and that his stubbornness is destroying not only his own happiness, but the happiness of those he loves.

Faith, love, and determination are the main themes of the book. Faith has been so important in my own life and got me through so much when we lived in the Alaskan wilderness. Therefore, I wanted to illustrate the role faith played in the lives of Beth and Jacob. Love comes in so many different forms, and I wanted to explore the different types of love. There’s the love between a man and a woman; the love between parents and children—even if they are not biologically related; and, of course, the love that grows from relying on good neighbors and friends. Determination is what allows us to survive the unsurvivable. Without the determination that seeds in our guts and grows to see us through the worst times of our lives, we would not succeed. Of course, determination can also work against us. When we stubbornly adhere to principles that are no longer relevant, our determination cause much more harm than good.