Witness at the Cross: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Friday is an eye-opening look at Good Friday from author Amy-Jill Levine. It is an in-depth look at the cross from several people that were there. I found it enlightening and a must keep book for my reference library.
Author Levine has divided her book into six chapters along with an introduction and conclusion. She obviously has done extensive research to produce such a detailed book. I learned so much even though I thought I knew all about the crucifixion and resurrection. Her insights were eye-opening and shined a new light on things.
Levine has a style of writing that is straight forward and easy to understand. Scripture is referenced heavily throughout her book. Explanations are explained with references. She taught me so much about the temple, veil, and people. Her knowledge of Judaism from the time of Jesus made the events more relatable and understandable. Questions concerning laws about the Sabbath, the temple, the torn veil, and observation of the Passover feast were efficiently explained.
Author Levine is “Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita, and Professor of New Testament Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt University.” She has written many books on Jesus.
I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to study Holy Friday. Whether you are a fledgling Christian or seasoned one, this amazing book will be an excellent tool to help you learn. It would make a beautiful Lenten group study. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars.
When Dignity Came to Harlan by author Rebecca Duvall Scott is Book One in her Dignity series. It is a poignant historical novel based on a true story. I had to remind myself of this several times. Based on a true story!
Author Scott takes readers on a journey to Harlan County, Kentucky in the early 1900’s. This is the story of twelve year old Anna Beth Atwood and her family. They have experienced some devastating times and hope for better days. Leaving Missouri they travel to Kentucky via wagon. Decisions made were heart-wrenching.
I was immediately invested in the story and characters. Anna was an old soul that seemed much older than her twelve years. Her older sister is married and staying in Missouri, making Anna the oldest sister to her three sisters going to Kentucky. When they reach their destination I am stunned at the turn of events. Since the beginning of time, parents sacrifice for what they believe is best for their children.
The writing was exceptional. I was captivated and moved by this book. At times my heart hurt and other times I rejoiced. I was anxious and shocked by the characters’ actions. The conversations sounded realistic. The author has researched this story impeccably. The book is well planned and well written.
This was a mesmerizing inspiring story of faith and redemption. It was sad what Anna had to endure, and yet inspiring how she grew. A riveting historical book based on a true story, this was difficult to read in places. It tackles subjects of courage, dignity, abuse, family, friendship, loyalty, growth, truth, and redemption. There are questions at the end of the book which would assist book clubs or small groups. Discussions would be long and heartfelt about this book.
I highly recommend When Dignity Came to Harlan. A copy was provided by Celebrate but these are my honest words. It received 5 out of 5 stars as a rating from me.
About the Book
Book: When Dignity Came to Harlan
Author: Rebecca Duvall Scott
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Release date: January 17, 2021
I made up my mind right then and there that I would just have to wade into this move like wading into a pond or lake I’d never seen before – slow and steady, feeling around for my footing and trying to avoid the sharp edges at the bottom that you never see coming.
***
News of what really happened to me – to us – spread through town like wildfire. It caught from one dry gossip tree to another and burned them to the ground with shame.
***
“Y’can do this, child – show ’em why I call y’Dignity,” my old friend winked at me.
Skillfully written and sure to draw you in to its pages, When Dignity Came to Harlan is set in the early 1900s and follows twelve-year-old Anna Beth Atwood as she leaves Missouri with her family dreaming of a better life in the coal-rich mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky. Anna Beth’s parents lose everything on the trip, however, and upon asking strangers to take their girls in until they get on their feet, Anna Beth and her baby sister are dropped into the home of Jack and Grace Grainger – who have plenty of problems of their own. Anna Beth suffers several hardships during her time in Harlan, and if it wasn’t for her humble and wise old friend who peddles his wisdom along with his wares, all would be lost.
Based on a true family history, this is a story of heartbreak and hope, challenges and perseverance, good and evil, justice and merciful redemption. It exemplifies the human experience in all its many facets and shows what it means to have real grit.
Take the journey with us and see how, with the unseen hand of God, one girl changed the heart and soul of an entire town.
Rebecca Duvall Scott is an award-winning author with titles holding #1 bestseller within her publishing companies long after release. Her first work was self-help memoir, Sensational Kids, Sensational Families: Hope for Sensory Processing Differences, which she wrote in the years following her son’s sensory processing disorder diagnosis and their family’s successful treatment plan. While her special-needs advocacy helping parents, teachers, and professionals better understand individuals with SPD has a large part of her heart, her roots have always been in historical fiction. Her long-awaited Christian historical fiction novel, When Dignity Came to Harlan, was based on her great-grandmother’s childhood, and Teaching Dignity continues the tender and heroic story. She looks forward to writing more in both the Dignity and Sensational Kids series.
In addition to writing, Rebecca enjoys family, church, educating her children at home, painting, and directing a local homeschool cooperative organization where she works hard to accommodate all special needs.
More from Rebecca
From the time I was a little girl, my grandmother would gather me around her kitchen table – usually with homemade peach pies – and tell me stories of our forebears. I found the experiences of those who came before me to be both tragic and joyful, but most of all I found them worthy of being told and never forgotten. When I was 16, I started taking notes on everything my grandmother could remember about her mother (one of the humblest and most heroic of my ancestors) and as a senior in college, I turned in the first 70 pages of the manuscript based on her childhood, When Dignity Came to Harlan. I’ll never forget how on graduation day, my creative writing teacher shook my hand and said, “Rebecca, please finish the story.” It took years to finish my debut novel… I think because I had to grow up and develop a deep enough emotional well to do it justice… but finish the story I did. Little did I know, however, this bestselling and award-winning book, the one I was always meant to write, would be the starter of a new, yet powerfully old-fashioned, Christian historical fiction series!
To celebrate her tour, Rebecca is giving away the grand prize package of signed copies of When Dignity Came to Harlan and Teaching Dignity, a handmade ornament, and popular early 1900s candy!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Everard by author Chautona Havig is a Christian Fantasy Fairy Tale book. Who is better to write this type of book than author Havig? She possesses a quick wit, sharp mind, and is one of the most creative, imaginative writer’s I have had the good fortune to read. This is Book 2 in the Not So Fairy Tales series, but it can be read as a standalone.
This is the story of Everard from Havilund. He is on a quest to prove himself worthy to the father of the lady he desires. As he journeys to get proof that he is in fact worthy, the adventure gets quite interesting. He encounters a feisty talking lizard as well as a dwarf with superiority issues, but wait….there’s more.
Everard must complete three tasks in order to marry his lady, Roana. Her father appears to want Everard to fail. She seems is very quiet about the whole matter. Perhaps there is something more going on here?
The author has done an outstanding job in penning this tale. Characters are more than what they initially appeared. Using twists and turns, timeless life and spiritual lessons, humor, and exquisite writing, Havig has written a tale that can be read by everyone. The pace is a tad slow in areas, but for the most part it flows along at a nice pace.
If you are searching for something different and delightful to read, here it is! I highly recommend this lovely book. Book Clubs should select it for a lively meeting. It gets 4 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my own words.
About the Book
Book: Everard
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian / Fantasy / Fairy Tale
Release date: October 2, 2012
A Prince, a friend, and a lizard walk into a trap…
Everard of Havilund—fierce warrior, brave soldier, loyal friend, heir to the throne, and painfully shy. The war is over! Or is it? After four long years fighting in a war that has spanned a millennium, Everard is finally going home. He has faced everything he fears most—he thinks. Alas, trouble is brewing in the little hamlet of Hidden Hollow and he has only himself to blame. Follow Everard as he tries to slay the Dragon of Ironia, face the Giant of the Tripp Mountains, bring the Enchantress of Enervatia to justice… just for starters. Will he succeed? Will he overcome his personal demons that threaten all he is working for? Find out in this second installment of the Not-So-Fairy Tales.
Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forwardseries, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
More from Chautona
“Can you write a short story for Kaira’s birthday? Something about a paisley princess? We’re doing a medieval theme, and Cathe is making the most scrumptious dress…”
A short story. Sure, I could. Why not? I’d throw in some things that fit Kaira and her family and some to make it not a bad attempt to write about a girl I only knew through her mother’s eyes. I’d make her hopelessly ordinary (which Kaira certainly was not). I’d give her lovely skills with a harp (which Kaira definitely has), and I’d give her the name Paisley Paisley so that, as her father, the king of Jackalopany, said “She’d be eager to marry and change it someday.”
Seventy-thousand or so words later the “short story” was done.
The silliest thing I’d ever written, but man… that was fun. Complete with a human chess game, frog pox, and heartbreaking bravery, it wasn’t great literature—Andersson would never approve—but it was mine.
It also gave me a thirst for something more… something… real. Okay, so that sounds a little weird writing about a fairy tale as “real” but in truth, it’s how I felt. I wanted to write a deliberate one, not just a wild romp through story ideas. Some elements of the first book would have to stay. For example, I’d given the first book a cheeky narrator who did a lot of “explaining” about “fairy tale terms” and definitions. She had to return.
But this time, I wanted quests daring dos, and well… yeah. I wanted something a bit more structured. I also wanted it to reflect another family I loved and cherished. In this one, a prince returns from a war lasting almost a thousand years (he didn’t fight the whole time, never fear) to report victory and does something so out of character that it sends his life in a totally different direction.
In my opinion, it has the most truly romantic scene I’ve ever written in it, but even most boys of very tender years (who still think girls are “yucky”) haven’t complained. THAT is my kind of romance!
But more than anything, Everard has honor, bravery, self-sacrifice, and every kind of love you see in the Bible. It’s the second book in the Not-So-Fairy Tales, but it won’t be the last. Leicelin has something she wants to share with the world, too.
Author Molly Jebber has written an outstanding Christian Amish historical romance with Magdelena’s Choice. This is Book 5 in her The Amish Charm Bakery series, but it can be read as a stand alone. It is so different from usual Amish stories. My interest was captured early, and I became invested in the story and characters.
Set in early 1900’s Charm, Ohio, this is Magdelena Beachy’s story. She is a lovely Amish girl, works in the bakery, and helps her family as all dutiful Amish daughters are taught to do. She and Toby Schlabach have had eyes for each other for a long time. She is from a wealthy Amish family but he is just an average guy. He wants to be able to support her before he proposes. Her father does not think Toby will ever be able to do that.
A new family moves into town. They have a lot of money and a son, Zach, that is interested in Magdelena. Her father seizes this opportunity to make some decisions that should be Magdelena’s.
The author has written a story full of timeless life lessons about greed, character, priorities, obedience, submission, love, hope, and trusting God. Characters are vibrant and come to life on the pages. It was easy to become engrossed in the story and be taken to Charm. I felt like I was there as I cheered in some places and shook my head in others.
I highly recommend this Amish novel. Any lover of Amish fiction will be delighted with it. Author Jebber writes realistic Amish books that are fascinating and this one is no exception. 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: Magdelena’s Choice
Author: Molly Jebber
Genre: AMISH HISTORICAL ROMANCE
Release date: January 25, 2022
As the daughter of a wealthy rancher, Magdelena Beachy may not truly need her job at the Amish Charm Bakery, but she enjoys tending to customers, be they neighbors or curious Englischers. Only one thing would make life sweeter, and that’s if Toby Schlabach would court her. It’s not just his dimples and smile that warm Magdelena’s heart—she admires his kindness and values. Yet she worries their chance may slip away . . .
With his daed ill and his mother and sister depending on him, Toby can’t yet offer Magdelena the future she deserves. But even as he nears his goal, he learns her father has arranged a match with another suitor. Magdelena risks shunning if she goes against her family. Choosing a path will take courage as well as faith—in God’s plan, and in this steadfast, tender love . . .
Molly Jebber is a best-selling and award-winning author of Amish Historical Romance. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten lists, USA Today’s HEA, featured in live video on Naples News, many media outlets across the U.S. You’ll find her books on most stores the first three months of their release across the U.S, UK, Canada, and more. She’s been interviewed on television, and she’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, other women’s professional organizations, and she offers presentations on writing, agent or no agent, publishing, and marketing. She also speaks about the Amish lifestyles and traditions. She says the most rewarding part about writing stories is meeting wonderful readers who become friends through social media and at her speaking events. Please visit her website: http://www.mollyjebber.com for a full list of her books, speaking events and recipes.
She loves God, her family, and friends and Florida sunshine. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!
More from Molly
Magdelena faces difficult decisions when having a difference of opinion with her parents. If she goes against them, she’ll face serious consequences. Sometimes we have family situations that arise, and they require us to search our heart for how to deal with them. Toby also faces hardship, tragedy, and being judged wrongly by others. Toby and Magdelena are sure God has a plan for their lives, but they’re not sure if they are following his will. They pray for guidance. You’ll enjoy their friends and how they come into play in this story. We all have friends we love, and memories we make with them. They root for us. The same goes for this couple. You’ll wonder what will happen next, and just when you think things are better, something else happens. I hope you enjoy the story. Don’t forget to sign up for a chance to win the grand prize at the end of this tour!
Flipping Hearts by author Chautona Havig is book 13 in the Independence Island series. This latest installment in the Christian contemporary romance series is delightful. I had the pleasure of listening to the audio version, which was narrated by Christa DelSorbo.
The narrator did a phenomenal job. Her voice is smooth like butter and changes to match characters. I giggled at some of them. She read with the enthusiasm of a mother reading a nighttime story to her children, and I was equally engrossed in each word. Her voice truly brought life to the pages of this delightful beach tale.
In Flipping Hearts we learn the story of Brooks and Bailey. They were like a cat and dog in their bickering. Some of the best romances start out where the couple cannot stand each other. Both Brooks and Bailey were curt and unrelenting in the opinion the other was the problem.
A storm has damaged parts of the island and a television crew comes in to film relief efforts. Residents are not happy about this. A mystery arises when someone begins sabotaging some of the work. Who is this scoundrel?
Author Havig crafted these characters into relatable, multi-faceted, believable ones. Each had flaws, were endearing, and at times drove me crazy. The changes that took place in their characters and relationship were heartwarming. People from past books popped up and it was like seeing old friends
In her usual style, the author has written an engaging tale that is ripe with life and spiritual messages. There is humor, twists, mystery, and romance. I highly recommend this title and the audio version. Both the book and narrator receive a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
About the Book
Book: Flipping Hearts
Author: Chautona Havig
Narrator: Christa DelSorbo
Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction
When a hurricane rips through Hooper Island, a tidal wave of TV crews follows and upsets the locals.
Brooks Crawforth agreed to volunteer crews helping to clean up and repair things on the island, not a whole home and garden series on the total renovation of several houses and a bit of cleanup on the side. He’s furious, and the show host is spitting nails at the person who blew it in the first place.
His and his father’s jobs are in jeopardy, the islanders are about to kill him, and that crazy show host blames him for her assistant’s last-minute, “you’ve-got-to-sign-this-now-or-we-can’t-come” contract.
One more thing. Did she have to be so cute?
He’s got even more trouble, though. Islanders are starting to blame Mallory Barrows for the invasion. Not only that, there are rumors of dismantling the association and allowing tourism on the islands. How’s he supposed to fix this mess?
They can’t stand each other, but if they can manage to flip off the enemy switch and flip on some cooperation, maybe their hearts’ll get flipped, too.
This “enemies to romance” novel introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.
Using story to connect readers with the Master Storyteller.
Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours, and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.
About the Narrator
Speaking Life into Story
Queen of the one-eyebrow quirk, Christa DelSorbo auditioned for the role of Tarzan’s mom and has the photos to prove she ended up as the only cast member in a literal cast. These days, they keep her stuck in a box with a ball on a stick and only feed her when she reads another chapter of another fabulous book. She loves every minute. Or so they tell her. *eyebrow slowly raises *
To celebrate their tour, Chautona and Christa are giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book in winner’s choice of format!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
High-Wire Heartbreak by author Anna Schmidt is a Christian dual time mystery romance and the third installment in the riveting Doors to the Past series. The cover is beautiful and the other two books in the series were excellent so I expected this book to be great. It delivered.
I became invested in this story easily. Never had I heard about Ca d’Zan, the Ringling property. It is now a museum. The author whisked me away to it in Sarasota, Florida in 1936. I love novel that teach me about new things.
This is the story of modern day Chloe Whitfield. She is an author that writes historical mysteries. Her trip to John Ringling’s home in Florida is not just to aid in her newest book, but she wants to get information on her great-grandmother, a trapeze artist for the Ringlings.
Dr. Ian Flanner is the museum’s director and historian. He helps Chloe research, but it seems this quickly turns into a mystery itself. This becomes a page turning story with intrigue, mystery, romance, and heartbreak.
Author Schmidt has a knack for telling stories. She effortlessly wove two stories from different eras into one captivating tale. Characters were realistic and believable. The 1936 dialogue sounded authentic. This glorious book took me to the inside circles of the circus. I did not just read this book, I experienced.
If you like dual time stories, mysteries, stories based on real life events, sweet romance, or inspirational novels, this one is for you. I highly recommend it. It is most unique and so interesting. There are many life and spiritual lessons to be learned here, such as family, loyalty, faith, hope, love, and trusting God. It would make a lively reading group selection. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: High-Wire Heartbreak
Author: Anna Schmidt
Genre: Christian/Romance/History
Release date: January 1, 2022
In 1936–A party at the Ringling mansion Ca d’Zan in Sarasota, Florida, leads to a robbery–and possibly death.
A successful historical mystery writer, Chloe Whitfield comes to Ca’ d’Zan to research her next novel. Chloe’s fascination with the circus is rooted in family stories of her great-grandmother Lucinda Conroy, who reportedly was a trapeze artist of some renown. She’s heard hints of scandal—and perhaps larceny, but no details.
Chloe’s grandmother—rumored to be Lucinda’s only offspring—was raised in an orphanage and never knew her mother. Intrigued as she is, Chloe has no intent of writing about Lucinda until she sees a poster featuring Lucinda as the star performer for a 70th birthday gala for John Ringling in May of 1936. From there the trail goes cold.
Anna Schmidt is the author of over twenty works of fiction. Among her many honors, Anna is the recipient of Romantic Times’ Reviewer’s Choice Award and a finalist for the RITA award for romantic fiction. She enjoys gardening and collecting seashells at her winter home in Florida.
More from Anna
It’s hard to split time living between Wisconsin and Sarasota Florida and NOT get caught up in the circus world! The Ringlings are icons in Sarasota where a LOT of things are named for them! But the five circus brothers got their start right here in Wisconsin. So, when the opportunity to create a story for DOORS TO THE PAST came my way, it was pretty much a no-brainer that I would go with John and Mable Ringling’s incredible home, Ca ‘d Zan as the setting. Then somehow, I stumbled on this picture:
and I knew she was my character of Lucinda, the trapeze artist whose story would drive my novel. I hope you fall in love with her—and Chloe—as I did, and most of all I hope you’ll be in touch to let me know what you thought at http://booksbyanna.com.
Searching for Home by author Jill Weatherholt is a delightful Christian contemporary romance. It is part of the Love Inspired Inspirational Romance series books. I enjoyed it immensely.
This is the story of Meg. She is a sort of Wonder Woman. Meg leads a busy life as she takes care of her sister’s triplets along with her other responsibilities. She is a physical therapist, runs a B&B, and now mother to her two nieces and nephew.
Things get turned upside down when she welcomes a new patient and resident into her B&B. Luke is a friend from her past. He is a rodeo cowboy that left to make it big. Now he has returned home and needs Meg’s help to recover. Will they still have a spark?
Children can make a story even better. What’s better than one child? How about triplets! They are adorable, honest, and funny. The author has done a fantastic job with the characters in this book. They are relatable and realistic. I wanted to become friends with Meg. Her character was lovely.
The storyline was interesting. The story flowed at a nice pace. There were a few twists and the children were endearing. They captured my heart. This is a story of hope, love, and second chances.
I recommend this sweet book. It can easily be read in an evening and will leave you feeling encouraged. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own words.
About the Book
Book: Searching for Home
Author: Jill Weatherholt
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Release date: December 28, 2021
Can three little matchmakers lasso a cowboy father? When injured professional bull rider Luke Beckett returns to his hometown to recover, he doesn’t expect his B and B host and physical therapist to be his first and only love, Meg Brennan. He’s also unprepared for Meg’s adorable triplets to steal his heart. Luke’s past has him doubting he’s good enough for Meg and the children, but they might be just what the doctor ordered to help him heal…
By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired.
Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia.
She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.
She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.
Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
More from Jill
It happened in slow motion.
I was traveling on the interstate at 65 mph, in the far-left lane. The traffic was heavy but moving.
Then the unthinkable happened. A wheelbarrow fell off the back of a pickup truck in front of my car.
Swerving to my right lane wasn’t an option, it was full of cars. The left shoulder was narrow and led to a steep drop off.
I gripped the wheel and had a split second to weigh my options. If I maintained my course, the wheelbarrow would burst through my windshield. If I went to the right, I could cause a multi-car pileup. There was a tractor trailer close behind me, so I couldn’t hit my brakes.
I prepared myself for the worst. Then I prayed to God to help me.
Moments later, when I was safely off the interstate, I burst into tears. I was still alive. No one was injured. But how? I couldn’t recall how I got to the exit ramp. How was I able to guide my car around the wheelbarrow?
Later, I realized that God was truly in control of my life. Growing up in the church and listening to my grandmother, I had always known God loved me. But that day, I felt His love more than I ever had my life. He wanted me to live. But why?
I’d like to think that He wasn’t quite finished with me. That maybe He had better things in store for me. Perhaps He blessed me with a gift to weave together a story that can give a person hope. A story that can bring a little light into what is sometimes a dark and scary world. After all, I didn’t grow up wanting to be a writer. Like that day on the interstate, it’s all God’s goodness.
Elsie Whitmore: A Star from Oak Hills by author Amy Lynn Walsh is a Christian Contemporary Billionaire Romance. This is the author’s first book. I will definitely be watching for her next one.
This is the story of Elsie Whitmore. She is a teacher from Pennsylvania who gains the attention of popular heart throb actor Graham Thurston. He is an actor that her female students all dream about, and he wants her to star in his next movie.
For me the book started out a little slow. It did pick up and turn into a delightful story. The characters were realistic and developed throughout the pages. Elsie was a wonderful role model for her students and others. She was caring, modest, had values, and faith. I became invested in her character easily and cheered for her success. There are many life lessons played out in this sweet novel.
The author has a pleasant writing style. Her characters are relatable and interesting. The plot was interesting with some twists and turns. Romance was sweet and lovely. The conversations were realistic. Except for a sluggish start, the story unfolded at a nice pace that held my interest.
I recommend this Contemporary fiction to those that enjoy sweet romance. It receives a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
About the Book
Book: Elsie Whitmore
Author: Amy Lynn Walsh
Genre: Contemporary Sweet and Clean
Release date: March 16, 2021
Elsie Whitmore, a teacher from the small town of Oak Hills, Pennsylvania, is shocked when one of her YouTube videos goes viral, drawing the attention of the famous actor Graham Thurston. When Thurston seeks to cast her in a film that he is directing, Elsie is conflicted: Should she give up teaching, a career she finds deeply fulfilling, for her childhood dream of becoming an actress? Join Elsie Whitmore as she travels down the bumpy road of being cast in a film production and falling in love with a movie star while being homesick for her family, friends, and students back home in Oak Hills. Will Elsie return to teaching and her close-knit community, or will she pursue her love for Graham Thurston and acting for Proscenium Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard?
Amy Walsh is a 5th-grade teacher who loves teaching children about what she loves to do herself: reading and writing. She enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping with her Scouts BSA Troop. Amy also appreciates opportunities to share her faith through singing, teaching and writing for her church family. Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children: Bree, Spencer, Liz, and a son-in-law, Kyle. Amy and her family love to spend time together celebrating special occasions, listening to great music, swimming and kayaking, and having occasional ping pong tournaments.
More from Amy
The Creation of Elsie
Elsie Whitmore came into being on Election Day 2020. I needed a little escape from the reality of being an urban public school teacher in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the political turmoil in the United States. I decided it was time to take on a big writing project.
Wanting to create a “happy escape” for both myself and readers, I put the best of two worlds that I love into the settings of the novel: farm life in northeastern Pennsylvania and drama in New York City. I created a character who had already overcome childhood anxiety, and in the process of conquering her painful shyness, she had grown strong, wise, and firmly grounded in what she considers important. Elsie had also long ago given up her dream of becoming an actress in order to pursue the more “realistic” career of teaching, which she finds quite fulfilling. But sometimes life has some unexpected twists and turns….
Mrs. Whitmore’s Upsidedown Apple Sticky Toffee Cupcakes Recipe
Graham is so determined that Elsie will give him and his film production a chance that he pulls out all the stops with a lovely dinner after her day of screen tests at Proscenium Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. He even goes so far as to google the most delicious dessert in the world so that his housekeeper can create the perfect end to the meal: English Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Eventually Elsie’s mother puts her own Pennsylvanian spin on this delicious dessert in an Oak Hills sequel. She substitutes apples for dates, adds some molasses and ginger, and makes them into smaller portions perfect for a church concession stand at the county fair.
Here is her recipe:
Dice apples and place them in the bottom of a greased muffin pan. (You may prefer to slice the apples for a fancier look, but that will increase baking time.)
Heat ¼ cup of salted butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, ½ tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. (Mrs. Whitmore just throws everything into a frying pan, quickly stirs once everything has melted, and then turns off the stove as soon as the mixture begins to bubble.)
Cover the apples with the hot mixture. (Mrs. Whitmore uses a gravy ladle to scoop the toffee sauce into the muffin pan.)
Melt 1 stick of salted butter in a mixing bowl.
Add 1 and ½ cup of flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, ¾ cup of light brown sugar, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, 2 eggs, 3 tbsp of molasses, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger.
Mix the ingredients with a spoon like you would mix pancake batter — no need to beat. The consistency will be more like biscuit or cookie dough than cake batter.
Put a scoop of the dough on top of apples and toffee in the muffin pans.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 – 25 minutes. (The top of the cake should look dry.) If you are using regular cupcake pans, you can make 12 and they should be done in 15. If you are using larger muffin pans, you can make 8 and they need to bake for about 20 minutes. If you are baking multiple items in the oven, it will take closer to 25 minutes.
Sometimes the toffee comes up the sides of the cake, so it is best to put a larger tray on the rack underneath or line the bottom of the oven with foil. (Elsie forgot to do this the first time she followed her mother’s recipe. Graham, being a bit over-protective, made her evacuate due to the smoke coming from the oven.)
Immediately after taking out of the oven, turn the muffin pan upside down on a tray, waxed paper, or cookie sheet. Tap the top of the pan and then lift up. Mrs. Whitmore uses a small spatula to collect any apple and toffee still in the pan and puts it on the cakes.
Serve while still warm, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Sometimes, Mrs. Whitmore makes a smaller batch and then puts the rest of the dough in a bread pan to bake. She warms this up the following night and serves with warm lemon pudding and whipped cream — which is very much a northeastern Pennsylvania county fair treat.
To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize package of $50 Amazon gift card along with the eBooks of three novels, A Cursed Enchantment, A Misplaced Beauty, and Elsie Whitmore: A Star from Oak Hills!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Queen of the Rockies by author Angela Breidenbach is Book One in the series of the same name. This Christian historical romance is the first book that I have read by this author. It was very good, and I will be watching for more from her.
This is the story of Calista Blythe, a sassy, caring heroine with a heart for orphans. She is an advocate for justice and compassion. I immediately became invested in the story as I connected with Calista. My heart went out to the many orphans that remained on the Orphan Train all of the way to the end in Montana.
The author did extensive research before writing her engaging tale. I learned things about life in 1889 and Helena, Montana. The author also provided another insight on the children from the Orphan Train. This was the first time I considered that some were never chosen and rode it to the very end. How sad their young lives were.
Another prominent character is Andrew Shanahan. He is a young entrepreneur that organized a pageant to foster interest in the new state of Montana. He enlists Calista’s assistance, and she becomes a very busy young lady.
The author has an inviting style of writing. I began interested in the story within the first few pages. Using romance, humor, twists, and touching moments the author made this a beautiful book that was difficult to put down. I felt like I was there after reading her vivid descriptions of the people and places.
I highly recommend this book. It will stay with you a few days after finishing it. Reading groups would enjoy this selection. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Queen of the Rockies
Author: Angela Breidenbach
Genre: Historical Romance
Release date: September 1, 2021
What will her courage cost? 1889 (Helena, MT): As the gold rush era ends in the most elegant and modern city in the world and Montana emerges as a state, one woman must decide if social pressure will prevail over her own beliefs. Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana at Christmastime to expose the plight of street urchins. But hiding an orphan could unravel Calista’s reputation, and her budding romance with pageant organizer, Albert Shanahan, if her secret is revealed. Will love or social pressure prevail? Courage is choosing to do the right thing regardless of the cost… Romantic, comedic adventure set in picturesque Helena, Montana written by a bestselling author who is also a professional genealogist.
Angela Breidenbach is a professional genealogist, media personality, bestselling author, and screenwriter. She’s also the Christian Authors Network president. Angie lives in Montana with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who shakes hands, rolls over, and jumps through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angie can also. Don’t miss her show and podcast, Genealogy Publishing Coach! Find her on social media: @AngBreidenbach
More from Angela
Queen of the Rockies captured my imagination and my interest in the originality of Montana’s entrance into the United States of America. The people of Montana are quite varied, a true but much unknown fact. People here come from around the world, completely different genealogical origins as well as backgrounds. The influence of gold mining, transportation, and entrepreneurship as well as the exploration of the wild and beautiful lands inspired amazing creativity for both survival and communities.
From completely uncivilized mining camps to stunning old world know-how of the native peoples to about 100 different immigrant nations brought Montana to statehood. Today, many of those descendants still are here farming, mining, doing business. Many of those languages are still spoken. We have immigrant populations that have continued to come. So though Montana is thought to be nearly all white Americans, that’s not anywhere close to the real Montana. Don’t believe everything you see on TV 😉 Come see for yourself.
Vibrant wildlife, dangers of the wilderness and weather, and the opportunity partnered with intensely hard-working conditions created more millionaires in one place than had ever been before. But that didn’t mean everyone knew how to handle that new wealth. Vigilantes, including a sheriff who robbed those he was supposed to protect, ran the ranges for years. The women who brought civilization tamed the men who couldn’t quite keep themselves under control. It’s these incredible women who braved the elements and the hardships that are the stars in my books. Come and meet them. They continue to inspire me today!
Touring and researching through Montana and especially the three original capitals (finally ending up with Helena) fascinated me. There’s so much to do year-round here. I enjoyed it so much that I wrote short travel articles at the back of each book for my readers. I really hope those articles will intrigue people to come and visit the ghost towns, living history towns, hot springs, mountains, and small cities. Each book in this 6-book series will share something special that may not be well-known but will be unforgettable for you as a tourist.
I hope the stories are fun, full of historic entertainment and romance, but also that you’ll have a fresh view of Montana that fires you up to come and visit our beautiful state.
Please remember to pop over to my website and send me a note through the contact page if you’d like an autographed bookplate for all of your copies of the Queen of the Rockies series. If you’re an eBook fan, I’ve heard of the brilliant idea to keep an album of your favorite authors bookplates. I’d be happy to send you those for an album as well.
“The Crown of the Warrior King” by author Henry O. Arnold is Book Two in his biblical fiction series The Song of Prophets and Kings. Book One is “A Voice Within the Flame.” This is actually the first book I have read by author Arnold. I enjoyed his writing style very much.
Biblical fiction can be a tough read for me. I do not want anyone to change parts of the Bible. Adding words and actions to historical characters after diligent research are well received, but making things up on a whim is not.
It is apparent this author has written a well researched, well planned, and well organized book. The vivid descriptions take readers back to Old Testament times as we hear the tale of King Saul. Filled with action, grit, history, and both good and bad choices this book brings 1 Samuel to life. The relationships Saul and Samuel have with God are beautifully told. Each man has a different level of faith, and this will make readers evaluate their own. There are so many life and inspirational messages packed in this book. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of both men as well as other historical figures such as Jonathan, Nathan, and Abner.
I highly recommend “Crown of the Warrior King” to everyone. The book has stayed in my thoughts even though I finished it days ago. If you enjoy biblical fiction, you will not want to miss this one. A church library would benefit from keeping a copy. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Crown of the Warrior King
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release date: December 1, 2021
The desire of Israel…
the first to wear the crown is the warrior king
For decades the nation of Israel had no rest from her enemies. The people cried out, “Give us a king to lead us, to go out before us, to fight our battles.” And Yahweh hears the cries of the chosen. He plucks a king out of the tribe of Benjamin, the smallest of the tribes—Saul, son of a herdsman. The prophet Samuel anoints him as Israel’s first warrior king.
Under the banner of the wolf, the symbol of his tribe, Saul rises to prominence, winning the hearts and minds of the people of Israel with his success on the battlefield and benevolent leadership.
But when the nation of Israel cries out, “For the love of Israel. For the glory of Yahweh. For the honor of the king,” the praises of the people turn the humble heart of the warrior king into one filled with pride—a pride that has fatal consequences.
In this tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love and burning rivalries, the new epoch is given a voice…and it is a Song of Prophets and Kings.
Henry O. Arnold has co-authored a work of fiction, Hometown Favorite, with Bill Barton, and nonfiction, KABUL24, with Ben Pearson. He also co-wrote and produced with Steve Taylor (director) and Ben Pearson the film The Second Chance starring Michael W. Smith, the screenplay for the authorized film documentary on evangelist Billy Graham, God’s Ambassador, and the documentary film KABUL24, based on the book which is the story of western and Afghani hostages held captive by the Taliban for 105 days. He lives on a farm in Tennessee with his lovely wife Kay. They have two beautiful daughters married to two handsome men with three above-average grandchildren. For more information please visit: www.henryoarnold.com
More from Henry
After the golden age of theatre in the Greek and Roman times, the theatre went dark, very dark as in Dark Ages, and for centuries it was thus. But it was the church that brought the theatre back to life by staging passion plays on biblical subjects. Since most people could not read at the time, it was a great way to tell the folks some Bible stories. The world has certainly improved its literacy skills since then. The delight I have in reading and writing stories from the Bible or on biblical themes has been with me for a long time.
When I formulated the concept of retelling the stories of the first three kings of Israel and matching them with the leading prophets of that age, the title of the series, The Song of Prophets and Kings, was a perfect match for the biblical/historical fiction genre. The first volume in this series, A Voice Within the Flame, was released last year and features the life of the prophet Samuel up to and including the anointing and coronation of Saul as the first king of Israel. Now it is time for the second volume, Crown of the Warrior King. This second novel picks up where the last one left off.
Whether the reader or listener is familiar with the biblical stories or not, I have written these novels in such a way that makes these ancient stories come to life in the modern world. When the reader/listener dives into stories that are 3,000 years old, it will be surprising how we all can see ourselves in these characters.
These are biblical stories that I grew up with and have read and studied all my life. It is a joy to get to share them with you in this series, The Song of Prophets and Kings.
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Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 