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Friday, June 7, 2019

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About the Book

Book: Just a Train Ride
Author: Elizabeth Wehman
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release Date: September 1, 2017 Just a Train Ride
She was born during the Great Depression, dated a soldier shipped across the world into the upheavals of war. Despite the haunting scars of battle, she married that soldier when he returned. After the loss of her husband of sixty years, an annual trip to visit her grandson in Chicago always helped ease her loneliness. Yet in the face of ailing health, Callie had boarded a train and now needed to make her way back home to Michigan. She’d made the same trip many times before, yet this time it was clear to Callie it would be her last. That’s when she met Blaine. The young, agitated woman appeared to be seeking an escape which inspired Callie to remember her own struggles in life and love. Had their lives merged for a reason? They had a train ride from Chicago to Lapeer to find out.
Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Elizabeth WehmandRaised in Michigan, Author Elizabeth Wehman loves to incorporate cities in the state for her inspirational fiction. Famous Michigan flowers adorn the back covers of her books from peonies to lilacs and apple blossoms. Her first novel, “Under the Windowsill,” reflects the tranquility and hidden treasures of Mackinac Island for a much needed hideaway for Kenna, a young girl raised in Iowa. This coming-of-age story uses the growing pains of a quiet, country girl to reflect the dangers and unknowns of breaking away from family and security. From the frustrations of trying to make it alone, Kenna’s experience cements a permanent trust of the goodness of her past and a true hope for the future. Elizabeth’s second novel, reflects the tumultuous relationship between sisters in “Promise at Daybreak.” Two elderly sisters are forced together by illness which leads them to fulfill a pact they made at their mother’s grave. The story reflects the storms of dealing with dementia and the results of fulfilling a promise, despite its drawbacks. The setting for this novel is Elizabeth’s hometown, Durand complete with its historic depot and the thunderous noises of a train town. Both novel settings share historical and distinctive aspects of both Michigan cities. Elizabeth’s third novel, released the summer of 2017, and will be entitled, “Just a Train Ride.” All of her novels are clean reads, with a clear inspirational message for her readers. Elizabeth’s home is in Owosso. You can find more about Elizabeth at www.elizabethwehman.com or on her Facebook page – Elizabeth Wehman/Author.

More from Elizabeth

Just a Train Ride is a fictional version of my parent’s love story from the 1940’s. My father fought in WWII and he returned from his fighting experience after having a nervous breakdown. He suffered repercussions of that throughout his entire life. My mother sent off a different man than the one who returned home to her, but she was faithful to her promise to marry him. Their story and his experiences were a private matter, so I waited until after his death to write their story. Some of it is based on facts, other parts are just my imagination…filling in the details. I included the train ride as a major part, due to the fact that my mother had gone on a train to see my father just before he shipped off to war. My main purpose in writing JATR was to show how you can be faithful in marriage, despite the setbacks, sorrow, and fateful events that can ravage even the best of marriages. This is my third inspirational novel.



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This was definitely a story that drew me in from the beginning. Callie is an older woman in her eighties who travels by train to see her grandson every year. This years seems a bit different for her. She is not as strong as she use to be and her strength is slowly fading. I loved Callie and how expressive she was in  sharing her story with Blaine as they traveled on the train. 

Blaine is a young woman who isn't sure where her future lies.   This was a divine moment for Callie to share her story and take Blaine through her life. The beautiful way the author writes is mesmerizing and I could almost believe I was sitting across from Callie on the train . Callie has much to share with Blaine and we get a glimpse in to what life was like during the Great Depression.

It was hard for families as they struggled to survive and the pain was deep as their men went off to war. Callie has fallen in love with Miles. He is a kind person who wants to marry Callie. Before that happens he goes off to war. When he returns, he is a changed person.  Callie is in for a shock when  Miles is really just a shell of himself. The war has caused damage to him emotionally. It was called shell shocked back then. Today we refer to it as PTSD. The author does a great job of showing the turmoil Miles goes through. 

I thought for a moment Callie would back out of the wedding, but she loved Miles and was willing to see him through whatever laid ahead for them. Miles suffers from n ightmares and anger issues. The emotion turmoil is overwhelming at times as Callie talks about the struggles she went through with Miles.  Blaine is so engrossed by Callie's story that she starts to take a second look at her relationships. Marriage is not easy and there are times when you want to give up, but as Callie shares her story, Blaine begins to understand what a true marriage is. 

Blaine's childhood was filled with abandonment and pain. The author gives a vivid description of what she went through as a small child which helps to understand why she has a  fear of commitment.  I loved when Callie says to Blaine, " Sometimes loving someone means doing many things you never thought you'd do."  We often times take things for granted and when a tragedy happens, it makes us question God.  

The story is filled with a journey of marriage where hope, forgiveness and unconditional love is experienced. Blaine will never be the same after meeting Callie. Their friendship is endearing and along the way Blaine discovers how Jesus can heal her wounded heart. I loved this story so much, I bought her other books. Don't miss this story that will remind you of never giving up.

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

Blog Stops

Mary Hake, May 29
Bigreadersite, June 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elizabeth is giving away a grand prize of a Michigan-themed basket!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e1c2/just-a-train-ride-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, June 3, 2019

On a summer tide FB banner

About the Book

Book: On a Summer Tide
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Christian Fiction Romance
Release Date: April 30, 2019
On a Summer Tide CoverSometimes love hurts—and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.
Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.
Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island—a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals—and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.
With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

suzanne woods fisherSuzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

More from Suzanne

Oh-So-Maine Blueberry Buckle

Summer in Maine means plump, tart blueberries are everywhere. Here’s a family recipe that is nearly fool-proof….and so delicious! Especially with a scoop or two with vanilla ice cream. 

Ever wonder how it got the name Blueberry Buckle? While the batter rises as it bakes, but the blueberries and crumb topping weigh it down. This causes the surface of the cake to buckle…hence the name.


Batter:
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup soft butter
1 egg
½ cup milk
2 cups sifted flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups drained blueberries

Crumb Topping:
½ cup sugar
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup softened butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix sugar and butter with egg. Stir in milk Sift together and stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Carefully blend in blueberries. Put on topping before baking. Pour in a greased and floured 9” square pan.

Bake 45-50 minutes.








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This has to be my favorite story from this author. It is easy to fall in love with the Grayson family as the author brings them to life. Each member has a gift that they have not used to their potential. After a tragedy that shakes the family to its core, Paul Grayson announces to his three daughters he has sold the house. While they are trying grasp that , he also tells them he has bought a place  off the coast of Maine. The camp he purchased has sweet memories for him. It is not exactly booming with business and the camp is so rundown that I would be afraid to stay one night there. 

It is no surprise that his daughters' think he is crazy, had a stroke or just getting senile. I was very intrigued by the problem he had with his voice. He seems to have become hoarse overtime and never gained his strong baritone voice back. I am hoping in the next book we find out more about his condition. 

I  won't go into many details, because the story is written so well, you must read it for yourself.  I loved his daughters' and how each one was trying to find their niche in life. One of their problems is not  being honest and open with each other. Place close attention to the name change of the island as you read the story of a family in need of healing.

There are some great local people on the island that was interesting to get to know. I have to say my favorite character is Peg. She has been around the island forever and is the first to welcome the family to the island. Poor Peg can't cook yet she has a diner that barely stays afloat. She has asked God to help revitalize the island and boy does he answer her prayer. Not everyone is happy to see the Graysons' especially the self appointed mayor. He is a very snotty, mean person who struts around the island like he is king. 

The story center around a family that decides to take on a big task to fulfill a dream. I loved how the author writes with deep emotion and shows the struggles each person goes through. There is a faith element in the book that I thought was just the right amount to emphasize how we need to look to Him for guidance and strength.   The three sisters are different but still looking for a bond to form between each other. I can say without a doubt this will be a story that will touch your soul and find you praying for your own family to become stronger in faith and closer to each other.

 There is a special boy in the story that captured my heart. He is a smart boy but desperate for stability. With each page I read , I found myself wanting to live on the island and embrace the  beautiful scenery that makes the island so inviting. There is a mystery brewing about why the lobsters have disappeared from the island that was very intriguing. Don't miss this story about a family that struggles to share their feelings and how an island brought them back together. 

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

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, May 24
Mary Hake, May 25
C Jane Read, May 26
Empower Moms, May 27
Remembrancy, May 27
Hallie Reads, May 29
Quiet Quilter, June 3
By The Book, June 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a 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/e540/on-a-summer-tide-celebration-tour-giveaway
The Pages of Her Life FB Banner

About the Book

Book: The Pages of Her Life
Author: James L. Rubart
Genre: Christian fiction – suspense
Release Date: May 21, 2019 Pages of Her Life cover
Award-winning and bestselling author James L. Rubart explores the way our memories shape us . . . and how they affect our beliefs.
Allison Moore has no idea why she got out of her car on that rainy March afternoon and picked up the soaked journal laying on the side of the road. Brought it home. But she did. It was empty. Except for two lines scrawled in the front, too washed out to read. And a Jesus emblem inside the back cover. Something about the journal compels her to start writing in it, capturing thoughts about her newly acquired job that she thought would be heaven, but has turned into hell. Then one day, she finds words in the center of the journal. Words she didn’t write: Mene mene tekel upharsin. After her heart stops hammering, Allison Googles the phrase, and reads the story of Belshazzar’s Feast, where a hand from God writes on the wall, and the king is slain. Fear grips her, certain God is coming after her for what she did twelve years back. What she’s done wrong her whole life. She vows to make things right. Then she discovers more phrases appearing underneath each of her journal entries. Those phrases take her on an emotional roller coaster that forces her to look at everything she believes about her past in a new light, and opens her eyes to a supernatural realm of staggering consequence.
The Pages of her life quote

About the Author

Rubart JamesJames L. Rubart is a professional marketer and speaker. He is the author of the best-selling novel Rooms as well as Book of Days, The Chair, Soul’s Gate, Memory’s Door, and Spirit Bridge. He lives with his wife and sons in the Pacific Northwest. Website: www.jameslrubart.com Twitter: @jameslrubart Facebook: JamesLRubart











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I am speechless after reading this book. It is so emotional and reached into my soul and filled me with joy. It is not everyday you read a book that has all the elements you need to walk through life with. Allison is such a deep character that I was immediately drawn to her. A simple stop to get a coffee will change her life in ways she never thought possible.  I was very intrigued by the journal that was handed to her. I'm sure I would question why I was chosen to receive it. God answers us in many ways and this book was packed with his wisdom and compassion. The author illustrates what it is like to seem lost in the world and everything around you falling apart. 

Dexter was my least favorite character because he was deceitful and prideful. Poor Allison falls for his charms and goes to work for him with a promise to  be his partner. I couldn't understand why she continued to work for him when it was obvious he was using her. Don't get me started on Linda the office manager. She defines the word power hungry by her actions and sour attitude. 

As Allison begins to write in the journal, something happens and the words change. They are not what she wrote, but words that encouraged her and drew her toward God as He directed her path. There are so many intricate stories within the story that I found to be exceptionally well written. Allison't family is reeling from a tragedy, but they  don't know how bad it is going to get. The surprises they discover are over whelming. I loved how Allison, her mother and brother were able to break down barriers and try to heal their relationships. 

The story is about healing, seeking the truth, forgiving, and most of all trusting God. He puts people in our pathway at just the right time. I know what it is like to seek approval from my parents and never receiving it. Allison and her brother have carried that hurt for a long time from their father. Will they be able to heal from rejection? Will the journal lead Allison to hope and a better life? What a beautiful story that makes you look at yourself. Al the bitterness we carry can be gone if only we would give it to God. I believe that God doesn't give us more than we can handle. The one thing I took away from this story was hope. He is always there and sees our pain. We need to make the choice to listen to His voice and watch for signs that he is speaking to us. 

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

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, May 23
Bigreadersite, May 24
amandainpa, May 27
Hallie Reads, May 28
Mary Hake, June 4
Remembrancy, June 8
Livin’ Lit, June 9

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, James is giving away a finished copy of The Pages of Her Life!!
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/e4f2/the-pages-of-her-life-celebration-tour-giveawa