Showing posts with label Adventure. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Jackson's Fall by Carole Brown

About the Book

Book: Jackson’s Fall (Troubles in the West Book Three)

Author: Carole Brown

Genre: Western Romantic Suspense

Release date: August 20, 2024

He’d never fainted in his life. Hardly ever been sick. Never been afraid to tackle wild animals, untamed horses, or men with guns. But…there was his brother Jeremiah. A person so despicable he’d hope to never see him again. And worse, facing the heartless woman, Penelope, who’d betrayed him in front of the whole town—-standing here now just feet away from him with Jeremiah—well, for the first time in his life, he wanted to run. Fast.

Yet, he couldn’t. He wouldn’t. There was his job that he loved, and the dreams he’d planned. But most of all, there was a new woman in town. A woman who was kind and sweet and beautiful with a heart of gold. They were friends—good friends, and neither of them expected anything else.

But can Jackson Barlowe find peace in the good things of his life? Or would the two people who had destroyed his past, ruin his life forever?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Jackson has had a bit of a hard go at things. His twin brother and his fiancé ran away together. After being betrayed and left at the altar, Jackson had turned his back on love and God. He has decided now to be a rancher. However, even though a few years have passed, he can't seem to shake his brother, Jeremiah or Penelope his ex. They keep showing up taunting him and robbing his peace. Not only that but a young kind woman, new to town, Gabrielle, is just the kind of woman who could make him forget his problems. If only Jackson would open his heart again.

This is their story and the struggles that they go through, part as Jackson fights his destiny, and part as trouble from his past will just not let them be. The wild west was certainly an untamed place, but the strong and determined could push through. Is Jackson and Gabrielle those kinds of people? Well, you will need to read it and see. Filled with romance, danger, and trials, will Jackson finally fall?

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty-some, some of which are best selling, award-winning books, she loves to weave suspense, mystery 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’s also published one children’s book and is in two anthologies. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and great granddaughter, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?

More from Carole

In Jackson’s Fall, the female protagonist, Gabrielle Autumn, and her Grandparents own a bakery in the small town of Roaring Springs. Although I don’t mention this recipe in the book, it is one that I really believe Grandmama Mayfair would have baked and sold in her shop. And, perhaps, would have taught Gabrielle to make also. It’s totally delicious and diverse in that you can use whatever kind of fruit that you wish.

My mother made it often in our house! A perfect dessert for a historical, western setting…and a modern day family meal. I truly hope you enjoy making and eating it at your supper table.

Mountain Pie

1 cup of self rising flour

¾ cup of sugar

1 stick of butter

¾ cup of milk

Fruit Filling

Melt butter in baking dish

Pour batter over butter

Put fruit or pie filling on top of batter

Bake in moderate oven (around 350 degrees), 15-20 minutes

Serve as is or with ice cream.

Blog Stops

For Him and My Family, November 2

Vicky Sluiter, November 3 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Book Blog, November 4

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

Pause for Tales, November 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6

Simple Harvest Reads, November 7 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

For the Love of Literature, November 9 (Author Interview)

Karen Baney Reviews, November 9

Texas Book-aholic, November 10

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 11 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Blossoms and Blessings, November 13 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, November 14 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 15 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift certificate and an eBook copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5485

Saturday, July 20, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Trail of Promises by Susan F. Craft

About the Book

Book: Trail of Promises

Author: Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 25, 2024

A marriage of convenience will protect her reputation on the long trail ahead, but he’s barely more than a stranger…

Tessa Harris is a woman without options. When she’s stranded nearly two hundred miles from her destination, her only companions are a former British Cavalry officer and his two young brothers. Society dictates they cannot travel without a chaperone, but can she trust this handsome stranger to protect her if they choose to marry? And if so, should she show her feelings or guard her heart? She’s learned the hard way how painful it is to love a man who doesn’t reciprocate.

Stephen Griffith has enough responsibility caring for his young brothers, and now he shoulders the massive responsibility of keeping his new wife safe as they cross the wilderness toward a new life. And though he tries to keep her at arm’s length, reminding himself their marriage may only be a temporary arrangement, he cannot seem to shake the feelings growing for her.

When they fall into the hands of outlaws, Tessa and Stephen must overcome their hardest obstacle yet. Only God can bring them safely to the end of the trail where enduring love awaits.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I whole heartedly enjoy marriage of convenience stories, and this one really puts our couple through some harrowing times. Tessa and Stephen are thrown together after danger comes to their wagon train. Stephen and his young brothers will not leave Tessa alone in this world, so they decide to become a family, if only temporary and continue on to their destination in South Carolina.

Danger awaits them in many forms and begins to shape them into a family that will stand together no matter what. Can Tessa and Stephen have a real marriage, one of love and not just duty? Their romance was a shining point throughout the story especially as they leaned on one another to see them through another day and adventure. It was a bittersweet ending.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.

She authored the historical romantic suspense trilogy Women of the American Revolution—The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia. The Chamomile and Cassia received national Illumination Silver Awards. The Chamomile was named by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance as an Okra Pick and was nominated for a Christy Award.

She collaborated with the International Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation to compile An Equestrian Writer’s Guide (www.lrgaf.org), including almost everything you’d ever want to know about horses.

An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.

More from Susan

Tessa Harris and her father, Thomas, are portrait artists, limners, who travel from town to town seeking commissions.

Limners were among the first to record glimpses of life in colonial America. By the early 1700s, wealthy colonists hired limners to paint portraits of their families. These limners, mostly self-taught, generally unknown by name, turned out naive portraits in the Elizabethan style, the Dutch baroque style, or the English baroque court style, depending upon the European background of both artist and patron.

Rather than a true portrait, the paintings were most often idealistic and did not give a true representation of the personality of the sitter and were often two dimensional. Artists focused on the material wealth of the subject, giving much attention to their clothing and accessories. Some artists painted only the faces of their subjects, explaining that they need not bother with tedious sittings and that they would paint the bodies and clothing later. They would show their subjects English and French prints from which to choose whatever costumes and backgrounds they preferred.

Like most artisans of their time who found it difficult to support themselves with paintings only, limners also worked in pewter, silver, glass, or textiles or took jobs doing ornamental paintings of clocks, furniture, signs, and carriages. Many painted miniatures—tiny watercolor portraits—on pieces of ivory, often oval-shaped and commonly worn as jewelry. Limners also painted on paper and canvas and earned, on average, $15 per portrait.

Limners Samuel McIntire and Duncan Phyfe became celebrated painters of furniture. Famous colonial portrait artists included Joseph Blackburn, Peter Pelham, John Smibert, John Singleton Copley, John Trumbull and Charles Wilson Peale. An American artist, Benjamin West, became painter to the king and president of the Royal Academy in London. American artists flocked to his studio to learn under his tutelage, including Gilbert Stuart, who painted a famous portrait of George Washington.

In 1754 in British colonial New York, an artist took out the following ad in the Gazette and the Weekly Post: Lawrence Kilburn, Limner, just arrived from London with Capt. Miller, hereby acquaints all Gentlemen and Ladies inclined to favour him in having their pictures drawn, that he don’t doubt of pleasing them in taking a true Likeness, and finishing the Drapery in a proper Manner, as also in the Choice of Attitudes, suitable to each Person’s Age and Sex, and giving agreeable Satisfaction, as he has heretofore done to Gentlemen and Ladies in London. He may at present be apply’d to at his Lodgings, at Mr. Bogart’s near the New Printing-Office in Beaver-Street.

I pray that my Great Wagon Road series honors the Lord and the gifts He has given me and that you will love my characters as much as I do. Soli Deo Gloria.

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, July 9 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Pens Pages & Pulses, July 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 10

Texas Book-aholic, July 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 12

For Him and My Family, July 12

Lighthouse Academy Blog, July 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Karen Baney Reviews, July 13

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 15

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 16

Holly’s Book Corner, July 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 17

lakesidelivingsite, July 18

Cover Lover Book Review, July 19

Blossoms and Blessings, July 20

Pause for Tales, July 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 21

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 22

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2ca3e/trail-of-promises-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, July 6, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Treason Trail by Kit Hawthorne

Treason Trail JustRead Blog Tours

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Treason Trail by Kit Hawthorne, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Treason Trail
Series: Cape Fear Legacy #3
Author: Kit Hawthorne
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: June 18, 2024
Genre: Sweet Historical Romance

A mysterious stranger holds the key to the fate of the nation.

In the final days of the American Revolutionary War, Nessa Shaw tends to the sick and wounded at the Continental Army camp in Charlestown, South Carolina. When she stumbles upon a man lying unconscious on a forest trail, she quickly realizes he is unlike any patient she has ever encountered. With no memory of his past, his only clues to his identity are his first name—August—and the certainty that he is a Patriot. Against her better judgment, Nessa grows closer to August, trusting him with secrets that could cost her dearly. But when she discovers a deadly plot that could change the course of the war, Nessa must question everything she thought she knew about August and his true allegiances.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in This Series

About the Author

Kit Hawthorne

A lifelong resident of the American South, Kit Hawthorne makes her home on a Texas farm that has been in her husband’s family for seven generations. She spent many years singing, composing, and playing Irish pennywhistle in a Celtic folk band. All those ballads and boat songs awakened in her a love for a Scottish heritage that spans both sides of the Atlantic. She’s an avid reader, especially of history, biography, mystery, theology, and romance, and enjoys logging her reads (and plotting her life) in her Bullet Journal. She also enjoys drawing, sewing, quilting, knitting, and restoring old furniture to beauty and usefulness.

Connect with Kit at kithawthorne.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

My Thoughts and More on Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy

Toward the Dawn JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Toward the Dawn by Mary Connealy hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Toward the Dawn

Series: A Western Light #2

Author: Mary Connealy

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: June 18, 2024

Genre: Christian Historical Western Romance

Despite trials that threaten their path forward, hope dawns for a future filled with love.

Kat Wadsworth and Sebastian Jones never imagined their lives would entwine so closely. Forced to flee on a wagon train from a vengeful uncle and an unknown gunman, they live in a hidden canyon with the family that rescued them. But as the days turn into months, they each have separate reasons for wanting to move back to society, and the best way to the independence they desperately crave might be through a marriage of convenience.

However, settling into their homestead in Cheyenne, Wyoming, reveals a different reality for Kat. Her new husband becomes consumed by his inventions, leaving her feeling lonely and isolated. And just when they think they've left the danger behind, a mysterious attacker lurks in the shadows, threatening the new life they've built. Together, they must confront the perils from their pasts to forge a future with hope and the prospect of love.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

More Books from this Series

About the Author

Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than 1.5 million books and is the author of the popular series Wyoming Sunrise and The Lumber Baron's Daughters and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

Connect with Mary by visiting MaryConnealy.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts and More on Rocky Mountain Journey by Misty M. Beller

About the Book

Book: Rocky Mountain Journey (Sisters of the Rockies: Book 3)

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 18, 2024

Masquerading as a man, Faith Collins embarks on a perilous journey through the untamed wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in search of the Peigan Blackfoot woman who once saved her father’s life. She joins a group of trappers who may be able to lead her to the place the woman is hiding, but keeping Faith’s identity a secret proves more difficult than she imagined.

Grant Allen is searching for his younger brother, who was separated from him when their parents died many years ago. After receiving word that his brother went west to the Rockies, he unites with a group of trappers, hoping they can lead him to his brother’s location. Soon Grant realizes there’s a woman hiding among the men, and he’s determined to find out who she is, what she’s hiding, and how he can keep her safe in this country of wild animals and even wilder men.

In this rousing conclusion to her Sisters of the Rockies series, Misty M. Beller embarks on an adventurous journey where loyalty, love, and sacrifice intertwine amid the unforgiving frontier.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Faith, the youngest of the four Collin sisters, still feels the heavy burden of the promise made at her father's death bed. Steps Right saved her father many years ago and gave him a family heirloom that he asked his girls to give back to her. But it has been a journey and while two of her sisters have settled down with family, their ranch also takes up a lot of time. So, Faith decides to set out on her own without their knowledge or permission. What she is looking for is to fulfill her promise to her father, what she finds is so much more.

Grant Allen is also on a journey, to find his long-lost brother. However, on his way he comes across a woman who is pretending to be a man to ride along with a bunch of trappers, on what he at first thinks is a foolish and dangerous errand. Will he put his feelings aside and help her?

This was an adventurous journey through the Rockies with companionship, friendship, and the spirit of never giving up and even finding one's faith. There is danger and love, learning to let go and trusting the one who created you. I look forward to the next sister's journey of the heart.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

More from Misty

A HEROINE DISGUISED AS A MAN

I love a heroine in disguise! It’s one of my favorite tropes, but I don’t often get to write stories with that plot. It adds so many fun and funny moments to the storyline. J

In Rocky Mountain Journey our heroine goes undercover as a “man” to travel with a group of trappers so she can reach her destination safely. Numbers meant a better chance of survival back in those days. I love that Grant, our hero, was the only man in the trapper group who looked close enough at the young “man” riding with them to realize things weren’t what they seemed at first glance.

One challenge that definitely arises in a story where the heroine is pretending to be a man is the development of the romance between her and the hero. In this case, Faith was pretending to be her (fictitious) brother Frank. Grant had met Faith in an earlier chapter before she took on the disguise, and he immediately noticed the resemblance between “Frank” and the woman whose memory still lingered with him, even days later. Every time he looks at “Frank” while they’re traveling with the trappers, he recalls the memory of Faith by the waterfall…and the attraction to that woman grows a little more every time. What a shocking surprise when he discovered she’s riding just ahead of him on the trail the entire time!

I pray you love Faith’s stint “in disguise” in Rocky Mountain Journey! J

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, June 18

Life, Love, Writing, June 19

Book Looks by Lisa, June 19

Wishful Endings, June 20

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 20 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22

Devoted To Hope, June 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Happily Managing a Houeshold of Boys, June 23

Betti Mace, June 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

lakesidelivingsite, June 25

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 26

Mornings at Character Cafe, June 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, June 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 27

Cover Lover Book Review, June 28

For Him and My Family, June 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 29

Holly’s Book Corner, June 30

Blossoms and Blessings, June 30

Lily’s Corner, July 1

Pause for Tales, July 1

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2c068/rocky-mountain-journey-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, May 3, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel

Walking on Hidden Wings JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Walking on Hidden Wings by Rachel Scott McDaniel hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Walking on Hidden Wings: A Novel of the Roaring Twenties

Author: Rachel Scott McDaniel

Publisher: Kregel Publications

Release Date: April 23, 2024

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Geneva Ashcroft Hayes's marriage to a newspaper mogul might have been arranged, but the New York socialite is devastated when her husband's plane crashes a few short months after their nuptials. When the authorities suspect murder, Geneva sets out on a wild mission to find his killer--and to prove it wasn't her!

When mysterious notes surface pointing to Geneva's guilt in his death, they only strengthen her resolve. She has little to go on except for a detective friend's cryptic list of locations connected to her dead spouse. When the friend also disappears, she trades her sparkling gowns for coveralls and pilot goggles.

Armed with a new name and career as a wingwalker and barnstormer, she travels from town to town in hopes of unearthing clues and locating her missing friend. But Geneva discovers that her past may not belong to her . . . what she once believed as truth may be nothing more than lies and deception.

"A tangled web, a sleuthing adventure, a rekindled romance . . . Walking on Hidden Wings has it all."

--Rachel Fordham, author of The Letter Tree

"Fans of intelligent mysteries, butterfly-inducing romance, and the Roaring Twenties, prepare yourselves--Walking on Hidden Wings will sweep you away to the skies! McDaniel's lyrical prose is a delight, and readers will be fascinated by the daring beginnings of aviation. A true gem."

--Joanna Barker, author of A Heart Worth Stealing

About the Author

Rachel Scott McDaniel

Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelmcdaniel.net to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts and More on Love's Winding Road by Susan F. Craft

About the Book

Book: Love’s Winding Road

Author: Susan F. Craft

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 27, 2024

They were forced into this marriage of convenience, but there’s more at stake than their hearts on this wagon train through the mountain wilderness.

When Rose Jackson and her Irish immigrant family join a wagon train headed for a new life in South Carolina, the last thing she expects is to fall for the half-Cherokee wagon scout along the way. But their journey takes a life-changing turn when Rose is kidnapped by Indians. Daniel comes to her rescue, but the effects mean their lives will be forever intertwined.

Daniel prides himself on his self-control—inner and outer—but can’t seem to get a handle on either when Rose is near. Now his life is bound to hers when the consequences of her rescue force them to marry. Now it’s even more critical he maintain that self-control to keep her safe.

When tragedy strikes at the heart of their strained marriage, they leave for Daniel’s home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As they face the perils of the journey, Rose can’t help but wonder why her new husband guards his heart so strongly. Why does he resist his obvious attraction for her? And what life awaits them at the end of love’s winding road?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Just as the title suggests, Rose and Daniel must travel a very winding road of unbelievable tragedy and joyful highs that will give them hope for their future for themselves and friends and family.

This story absolutely had my attention from page one. Rose and Daniel meet on the wagon train heading to South Carolina, she with her family and Daniel the wagon train scout. Rose and her family have already met with tragedy before this leg of their journey begins. But they are determined to get to their promised land even after all they have been through. It will not be an easy journey, and I was saddened by some of the events that took place.

Daniel is half Cherokee and half white. He is good at being a scout, but he is also anxious to get home again. He is also very enamored with Rose, a woman he cannot stop thinking about. And when her life is put in danger, he will do all he can to save her. As they journey on events take place that call for Daniel and Rose to be married. Will they be able to survive all that is before them?

This story is one of my favorites for this year. It is wrought with tension, romance, and faith. It is also the start of a new series I am looking forward to reading.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.

An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.

More from Susan

Colonial American medicine fascinates me. The shortage of doctors made it critical for women to maintain medicine kits that included remedies brought with them from Europe as well as those shared with them by Native Americans.

In Love’s Winding Road, my character Rose falls into river rapids and suffers serious scrapes and bruises. Daniel, the half-Cherokee scout of her wagon train, rescues her and makes witch hazel flowers into a paste.

With gentle movements, he spread the ointment on her arms, legs, and neck. When he dabbed some on several raw places on her scalp where her hair had been ripped out, Rose clenched her teeth until her face hurt. With her hand trembling, she reached up to touch her hair.

“Don’t worry. It will grow back. Just thank the good Lord, for though it may be distressing and painful to have lost some of your hair, the strands helped me keep track of you.”

Rose’s father suffers from arthritis in his hands, so he chews on the twigs of black willow trees (not weeping willows) and drinks the tea his wife prepares from the bark also used to treat back pain, headaches, and inflammatory conditions.

When a mountain lion attacks Daniel, Rose stitches the laceration. She cleans the area with whiskey and offers it to him as a painkiller.

She threaded her needle with her finest flax fiber, and holding her breath, she began the first tiny stitches. Think of it as cloth. Think of it as cloth. She repeated the words over and over in her head.

Sometimes doing research can be amusing.

The night before I was to see my doctor, I’d read a resource book, Indian Doctor – Nature’s method of curing and preventing disease according to the Indians. I showed my doctor the Indian cure for my problem.

What a hoot! We had such fun looking through the book. Seems as if every cure involved mixing something with wine, ale, beer, or liquor. We came to the conclusion that with enough alcohol, even if you still had the problem, you wouldn’t care anymore.

Two weeks later, I saw my doctor for an earache. Of course, we looked up the Indian cure. It involved lily onions, marsh mallows, oil of violet—all taken with wine. And then, bleeding.

I’ll stick with antibiotics.

I pray that my Great Wagon Road series honors the Lord and the gifts He has given me and that you will love my characters as much as I do. Soli Deo Gloria.

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 3

Simple Harvest Reads, April 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

lakesidelivingsite, April 4

Pause for Tales, April 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

For Him and My Family, April 5

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 7

The Lofty Pages, April 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 8

Bizwings Book Blog, April 9

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 10

Texas Book-aholic, April 11

Connie’s History Classroom , April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

Batya’s Bits, April 13

Holly’s Book Corner, April 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 14

Books You Can Feel Good About, April 15

Blossoms and Blessings, April 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, April 16

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/2ac74/love-s-winding-road-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, April 1, 2024

My Thoughts on One Last Shot by Susan May Warren

About:

When country music star Oaken Fox joins survivalist Mike Grizz's new adventure show in the Alaskan wilderness, he just wants to boost his fan base. But when tragedy strikes and Air One Rescue must save them, Oaken wants to quit. Too bad his producer has other plans--signing him on with Air One Rescue as a recruit and making a reality show.

EMT Boo Kingston did not join Air One Rescue to train a celebrity. But she's a rookie to the team, so yes, she'll train Oaken and keep him alive and not for a minute pay attention to his charm.

And then five women go missing from a resort during a bachelorette weekend gone wrong. Now, Air One and the rescue team will have to use all their skills and manpower--including Oaken--to find them before a blizzard settles in. But can they work together before tragedy strikes?

My Thoughts:

Alaska is a place where one may go to hide from the world. Or try to redeem a reputation. In this new series by author Warren, her two characters, Boo Kingston and Oaken Fox attempt to do those two things.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how this story was going to go when Oaken, a country music star, needs to sign up for a survivalist adventure to repair his reputation after a fight that goes viral. Things certainly don’t go as planned when his guide is unable to guide. And trying to survive the Alaskan wilderness is no joke.

Boo Kingston, (we do find out her real name later), has left her home and family to join up with her cousins in Alaska as an EMT on the Air One Rescue team. Boo is the one hiding after she starred on a reality show that put her in such a humiliating light and took many situations out of context. She just wants to begin anew and be by herself as much as possible. Then she meets and rescues Oaken. Keeping to herself is no longer an option when businesses are on the line now. As well as her heart.

This was a great kickoff to more adventures with author Warren and her world of characters. It also really showed the powerful hold that social media and entertainment today can have on a person as Oaken and Boo were both going through similar circumstances. Add in a mystery thread of danger and you have quite an adventure. Not to mention we get to know the rest of the team as well.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 100 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and Montana Rescue series. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Visit her at SusanMayWarren.com.

Saturday, January 6, 2024

My Thoughts and More on The Juliet Code by Pepper Basham

About the Book

Book: The Juliet Code

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian Fiction/Historical Fiction

Release Date: December, 2023

Newlyweds Lord and Lady Astley Finally Reach Their Honeymoon Destination Only to Encounter a New Mystery in Need of Solving

Frederick and Grace Percy finally make it to Italy to enjoy a delayed honeymoon and explore the beauties of the historic city of Venice. To their surprise, their friend, Detective Jack Miracle, is also in the city, investigating a series of art heists starting at the house of eccentric millionaire, Laraby Covington. Drawn into a world of boat races, mysterious houses, and parties of the rich and unusual in Venice, Frederick and Grace learn of the existence of the Juliet paintings, (Renaissance paintings feature Shakespeare’s tragic heroine) rumored to hold a secret code to an underground vault of similarly treasured artwork assumed lost over the centuries. As Freddie and Grace are pulled deeper into the mystery and their beloved Detective Jack disappears, can they use their wits and work as a team to find the thieves and Jack before it’s too late.

The Juliet Code is a Freddie and Grace Mystery, sequel to The Mistletoe Countess and The Cairo Curse.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

The continuing adventures of Grace and Freddie shows them just trying to fit in their honeymoon between all the mysteries. This time we find them in Venice, enjoying the sites as newlyweds when they get caught up in an adventure they didn't see coming. First, I think their relationship is adorable, as Grace keeps things interesting for Freddie, and Freddie grounds her.

Freddie is coming to realize that he and Grace may not have a normal honeymoon, and maybe not a normal life. But in the beginning of these chapters, he realizes that the gift of adventure and sleuthing is the best gift he can give to Grace. It pleases her so, and he loves her so. What's a guy going to do?

Their adventure consists of a secluded rich man's island and stolen artwork which may or may not hold a hidden message to a long-buried treasure. This was another fun addition to this series, though I do admit I felt for Freddie and his dreams of a quieter life. However, Grace is happy as can be as her reading adventures are coming to life and her life is much more fascinating than a fictional book.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

More from Pepper

The Ever After

I’ve always loved fairytales.

Especially the romanticized version (#romancewriter).

The wonderful sense of a two people meeting, overcoming obstacles to be together, and then the happily-ever-after?

Well, those are some of my favorite reasons to read and write fiction. However, I didn’t realize the challenge I took on when I agreed to write a second and third book with the main characters staying the same!

You know what I mean?

In most series, the main characters from book one become secondary characters in the consecutive books so that the secondary characters in book one can become the main characters in book 2 (everybody still following along? 🙂)

One of my favorite book series that do this so well is the Amelia Peabody series. I fell in LOVE with Amelia and Emerson in book one, but just loved watching their continued dynamic as a couple grow with each new book. I felt as if I got to know them so much better in their “ever after” while they engaged in all sorts of adventures together.

So…that’s what I hoped to accomplish with Freddie and Grace.

Where The Mistletoe Countess ends with a happily-ever-after, The Cairo Curse and The Juliet Code take over to show us more of the…ever after – my attempt at showing how two main characters continue to grow beyond the end of book one.

I didn’t realize what a daunting feat it would be. Watching two characters meet, fall in love, and show some growth in book 1 was what I was used to doing. But how was I supposed to continue that character growth in consecutive books?

Well, I had to grow myself as a writer to understand how small changes can make lasting differences especially when writing about a beloved couple.

I think The Juliet Code shows a little of that growth – of our Freddie and Grace have not only matured spiritually and, in Grace’s case, experientially, but also as a couple.

Do you have a series that you love where the main characters stay the same?

Blog Stops

The Sacred Line, December 28

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 28

Bigreadersite, December 28

Texas Book-aholic, December 29

Devoted To Hope, December 29

Mary Hake, December 29

She Lives To Read, December 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 30

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, December 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 31

Blogging with Carol, December 31

For Him and My Family, December 31

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 1

Back Porch Reads, January 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, January 2

Connie’s History Classroom, January 2

Book Looks by Lisa, January 3

Aryn the Libraryan, January 3

Girls in White Dresses, January 3

Daysong Reflections, January 4

Holly’s Book Corner, January 4

Splashes of Joy, January 4

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

Wishful Endings, January 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 5

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, January 6

Blossoms and Blessings, January 6

Pause for Tales, January 6

Tell Tale Book reviews, January 7

Cover Lover Book Review, January 7

Live. Love. Read., January 7

Labor Not in Vain, January 8

Mornings at Character Cafe, January 8

Worthy2Read, January 8

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 9

The Lit Lady, January 9

Lily’s Corner, January 10

By The Book, January 10

To Everything There Is A Season, January 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Pepper is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/293d6/the-juliet-code-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

My Thoughts and More on Redemption in the Wilderness by Andrea Byrd

About the Book

Book: Redemption in the Wilderness

Author: Andrea Byrd

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 19, 2023

Two sisters alone on the Kentucky frontier…love is the last thing they expect to find.

After the death of their parents during the Hard Winter, Margaret and her sister have struggled to survive. Between her mother’s dying wish that Margaret protect her sister, and the nagging sensation that they are not alone, guilt and worry are her constant companions. And if someone is following them, is their watcher friend or foe?

Iain Donegal can’t afford roots, not with the pain and guilt of the life he’s left behind, or the memory of the drink that once threatened to consume him. But his solitary life as a long hunter in the wilds of Kentucky finds a new path when he happens upon a young woman digging a grave for her own mother. Unable to pull himself away when he realizes that she and her sister are on their own, he begins to provide anonymous aid. But when the women truly need him, can he risk leaving his solitary life behind to step in and fill the void?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I was delightfully surprised by this book. I don't always like to read the back covers of books, I like to be surprised, but I did read this one. However, it just touches only a little about what is in this book, and that is what surprised me, how deep this novel got with only 163 pages or so.

The title of this novel fits the story well. It is not only one character that finds redemption in the wilderness, but all of them. The sisters Margaret and Muireall, have had to watch both of their parents die. Now they are living alone in the Kentucky wilderness surrounded by dangers from men, war, nature, and sickness. Neither of them is aware of a lone guardian watching over them until one fateful day when he must intervene.

Ian Donegal is a lone wolf who is trying to run away from who he is and his past. But he cannot help but help the two sisters who are barely surviving. What he does not realize, and he needs to, is that his actions speak of those of a changed man already. That is his story to find out.

Taking turns and twists I did not see coming and including some of my favorite tropes, I could hardly put this book down. It is one that will stick with me for a while.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

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

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

More from Andrea

One of my favorite aspects of being a historical fiction author is learning new tidbits of information with each novel I pen.

Not only have I always loved learning, but I also harbor a deep passion for novels that incorporate real places and events. In Redemption in the Wilderness, I was blessed with the opportunity to research the beginnings of Harrodsburg, KY. This town was founded in 1774 as Harrodstown by James Harrod. What began mainly as a civilian fort with the building of Fort Harrod has endured more than 200 years of Kentucky’s rich history. Tourists and locals alike can still visit a replica of Fort Harrod today. And, you, yourself, can visit the original fort in Redemption in the Wilderness.

Beyond historical places and events, I also always find myself on a search engine with the strangest little inquisitions. Such as… What plants are native to Kentucky? When do said plants bloom? And which can be used as a natural remedy for this particular ailment? With this novel, I found that feverfew, a native Kentucky wildflower, was so aptly named because early settlers used this native plant to reduce fever. I cannot wait for you to see what role it played for the characters in Redemption in the Wilderness.