Monday, November 28, 2022

About the Book

Book: Beneath His Silence

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: November, 2022

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?

A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author

Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.

Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.

Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

More from Hannah

People always ask me what inspired a story. Where did I get the idea? Who was my inspiration? What true-life event motivated these characters into existence?

And the truth is, I don’t know. I’ve never known. When I was younger, I’d look clueless and shrug my shoulders. A few years ago, I would have probably answered “people”—and maybe there’s truth in that. People do inspire me. The way they walk, the places they go, the things they do, the way they dress.

But lately…well, I think it’s more than that. I don’t think it’s people so much as feelings. The nitty-gritty. The raw emotions, caught deep in someone’s chest, at the most pivotal points in their life.

Like the old man seated at a booth, alone in a restaurant, with his veiny hands cupping a mug of coffee. It’s not his shabby fedora that inspires me. Or the knotty cane leaned against his seat. Or the envelope stuffed into the pocket of his woolen overcoat.

It’s the look on his face. The slow blinking, the red nose, the flash of moisture as he takes another sip of coffee. Why does he sit alone? Who left him? Who caused the tears? What emotions render that lost, helpless, longing expression—and how will he cope?

If you would ask me what inspired Beneath His Silence, I probably wouldn’t have much of an answer. No concrete idea or moment would rush to remembrance. If anything, inspiration for Beneath His Silence was nothing more than a small thought. A feeling.

I wanted to write about a girl who learned to love someone she hated. I wanted to explore every aspect. The poison of her hate. The weight it pressed into her heart. The process—slow, startling, and healing—that sucked out that poison and replaced it with something unexpected. Love.

I guess that’s what I love about writing. Not the people. The characters. Not even the storylines and the plot twists and the fun settings.

I love the emotion. That’s what inspires me.

And if you find yourself in the pages of Beneath His Silence, I hope it will inspire you too.

MY REVIEW

As a debut novel I enjoyed watching the author begin to spread her wings and take on a complex storyline. There are a few slow spots and repetition of dislike between two people, but is a great adventure with suspense, secrets and a bit of romance.

I liked how Ella decided to find out once and for all how her sister died. Somehow she manages to become governess to her nephew without her late sister’s husband not knowing her identity. There are a few snags in the story that I did question. How is it that Henry does not recognize his sister in law? There is much deception in the book which seems to be the focal point of the story. I understood that Ella felt the need to get answers about her sister but I was quite surprised at how quickly feelings started to develop between her and Henry.

Poor Henry has lived with guilt for years over his wife’s death. With Ella taking care of his son Peter, maybe he can concentrate on having a better relationship with God. He does know that God is with him, but he has moments that his grief was too much to bare. I would like to have seen more interaction between father and son but Henry seemed distracted with other things.

When a dark secret is revealed, this is where I thought the author excels. Another character is introduced that shines a light on what happened the night Ella’s sister died. This person is not stable and becomes a danger to everyone near him. I think his loss was too just for him, and he seeks revenge. As all this unfolds one part of the story really brought me to tears. Ella has questioned if God existed for so long that she has almost given up on Him. The moment that I will remember in their book is how Ella found her faith and felt God’s presence. For me this was the greatest message in the book. No matter how dark it must seem, God is there to restore, redeem and reunite you with Him.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 28

Texas Book-aholic, November 29

To Everything There Is A Season, November 29

Where Faith And Books Meet, November 30

Inklings and notions, November 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 30

Book Looks by Lisa, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 1

Betti Mace, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 2

Remembrancy, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 4

Connie’s History Classroom, December 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 5

Rebecca Tews, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 6 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Blogging With Carol, December 7

For Him and My Family, December 7

Through the Fire Blogs, December 8

Holly’s Book Corner, December 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 9 (Author Interview)

Bizwings Blog, December 9

Melissa’s Bookshelf, December 9

Pause for Tales, December 10

Cover Lover Book Review, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Labor Not in Vain, December 11

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift 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/22ccf/beneath-his-silence-celebration-tour-giveaway

HONOR’S REFUGE BY HALLEE BRIDGEMAN

When she was just five years old, Melissa Braxton watched her father take her mother's life. Separated from her sister, Lola, at that time, Melissa grew up with a strong desire to help those stuck in abusive relationships. It's why she became a family therapist and opened a domestic abuse shelter.

After losing a leg to a gunshot wound in the line of duty, Phil Osbourne has felt like a man without a purpose--until he hears Melissa's story and decides to use his Special Forces contacts to track down her missing sister. He knows what he discovers will break Melissa's heart. What he doesn't realize is that helping the women reunite will bring the cartel down on them like the Category 5 hurricane striking Miami.

Bruised yet not quite broken, Melissa and Phil battle the storm and the cartel, calling on strength they didn't know they had to escape death, save the innocent, and--just maybe--find healing in each other's arms.

Get a free ebook when you sign up for Hallee's newsletter: http://www.halleebridgeman.com/newsletter

Hallee Bridgeman is the award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author of several action-packed romantic suspense books and series. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee settled with her husband in central Kentucky, where they have raised their three children. When she’s not writing, Hallee pursues her passion for cooking, coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. Above all else, she loves God with all of her heart, soul, mind, and strength; has been redeemed by the blood of Christ; and relies on the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide her.

LOVE AND HONOR SERIES

Prequel: Love in Any Language

1. Honor Bound

2. Word of Honor

3. Honor's Refuge

THE DIXON BROTHER SERIES:

1. Courting Calla

2. Valerie's Verdict

3. Alexandra's Appeal

4. Daisy's Decision

RED BLOOD & BLUEGRASS SERIES:

1. Black Belt, White Dress

2. Blizzard in the Bluegrass

3. The Seven Year Glitch

4. A Change of a Dress

THE JEWEL SERIES:

1. Sapphire Ice

2. Greater Than Rubies

3. Emerald Fire

4. Topaz Heat

SECOND GENERATION JEWEL SERIES:

5. Christmas Diamond

6. Christmas Star Sapphire

7. Jade's Match

8. Chasing Pearl

SONG OF SUSPENSE SERIES:

1. A Melody for James

2. An Aria for Nick

3. A Carol for Kent

4. A Harmony for Steve

VIRTUES AND VALOR SERIES:

1. Temperance's Trial

2. Homeland's Hope

3. Charity's Code

4. A Parcel for Prudence

5. Grace's Ground War

6. Mission of Mercy

7. Flight of Faith

8. Valor's Vigil

PARODY COOKBOOK SERIES

Fifty Shades of Gravy, A Christian Gets Saucy

The Walking Bread, This Bread Will Rise

Iron Skillet Man, The Stark Truth About Pepper and Pots

Hallee Crockpotter and the Chamber of Sacred Ingredients

STAND ALONE TITLES:

On the Ropes

Save the Date

Love's Letters

WRITING HELP BOOKS

Writing from the Trenches

MY REVIEW

If you are looking for an action driven, edge of your seat thriller this is the book for you. It does contain sensitive issues that could be a trigger for some readers. I liked the main female character Melissa. Coming from an abusive childhood, she now runs a shelter that houses people who need to find a safe place. She and her friend carefully bring men, women and children there and help them escape their abusive relationship. I admire all the hard work Melissa and her friend have taken to make others feel safe. They give them a chance to start a new life.

Phil has seen his share of trauma from being in the service. Losing a leg at times makes him feel like he is less than a man which holds him back from relationships. I liked how he wanted to do something meaningful for Melissa and was able to find her sister that she lost touch with when they were separated as children. What he didn’t know was the danger Melissa’s sister was in. There is a good faith element in the story which illustrates how we can call out to Jesus in our time of need.

The story takes on a dangerous man who is involved in the drug cartel. He also happens to be married to Melissa’s sister. With determination Phil and Mellisa team up to help her sister that brings trouble to everyone at the shelter. There is a leak somewhere in the government that puts lives in danger. A tragedy shakes the operation to its core. I liked how the author keeps readers guessing as the story has twists that kept you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss this intense story of faith, danger, secrets and healing from your past.

I received a copy of this book from The Librarything Early Reader Program. The review is my own opinion.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

About the Book

Book: Under the Hibiscus

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 25, 2022

Do you have to give God two-weeks’ notice when you quit the ministry?

After a lifetime of being her father’s right-hand girl, Ezra gets a small taste of freedom during her friend’s honeymoon visit to the Suamalie islands and decides enough is enough. All she needs is to find a replacement secretary, teacher, project manager, accountant… et cetera.

In fact, what he needs is a wife.

Scott Keil intended to serve the Lord on St. Alyn Island for life. He just never intended to do it without his wife. So, when his daughter begins balking at being saddled with a ministry she never signed up for, he knows he needs to find a replacement for her. And well, she’s right. A wife who loves organization and serving the Lord would be the perfect solution.

But only one woman interests him and loves his ministry nearly as much as he does. Natalie Dershem—the event planner at St. Alyn’s newest resort. Why did she have to be nearly as young as his daughter… and so intriguing?

Under the Hibiscus is the introductory Christmas “noella” in the brand-new, Suamalie Islands Series from Celebrate Lit Publishing. Grab this May/December Christmas romance today.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

“I always wanted a son. But I wanted one a little younger than myself!” When Tevya said that to Lazar Wolf back when I was a teenager, little did I know that twenty years later, I’d say the same thing to my newly-minted son-in-law at my daughter’s reception.

It was a joke on me. I’d always said that I didn’t understand why people got worked up about age differences under twenty years. God called my bluff on that by sending me a son-in-law a year and a couple of months older than me and… nearly nineteen years (just shy by weeks) older than my daughter. People ask if I still think that it’s not a big deal. And I do. As I said back then, it all depends on the couple.

But May/December romances aren’t always popular. Some people don’t enjoy them. Maybe I do because my husband is seven years older than I am, my father is eight years older than my mother, and I have friends and family with eleven and fifteen years difference respectively. It’s just… normal in my experience. And as my dear friend said when she heard about people making snide comments about my daughter’s engagement, “Why would she want a boy her age when she can have a man?” And yeah. That is one of the lovely things about May/December romances.

Well, Under the Hibiscus definitely went that route—not because I specifically wanted an age difference for the couple but because two things jumped out at me. First, I couldn’t see Scott Keil with a woman his age. He’s such a young-at-heart-guy, and every woman his age my mind conjured… wasn’t. And I couldn’t see it!

But even more than that, I thought of Ezra and how it would feel to be a daughter whose father started dating someone nearly your own age. Especially since this wouldn’t be some socialite looking for a rich husband. Any woman interested in Scott Keil would have to love him and the Lord a great deal to be willing to accept such a large age difference. How would that go over with Ezra, and… what would their relationship look like. I mean, her stepmother would be a not-very-older sister’s age!

How does it all work out? Well… unfortunately, you’ll have to read to find out because right now? I don’t even know!

MY REVIEW

One of the best things about my hobby of reading is finding authors that always encourage me and relay messages that help in my struggles and give me joy when I’m feeling down. This author is gifted in all the things I just mentioned and more. In this story it was easy to connect to the characters because they became people I cared about. I loved the setting and how it focused on learning to trust yourself and others. This new series promises to be filled with beautiful scenery and a cast of characters that become family to readers.

Scott is very dedicated to his ministry and has placed a big burden on his daughter. He depends on her a little too much and I had to wonder when the obvious would happen. Well Ezra, his daughter has had enough of being her dad’s right hand and decides to do something about it. I did like their relationship and how Scott has instilled faith into Ezra. You can tell by the story that they rely on God and pray when they need guidance.

Ezra is smart, hard working and needs a break from her father. Helping him in the ministry has been nice but she needs a life of her own now. Her dad has been alone for a long time and Ezra after careful prayer has decided to help her dad find a wife. Get ready for some fun moments when daughter tells father that it is time to find a helpmate . Their conversations are emotional at times and other times they are stubborn and forceful. This makes for a good look at a daughter and father relationship as it is guided by God.I was impressed with the maturity in Ezra when she speaks honestly to her dad.

Now let’s focus on Natalie. She is a breath of fresh air as she takes on the task of filling in for Ezra while she takes a much needed break from everything. You can tell that Ezra has a little trouble with control but it soon diminishes as she sees how capable Natalie is. There is a spark of attraction between Scott and Natalie but we will have to see how that plays out. Of course I’m not not going to tell you if they get together. What fun would that be? I will say that I really liked the difference in the age between Scott and Natalie. It has never been an issue for me. If two people love each other, age should not be an issue. Did everyone think this romance was a great idea? Of course not and wait till you read who has the problem and who confronts them about it.

The book is a great introduction to a new series and I am hooked already. The author has laid the foundation for what is going to be another adventure with characters that you root for, faith that helps you grow stronger and messages that we all need to keep our eyes on Him.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

By the Book, November 26

She Lives To Read, November 27

Texas Book-aholic, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Sylvan Musings, November 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 30

Inklings and notions, December 1

deb’s Book Review, December 2

For Him and My Family, December 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

Simple Harvest Reads, December 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Lots of Helpers, December 8

Blogging With Carol, December 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/22dbc/under-the-hibiscus-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, November 21, 2022

About the Book

Book: Into the Fog

Author: Karen Randau

Genre: Romantic suspense

Release date: September 6, 2022

Love and danger spar in this thrilling romantic suspense novel.

Hands push Marie Jessica (“MJ”) Goodrich from a rural roadway into an icy creek. The clock is ticking for her pleading friend on the other side of the ravine.

Running from flashbacks of a life-altering attack in Afghanistan, MJ takes refuge with her mother, managing Peach Blossom Orchard. But peace is elusive in a rural Oklahoma town full of secrets.

After losing his wife and children in a fatal car crash, Josh Rivers doubts he deserves a second chance at love. He can’t believe his bad luck when MJ, the woman who plagues the nightmares of his military service in Afghanistan, shows up in his hometown. She claims a driver ran down and abducted her friend Kelsey. Frustrated with the county sheriff’s investigation, MJ and Josh partner to follow clues that lead to a kidnapper who demands a bizarre ransom.

With danger increasing for everyone MJ loves, will the clock run out before they solve the mystery? Find out how MJ and Josh—swirling in a whirlwind of mystery and suspense—lean on their mutual faith to find answers, courage, forgiveness, healing … and wholesome romance.

If you like to read Christy Barritt and Colleen Coble, you’ll love Into the Fog, a keep-you-up-at-night clean romantic suspense novel that launches the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Randau a best-seller author of fast-paced mystery, thriller, and suspense books from her home in the picturesque mountains of Arizona. She enjoys cooking, hiking, and hanging out with her family. In addition to the Peach Blossom Romantic Suspense series, her books include the Frankie Shep Mystery-Suspense Series, the Kayla Walsh Suspense Series, and Rim Country Mysteries.

More from Karen

Into the Fog is set in a farming community outside Tahlequah, Oklahoma, home of the Cherokee Nation, the largest of the 39 Native American tribes in Oklahoma.

If you’ve ever watched old Western movies, you may have heard a lot about the dangers of traveling through Indian Territory. Did you know that much of what is now Oklahoma was called the Indian Territory until Oklahoma became a state in 1907? Some of the tribes fought with the Confederacy during the Civil War, and some fought with the Union.

If those weren’t enough reasons for an identity crisis for the people of Oklahoma (who sometimes refer to themselves of Okies), the federal government lists Oklahoma in both the South and the Southwest regions of the United States. Many Okies claim their state is in Midwest region of the United States, but it is not listed that way in the federal census.

One thing is for sure: Oklahoma has a culture all its own, rightly earned by its confusing history. Many of these cultural oddities are explored in Into the Fog.

You’ll also enjoy the two main characters, MJ and Josh.

Marie Jessica “MJ” Goodrich served with the Army Rangers in Afghanistan until a bomb gave her a life-altering injury and a case of PTSD. She believes her injuries were so bad that no man will ever want to marry her. Besides, her mother’s failing memory and the peach orchard keep her too busy to embark on a romantic relationship.

Josh Rivers always wanted to be an artist, but he’s stuck running the auto shop he inherited. He’s dreamed of MJ ever since he pulled her from a bombed marketplace in Afghanistan, and it cost him his wife and children. He doesn’t believe he deserves another chance at love, but he prays for companionship anyway—and finds MJ unconscious in a ravine moments later. Could a guy’s luck get any worse?

The question answered in Into the Fog is: Will Josh die saving MJ again, or will they get out of the whirlwind of mystery and danger swirling around them in time to find their happily ever after?

MY REVIEW

I liked that the book is fast paced and kept me guessing throughout the story. MJ is a strong character who has seen her share of danger. She has come back home to help her mother run the business since she is showing early signs of dementia. The author does a good job of illustrating how this disease slowly takes away the ability to remember things. I’m not sure MJ was prepared for her mother’s decline in health but she never once wanted to leave her. Along with the business not doing well , MJ also deals with PTSD.

When MJ’s friend disappears into the fog while they are out running, MJ is determined to find out what happened. How could Kelsey just disappear right in front of her? Something is not adding up and MJ reaches out to the sheriff for help. I wasn’t too sure about the sheriff. He seems to be vague about things and not really in a rush to solve the crime.

Josh has lost his family, recovering from being in the service, and dealing with PTSD. I won’t go into how he and MJ get together to solve the mystery because that will be a treat for readers to discover. I liked how Josh was very protective of MJ and helped as the mystery involves illegal drugs, a missing person and something else I didn’t expect.

The author does throw in curve balls just when I think I have figured out what is going on. People growing illegal drugs on someone’s land is very bold and I have to wonder why they thought it would never be discovered. The story takes a dark turn as something sinister begins to happen in the town. Why are people having trouble remembering things? What has made someone completely surround themselves in a place that is fortified with cameras and traps to warn of people coming onto their property? The author really had me on the edge of my seat as the action becomes more dangerous as people start getting shot at. The faith element is good in the story and it shows how to overcome obstacles that keep you from trusting God and learning to forgive yourself of past sins.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.