Every Flower of the Field Celebrate Book Tour

Posted on March 29, 2023March 28, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Every Flower of the Field by author Sara Davison is a powerful Christian contemporary romance suspense novel. While this is the second book in her Two Sparrows for a Penny series, it works well as a standalone. I would advise reading Book One, Every Star in the Sky.

This is the story of Rose Galway. Rose has been a victim of human trafficking. With this subject matter, I knew the book would be intense. Wow, was it ever. This is a subject that has been in the news often. My heart hurts for those subjected to this horrific life. I get angry every time I think this is happening. I was immediately invested in the story and its characters, especially Rose.

Rose is a strong woman. She has held on to the hope that one day she will be rescued. The danger she is in was written in a way that made me feel anxious for her. My emotions ran all over the place reading this exceptional novel. Laken is a detective working when she is found. I loved this character and his faith.

The author has an inviting style. I love that she includes the perfect amount of faith, romance, danger, and hope. She does not gloss over the gritty issues of today’s world but writes them from a Christian perspective. Her descriptive and in-depth prose make the words come alive for readers. This book is a suspenseful page turner.

I highly recommend Every Flower of the Field. This would be a great read for book clubs. With the complex issues it presents, there is so much 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: Every Flower of the Field

Author: Sara Davison

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 15, 2023

Safe is the most dangerous feeling of all.

For as long as she can remember, Rose Galway has been a captive, controlled by one man or another. To her, though, God is the one holding the keys, refusing to set her free despite the desperate pleas she has sent heavenward.

Detective Laken Jones has known hardship too, including the daily trauma of racism. Still, nothing he has gone through compares to what Rose has endured. He wants nothing more than for her to experience hope and healing and maybe even happiness in her life.

But first he has to find her.

Laken is willing to risk everything to set Rose free. And to help her find her way to God. Even if that means letting go of her—and the future he envisions for the two of them—forever.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and two sparrows for a penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and two-time Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband, Michael, and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.

More from Sara

Neil Gaiman once said, “Fiction gives us empathy. It puts us inside the minds of other people, gives us the gift of seeing the world through their eyes…” To me, that is one of the primary reasons to read and to write fiction. Every time I write a scene with a character, it’s my job as the author to put myself inside that character, to think what they are thinking and feel what they are feeling, and to draw readers inside that character too.

When what that character is experiencing is deeply painful or traumatic, that job can be extremely difficult. In my series, two sparrows for a penny, the main characters of the first two books, Every Star in the Sky and Every Flower of the Field, have has been caught up in sex trafficking for several years. What they experienced wasn’t easy to write about, especially since, although Tala’s and Rose’s stories are fictional, I am painfully aware that so many women have been or are currently in the same horrific situation.

It may be difficult to read about too, although the stories also contain humor and love and family and, ultimately, hope. Still, it is so important that stories like these are told. If Neil Gaiman is right, reading about what others are going through increases our empathy, our compassion, for their plight. And empathy and compassion are catalysts for action. If we turn away from suffering, pretend it doesn’t exist, we do nothing to help alleviate it. But if we face it, acknowledge it, we might find in ourselves the courage to take a stand against it, to do what we can to help, to let these women know that they are not alone. That they are precious to God and they are precious to us.

The title of this series is two sparrows for a penny, which comes from Matthew 10:29: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” Every human being caught up in the unspeakably heinous world of trafficking is loved by God. He sees them and knows what they are going through and, one day, he will mete out perfect justice to all who perpetuate this evil. My hope and prayer for these stories is that readers will be compelled to pray for the women and some men who are victims of this practice and maybe even become involved, through a reputable agency, in working to help free those in captivity.

And I also hope and pray readers will be reminded that, whatever they are going through in life, they are never alone either. As God knows the name of every star and takes care even of the flowers of the field, He knows every one of our names and watches over us as well. Tala and Rose finally come to realize that, even in the midst of horrific circumstances, they were never alone. God saw them, remembered them, brought them out of captivity, and will continue to walk alongside them as they begin their long journeys of healing and hope.

And He promises over and over in His Word that He will do the same for every one of us.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 23

Lily’s Book Reviews, March 23

An Author’s Take, March 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 25

Texas Book-aholic, March 26

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 26

Betti Mace, March 27

The Sacred Line, March 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 29

deb’s Book Review, March 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 31

For Him and My Family, March 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 2

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 4

Blogging With Carol, April 5

Rebecca Tews, April 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sara is givinga way the grand prize package of a book-related stained glass window hanging and a paperback copy of Every Flower of the Field!!

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/24ff1/every-flower-of-the-field-celebration-tour-giveaway

Forged in Love Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Forged in Love by amazing storyteller Mary Connealy is Book One in her Wyoming Sunrise Series. This historical Christian fiction is wonderful. It offers so much that readers will be turning page after page to see what happens next. I certainly did!

Set in 1870 Western Wyoming, this novel begins with action. It is the story of Mariah, a feisty young woman that has been in a stagecoach robbery in the opening of this novel. Her family (father, brother, and even herself) has the local blacksmith shop. I learned some things about that just by reading this book.

It only took a few pages to become invested in the story and characters. Clint is probably one of my favorite characters ever. What a hero! He is the chef and owner of the town’s diner. The things he cooks are amazing. He has a farm and large garden to keep his restaurant well stocked in fresh foods.

The author has done extensive research for this unique story. The characters are realistic and have multilayers. Conversations sound appropriate for the time and location. There are so many brilliant characters. Most are ones that I wanted to keep as friends, but there were some others that were ornery and mean. There is a magnificent dog that steals the scenes. There are twists and turns, giggle worthy moments, and a nail biting scene or two. This book has danger, intrigue, adventure, humor, romance, and lessons of faith.

I highly recommend it. Anyone that loves historical or western fiction will adore this gem. It is a page turner. I am excited to see what the rest of the series will be. It gets a well earned 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Forged in Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

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 one and a half 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 Inspiration

I started plotting this novel when I found out that Wyoming was the first state (then a territory) in the Union to grant women the right to vote. Then I discovered it wasn’t just the right to vote; all sorts of other rights were given to women as well, like the right to run for elected office or be appointed to office. In fact, the first woman justice of the peace in the U.S. was from Wyoming. This inspired me to have one of my heroines be the second justice of the peace in the country.

As I continued my research, reading about all that went on in Wyoming was fascinating. They became a territory in 1868—with women voting—and yet they weren’t allowed statehood for another thirty years. With other states being granted statehood in only a few years, why was this? Because the U.S. government refused to let Wyoming in unless they took the vote away from women.

Because Wyoming adamantly refused to strip the vote from women, year after year they were denied statehood. When they finally did get it, the state’s women maintained their right to vote because Wyoming would not budge on the issue. The whole history of this was great reading.

So I wrote a three-book series called Wyoming Sunrise in which all my heroines play against the normal, conventional female roles of the day.

Now, what job could I possibly think of that wasn’t traditionally for women? How about Mariah who happens to be a blacksmith? And while I’m writing against stereotypes, I created a man named Clint who runs a diner. That wasn’t too unusual, for lots of diners were run by men back in the day. Yet not many of them were talented chefs trained in high-class restaurants in New York City. Clint is an excellent chef. Of course, an excellent chef in a small Wyoming town is kind of wasted on folks who prefer fried chicken and beef stew.

Clint makes chicken and beef, but he calls his dishes weird names and makes them unusually delicious. Meanwhile, Mariah is working over a hot forge for long hours every day. When her father and brother are killed in a stagecoach holdup, she becomes the only blacksmith in town.

There’s some resistance to her doing such a masculine job, but even among those who disapprove, well, they’ve got a broken wagon wheel or a hole in their kettle and it’s either let Mariah fix it or go without. Mariah is allowed to be a blacksmith out of pure necessity.

My second book, The Laws of Attraction, has a female justice of the peace, while the third, Marshaling Her Heart, features a tough lady rancher. I write westerns, and honestly, writing about tough, feisty lady ranchers like Becky the Rancher comes naturally to me. Writing about a blacksmith and a judge, however, presents more of a challenge.

Mariah, who survived the stagecoach holdup, learns that the robbers believe she might know something that will reveal their identity, and she needs to be silenced. Clint tries to protect her and finds himself stepping between her and a murderous gang of outlaws.

Through it all, love finds them, and they begin to forge a life together.

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Through the Fire Blogs, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Stories By Gina, March 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

Connie’s History Classroom, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Labor Not in Vain, March 21

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

Lighthouse Academy, March 22 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Remembrancy, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Betti Mace, March 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 24

She Lives to Read, March 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Holly’s Book Corner, March 26

Book Looks by Lisa, March 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

SodbusterLiving, March 28

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28

Splashes of Joy, March 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29

Wishful Endings, March 30

HookMeInABook, March 30

lakesidelivingsite, March 31

EmpowerMoms, March 31

Mary Hake, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book Forged in Love!!

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/24dc0/forged-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Cairo Curse

Posted on February 28, 2023February 27, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Cairo Curse by talented author Pepper Basham is Book Two in her Christian historical romance mystery series A Freddie and Grace Mystery. Book One is the Mistletoe Countess. I have not read Book One yet and wish that I had. I was a bit confused when beginning The Cairo Curse, but it got easier to follow the more I read. It may be read as a standalone, but I would recommend Book One be read first.

In this novel we join Frederick and Grace in 1914 England as they prepare to take their honeymoon in Italy via Egypt. These two characters are adorable and absolutely meant for one another. I love married couple romance in books, and author Basham is a pro at that. Minor characters are brilliant. I loved Mr. Elliott, Blake, Ms. Sinclair, and all of the others.

Author Basham has a way of delivering captivating novels. This one is no exception. I was riveted to the story. It had everything I wanted, romance, humor, mystery, twists, inspiration, intrigue, history, and animals. In this case, the animal was a camel! The descriptive way of her writing makes it easy to become invested in the story and characters. Obviously she did extensive research before writing this, and I was able to glean some knowledge from that.

This is a wonderful trip to the land of sand, mummies, and camels that I definitely recommend. I laughed, tried to solve a mystery, and became friends with lovely characters. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Cairo Curse

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Fiction / Romance / Adventure / Mystery

Release date: February 1, 2023

Clue meets Indiana Jones with a fiction-loving twist only Grace Percy can provide.

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley have already experienced their fair-share of suspense, but when a honeymoon trip takes a detour to the mystical land of Egypt, not even Grace with her fiction-loving mind is prepared for the dangers in store. From an assortment of untrustworthy adventure-seekers to a newly discovered tomb with a murderous secret, Frederick and Grace must lean on each other to navigate their dangerous surroundings. As the suspects mount in an antiquities’ heist of ancient proportions, will Frederick and Grace’s attempts to solve the mystery lead to another death among the sands?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor with southern Appalachian flair. Both her historical and contemporary novels have garnered recognition in the Grace Awards, Inspys, and ACFW Carol Awards. Her historical romance, The Thorn Healer, was a finalist in the 2018 RT Awards. Her historical romance novels, My Heart Belongs in the Blue Ridge and The Red Ribbon, and her contemporary novels, the Mitchell’s Crossroads and Pleasant Gap series, showcase her Appalachian heritage, as well as her love for humor and family. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC where she is the mom of five great kids, a speech-language pathologist to about fifty more, and a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus.

You can learn more about Pepper at her website http://www.pepperdbasham.com or connect with her on FB, IG, or Twitter

Read an Excerpt from the Book!

February 1914, Havensbrook

Gunfire erupted from outside, sending Frederick Percy, Earl of Astley, leaping from his chair. The seat crashed against the floor behind him in time with another shot. What on earth! He grabbed the first weapon-like item he could find—his grandfather’s cane—and dashed toward the sound, nearly colliding with his butler moving in the same direction.

“Did you hear the gunfire, Brandon?”

The older gentleman’s brows rose as high as they could go without becoming part of his snowy hairline. “Indeed, my lord. From the south garden, if I guess correctly, sir.”

“My thoughts exactly.” Frederick tapped the cane against the floor and took a step in the direction of the garden door. Then stopped, a sudden sense of dread forming a lump in his stomach. His butler’s response was much too cavalier for an emergency. “Have you seen Lady Astley of late, Brandon?”

“Not since after breakfast, sir.”

“Well, then.” Frederick returned to his office for his own pistol and prayed whatever inspired a gunshot near his home would prove more benign than dangerous. After surviving several near-death experiences over the past Christmas season, Frederick was quite finished with drama for a while. Though drama seemed to follow his new bride in spades.

He met the butler back in the hallway.

“Might I offer an insight, sir?”

Frederick pivoted in his approach to the door and turned back to Brandon. “Insight?”

“Yes, sir.” The man released a deep sigh which pulled his pristine posture into a slight slump. He then sent Frederick a look which somehow inspired a grimace before Frederick even heard the man’s words. “Her ladyship was speaking with Mr. Blake after breakfast, sir.”

“Mr. Blake?” Frederick rolled his gaze heavenward, the tension in his jaw uncoiling into a slight annoyance that manifested in an ache over his right eyebrow. He loved his cousin. There was no man Frederick trusted more. But for some reason, the idea of Blake and Grace together followed by the sound of gunfire did not bode well.

For anyone.

“About pistols, my lord.”

And the answers emerged, along with an increased throbbing in Frederick’s head. “Thank you, Brandon.”

Setting a slower pace, he moved toward the south side of his manor house, another shot reverberating nearer. Within a month since Christmas, his American wife had learned how to drive the car and throw knives, two skills she appeared to excel in more than knowing the fashion of the season or how to address the complicated hierarchy of the aristocracy. His lips almost split into a grin as he recalled her stumbling over addressing the Duke of Westonbridge two weeks ago by calling him “Your Honorable Lord” and then in quick correction, “Your Grace, or at least I hope you are since I fumbled your title so atrociously.”

Of course the duke had fallen under Grace’s spell within five minutes, as everyone else who met her seemed to do since she’d moved to his crumbling Derbyshire estate two months earlier. Well, everyone except the villainess who’d tried to kill them just before Christmas. But that was hopefully a distant story, and their next chapter would be a lovely, peaceful belated honeymoon—he increased his steps at the idea—with a little surprise tagged on for his lovely Lady Astley.

Frederick nodded a good afternoon to the police officer inconspicuously posted near the house so that Frederick’s mother could work out her sentence of house arrest in connection with his father and brother’s deaths. He released a sigh. No, she was no murderess, unless glares and harsh words counted, but she’d harbored information that could have protected others. The law had been gracious with her due to her age and status, merely revoking her freedoms from leaving Havensbrook, so his mother’s life stayed very much as it had since Frederick’s father’s death; however, the added blemish of “criminal” to her reputation ensured she spent her days away from the public eye.

And if the police officer appeared in no great distress over the gunfire, Frederick knew all too well what must be happening.

Just around the edge of the house, a large garden opened to the south, its walls still well intact, though ivy-grown and tangled. Another shot reverberated through the damp air, followed quickly by laughter and his wife’s exuberant exclamation of “I hit it.”

Frederick’s lips pinched into a frown. Why he ever expected his cousin Blake to mind Frederick’s subtle requests was beyond him! The garden gate stood open, welcoming him forward into an even more tangled array of vines and twined greenery, the winter roses, a remnant of the garden’s healthier days, sleeping until spring.

He hadn’t had the means to make things right with Havensbrook before but, with Grace’s wealth and her generous heart, he could now. Another way to make amends for the past, he hoped, though

God had already bestowed on him much more than he deserved.

His cousin stood to the right, hands on the hips of his gray suit jacket, but Frederick’s gaze followed Blake’s focus to the woman in the center of the garden. Her bright auburn hair was twisted up beneath a deep purple hat that matched her coat, both in contrast to her pale skin. Her laughter echoed toward him, so filled with joy and hope. Two things he’d thought lost forever before he’d met her.

Yes, God had given him much more than he deserved, and sometimes, he wondered if God had given him more than he could manage.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 23

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 23

Bigreadersite, February 23

By The Book, February 24

Just Your Average reviews, February 24

Remembrancy, February 24

Sylvan Musings, February 24

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

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 25

Mary Hake, February 25

Worthy2Read, February 26

Christina’s Corner, February 26

Texas Book-aholic, February 26

Betti Mace, February 27

The Sacred Line, February 27

deb’s Book Review, February 27

Lily’s Book Reviews, February 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 28

Labor Not in Vain, February 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 1

Cover Lover Book Review, March 1

Daysong Reflections, March 1

Hebrews 12 Endurance, March 2

Wishful Endings, March 2

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 3

Simple Harvest Reads, March 3 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Rebecca Tews, March 3

Connie’s History Classroom, March 4

Blogging With Carol, March 4

To Everything There Is A Season, March 4

Cathe Swanson, March 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 5

Artistic Nobody, March 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Where Faith and Books Meet, March 6

For Him and My Family, March 6

Holly’s Book Corner, March 6

She Lives To Read, March 7

Splashes of Joy, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Back Porch Reads, March 8

Blossoms and Blessings, March 8

Through the Fire Blogs, March 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 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/24703/the-cairo-curse-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Not So Persistent Suitor Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on February 20, 2023February 19, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Not so Persistent Suitor by author Sandra Merville Hart is Book 2 in her Second Chances Series. The first was A Not So Convenient Marriage. This is a Christian historical novel. Even though this book can be read as a stand alone, reading Book One would be helpful due to the background information provided. It had been a while since I had read Book One and at times I was confused with the characters.

Set in Cincinnati, Ohio in the 1880s, this is the story of Cora Welch, twin sister of John. It is also the tale of her sometime boyfriend, Ben Findlay. Both Ben and John work at the newspaper while Cora goes to school to be a kindergarten teacher and works in a sweet shop. One of the things I enjoyed about the book was the unique soda Flavor of the Day at the shop where she worked.

The author included a lot of history which I appreciated. I love books that leave me with information that I previously did not know. It is evident that she did a lot of research for this novel. There is a strong Christian message which is another thing I love in Christian books. Timeless life lessons were included, also.

The characters were well defined. Some were wonderful with nice characters while others were downright scoundrels. Details help me picture the setting of a few places but were absent in much of the others. There are a few twists and turns that for me were easy to guess. For the most part I did enjoy this book but not as much as Book One. It took me longer to get invested in it and seemed a bit slower.

I would recommend it to lovers of historical fiction. It has a nice message of friendship, redemption, work ethic, and is a sweet romance. I rate it a 3.5. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Not So Persistent Suitor

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian historical romance

Release date: February 14, 2023

He’s fighting for his career…She’s bent on achieving her own goals…Will their love survive a second chance at happily ever after?

Cora Welch dreams of a future teaching kindergarten, which is in its infancy, and marriage to Ben Findlay, her beau and her twin brother’s best friend. But she returns to college from summer break to learn of Ben’s unwise choices in pursuit of his career—choices that destroy her trust in the man she thought she knew and loved.

Ben is working hard toward his dream to become the best reporter in the city. He’s no stranger to fighting for a goal against all odds, ever since he was orphaned at age thirteen. Even though Cora has captured his heart, he makes the mistake of escorting the boss’s daughter to a fancy banquet to further his career—with far-reaching repercussions. Now he’s hurt Cora and botched his career goals.

Winning Cora’s trust again proves harder than Ben expects, especially as they both face struggles of their own. When events spiral out of their control, catapulting them into hardship and even danger, only God can restore their dreams—though the outcome may look far different than either of them planned.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

More from Sandra

I have wanted to write a story set in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the 1880s for several years. It seems to me that it was on my heart to write while I was still working as a Programmer Analyst and writing was but a dream.

Twins Cora and John had been living on their family’s farm before moving to Cincinnati to attend college. John went rogue on me (he does that in Book 3 too h) and got a job at a newspaper working with Ben, and decided not to go to college. Meanwhile, Ben begins to court Cora.

When our story begins, Cora is in her second and final year at the Cincinnati Kindergarten Training School. Kindergarten is still in its infancy in 1883, when our story begins. In fact, the demand for kindergartens grew in the 1870s. There were about four hundred kindergartens by 1880, and the need to train teachers for them was a natural part of that growth.

A training school in Cincinnati was organized in March of 1880. At first, kindergarten students (aged four – six) learned the 3 R’s –reading, writing, and arithmetic. Before long, principals in higher grades complained that kindergartners also needed a basic knowledge of music, drawing, and manual training.

This led to greater training for kindergartener teachers, who learned teaching tools that included games, songs, and handwork.

I imagine that incorporating games, songs, and activities engaged the children’s interest in a new and fun way for them.

Part of my research included The Songs and Music of Friedrich Froebel’s Mother Play by Fro. Bel. Friedrich. Early training schools used Friedrich Froebel’s writing extensively in their training so I mentioned his Mother Play book within the story.

Though demand for kindergartens was growing, most schools didn’t address the needs of these four to six-year-old children by providing a kindergarten class. Cora has to fight for a local school to start a new class to open the fall after she graduates.

Another fun thing about this novel is the places I’ve included that the modern reader familiar with Cincinnati will recognize:

Fountain Square, the Suspension Bridge, St. Peter’s Cathedral, and the Zoological Gardens to name a few.

Follow characters you’ve grown to love in A Not So Convenient Marriage, Book 1 in the “Second Chances” series into A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 16

deb’s Book Review, February 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 18

Writing from Walsh Mountain, February 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 20

Connie’s History Classroom, February 21

Holly’s Book Corner, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 23

Simple Harvest Reads, February 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, February 25

lakesidelivingsite, February 26

Christina’s Corner, February 26

Cover Lover Book Review, February 27

Pause for Tales, February 28

Mary Hake, February 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra 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/24516/a-not-so-persistent-suitor-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Maid of Ballymacool Book Review

Posted on February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Jennifer Deibel’s debut novel, The Maid of Ballymacool, is a Christian historical mystery retelling of Cinderella. It was enchanting and captivating. I did not want to put it down. Anyone should enjoy this fascinating book.

Set in Ireland, this is the tale of Brianna Kelly, a sweet, hardworking maid. Since she was a wee girl she has worked at Ballymacool, a boarding school for girls. Her guardian, Maureen Magee, an older woman who runs Ballymacool, is never satisfied with Brianna’s work.

It is also the story of Michael Wray. He has been tasked to visit his wayward niece at Ballymacool in hopes of straightening out some issues. When he meets Brianna an immediate attraction is formed for both of them. He was a gallant man, and I loved his helpful spirit.

The author has a lovely way of writing. Her prose swept me off to Ireland where I met many new friends. The characters are realistic and well rounded. I wanted to have a “cuppa” with Brianna and chat for a while. The nanny and workers were charming while the villain was despicable.

The story contains a mystery that made me keep turning the pages. A twist or two kept things exciting. I was invested early in this unique retelling. Author Deibel is a masterful storyteller, and she knows how to keep readers engaged. Life and spiritual lessons are woven throughout this novel making it a complex and fulfilling read. I loved that many Irish expressions were used and that a glossary was provided to help decipher meanings.

I highly recommend this wonderful book. One can only hope this will be made into a movie one day. It is one of my favorite books, providing me with a new favorite author. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

The Sound Of Light Book Review

Posted on February 16, 2023February 15, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Sound of Light by astounding storyteller Sarah Sundin is a poignant WWII saga that is definitely award worthy. It is a Christian historical wartime, intrigue, romance, suspense that is nothing less than exceptional. This book was a riveting page turner.

Set in 1943 Denmark and Sweden, this is the story of Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt. When the Germans invade, he takes on the identity of a shipyard worker at his family’s business so that he can secretly carry messages to the Danish Resistance in Sweden. He wants to aid in the war efforts and has taken on the persona of a laborer to escape suspicion.

It is also the tale of Dr. Else Jensen, American physicist, who works at the Institute for Theoretical Physics in Copenhagen. She and Henrik stay at the same boarding house and an attraction begins. Else’s best friend Laila, is Jewish. She works for the resistance and asks Else to print flyers at the Institute’s mimeograph to help.

The characters were so expertly composed that they seemed real. They were brave, caring, and heroic. They joined together to help get people to safety. It was easy to become invested in their story. Their growth as the story progressed was touching to read. The chemistry that Else and Henrik had sizzled.

I love the author’s style of writing. It is easy to follow and keeps me interested. From the details in the book, it is evident that much research was done for this project. The author even intermingled some Danish words throughout the story. She also included a glossary at the back with pronunciation guide. I learned a few things, which is always a bonus when reading a fiction book. Another thing I loved was the inspirational message and element.

My emotions ran the gamut as I read this story of hidden identities, escaping from the Gestapo, and rescuing innocent people. It has some complex plots with twists and turns, and is absolutely captivating. I found it to be thought provoking and pondered it many days after finishing the book.

This would make a great book club selection. There are discussion questions as well as author notes after this based on actual events story ends. I highly recommend this breathtaking book. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided via Net Galley but these are my honest words.

A Life Reclaimed Celebrate Lit Tour

Posted on February 15, 2023February 14, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Life Reclaimed by author Olivia Ray is Book 3 in her Secrets of the Queens Series. This is a Christian historical mystery and the final book in the series. It is an excellent ending to the Secrets of the Queens, but it may easily be followed as a standalone.

Set in medieval times during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, this novel is rich in secrets, history, political intrigue, mystery, danger, faith, and love. This is the story of Anne Howell, trying to escape another arranged marriage. It is also the story of Thomas Armstrong, who has been shipwrecked.

I had a hard time getting invested in this story. Perhaps it was because I had not read the previous two books. After a few chapters, I was all in. The author has a nice style of writing that brought the people and struggles of that era alive. She has written characters that are well developed and deep. They are realistic and believable. Their conversations sound authentic for the time period.

The plot has some twist and turns and made me want to keep turning the pages to see what might happen next. The mysteries were secrets that needed to be told. I loved watching the characters mature in the character and faith.

There are life lessons to be learned as well as a faith message included in this novel. It is a lovely story of forgiveness, faith, love, and second chances. Any lover of this time period or mysteries will adore this series and book. I recommend it and give it a 4 star rating. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

Book: A Life Reclaimed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 28, 2022

A Scoundrel, A Spy, and A Secret. Will She Ever Learn the Truth?

Desperate to avoid a second loveless marriage, Anne Howell hides out in a cave on the Welsh coast. If she can get to England, she should be safe from her stepfather’s long reaching hand. She thinks her prayers are answered when she rescues a shipwrecked sailor, Thomas Armstrong, who agrees to help her, claiming he has ties to Queen Elizabeth I. Though she fears he may be an accomplished liar, she has no choice but to trust him, especially when a secret from her past puts spies on her trail and threatens to destroy her future.

Upon learning his true mother was executed in place of a dethroned queen, Thomas Armstrong sets out to find the cowardly monarch and avenge his mother’s death. Broke and in debt, he is finally on the verge of reaching his goal when his ship goes down in a storm and he ends up owing his life to the honest and forthright Anne Howell. He fears his quest is finished – until he learns there are those who would pay handsomely to have Anne in their possession, enough to clear his debt and enable him to pursue the revenge he seeks. But in helping Anne he has lost his heart, and now faces a devastating choice – remain loyal to his goal of avenging his mother or follow his feelings to an uncertain future with Anne.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories.

Olivia is the winner of the Book Buyers Best Award, Angel Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and is a gold and bronze medalist in the Illumination Awards.

More from Olivia

I’ve always been drawn to English history and back in 2009, I was blessed to visit London with my daughter. We immersed ourselves in the area’s rich history by going to museums, visiting Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Temple Church, and so much more. Of course, a tour of the city wouldn’t have been complete without a visit to the Tower of London. There I learned about the tragic and short life of Lady Jane Grey, who was the queen of England for nine days.

Later that day, I found a postcard that displayed the famous painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche. My mind started racing and the seeds for the Secrets of the Queens series took root. I wondered what would’ve happened if Lady Jane Grey had lived. A Life Reclaimed, the third book in the Secrets of the Queens, is not about Lady Jane Grey per se, but it follows the story of a young man whose life has been changed because of her escape from death.

I hope you enjoy my tale of mystery, intrigue, and love as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Blog Stops

Rebecca Tews, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Worthy2Read, February 11

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16

Betti Mace, February 17

Cover Lover Book Review, February 17

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 19

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

Mary Hake, February 20

Pause for Tales, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize of a themed gift box!!

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/242a3/a-life-reclaimed-celebration-tour-giveaway

Ellie’s Escape Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on February 12, 2023February 11, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Ellie’s Escape by author Linda Shenton Matchett is a Christian historical romance. Part of the Westward Home and Hearts Mail-Order Brides Series, this is Book 27. It can easily be read as a stand alone.

This is the story of Miss Ellie Wagner. She was jilted at the altar and decided to start over as a mail order bride. It is also the story of Julian Sheffield. He is a bank employee with a bright future. The bank president has one recommendation though and that is that Julian find a wife.

Filled with adventure, danger, history, humor, and a very light romance, this is a quick read. The plot is fairly predictable, but the author has penned some nice characters. They are realistic and down to earth. There is a nice faith element woven throughout the book as well as some life lessons. The story drags in a few parts, but for the most part goes at an even pace.

The storyline was nice, but I was left wanting more. More details on how the relationship was progressing. Something more about daily life so I could become invested. I just did not feel connected to the characters. There is an epilogue at the end which puts a nice bow on the story.

I would recommend this book. It was entertaining and easy to read. It gets a 3.5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest opinions.

About the Book

Book: Ellie’s Escape

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: March 25, 2022

She’s running for her life. He needs a trophy wife. They didn’t count on falling in love.

Ellie Wagner is fine being a spinster school teacher. Then she witnesses a bank hold up and can identify the bandits. Fellow robbery victim Milly Crenshaw happens to run the Westward Home & Hearts Matrimonial Agency so she arranges for Ellie to head West as a mail-order bride. But her groom only wants a business arrangement. Can she survive a loveless marriage?

Banker Julian Sheffield is more comfortable with numbers than with people, but he’s done well for himself. Then the bank president tells him that in order to advance further he must marry in six weeks’ time. The candid, unsophisticated woman sent by the agency is nothing like he expected, but time is running out. When her past comes calling, does he have what it takes to ensure their future?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame). Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

Dear Reader,

One of my favorite tropes to use in a story is the proverbial “fish out of water,” so when it came time for me to brainstorm the idea for Ellie’s Escape, I made a list of situations that would be uncomfortable for my protagonists (see what we writers do to our poor characters?).

As a result, I sent my female protagonist from the crowded city of Boston, Massachusetts (population 362,000) to the remote reaches of Gunnison, Colorado (population 888) where because of its location in the Rocky Mountains is one of the coldest places in winter in the United States. Compared to Boston’s elevation of 141’, Gunnison’s elevation of over 7,700 feet had to seem dizzying to my poor girl. The research into Gunnison was very fun, and I was able to use my boss as a subject matter expert because he’d lived there for several years before moving to New Hampshire. I gave my painfully shy male protagonist a gregarious mail-order bride that he doesn’t quite know what to do with.

Here are a few fun facts about Gunnison:

The Gunnison River drops an average of forty-three feet per mile through Black Canyon which is SIX times more than the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.
Standing at 2,250 feet from river to rim, Black Canyon’s Painted Wall is the tallest cliff in Colorado, and nearly twice as tall as the Empire State Building.
The town is named for a man who only stayed for three days – explorer John W. Gunnison who was searching for a route for the transcontinental railroad.
A little-known site for gold and silver mining, Gunnison and the surrounding area produced a reported 130,000 ounces of gold.
Gunnison residents isolated themselves during the Spanish Influenza epidemic of 1918. All highways were barricaded near the county lines, and train conductors warned passengers that if they got off the train in Gunnison, they’d be arrested and quarantined for five days.

Comment and name a fun fact about where you live for your chance to win the grand prize.

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

Blog Stops

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

Betti Mace, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 12

Christina’s Corner, February 12

Book Looks by Lisa, February 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 14

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

deb’s Book Review, February 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 18

Connie’s History Classroom, February 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 20

Mary Hake, February 20

Holly’s Book Corner, February 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Visa Gift Card and signed 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/242a2/ellie-s-escape-celebration-tour-giveaway

Everything is Just Beginning by Erin Bartels

Posted on February 5, 2023February 5, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Everything is Just Beginning by author Erin Bartels is a contemporary Christian fiction book. It is a unique tale that will stay in your mind and linger long after you have finished the book. It has the right elements for a Hallmark movie.

Set in Detroit in the late 1980s, this is the story of Michael Sullivan, an angry young man. He’s had a not so happy childhood being raised by a single mother. In his mind, life has cheated him of a father among other things. Michael plays in a band with people who would rather he find another band. He has dreams of making it big one day.

He lives with his Uncle Mike, and goes to a party across from where he lives. It is at the Wheelers’ house. Deb Wheeler, is a famous singer and Dusty, her husband, a well-regarded producer in the music industry. They have a blind daughter, Natalie, who is also very talented. I adored Deb. She was a faith-filled woman and ready to be used as God’s vessel.

This is a poignant story of faith, love, forgiveness, hope, and second chances. It has a strong message of family, redemption, and God. The Christian message is woven brilliantly throughout the novel. I loved the author’s style of writing. The characters were multi-layered and realistic. Each were well described, which made it easy to picture them. The voice of Michael was so vividly portrayed that I could easily imagine it and him.

I loved the moral values of the main characters. It is refreshing to read a Christian book with those. The music was intriguing and added a lot to the story. It was beautiful. One thing I did not like was the frequent “drinking” they did. Another thing was the lack of faith of one character.

After a slow start, I became invested in this enchanting story and had trouble putting the book down. I was captivated by the storylines. There were a few twists and turns that kept me on my toes. This is a wonderful book. I would definitely recommend it. It get a 4 star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my own true words.

About the Book

An Immersive Story of Music, Struggle, and Starting Over from an Award-Winning Author

Michael Sullivan is a talented lyricist and a decent guitarist, but since he was kicked out of his band (and his apartment), he’s not sure he’ll ever get a record deal. Living with his loser uncle in a beat-up trailer and working a dead-end job, Michael has little reason to hope for a better future. Until the invitation for a swanky New Year’s Eve party shows up in the mailbox. It’s for his uncle, with whom he shares his name, but his uncle is going out of town . . .

On the effervescent night of December 31, 1989–as the Berlin Wall is coming down, the Soviet Union is inching toward democracy, and anything seems possible–Michael will cross paths with the accomplished and enigmatic young heir to a fading musical dynasty, forever altering both of their futures.

Award-winning novelist Erin Bartels enchants with this story of two lonely souls who have exactly what the other one needs–if they could simply turn their focus from what is ending to what is just beginning.

Meet the Author

ERIN BARTELS is the award-winning author of We Hope for Better Things, The Words between Us, All That We Carried, and The Girl Who Could Breathe Under Water. Her short story “This Elegant Ruin” was a finalist in The Saturday Evening Post 2014 Great American Fiction Contest and her poetry has been published by The Lyric. She lives in the capital city of a state that is 40% water, nestled somewhere between angry protesters on the Capitol lawn and couch-burning frat boys at Michigan State University. And yet, she claims it is really quite peaceful.

You can find her on Instagram @erinbartelswrites and Facebook @ErinBartelsAuthor.

What I Would Tell You by Liz Tolsma

Posted on February 2, 2023February 1, 2023 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

What I Would Tell You by talented wordsmith Liz Tolsma is a Christian time split novel about World War II and the struggles of the Jewish people. It is a poignant tale. Your heart will be touched by this brilliant book. I love time split novels, but I am not much for novels about WWII. The horrific activities of that time break my heart. What I Would Tell You is a captivating tale.

Set in 1941 Salonika, Greece this tells the story of Greek Jews during the time of the Holocaust. In present day, Thessaloniki is the setting. The book opens with “This is the day I dreaded, the day I feared might come, the day I prayed never would. Greece will never be the same.” Immediately, I had goosebumps but kept reading. At time my breath caught and my heart raced, but I kept turning the pages. I wanted to see what would happen next to my new friends.

From page one I was invested in this award worthy novel. It was an emotional read for me. I needed a tissue as I turned pages. The historical part of this moving split timeline story focuses on Mathilda Nissim, a young Jewish woman and how her life changed when the German occupation began. In the contemporary part, we meet Tessa Riley. She visits the museum in Thessaloniki and discovers something life changing.

Author Tolsma has a beautiful style of writing, which I thoroughly enjoy. Her characters are vivid and realistic with multiple layers. The descriptive words she uses whisk me away to a time and place far from where I am. Her details and historical facts allow me to glean things that I never before knew. After reading this book I feel better acquainted with Greece and long to visit there.

I highly recommend this moving book. Some sections are hard to read, but realistic. It is hard to believe that people were treated in such a horrendous way. Lovers of WWII books will not want to miss this one. Everyone should read this. It has stuck with me and will for a long time. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book:What I Would Tell You

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre: Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical Fiction

Release date: January 1, 2023

DNA Test Unlocks a Family Mystery

Sephardic Jew Mathilda Nissim watches in horror as the Germans invade her beloved city of Salonika, Greece. What angers her most is the lack of resistance her people put up to their captors. In secret and at great risk to her life, she continues to publish her newspaper, calling her people to action. She doesn’t trust God to help them. When she and her husband find out they are expecting a child, Mathilda may have to resort to desperate measures to ensure her daughter’s survival.

Three generations later, college student Riley Payson and her cousin take a popular DNA test only to discover they don’t share any common ancestors. In fact, the test shows Riley is a Sephardic Jew from Greece. This revelation shakes Riley’s tenuous faith and sends her on a journey to discover what happened to her great-grandmother and how all this relates to her faith and her life today.

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. Please visit her website at www.liztolsma.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter (@LizTolsma), Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. She is also the host of the Christian Historical Fiction Talk podcast.