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Thursday, April 11, 2019

THE GOLDEN BRIDE by KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE

This has been a very enjoyable story to read. The author has taken us back to San Francisco in 1849. The town was in chaos because of the gold rush. So many people traveled there to get rich. I could visualize the tents and shanty’s that surrounded the town as swarms of families came to find gold. There was no law around to corral the thieves, drunken men or even anyone who would step in and settle a fight.

Olivia is a wonderful character who travels to be with her brother who lives in San Francisco. She carries a burden with her that causes her not to ever love again. I felt her pain as she grieves the loss of her parents.  It was such a joy to read when she finally reunited with her brother. I loved how her brother Daniel welcomed her into his home with open arms. Working in his restaurant was very tiring and it sure wasn’t fun fighting off men in the restaurant. She is one woman who has no problem standing up for herself as one man finds out when a pie comes flying into his face. I think he will take a step back for now on instead of thinking he can put his hands on Olivia.

Daniel is a hard working man who has worried about his sister for awhile. He is glad to have her near him again and I loved how he wasn't ashamed to pray or show his faith. He is the kind of man who would be a good catch. Daniel is very protective of his sister and knows the danger that she could face in the city. The town has been taken over by unsavory characters and the author does a great job of giving us a glimpse into what it was like during this time period.

Joseph is Daniel's best friend and they both want to help improve things in the city so it will be safer. Olivia and Joseph seem to hit it off at first until she finds out what he does for a living. She promised herself she would not get mixed up with another man who does what Joseph does for a living. They are both smitten with each other and Olivia will have to decide if she can accept what Joseph does. Joseph is a fair man and treats his employees with respect so maybe Olivia will change her mind about him.

I loved the intrigue in the book about men and children turning up missing There are a few characters in the story who are greedy and use people to benefit their own pockets. They need to be stopped before harm comes to innocent people. The story is a great adventure as Olivia learns about forgiveness, Daniel helps his friend who finds himself in danger and Joseph who will seek justice for innocent people. Don't miss this story that takes us into the days of gold fever and a lesson in acceptance and forgiveness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing  and was under no obligation to post a review.
wrong way out FB banner

About the Book

Book: Wrong Way Out
Author: Lill Kohler
Genre: Speculative Christian Thriller
Release Date: March, 2019
wrong way outWhat would you do if your world suddenly changed overnight?
Lucy Grossen lost it all, but Nathan Burrows came to her rescue, much to the displeasure of Walker Stewart. Nathan challenges Lucy and Walker in several ways to think beyond what they see. When they follow Nathan’s leadings their lives are changed forever. Then life takes yet another twist and Lucy and Walker are plunged into another adventure.
Malcolm Greenfield isn’t sure he can trust Marla McCluney, but out of his loyalty to a deceased friend he sticks around to help her. When Marla’s life seems to be threatened Malcolm seeks the help of Lucy and Walker.
Will they help? Will they offer hope to a couple they don’t know? And how far will they go to help?
When things look bleak there is always hope that someone will come along and help you get your feet back on the ground.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Lill KohlerLill Kohler wears many hats… mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, writer, blogger, and aspiring gardener. With each one she tries to follow the paths to which God leads her. Each journey has led to another. As a military brat and spouse she traveled the world, and currently lives in Texas. In the midst of those adventures God called her to the path of writing. Before publishing the Way Out series she was published in Guidepost’s book Heavenly Company: Entertaining Angels Unaware and OakTara’s Falling In Love With You.
You can follow her posts on her blog sites: www.rocking-myworld.blogspot.com, www.AbueSpeaks.wordpress.com , lillkohler.wordpress.com.

More from Lill

When Things Go Wrong
After much struggling we finally got the Sterno container open. I left an assistant to place the canister in the holder below the chaffing dish, while I went to check on some of the food. My foot barely crossed the kitchen threshold when I heard a scream followed by a ker-thunk. My stomach flipped as I quickly returned.
Staring at an upside down sterno can was the assistant. Quickly I picked up the can and looked for damages. The pink gelatinous goo now sprinkled the table, her shirt, the floor, the kitchen half-wall and, of all things, the beautiful gauze backdrop. With all hands on deck, every worker scrambled with wet and dry towels to pick up every spot we found before any of the wedding party arrived. It created a bond for us that day.
Have you ever had a kitchen disaster you wanted to sweep into the trashcan before anybody entered the room? To my shock, my aging mother confessed to numerous kitchen disasters in her years of cooking for the family. Sometimes this included making a needed substitution to a recipe. Often the change brought success. Below is one such recipe where coke was substituted for sherry.
Whether it’s spilled flammable gel or lacking a recipe ingredient, life can mess with our plans. If we just go with it, we might find the end product can bring about good and not failure.
Beef Cloydienne
Beef stew meat – amount to your tasting
1 stalk celery
1 chopped onion
3-4 large carrots
2 large potatoes
sprig of Cilantro
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
dash of minced dry garlic
salt and pepper to taste
dash Worchestire sauce
package of dried beefy onion soup
1/2 c water
1/2 -1 cup Coca-cola
Cook at 250 degrees for 4-5 hours
Stir in 1 can Cream of Mushroom soup 1 hour before serving

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The book is an interesting take on the end times. Many of us have read what is to happen when that time comes. There will be  famine, fires and diseases that will spread across the world. No one will be safe from this event if you are still here on earth. The author gives us a perspective of what it may be like during this time. 

Lucy is a good character and I liked how she took good care of Nathan who has health problems. The house they are in is lavish and becomes a place for people to find comfort when their homes are destroyed. I didn't care for the Coasters at all and thought they were ungrateful for the shelter and food that was provided. I kept wondering why Lucy had to be their maid and cook. I suppose at times like this some people have no manners. 

Walker is a good addition to the story and with him Lucy and Nathan they may just survive the chaos that is going on around them. I do have to say that some of the writing was a bit crass and did not care for the innuendos one particular character had towards Lucy. I didn't think it added to the story at all, and thought it should have been left out.

The author does an good job of describing what is happening during this period and it sometimes was pretty awful to think this could happen someday. It will not be pretty and there will lots of suffering. The thought of having to get chipped is something Lucy is not happy about. I can't imagine what it would be like to have to ration food, share a house with people you don't know and be afraid to go outside at times. The more I read the more intrigued I became. The story starts to take on parts from the bible and I really enjoyed it. Talk of the anti-christ was well illustrated and people were being fooled by this person. It is a realistic look at what is to come in the end times and I thought the ending was powerful. The author stepped up and really focused on biblical truths from the bible and it does make people think of what is to come someday. I will say I am interested in reading the last book in this series. I feel invested in the characters and want to find out what happens to them.

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

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, April 9 (Spotlight)
The Becca Files, April 15
Artistic Nobody, April 16 (Spotlight)
Bigreadersite, April 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lill is giving away a grand prize of a $25 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/de83/wrong-way-out-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

THE MEMORY HOUSE TOUR by RACHEL HAUCK


When Beck Holiday lost her father in the North Tower on 9/11, she also lost her memories of him. Eighteen years later, she’s a tough New York City cop burdened with a damaging secret, suspended for misconduct, and struggling to get her life in order. Meanwhile a mysterious letter arrives informing her she’s inherited a house along Florida’s northern coast, and what she discovers there will change her life forever. Matters of the heart only become more complicated when she runs into handsome Bruno Endicott, a driven sports agent who fondly recalls the connection they shared as teenagers. But Beck doesn’t remember that, either.

Decades earlier, widow Everleigh Applegate lives a steady, uneventful life with her widowed mother after a tornado ripped through Waco, Texas, and destroyed her new, young married life. When she runs into old high school friend Don Callahan, she begins to yearn for change. Yet no matter how much she longs to love again, she is hindered by a secret she can never share.

Fifty years separate the women but through the power of love and miracle of faith, they each find healing in a beautiful Victorian known affectionately as The Memory House.

Click here to read an excerpt!



Rachel Hauck is an award winning, New York TimesUSA Today and Wall Street Journalbestselling author.
Her book The Wedding Dress was named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times Book Reviews. She is a double RITA finalist, and a Christy and Carol Award Winner.
Her book, Once Upon A Prince, first in the Royal Wedding Series, was filmed for an Original Hallmark movie.
Rachel has been awarded the prestigious Career Achievement Award for her body of original work by Romantic Times Book Reviews.
A member of the Executive Board for American Christian Fiction Writers, she teaches workshops and leads worship at the annual conference. She is a past Mentor of The Year.
At home, she’s a wife, writer, worship leader and works out at the gym semi-enthusiastically.
A graduate of Ohio State University (Go Bucks!) with a degree in Journalism, she’s a former sorority girl and a devoted Ohio State football fan. Her bucket list is to stand on the sidelines with Ryan Day.
She lives in sunny central Florida with her husband and ornery cat.


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It's hard for me to write this review without crying. The story is a time slip which gives readers a glimpse into the past where tragedy  awaits for one and in the present pain . The two main women in the story deliver a sweeping tale of loss, forgiveness and hope.  Beck is a strong willed woman who is a NYPD cop. She loves her job and has followed in her dad's footsteps. She is a cop who goes by the book, but one night she snaps and is suspended for four weeks. Beck is angry with herself for losing her cool, but maybe God has a plan for her. Beck has  no memory of her dad since he died on 9/11. There is a secret Beck is keeping which will change her life. Will she make the right decision? I don't want to leave out the dog in the story or the mysterious Joshua Christian. They each represent something precious and hopeful .

 I loved how the author connected Beck and Everleigh and it brings them back together after many years through a letter Beck receives. Everleigh is a wonderful character who loves her husband Rhett.
They have big plans for a house and with a baby on the way their happiness is overflowing. It is 1953 and Everleigh finds herself alone when a storm comes. She prays her husband will come soon and protect her. When someone opens the cellar door hours later, all her dreams are shattered. I could feel her pain and wanted to give her a hug. Her character is so well written that I wanted to be her friend. She can't let herself be happy and soon becomes a shell of herself.

As you read the story you discover the ties that The Memory House has between Beck and Everleigh. The author breathes life into the story with emotions that are realistic and heart wrenching moments that will forever be felt. It's important to mention Don and Bruno because they each will play a part in helping these two women face their past and help them heal. They are strong men who love God  and trust Him to give them strength to stand beside their women who they love. It's a love story that takes two women who are years apart and drops them into a house filled with memories as they seek healing.  The author has once again written a story that spans over years but brings two people memories they will cherish and along the way love that will last a lifetime.

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


















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TOUR INFORMATION
The Avid Reader4/2/2019
Julie Arduini: Surrender Issues and Chocolate4/2/2019
By The Book4/2/2019
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader4/2/2019
Christian Bookaholic4/2/2019
The Mary Reader4/2/2019
The Power of Words4/3/2019
When life gets you down...read a book4/3/2019
Vickie's Kitchen and Garden4/4/2019
Hallie Reads4/4/2019
Bigreadersite4/4/2019
Gidget Girl Reading4/4/2019
Beauty in the Binding4/4/2019
Locks, Hooks and Books4/5/2019
Savings in Seconds4/5/2019
My Devotional Thoughts4/5/2019
Cara Putman4/5/2019
The World As I See It4/5/2019
View from the Birdhouse4/5/2019
Woven by Words4/6/2019
Carpool Conversations4/7/2019
Remembrancy4/7/2019
Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer4/8/2019
2014 AND BEYOND!4/8/2019
The Forgiven Former Feminist4/9/2019
Splashes of Joy4/9/2019
Hope for Today's Heart4/9/2019
Daysong Reflections4/9/2019
Seasons of Opportunities4/9/2019
Singing Librarian Books4/10/2019
Through the Fire Blogs4/10/2019
Inklings and notions4/10/2019
Moments4/10/2019
Milk & Honey Meadows4/10/2019
Texas Book-aholic4/10/2019
Impressions In Ink4/11/2019
Susan's Blog4/11/2019
Mother of Three4/12/2019
Labor Not in Vain4/12/2019
Pause for Tales4/12/2019
Thoughts from Mill Street4/12/2019
Christian Chick's Thoughts4/13/2019
A Modern Day Fairy Tale4/13/2019
Two Girls and a Book4/14/2019
Chat With Vera4/14/2019
Edits and Reviews by Leslie4/14/2019
The Christian Fiction Girl4/14/2019
Positive Grace4/15/2019
Radiant Light4/15/2019
God's Peculiar Treasure Rae4/15/2019
Genesis 50204/16/2019
Christen Krumm, Writer4/16/2019
Did you Hear about the morgans?4/16/2019
Roads to Everywhere4/16/2019
Create Explore Read4/16/2019
Cover to Cover Café4/16/2019



Tuesday, April 9, 2019





Will a new partnership tear their worlds apart … or will it be the piece they never knew was missing? 
In 1959, Arleen Thatcher and Neil Fox are fierce competitors on the dance floor, so they’re the least likely pair to enter a televised competition together. But when rivaling studio owners decide to team up, the two find a partnership they never thought possible. Arleen’s reputation around town is reason enough for Neil to keep his distance from his new partner. But as Neil gets to know Arleen, he discovers a side of her few others have seen, one of dark family secrets and carefully-constructed facades. God’s plan for their partnership may involve more than a single dance; it may be the key to the healing Arleen so desperately needs. 
The Art of Love series is compiled of stand-alone novels where the characters tell their own stories and love means so much more than passion.






Besides being an Indie Author, I’m a wife, mother of four, children’s Sunday School teacher, sweet tea drinker, history fanatic, romantic, bubbly, lover of broccoli, and cake decorator who has a soft spot for Christmas trees, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

What I’m not is a laundress (or at least not one who keeps up very well), a duster, tall, or patient in a doctor’s office.

Author Social Media Links:
I’d love to hear from you. You can visit me online on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pinterest, and my blog. *Note: I’m most active on Facebook and my blog.
Whether you’re on social media or not, you can ensure that you never miss one of my sales, giveaways, or new releases by signing up for my newsletter. I’ll send you a direct link to your email anytime something big happens. http://eepurl.com/dDbVNz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorAMHeath





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          Grace, beauty, nostalgia, memories, healing and God's love. Those are the first words I thought of after reading this wonderful story of two people who are not only dance partners but so much more. I loved reading about the dances and it reminded me of the show American Bandstand.  I may be showing my age, but that show had couples sliding across the dance floor with moves that impressed everyone. The story takes us from present day back to the late 1950s where dancing was just starting to be the craze. 

Arleen reminds me of a flower that is just starting to bloom. The brilliant colors are starting to come out, but the flower is holding back. Arleen has not had a good home life and Neil may just be the person to help her overcome her insecurity. Her reputation around town is riddled with rumors that cause people to think bad of her. I could feel her pain buried deep down inside her. It was hard to read about Arleen's abusive father, but the author handled it with compassion . It lets readers get a glimpse into  when she was younger and how her family life shaped her.  Arleen has always been told that she was ugly so to get attention and to feel better about herself she flirted with guys. I can relate to her so much. My dad always told me I was ugly and would never amount to anything. Those words are hard to forget and for Arleen, she became an empty shell inside. It's easy to believe that you are nothing when you hear it everyday. 

         Neil is a strong dance competitor and finds himself teamed up with Arlene to win a contest. His faith will be tested as he encounters trials and a young woman who desperately needs to know that God loves her. I'm glad Neil came into Arleen's life just when she needed encouragement the most. It was beautiful to read Neil sharing God with Arleen. She needed to hear that she was loved, valued and could trust others. 

The story is a journey that captures the beauty of a romance rich in humility, compassion and the unconditional love of God. Arleen and Neil's story is one you won't forget as you picture them dancing together while the world around them fades away. They embrace each other with honor and integrity and allow God to heal wounds that have stolen happiness from a young woman who wanted to be accepted. It's hard to leave this story without a tear or two as I feel like they have become my friends. I can still hear Neil whisper to Arlene, "Dance With Me." 

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.




















Tour Stops: 
Monday April 8th: 
Debbie @ Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
Loretta @ Just Writing
Laura @ Blue Eye Books PLUS an interview
Tuesday April 9th:
Kaylee @ Kaylee’s Kind of Writes
Karen @ KarenSueHadley
Wednesday April 10th: 
Deana @ Texas Book-aholic
Jana @ Review from the Stacks
Becky @ Blossoms and Blessings
Thursday April 11th: 
Bella @ Bella Putt: The Pen and the Pages
Alicia @ A Brighter Destiny

Friday April 12th: 
Esther @ We’ve Got Pockets PLUS an interview
Raechel @ God’s Peculiar Treasure







Sunday, April 7, 2019

when you are near FB Banner

About the Book

When You Are Near
Book: When You Are Near
Author: Tracie Peterson
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: March 5, 2018
After her father’s death, Lizzy Brookstone, a trick rider in the all-female Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza, wants nothing more than to quit her role as the star of the show and live a quiet life on her family’s ranch. But returning home would bring Wesley DeShazer, the ranch’s foreman and the man who broke her heart, back into her life. In addition, the Brookstones’ new manager fears that Lizzy’s departure could doom the already cash-strapped show.
Hope grows in Lizzy during a stopover at Fleming Farm. Ella Fleming not only has a natural talent for trick riding and could easily replace Lizzy, but she’s eager to join the show to flee a forced betrothal. However, while there, one of the show’s wranglers is killed in a manner Lizzy finds suspicious. And during her escape from the farm, Ella stumbles across a secret that could affect all of their lives, as well as the future of the Brookstone Extravaganza.
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Peterson, TracieTracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.

Guest Post from Tracie

Introducing…When You Are Near!
I’m excited about the new Brookstone Brides series and had so much fun researching for the various characters and locations. This is a story about a fictional Wild West show with all female performers. Prior to the rodeos we see today, the Wild West shows traveled throughout America and Europe to entertain people and give city dwellers a taste of what the American frontier was like. At least their version.
Buffalo Bill Cody was famous for his shows, which brought Native Americans and their culture into the world of people who might otherwise never have even seen an “Indian.” Pawnee Bill was another entertainer who sought to keep these shows alive.
For the fictional show in my novels, I wanted to focus on three female characters who became a part of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza for varying reasons. Lizzy Brookstone is the heroine in book one, When You Are Near, and as the daughter of one of the show’s owners, she has enjoyed a starring role as a trick rider.
For research I went to Pueblo, Colorado to the ranch of Karen Vold, a famous trick rider and rodeo star. Linda Scholtz, a famed trick rider, was teaching a clinic there along with Karen at the Red Top Ranch Trickriding School.
These are two remarkable Christian trick riders who have long worked to keep the sport alive. I spent three days getting to know them and what they do and learned so much. And just to prove that we weren’t all work and no play, I thought I’d share my attempt at trick riding. What I won’t do for research!
The series will have three books, as usual, and each book will focus on a different lady and her skills. Mary is a trick shooter like Annie Oakley, and Ella is a Roman rider who stands on the backs of two horses for her part in the act. It was so interesting learning about each of these types of performers, and I hope you’ll get a chance to read all three and enjoy the stories of the Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza.



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This new series by the talented author is a blend of adventure, intrigue and wonderful characters. I loved reading about trick riding. The description is well written and was easy to picture Lizzy as she did death defying tricks that made the audience gasp. I remember watching a few shows when I was younger where there were trick riders in the show. They were a crowd pleasure and was exciting to watch. The author is very knowledgeable in horses and I loved reading about the different types. 

Lizzy is a wonderful character and amazing trick rider. She has total trust in her horse and the crowds flock to see her. It was funny to read how many proposals she received from total strangers at the shows. She has been riding for a long time and thinks maybe it is time to retire from the Wild West Extravaganza.  The death of her father has changed her outlook on life and she doesn't seem to be into the show as much anymore. Her mother didn't seem to surprised by Lizzy's decision and I think maybe she was a little happy to know her daughter wouldn't be doing the show anymore. Lizzie's father was the heartbeat of the family and his death has taken a toil on members of the family. It was interesting to meet Wes and how vital he is to the story. I loved reading about the relationship between him and Lizzy. They have a past together that only God will be able to heal. 

Ella is introduced into the story and is anxious to run away from her life. I wanted to help her after I read about her father. He raises champion horses that are perfect for trick riding. There is something about him that I didn't like.  He is determined to marry his daughter off to a man who Ella has no feelings for. The author gives us a bit of mystery that heightens the story and made me want to not put the book down. 

The story is a wonderful look at ranch life  and the time period that brings the Old West to life. I enjoyed getting to know the Brookstone family and how they made a living. There is a faith element in the story that shows us how important family,  trust and forgiveness is. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 26
Vicky Sluiter, March 27
Carpe Diem, March 28
The Avid Reader, March 28
Genesis 5020, March 28
The Lit Addict, March 29
Back Porch Reads, March 29
Splashes of Joy, March 30
Emily Yager, March 31
EmpowerMoms, April 1
Remembrancy, April 3
Pause for Tales, April 4
Stories By GinaApril 5
Book by Book, April 5
BigreadersiteApril 6
The Becca Files, April 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tracie is giving away a grand prize of When You Are Near, Tracie’s A $25 Barnes and Noble Gift card, and the three books in The Heart of Alaska series and three other winners will receive a copy of When You Are Near!!
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/dcdd/when-you-are-near-celebration-tour-giveaway