A Life Redeemed Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on October 16, 2021October 4, 2021 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

A Life Redeemed by author Olivia Rae is a Christian Medieval Historical Romance novel. It is the second book in the author’s Secrets of the Queens Series. Even though this is Book Two it may easily be read as a standalone. It is a rather lengthy book, but once engaged in the tale, the pages fly by. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

This is a wonderful, clean Medieval story. The author has researched it extensively as evidenced by the many details. It is well planned well written, well organized, full of historical drama, and a true heart-warmer. All lovers of English history will eagerly devour this beautiful gem.

Set in 1559 in England and Scotland, this is the story of Audrey Hayes. She has been dismissed to her house from court. Queen Elizabeth then shows up demanding Audrey travel to Scotland to become a companion to the mother of a Scottish Laird. She is to watch the household and discover if they are in support of the Protestant or Catholic religion? If she refuses to become a spy, her family will be put into prison. Leaving her no choice, she agrees to go.

Audrey finds Laird Gavin Armstrong at his castle raising a child that is not his own son. His wife threw herself over the castle walls after the birth of his second child. The laird has closed off his heart and wants nothing to do with the beautiful new companion. A woman he soon finds he can’t trust.

Their story is full of twists and turns as well as ups and downs. It is rich with history and full of emotion. I was immediately invested in the story and Audrey’s life. The characters in this epic tale became dear friends as I read longer and learned more details about them. I loved Gran, too. Characters were well defined, individualized, and complex. It was fun watching their many layers fall away until their true nature was revealed.Thomas, the young boy, was a precious lad.

The author has a wonderful style of writing. She has captured the style and everything else about life in mid 1500s Scotland. Her dialogue was authentic and interesting. It flowed freely and never lagged or sounded forced. The same for her story, it had a pleasant, even pace.

Spiritual messages are woven through this lovely story. Messages of trust, hope, forgiveness, and redemption. The dispute between Reformers or Protestants and Catholic is handled beautifully. Two characters illustrate that those of both persuasions believe in the same Unconditional Love and Merciful God as well as have Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

I highly recommend this thought provoking novel. It has remained in my thoughts even thought it has been finished for many days. I found it captivating, inspiring, and thoroughly entertaining. It receives 5 out of 5 stars from this reader. I eagerly await the next in this series. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: A Life Redeemed

Author: Olivia Rae

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 16, 2021

Everyone has a secret, who can a queen trust?

Upon Queen Elizabeth’s order, Audrey Hayes travels to the borderlands of Scotland to learn where the fierce Laird Armstrong’s loyalties lie. Is he aligned with his mother’s English roots in support of the queen, or does he hold with the beliefs of his father, who wishes to see Mary of Scots on the English throne? The fate of Audrey’s family rests on her success in finding the answer.

After losing his lands in a wager and being betrayed by his kin, Gavin Armstrong entered a loveless marriage to obtain the funds to buy back his family home, Warring Tower. Now a widower, struggling against countless border wars, he is on the verge of losing his home and lands again. With few resources, he reluctantly makes another risky wager, one he cannot hope to win without trusting the secretive Audrey Hayes, a woman he suspects is an English spy.

As the two work together to save Warring Tower, their attraction to one another grows. But when Audrey finally gains the information she seeks for Queen Elizabeth, she realizes that the only way she can save her family is to betray the man she loves.

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, boring 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 by adding in what she’s learned as an adult living in a small town on the edge of a big city. When not writing, she loves to travel, dragging her family to old castles and forts all across the world.

Olivia is the winner of the Angel Award, Book Buyers Best Award, Golden Quill Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, Southern Magic Contest, and the American Fiction Award. She is an Illumination Award Gold and Bronze medalist. She has also been a finalist in many other contests such as the National Readers’ Choice Awards, and the National Romance Fiction Awards. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

More from Olivia

My novel, A Life Redeemed takes place in 16^th Century England and Scotland. A very popular dish at the time was the meat pie. Back then making such a dish took a lot of time. My Grandmother made a similar dish with modern day ingredients that you can whip together in no time. Cheesy meat pie is a real family pleaser and a delicious bit of history.

Medieval Cheesy Meat Pie

1 pound ground beef

½ cup chopped onion

1 – 8 oz. can of tomato sauce

¼ cup parsley

1 – 3oz. can chopped mushrooms (drained)

1/8 teaspoon pepper

¼ teaspoon dried oregano

2 packages (8 rolls) crescent rolls

3 eggs

Shredded cheese (mixed cheddar and mozzarella)

In skillet, brown beef, onion (drain). Stir in tomato sauce, parsley, mushrooms, pepper and oregano, then set aside. Unroll one package of crescent rolls, forming 12×6 inch rectangle. Seal edges and perforations together. Roll to fit in 9-inch pie plate, trim. Separate one egg and set aside the yoke. Beat egg white with remaining two eggs. Spread over half the dough. Spoon meat into shell, arranging cheese on top. Pour remaining egg mixture over cheese. Roll out second package of crescent rolls, sealing on top of pie. Beat remaining egg yoke and a tablespoon of water, brush on top of dough. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. If pastry gets too brown, cover with foil. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, October 9

Labor Not in Vain, October 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 11

Genesis 5020, October 11

Bigreadersite, October 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Texas Book-aholic, October 15

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 16

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 16

deb’s Book Review, October 17

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, October 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 18

Connie’s History Classroom, October 19

Mary Hake, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

Betti Mace, October 22

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away the grand prize packaged 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/11fe0/a-life-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway

The Scarlet Pen Celebrate Lit Book Tour and Giveaway

Posted on August 3, 2021July 23, 2021 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

The Scarlet Pen by author Jennifer Uhlarik is Book 12 in Barbour Publishing’s the True Colors Crimes series. Each book in this series is based on an unbelievable true crime.The books are all so different, but every one of them has captured my interest and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. This one was just as riveting.

This is the story of Stephen Dee Richards and his childhood friend Emma Draycott. After having been apart for a few years they run into each other at church. After a brief period of becoming reacquainted they decide become engaged. Emma has always felt sorry for Stephen and stood up for him, but is that love?

Strange things begin to happen in places where Stephen has visited. Secret Service Agent, Clay Timmons, is called in to investigate. When he meets the Draycott family he is enamored with Emma, but she is engaged to the ever traveling Stephen. This historical account takes place in the 1870’s and spanned about three years. The characters are realistic and relatable.

The author has done an excellent job bringing this story to life. I became invested in it and the characters early in the book. This macabre story was unbelievable at times, but the author lists the facts in her notes. Even though the subject matter is not for the faint of heart, author Uhlarik skillfully and discreetly handled it with her deft pen. I was grateful for the minimum use of details. After the story is an Author’s Notes section, information on the author, and a preview of another of the True Colors Crime books.

There are many timeless life and spiritual lessons incorporated in this novel. Some of the first are about trusting your parents and God, not gossiping or telling someone else’s story, and being honest. There were no discussion questions, but this would make a nice reading group selection. There is so much to discuss! I highly recommend this for older teens or young adults and above because of the subject matter. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was received from the publisher, but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Book: The Scarlet Pen

Author: Jennifer Uhlarik

Genre: Christian Historical Suspense

Release date: July 2021

Engaged to a Monster

Book 12 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Enjoy a tale of true but forgotten history of a 19th century serial killer whose silver-tongued ways almost trap a young woman into a nightmarish marriage.

In 1876, Emma Draycott is charmed into a quick engagement with childhood friend Stephen Dee Richards after reconnecting with him at a church event in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. But within the week, Stephen leaves to “make his fame and fortune.” The heartbroken Emma gives him a special pen to write to her, and he does with tales of grand adventures. Secret Service agent Clay Timmons arrives in Mount Pleasant to track purchases made with fake currency. Every trail leads back to Stephen—and therefore, Emma. Can he convince the naive woman she is engaged to a charlatan who is being linked a string of deaths in Nebraska?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jennifer Uhlarik discovered the western genre as a preteen, when she swiped the only “horse” book she found on her older brother’s bookshelf. A new love was born. Across the next ten years, she devoured Louis L’Amour westerns and fell in love with the genre. In college at the University of Tampa, she began penning her own story of the Old West. Armed with a BA in writing, she has won five writing competitions and was a finalist in two others. In addition to writing, she has held jobs as a private business owner, a schoolteacher, a marketing director, and her favorite—a full-time homemaker. Jennifer is active in American Christian Fiction Writers and is a lifetime member of the Florida Writers Association. She lives near Tampa, Florida, with her husband, teenage son, and four fur children.

More from Jennifer

Hello, Readers! For all who might never have read one of my stories or come across me, it’s great to meet you! I’m a wife, a mom, a (young!) grandma, and an author—among many other things. My author tagline is “Where Grit Meets Grace.” If you’re familiar with my writing at all, you’ll know that most of my stories at least touch on a bit of the difficult side of life. Death, abandonment, war, addiction, or who knows what else you might find. The Scarlet Pen is no different.

Given that this novel is the final installment in Barbour’s True Colors series, the story revolves around a true crime from history—in this case, the murders of serial killer Stephen Dee Richards—AKA the Nebraska Fiend. Anytime you’re dealing with someone so depraved as he, you’ll find plenty of “grit” to write about. But that’s only half of my tagline. Remember, it’s “Where Grit Meets Grace.”

While I love a story that delves into difficult topics and, in some cases, pushes the characters right to the edge of what they can handle, I also love a truly redemptive story. When I was asked to write for this series, the ideas that drew me the most were the ones that had something redeeming in the actual history. There were plenty of interesting historical killers I could’ve chosen where I could have manufactured a positive, even happy ending through the fictional characters in the book. In the case of Stephen Dee Richards, there was no manufacturing needed. The “grace” part was already written. The end of Stephen’s story is precisely why I chose to write about him. I hope you’ll find it as though-provoking and compelling as I did. Happy reading!

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, July 29

Genesis 5020, July 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 29

For Him and My Family, July 30

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, July 30 (Author Interview)

Christian Bookaholic, July 30

Southern Gal Loves to Read, July 31

Inklings and notions, July 31

Britt Reads Fiction, July 31

Remembrancy, August 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 1

Betti Mace, August 2

Rebecca Tews, August 2

deb’s Book Review, August 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 3

Blogging With Carol , August 3

Older & Smarter?, August 4

Connie’s History Classroom, August 4

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, August 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 5

Bigreadersite, August 5

Godly Book Reviews, August 6

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 6

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, August 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 7

Back Porch Reads, August 7

Mary Hake, August 7

Through the fire blogs, August 8

sodbuster living, August 8

Connect in Fiction, August 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 9

Texas Book-aholic, August 9

KarenSueHadley, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 10

For the Love of Literature, August 10

Blossoms and Blessings, August 10

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, August 11

Spoken from the Heart, August 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Scarlet Pen!!

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/110e0/the-scarlet-pen-celebration-tour-giveaway

A Lawman for Lisette by Teresa Slack Book Review

Posted on June 23, 2020June 23, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

A Lawman for Lisette by author Teresa Slack is Book One in her Willow Woods Brides Series. This Christian historical western romance is a sweet book. There is a touch of mystery, danger, adventure, and romance in the story.

The author takes us to 1890’s Idaho, where the land is as untamed as some of the outlaws. Her descriptive writing made it easy to imagine the dusty, dirty travel and hardships of that time. Author Slack has a pleasing style of writing, but I found it to be a bit uneven. Certain details were just thrown in that did not add anything to the story. Perhaps editing is to blame for that.

This is the tale of Dr. Lisette Pelletier, who went to school back East to become a doctor. She has written in answer to various advertisements searching for a town doctor. Finally she received a reply. It is from the small town of Willow Wood, Idaho. This little town has a few rapscallions, a busybody, and is looking for a doctor to care for the local residents.

It is also about Grayson Dutton, a Marshall who has come home to Willow Wood. They end up on the same stagecoach and sparks start to fly as well as bullets. Lisette gets a wild introduction to the West.

The characters in this story were delightful. I really enjoyed the patients and the relationship the “Lady Doctor” had with them. The spiritual content was not hidden. I loved that. For the most part the conversations flowed well.

This was a nice historical tale. I enjoyed it and would recommend it. It receives a 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own thoughts.

About the Book:

When Lisette Pelletier answers an ad to become a physician in the frontier town of Willow Wood, Idaho, she knows her life will change forever. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with the U.S. Marshal whose life she saves on her way to town.

Federal Marshal Grayson Dutton spent his career protecting pioneers, chasing down bandits, settling disputes before they erupted into gunfire, and returning fire when needed. None of it prepared him for dealing with a feisty lady doc who can’t see when she’s in over her head.

When Grayson hears the gang of outlaws that attacked the stagecoach that brought Lisette to Willow Wood have targeted the lady doc, he’ll stop at nothing to protect her. Lisette doesn’t want to give the lawman the reins to her life. She came west to serve the people of Willow Wood, not hide under her bed in fear at the first sign of danger.

She certainly didn’t plan to fall for a long-legged lawman whose kisses make her dream of marriage, babies, and happily-ever-after, all the things that conflict with her call to medicine. Can she find a place in her life and her heart for love? Can Grayson tame the wild filly before she gets both of them killed?

Purchase link: https://amzn.to/2Wl8dnh

About The Author:

Teresa Slack loves reading, writing, and falling in love. Creating clean and wholesome western romances where fearless cowboys still sweep independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice for her.

She writes from her home in the beautiful southern Ohio hills, which she shares with her husband and rescue dog and rescue cat. Any errors and typos she blames on the cat randomly running across her keyboard.

Learn more about Teresa Slack and her books by visiting her website at www.teresaslack.com Readers who sign up for her newsletter will receive a free download of A Promise for Josie: A Willow Wood Prequel.

Gift from Above by Author Rachel J. Good

Posted on June 20, 2020June 20, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts:

“Gift from Above” by author Rachel J. Good is a delightful Amish Christian fictional tale. This is Book Three in her Sisters and Friends Series. I enjoyed the familiar faces from the past two books.

This is the story of Sarah Esther, youngest daughter in her family. Her sister, Emma, is getting married and they are preparing for her wedding. It is also the story of Jakob Zook. He was once Emma’s boyfriend and now taken with Sarah. Their relationship is a sweet yet anxious part of this.

As she was cutting more celery for the wedding, Sarah noticed something most uncommon. A man in a parachute was drifting down in their yard. He says he has broken his leg during the landing and needs help. Could there be more to this man than meets the eye? Will be be able to comply with Mammi’s rules?

This is an unusual yet interesting story that has many twists and turns. The characters are well rounded and easy to imagine. It is a page turner to see what happens when Englisch and Amish worlds collide. However, Sarah was a bit naive and too trusting even for an Amish young lady. The situation could happen to some degree.

Author Good has done a remarkable job taking me out of my reading chair and transporting me to Amish Country. I enjoy her style of writing and the research she does to make her novels realistic. The feisty older characters have become my favorites in her books. They provide humor and wisdom.

This book has life lessons, messages of faith, mystery, romance, and surprises. Everyone will enjoy it. I was thrilled to see a couple of recipes at the end of the book. It would make a nice book club choice because of the spiritual and life lessons. I definitely recommend this fiction selection. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.

About the Book:

Sarah Esh’s peaceful life turns upside down one afternoon when a parachutist crash-lands on her family’s farm. The stranger insists his life is in danger and begs her to keep his presence secret. Sarah’s promise tangles her in a web of deceit that endangers innocent people, ruins her best friend’s reputation, and tears apart the Amish community. After she discovers the man’s true purpose, Sarah must confess her mistake and repair the damage she’s done. But how can she admit the truth to Jacob Zook knowing it will end their relationship?

Although he was jilted by Sarah’s older sister, Jakob finds himself attracted to Sarah’s kindness and honesty. Her innocence and gentle spirit encourage him to open his heart. Then he discovers the deep secrets Sarah’s been hiding—secrets that destroyed his family and now threaten their love.

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author RACHEL J. GOOD writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. She grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for her Amish novels. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel is the author of several Amish series in print or forthcoming – the bestselling Love & Promises, Sisters & Friends, Unexpected Amish Blessings, Surprised by Love (2021), and two books in Hearts of Amish Country – as well as the Amish Quilts Coloring Books. In addition, she has stories in many anthologies, including Love’s Thankful Heart,Love’s Christmas Blessings,Plain Everyday Heroes, Love’s Truest Hope,and the forthcoming Amish Christmas Twins (September 2020) with Shelley Shepard Gray and Loree Lough. She is also the coauthor of the Prayerful Author Journey: Inspirational Yearly Planner.

Connect with Rachel:

Website: www.racheljgood.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/racheljgoodnovels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/racheljgood1

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/racheljgood1/

Amazon: www.amazon.com/Rachel-J-Good/e/B019DWF4FG

Bookbub: www.bookbub.com/authors/rachel-j-good

Instagram: www.instagram.com/rachelj.good

Newsletter sign-up: http://bit.ly/1qwci4Q

Hitching Post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/196506777789849/

Home on Huckleberry Hill Book Review

Posted on April 28, 2020April 26, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Home On Huckleberry Hill by Jennifer Beckstrand is a Christian contemporary Amish novel. This is Book #9 in the author’s Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill Series. Many old friends made an appearance in this quirky, fun book.

This is the story of Amish married couple Jethro and Mary Anne Neuenschwander. They have had some sadness and disappointments in their marriage. Their lives are drifting apart instead of closer together. Mary Anne does something drastic and Jethro retaliates.

Author Beckstrand is a favorite of mine. I know I will receive a Christian message, a well thought and researched book, and a bit of humor. Her Huckleberry Hills series has some wonderful characters, including Felty and Annie. They are a large part of this book as they make a show of solidarity with Mary Anne.

The life lessons are like precious gems in this story. The main one is about marriage and love. Gossip, forgiveness, submitting, hope, and trust are also beautifully illustrated. Talking about issues and hurt is essential, and the author shows how situations can blow up without being open and honest.

I did become frustrated with all of the bickering. There was so much negativity in this book that I wanted to give up on it a time or two. I am glad I persevered. The message is really lovely and uplifting.

I highly recommend this Amish Christian book. It is especially a good book for a married or soon to be married reader. Everyone will enjoy it. The rating I give it is 4 out of 5 stars. Celebrate Lit provided a copy but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

Back Cover Copy

Huckleberry Hill, Wisconsin’s irrepressible eighty-something matchmakers Anna and Felty Helmuth are at it again. And this time they’re willing to rough it to get the job done . . .

Mary Anne Neuenschwander knows she should be content with what Gotte has given her. She has a comfortable house, a fruitful farm, and a good, steady husband. But after nearly six years of marriage, she still longs for a baby. Yet her husband, Jethro, seems to care more about fishing than about his wife. Unable to bear Jethro’s indifference, Mary Anne moves into a tent in the woods where he won’t have to be bothered. But when her mammi and dawdi find out what she’s done, they’ll stop at nothing—including a little camping trip of their own—to help save their granddaughter’s marriage . . .

Jethro’s greatest blessing is his beloved wife, Mary Anne. Nothing else in his life has turned out anywhere near the way he expected. Rather than burden Mary Anne with his disappointment, he shields her by spending less and less time at home and more time on the river. But when he finds that she’s moved out, he’s shocked. What will people think? What is Mary Anne thinking? And what clever plans are her grandparents hatching?. . .

About the Author

Jennifer Beckstrand is the two-time RITA-nominated, #1 Amazon bestselling Amish romance author of The Matchmakers of Huckleberry Hill series, The Honeybee Sisters series, and The Petersheim Brothers series for Kensington Books. Huckleberry Summer and Home on Huckleberry Hill were bothnominated for the coveted RITA® Award from Romance Writers of America. Jennifer has always been drawn to the strong faith and the enduring family ties of the Plain people and loves writing about the antics of Anna and Felty Helmuth, the Honeybee sisters’ aendi Bitsy, and Alfie and Benji Petersheim. Jennifer has written twenty-two Amish romances, a historical Western, and the nonfiction book, Big Ideas. Jennifer is represented by Nicole Resciniti of the Seymour Agency. She and her husband have been married for thirty-five years, and she has six children and eight adorable grandchildren, whom she spoils rotten.

Social Media Link

Website: http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbeckstrandfans

Twitter: @JenniferBeckst1

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennifergbeckst/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Beckstrand/e/B0073GHCOG/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1488910908&sr=8-2-ent

Instagram: j.beckstrand

Bookbub: @JenniferBeckstrand https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-beckstrand

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3aFrepp

Change of Heart by Molly Jebber

Posted on April 22, 2020April 22, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Author Molly Jabber has written a sweet Christian fiction with the newest installment in her The Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series. I was able to read it in one afternoon and enjoyed it.

This is the story of Amish girl Becca Yost. She was humiliated after her fiancé stood her up at the altar. Not wanting to stay in her home town, she goes to visit her sister, Ruth. Ruth moved away when she got married and became Mennonite.

It is also the story of Englisch Dr. Matt Carrington. He is a kind, caring, gentle man. When he and Becca keep meeting sparks fly. Becca is a sweet and caring person, too. They encounter some issues making a relationship difficult and possibly impossible. There are some twists and turns placed throughout to surprise readers.

The characters in the book are not as deep as in most of the author’s other works. For some reason I felt a little disconnected to them. The dialog seemed stiff and uneven at times. Overall story was very good.

I would recommend this book to Amish lovers. It is a nice, sweet book. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own, honest words.

About the Book

A modern new century brings a young Amish woman an unexpected new life—and a chance to discover love’s true way home…

Ohio, 1899. Soft-spoken midwife Becca Yost lived by her Amish faith’s strict rules—until her fiancé jilted her before their entire community. She’s never been away from home, but the bustling Englischer town of Massillon, Ohio, is a welcome unexpected refuge. Especially when she goes to work for Dr. Matt Carrington, who shares her passion for healing those in need. His outgoing spirit and gentle strength show Becca a surprising new world of choices—and irresistible love. But there is one formidable obstacle: Matt’s wealthy mother is determined her son will marry a society woman.

With her newfound resolve challenged, Becca decides that she and Matt must not be destined for each other after all. She accepts that she will have to forge a life alone—until a wrenching crisis and life-changing revelations teach her that true faith lies in all things, especially impossible second chances.

About the Author

Molly Jebber is an award-winning author of Amish Historical Romance. Molly’s books have been featured in Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today’s HEA, featured in video on Naples News and Romantic Times. She’s a touring speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and she offers presentations on writing, marketing, agent or no agent, publishing, and the Amish lifestyles and traditions. She’s been a guest lecturer for conferences, author events, and at Ohio State University for an event in 2020.

CHANGE OF HEART, GRACE’S FORGIVENESS, & TWO SUITORS FOR ANNA – these books are her Keepsake Pocket Quilt Series. LIZA’S SECOND CHANCE, ELLIE’S REDEMPTION, & HANNAH’S COURAGE are her Amish Charm Bakery Series books. Check her website www.mollyjebber.com for more of her books and where she’ll be next!

She loves God, her family, and friends. She says yes to swimming, the beach, golf, and time with her family and friends, and no to coconut, onions, and skydiving!

Author Links

Facebook: facebook.com/mollymorrisjebber

Twitter: twitter.com/mollymjebber

Pinterest: pinterest.com/mollymjebber

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/molly-jebber

Yours, Mine, & Forever

Posted on March 5, 2020March 4, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Yours, Mine & Forever by author Joanne Markey is a Contemporary Romance novel. As I read it I had visions of a Hallmark movie. This book certainly has everything needed for a good one!

At first I was lost and floundered around trying to get my bearings in the story. I did a little searching and found that Yours, Mine & Forever is Book 2 in the series by author Markey. Once I finally put the pieces together, it was smooth and captivating story. Book 1 is Dreaming of More and is on my list of books to read.

This is the tale of Norah, a sweet, kind-hearted woman wanting to adopt. She is very close to signing the adoption papers except someone does not want the adoption to happen. Norah will not allow anyone to stand in her way of making these special kids her own. It seems the only way this will be able to happen is if she gets married.

There are such great characters in this book. Each have unique personalities and are believable. The author gives just enough detail without making the book boring. My emotions ran up and down with Norah and the kids. I really hope to watch this in a movie one day.

The author has included life and faith lessons in this book. Lessons on loving others, forgiveness, making good choice, and turning to God for guidance. Trusting and having faith in God is also included.

I highly recommend this book, but I believe you would benefit by reading book one first. This would make a great book club choice. There is a lot to discuss in it. I rate it a 4 out of 5. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: Yours, Mine, & Forever

Author: Joanne Markey

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: September 7, 2019

Whoever said the course of true love never runs smooth knew their business.

Especially motherly love.

Still, with adoption success just waiting for ink and paper to appear, Norah can focus on more exciting things, like Christmas, and figuring out how this marriage thing is going to work out! However, never underestimate the craftiness of an antagonist old woman determined to get her own way—or rather, stop Norah from getting hers. If it means resorting to underhanded means to ensure she comes out on top, then so be it. All it takes is a word in the right ear, a nudge here, a wink there, and the natural course of gossip and slander will do the rest.

When the dust clears, Norah’s heart is in tatters and her fledgling relationship is in ruins… Or is it? Will her hero’s patience wear thin, and is Norah’s faith strong enough to see her through whatever comes her way?

Click here for your copy.

About the Author

Originally from Australia, Joanne now lives in Ohio with her husband and seven children where she spends her days writing, wrangling children, and trying to determine which phrases originated in which country because she uses them all interchangeably, thereby continually confusing herself as much as those around her.

More from Joanne

When people find out I’m an Aussie living in the US and that I’ve written books, they immediately assume my books are set in Australia. I’m sorry to disappoint anyone, but, no, they’re not. You see, after almost 19 years of living in the US I’ve lost touch with the culture I was raised in. Things are done differently here than they are over there, and I’ve gotten used to this life.

When I moved halfway around the world, iPads, smart phones, and the like weren’t even a thing. The internet over there (in the places I lived) was something you knew about, but not everyone was online. My family didn’t even own a computer. When you went to town you lost cell phone coverage about 20 kms out. We lived in the bush, which technically falls between the coast and the outback. Not far enough from the coast to be “outback”, but far enough there wasn’t a town worth mentioning in any direction for a good two hour drive (roughly 170km, if memory serves me correct). So yeah, we lived out bush and while it’s hard to imagine a world without the electronics we depend on so much today, the Australia I know, the life I remember, had none of them. And I’m pretty sure things have changed since then!

That’s one major issue standing between me and writing books set in Australia. Another is the language. Half the time I find it almost impossible to remember where a phrase originated. I’m not talking about the “fair dinkums” or the “g’days”, they’re easy to identify. Its the little phrases, the ones that are so ingrained in my thinking I can’t identify their origin. At least, not until every person in the room looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. I figure it out pretty quickly after that and usually have to scramble to translate to something they understand. Agreeing with someone by uttering a simple “yes” is a wee bit more effective here than the “too right!” I might use with my family.

Try adding in the whole dropping the R thing Aussies have a habit of doing, and then the clear pronunciation of the R which is pretty common among the people I know here…and yeah, it can get confusing. “Far” is a bad one. Simple word. I never stop to think about how I’m saying it, so part of the time I’ll drop the R without realizing I’ve done so. Then I’ll hear myself say “fah”, so I’ll quickly tack on the R… and it can become an issue.

Some expats might not have an issue with speech, this is just one problem I run into quite often so I ran with it in my book. Anyone who’s read the book will know who I’m talking about. Multiple languages, speech confusion especially when emotional. It’s a thing. Not everyone deals with it, but me… yeah. Sigh.

But that doesn’t mean I’ve turned my back on everything I once knew. My husband and our kids love a good damper, Aussie meat pies, and Vegemite. They turn their noses up at pavlova (where, oh, where did I go wrong?!), but little did I know when we bought some of my favorite Aussie music that it would become their favorite too. I love where I live now, but I also have a great fondness for the country I left behind, and my family too, of course. They all live over there. And this story… it originated in Australia.

I was looking for a something to write for NaNo in 2018 and my Mum had a dream to share, so she gave me the idea and I ran with it. I changed bits here and there—the setting, most of the story actually!—and finished it up mid-December of 2018. I sat on it for about six months, finally got around to sending it to an editor. And then two weeks before I hit publish, a friend heard how long it was and asked if I’d ever thought about splitting the story in two.

No, I hadn’t, but after hashing it out with my editor, we decided it was a good idea. Dreaming of More became the first half, and Yours, Mine, & Forever was born.

However, giving Dreaming an end meant I’d sort of wrapped up the main storyline I’d used in the entire 135,000 word manuscript. I needed something else because I hadn’t added the bow to the top of the package and without that, Dreaming kind of fell flat. It needed another book… So back to the editor I went and at 2am one morning we started brainstorming. Before I knew what was happening I was in the middle of rewriting the entire book. I didn’t need to follow the same storyline and because the slate had been cleared, I could add in whatever I wanted. So I did.

My friend apologized—she hadn’t meant for me to rewrite the entire book—but no apology was necessary. I loved being able to change things. New characters made it more fun and, as my youngest son would say, I got to add “all the stuffs”. The only thing I refused to change was the ending. I had to keep that because it was the one thing my Mum remembered the best from her dream. For her sake, I kept it. If you want to know what that ending is… it comes after all the other pages in the book. But if you skip over them, you’ll miss all the stuffs and they’re what make the ending worthwhile.

Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, February 29

deb’s Book Review, February 29

Texas Book-aholic, March 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 1

Genesis 5020, March 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 2

Among the Reads, March 3

Through the Fire Blogs, March 3

She Lives To Read, March 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 5

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, March 5

Quiet Quilter, March 6

For Him and My Family, March 7

Stories By Gina, March 7

Inklings and notions, March 8

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, March 9

Blogging With Carol, March 9

Moments, March 10

My Devotional Thoughts, March 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 11

janicesbookreviews, March 11

Pause for Tales, March 12

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Joanne is giving away the grand prize package of signed copies of Dreaming of More, Yours, Mine, & Forever, and Christmas Rose!!

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/f623/yours-mine

The Fifth Avenue Story Society Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on February 19, 2020February 16, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

The Fifth Avenue Story Society by author Rachel Hauck is a contemporary Christian romance fiction novel that has a delightful cover. I wanted to not only press my nose against the window to peep inside, but I also want to glide in there and peruse those books. Don’t you?

It took me a bit to become invested in this tale. I would read a little here and there. Finally after a few chapters everything came together for me to become enamored with this fascinating novel. Author Hauck has a talent of taking an obscure yet believable situation and turning it into a beautiful book.

Here we have five New Yorkers that are brought together to form a remarkable group. Each member has past baggage and is reluctant to share. They meet each week in an old library where friendships, hope, and faith grow.

The characters are realistic with personalities that jump off of the pages. They each have certain quirks, flaws, and redeeming qualities. I enjoyed them. Their conversation sounded real and the banter flowed freely.

Be prepared for each character to express a point of view in the writing. The transition is done without a hitch and makes reading easy. My heart stung when I read the hurt and heartache members experienced. Issues were relevant and timely. The author tackled loneliness, frustration, bitterness, anger, failure, ambition, and impatience on the negative side and love, forgiveness, success, friendship, marriage, family, and hope on the positive. So many life lessons presented in one book. It showed no matter what our past might be, God still has plans for our future, and that we all have something to give to help someone.

I found this riveting novel to be a treasure trove of enthralling stories. The romance and faith messages were light but still there. I enjoyed the mystery as to why each member was chosen and invited. I definitely recommend this book. A reading group would have a lively time dissecting all of the characters and topics. It gets a 4 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.

About the Book

Book: The Fifth Avenue Story Society

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Women’s Fiction

Release Date: February 4, 2020

An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.

Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.

Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.

Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.

Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.

Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.

When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to bear their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.

Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.

Get your copy of the book here.

About the Author

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

Read an Excerpt

Read an excerpt here.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10

The Avid Reader, February 10

Livin’ Lit, February 10

Genesis 5020, February 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10

The Power of Words, February 11

A Baker’s Perspective, February 11

Rebecca Tews, February 11

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Older & Smarter?, February 12

Seasons of Opportunities, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Inklings and notions, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 12

My Devotional Thoughts, February 13

Just the Write Escape, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 13

CarpeDiem, February 13

Remembrancy, February 14

Christian Bookaholic, February 14

Connect in Fiction, February 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

April Hayman, Author, February 14

Robin’s Nest, February 15

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 15

Britt Reads Fiction, February 15

Just Your Average reviews, February 15

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Batya’s Bits, February 16

Bigreadersite, February 16

A Reader’s Brain, February 16

Worthy2Read, February 16

Stories By Gina, February 16

Back Porch Reads, February 17

janicesbookreviews, February 17

Literary Reflections Book Blog, February 17

Inside the Wong Mind, February 17

Mary Hake, February 17

Through the fire blogs, February 18

Mia Reads, February 18

Baker Kella, February 18

EmpowerMoms, February 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 18

Maureen’s Musings, February 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 19

Coast and Anchor, February 19

Spoken from the Heart, February 19

SPLASHES of Joy, February 19

She Lives to Read, February 20

By The Book, February 20

Wishful Endings, February 20

Moments, February 20

Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Andrea Christenson, February 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21

Pause for Tales, February 21

For The Love of Books, February 21

Lis Loves Reading, February 21

Reader’s Cozy Corner, February 22

Hallie Reads, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 22

To Everything There Is A Season, February 22

Godly Book Reviews, February 23

Daysong Reflections, February 23

SusanLovesBooks, February 23

Lights in a Dark World, February 23

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman Book Review

Posted on September 25, 2019September 24, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman by author Carole Brown is a gritty tale of cult activity. It is 342 pages long and classified as contemporary Religious Fiction. Notice the “Religious” and not “Christian” classification.

Author Brown has written a novel about the gruesome things that are done to women and girls in cults. Not much is said about boys in this book as her focus is on females and their mistreatment. Brainwashing, abuse, sexual violence, suffering, and extreme male dominance made this a very rough story.

The characters were all over the spectrum which I would guess is typical in a cult. It was hard to relate to them. The author’s writing style left me wanting something more. At times the story lagged and I quickly lost interest. Dialog sounded stiff and unrealistic, but I have never been in a cult. I could not find the inspirational element, but maybe I just skimmed over it during a rough part.

It is such a heart wrenching tale of loss and heartache that I could not finish reading it. Please not this is just my personal opinion. I have heard that many others enjoyed it. This book was just too hard for my soft heart to take. I rated it a 3 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.

About the Book

How far would YOU go to avenge the murder of a daughter?
Caralynne Hayman is angry and bitter over the abuse and death of her eleven-year-old daughter from the hands of her religious group, The Children of Righteous Cain. When her husband suffers a sudden heart attack, she does nothing to help him. In her eyes someone needs to pay, and if that means all of the men in the group, then so be it.
Dayne MacFarland is sent away to college by the senior elder of the group to learn ministry. When he returns after finding salvation, determined to bring the truth to the people he’s known all his life, he rediscovers Cara and realizes the love he once felt for her is still deeply embedded within his heart.
Dayne faces men unwilling to turn their backs on the cult training he despises. Cara faces men who follow their leader in abuse toward their wives and the young girls of the group. Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings.

Can Dayne’s love for Caralynne bridge the gulf of anger and bitterness that divides the
community? Or will Caralynne’s deadly secrets prove too high a price for her redemption?

Purchase link:
https://amzn.to/2IQk3i2

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Haven of Rest Celebrate Lit Book Tour

Posted on September 24, 2019September 23, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

My Thoughts

Author Faith Blum has written a Biblical fiction with Haven of Rest. It tells the story of Adah, King David’s daughter who is desperately seeking attention from her regal father or Abba. She comes up with schemes and plans to accomplish that. What happens is she finds a God, Adonai and develops a deep relationship with Him.

This is a short book or novella. It has an interesting view of King David’s personal family and family life. The characters were realistic and my heart went out to the daughters. They really missed their father. It is hard to imagine having so many siblings, and especially being treated differently if you were a daughter instead of a son.

Author Blum has a nice writing style. While her story is biblically based she has taken several writing liberties with her story. That happens a lot with Biblical fiction it seems. I am not a fan of changing the Bible stories because people that aren’t familiar with the true scriptural account will be misguided.

Haven of Rest is Book #4 in the author’s Tales of the East Series. I have not read the other books and had no trouble reading this as a stand-alone. It is a short book and rather quick read.

I would recommend it to fans of Biblical fictions. It is an interesting view on what might have been. From me it received a 3 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but this is my honest opinion.

Click here to get your copy

About the Book

Book: Haven of Rest

Author: Faith Blum

Genre: Biblical fiction

Release Date: July 26, 2019

Ignored by her father…

Adah was neglected by her abba and her brother. She must do something. All her previous plans have failed, but she won’t slip up this time. Since her abba is King David, author of many songs, what better way to gain his attention than pulling off a concert featuring twelve of his daughters?

As she plans, Adah’s discontentment grows. She throws herself into the work but worry edges into her heart anyway. Can Adah learn to rest in Adonai as her father? Will she learn contentment in all things?

About the Author

Faith Blum is a small-town Wisconsin girl. She has independently published over 25 books in over five years. Most of her books are Christian Historical Fiction with an emphasis on Westerns. During an eBook sale, she was #1 in Christian Westerns and Christian Western Anthologies on Amazon. During that sale, she sold over 3,000 copies.

Faith currently resides in Central Wisconsin with her husband and their cat, Smokey. When not writing, you can find her cooking food from scratch due to food allergies, doing dishes, knitting, crocheting, sewing, reading, or spending time with her husband. She loves to hear from her readers, so feel free to contact her on her website:https://faithblum.com.

More from Faith

The Haven of Rest was inspired by a friend. I wanted another fairy tale to retelling for my series, but had run out of ideas and she mentioned the 12 Dancing Princesses and how they 12 girls could be 12 daughters of King David. It took a little while, but the idea soon grew into this story.

I do take liberties throughout the story. It is a Biblical Fiction story, and I tried hard to keep to those roots and keep it accurate throughout, including for the betrothals and weddings. However, a few liberties I took were:

Giving King David more daughters than are mentioned. I did have Tamar be one of the daughters.
Creating a backstory for Amnon’s obsession with Tamar.
Showing that King David was a flawed man who was not a good father. Although this isn’t stated outright in the Bible, it is definitely implied by the rebellion three of his sons showed and his lax discipline of Amnon after his rape of Tamar.
The other liberty I took is a spoiler for the end of the book, so you will have to read the book to find out what that was. I do explain my reasoning of that one in the Historical Note at the end of the book.

I really enjoyed writing this story and hope you enjoy reading it!

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 22

All 4 and About Books, September 23 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 24

Wishful Endings, September 25 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, September 26

Inklings and notions , September 27

Through the Fire Blogs, September 28

Mary Hake, September 29

Lukewarm Tea, September 30 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 1

Purposeful Learning, October 2

janicesbookreviews, October 3

Just the Write Escape, October 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Faith is giving away a themed basket with two plastic canvas heart bookmarks, a paperback copy of the book, and a crocheted doily!!

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/eb98/haven-of-rest-celebration-tour-giveaway