Saturday, December 5, 2020

 

About the Book

Book: Simply West of Heaven

Author: Monique Bucheger

Genre: Mid-grade, blended family, horses

Release Date: January 1, 2013

Twelve-year-old BFFs Ginnie and Tillie are matchmaking geniuses. Sweet! Not long after they schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom, Ginnie stumbled upon her late mom’s journals, making life even more awesome sauce … until her dad confiscated the journals, determined to protect Ginnie from a danger he won’t name.

Ginnie is counting on her future sister’s help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie’s not so sure the ghost of Ginnie’s mom will make a good addition to their new family tree. The girls’ world gets flipped upside-down when a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go nutburgers. Ginnie is torn between helping her best friend and what could be the answer to her deepest wish.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

When Monique isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.

Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, twelve grand-darlings, too many cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of several books in three series and hopes to write many more.

 

More from Monique

Hello Everybody,

 

Welcome to the kickoff tour of my third book: SIMPLY WEST OF HEAVEN: A Ginnie West Adventure. This book is the hardest one for me to blurb because it contains my four best twists and I don’t want to give away any of the surprises (and some readers have said they were downright shocked—in a good way—by some of them.) 

 

This book stretched my writing ability and deepened my emotional investment in the West family greatly.  This book continues to explore the relationship of best friends, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor. It has been described as “a soap opera for children” because of all the plot twists and reveals.

 

It explores Ginnie and Tillie’s deeper, hidden feelings in a way that may bring you tears as well as greater understanding. Several reviewers commented on how authentic and “real” the West family is to them. I love knowing that people are willing to go on a journey with Ginnie and Tillie and the rest of the West family. That they are willing to laugh and cry with them. I promise—this book will give you opportunities for both. 

 

Simply West of Heaven has recently been made into an audiobook and that was a fun endeavor as I listened to the voices in my head come to life. My narrator, the very talented, Hillary Straga, said all of the twists kept her on her toes, but that she loved voicing this book because she never knew what to expect.

 

I hope that the people who choose to read this book will have the same experience. That they will be eager to jump in, put aside pre-conceived notions, and become part of the West family saga: that they will cheer for them, cry with them, and celebrate with them. One of my favorite reviews of this book states that: “I tried to skip ahead and every time I did—I had to go back to where I was because I missed something important in the story.”

 

Thank you to those of you who are willing to continue to read the Ginnie West Adventures and “Welcome!”  to those who have decided to start with this book.

 

Laugh lots, Love much, Write on!

Monique Bucheger

MY REVIEW 

Warning!!  If you haven’t read the first two books in this series it is a must. The books introduce you to the characters and allow you to get to know them. This book is by far my favorite. I have already fallen in love with Ginnie, Tillie and Toran. They have shared many ups and downs but each time their bond grows stronger. Tillie so wants to be part of Ginnie’s family and maybe  someday her prayers will be answered. 

Ginnie is starting to ask more questions about her mother and it won’t be long before secrets are revealed. The author does a great job of building this storyline up as each chapter draws us closer to what Ginnie’s mother wrote in her journals. I’m a big fan of journals and like to write scriptures down, thoughts that I have and personal things that only my journal knows. Maybe someday I will share them with my children but for now I continue to journal my life to leave to my future family members.

There is more conflict in this story and we see a jealous side of Ginnie as she starts to realize she may be sharing her dad’s attention with a new mom and sister. I liked being able to read how she struggles at times with anger at her dad. She is so determined to find out what is in the journals that it causes a conflict in the family. Parents sometimes keep things from their children to protect them. I think a few times Ginnie needed to be grounded more. She develops   an ugly attitude that continues through most of the book. It is a good example of how a young person copes with loss, feeling left out and confused. 

Get ready for a few big surprises that will shake the family. One of the things I really liked about the story was the emphasis on forgiveness. We all do things we regret, and at some point we need to go to those we have hurt and make things right. This is a bit more emotional story but one that allows the main characters to express their feelings so others can help them. 

This is the kind of series I would have loved to read as a child. As an adult I can appreciate it more because I was able to think back on my childhood. It wasn’t a good childhood, but I was always able to escape into stories like these. Thank you for writing a series that shows the reality of death, divorce and unconditional love in a way that young people can relate to. I am eagerly awaiting the next in this series because the author has left a little cliffhanger at the end. 

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

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, December 2

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 4

Texas Book-aholic, December 5

Inklings and notions, December 6

For Him and My Family, December 7

deb’s Book Review, December 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 9

Mary Hake, December 9

Artistic Nobody, December 10 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 11

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 12

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Blogging With Carol, December 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Monique is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, or Kobo 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/10495/simply-west-of-heaven-celebration-tour-giveaway


Thursday, December 3, 2020

 





Diplomatic Security Service agent Brian Mullaney wants out. He's been drawn 
against his will into a dangerous international mission with world-ending implications
--and his final assignment is going to pit him directly against the terrifying, evil entity 
known only as the Turk.

But when the Turk's minions breach the US embassy in Israel and the American 
ambassador disappears, Mullaney has no choice. He must accept his role as the final 
guardian of a mysterious box, his only weapon against the powers of darkness bent on 
preventing the second coming of the Messiah, no matter who or what they annihilate to 
accomplish their goal. Can this man who's already lost so much find the strength and faith 
to save the world--and fulfill the prophecy of peace?

The final volume of the Empires of Armageddon trilogy will have fans of Joel Rosenberg, 
Ronie Kendig, and Frank Peretti on the edge of their seats up to the final page.




Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood 
Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. 
His latest series is Empires of Armageddon, which includes Ishmael Covenant, Persian 
Betrayal, and Ottoman Dominion.

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year 
newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing 
for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper’s Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor and publisher for 
newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff 
of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive 
Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

In 1996, Brennan transitioned into the nonprofit sector, spending 12 years as VP Operations 
for The Bowery Mission and six years as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the 
Homeless,  both in New York City.

Terry and his wife, Andrea, now live in Danbury, CT.

MY REVIEW 

I hope you have read the first two books in this series. If not, stop here and go read them. They are a must in order to follow the storyline and not miss out on any details. The author is incredible at delivering high  tech super  charged action . The chapters seem a bit short but they are increasingly intense.  

The story is set in Israel and I found the details to be accurate as the author weaves a tale of espionage and a character I have come to really like. Brian is a dedicated Secret Service agent but he feels it’s time to depart that roll. It won’t be easy to slip away from the secrets , lies, and enemies that he has encountered. I think what I liked most about the book was that it moved quickly and didn’t get bogged down with unnecessary details. I loved how the author takes a story and peels apart the outer layer so we can see the real nitty  gritty of a sabotage in action. 

I won’t say much about what the story is about but I will say it will be one that calls for spiritual warfare. Yes there is evil out there and our story centers on someone who can’t be trusted within the walls of the White House. I did have a little trouble trying to keep up with everything going on as there were plots within  plots that eventually all came together. Keep on your toes as you read this powerful story that satisfies those who love action, intrigue and a spiritual overtone. 

I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra. The review is my own opinion.








Wednesday, December 2, 2020

 

About the Book

Book: A Home for Her Daughter

Author: Jill Weatherholt

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Release Date: September 1, 2020

Inheriting a house, money and a camp is the fresh start Janie Edmiston has been praying for. But the will stipulates Janie must work with her childhood friend—and crush—Drew Brenner, to get the camp running…or lose it all. The newly divorced mother and the widower aren’t looking for love, but sometimes it takes a child to show two broken hearts the way forward…together.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired.

Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia.

She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.

She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

 

More from Jill

I have a confession. I own a collection of journals. A huge collection. At last count, there were sixty-two beautifully bound books, some with plain covers, others with verses or artistic designs. You could say I’m a hoarder, but I find comfort in knowing I have an unlimited number of blank pages to record my hopes, dreams and prayers. That’s exactly what I did on June 22, 2008. On that day, I wrote the following:

I want to be a writer, not just a writer who keeps a journal or casually writes stories. I want to be a published writer. Lately, I’ve become obsessed with reading author’s websites, their bios, how they got started writing and how difficult or easy it was for them to get published. This is what I want to do with my life. This is what I will do. I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. God has put this dream in my heart and now I will pursue this dream.

Fast forward to March 31, 2015. I made a last-minute decision to enter Harlequin Love Inspired Blurb to Book Contest. I submitted a one sentence blurb, along with one page of the first and only book I’d ever written.

On April 13, 2015, I was stunned to learn I had advanced in the contest. I then submitted a synopsis and the first three chapters.

On May 15th, I was notified I had moved on in the contest. I was required to submit the entire manuscript. At that time, the book was merely a rough draft, so a lot of rewriting was required before my deadline.

On August 17, 2015, I received a call that forever changed my life. While working my day job, my cell phone rang—it was New York calling. An editor from Harlequin had called to offer me a contract on the first book I’d ever written. My first book Second Chance Romance was released on March 1, 2017.

Five published books later, I still fill my journals with my dreams and prayers.


MY REVIEW 

Oh my has this been a wonderful story to get lost in. I don’t think I have read this author before. I am questioning why after reading this remarkable book. The author is able to express emotions with tenderness and I found myself wanting to move to the little town described in the book. The people there are friendly, helpful and caring. 

Bringing  two people back together can be tricky at times. The story can become stale and predictable. In this book it surpassed everything I could imagine. Janie and her sweet daughter Riley find themselves the owner of land and a house. Janie’s dreams are coming true when she sees the potential in the land. But there is one small catch to receive the inheritance. 

Drew has been lost for the last few years after the tragic loss of his wife and daughter. He blames  himself everyday for their deaths and stumbles through life shutting everyone out. All that is about to change when he finds out he has inherited land . A very wise and loving woman has put in her will  stipulations on how Janie and Drew will be able to claim their inheritance. What impact will it have on their lives?

I liked the way the author handled Janie’s destructive marriage. It was hard to read what she went through and it hurt to know that she hid it from everyone. Riley doesn’t understand why her dad doesn’t want to see her. Her need to have a father figure in her life made it easy to see why she took to Drew so fast. Their bond was quite cute and I loved how Drew was drawn to Riley as well. Will Riley help Drew get over the pain of losing his daughter? 

The excitement of Janie and Drew working together to build a place for children and families to come have fun in the outdoors was intriguing . There are a few hiccups along the way, but the author shows us through faith how God can heal broken hearts. I loved how Janie at sone point knows  she needs to open up to Drew about her past. They both carry baggage that hinders them from moving forward in their lives. The story is a great example of trusting God, allowing Him to heal wounds and believe in yourself.

“Don’t let the past define who you are today.”

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

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 1

Britt Reads Fiction, December 1

Texas Book-aholic, December 2

Batya’s Bits, December 2

Vicky Sluiter, December 2

She Lives To Read, December 3

Inklings and notions, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 4

Labor Not in Vain, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 5

lakesidelivingsite, December 5

Pause for Tales, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 6

Reviewingbooksplusmore, December 6

Older & Smarter?, December 7

Remembrancy, December 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 8

Artistic Nobody, December 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Hallie Reads, December 8

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 9

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 10

Captive Dreams Window, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 11

Lighthouse Academy Blog, December 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Splashes of Joy, December 12

Godly Book Reviews, December 12

Through the Fire Blogs, December 13

EmpowerMoms, December 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jill is giving away the 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/103f4/a-home-for-her-daughter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

 an ivy hill banner (2)

About the Book

Book: An Ivy Hill Christmas

Author: Julie Klassen

Genre: Christmas Historical Romance

Release Date: September, 2020

Ivy Hill ChristmasRichard Brockwell, the younger son of Ivy Hill’s most prominent family, hasn’t been home for Christmas in years. He prefers to live in the London townhouse, far away from Brockwell Court, the old family secret that haunts him, and the shadows of his past mistakes. But then his mother threatens to stop funding his carefree life–unless he comes home for Christmas. Out of options, he sets out for Ivy Hill, planning to be back on a coach bound for London and his unencumbered bachelor life as soon as the festivities are over.

But Christmas in the country presents many surprises, including encounters with an orphaned apprentice, the first love he disappointed years ago, and Arabella Awdry, a young lady who is far more appealing than he recalled–and determined to have nothing to do with him.

Will Christmastime in Ivy Hill, with its village charm, kissing boughs, and joyous songs, change his heart . . . and hers as well?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Klassen JulieJulie Klassen loves all things Jane–Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for 16 years and now writes full-time. Her novels have sold over 1 million copies, and three of her books, The Silent GovernessThe Girl in the Gatehouse, and The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, have won the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and a Christian Retailing‘s Best Award, and has been a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Awards and ACFW’s Carol Awards. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

More from Julie

My fascination with England began as a girl when I read The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and watched A Christmas Carol. I have now been to Great Britain several times, and my affection for the place has only grown. I love the country villages with their stone buildings and thatched roofs, the narrow, winding roads (though not driving on them), the ancient churches, friendly people, plummy accents, and history. Writing fifteen novels set there has been a real pleasure.

An Ivy Hill Christmas includes all the elements of an idyllic Olde English yuletide: A charming village setting, snowfall, mistletoe, caroling, gifts for less fortunate neighbors, and festive gatherings of friends and family. I thoroughly enjoyed researching 19th century Christmas traditions and weaving them into this novella.

In the story, a confirmed bachelor is determined to remain aloof from the celebrations going on around him—and from his mother’s matchmaking schemes. But divine hope, friendship, and unexpected romance change his heart…and his mind.  I love a transformation story; don’t you?

If you’ve read the TALES FROM IVY HILL series, you will enjoy returning to the village and spending time with favorite characters. But rest assured, the novella is a standalone, meaning you can enjoy it whether or not you’ve read the other books, as these reviews attest:

“[A] standalone novella that not only beautifully captures the kindness, hope, love, and faith of Christmas but also skillfully evokes the period holiday atmosphere of Regency England.”  —Booklist

“This feel-good tale of love and redemption will delight Klassen’s fans and new readers alike.” Publishers Weekly

And if you like the novella, I think you will like the other books as well. An Ivy Hill Christmas would also make a lovely gift for a reading friend.

Finally, if you want to add a British flair to your own modern-day celebrations, buy (or make) mince tarts or Christmas pudding, place Christmas “crackers” (pull-apart gift tubes) on your table and wear the included paper crowns. Refer to Father Christmas instead of Santa; and instead of “Merry,” wish everyone a hearty, “Happy Christmas.”

Happy Christmas!


MY REVIEW 

It’s Christmastime 1822  in the grand place of Ivy Hill. The festivities are starting and for our entertainment we have the dashing Richard and the allusive Arabella .  Richard is coming home  only because his mother has summoned him. He must appease her or he may find himself penniless. I really did like Richard and his charm that captured women’s attention. Well not everyone admired him. That  is what makes this story so fun. 

Arabella is not pleased to see Richard and doesn’t even want to speak to him. I loved how the author has them pushed together in different places and is forced to be civil to each other. Richard does come off as a well let’s say an  uncharitable person.  All that is about to change when his path crosses with someone in dire need. I enjoyed watching Richard show that his heart can be touched by others. If only his family can get over the past and he can learn how to forgive and be forgiven. He is not a complicated man, merely someone who wants to be accepted and to find true love. 

Arabella won my heart by her strength and ability to stand up for herself . I know I The banter between Richard and Arabella is funny at times and I wasn’t sure if they would ever see eye to eye on anything. The author brings  this time period to life with vivid descriptions. I wanted to join the group as they caroled and celebrated a special holiday. 

The best part of the book is how God was the center of the  story with illustrations of kindness to others, forgiveness and being able to accept who you are.  “Do you think a man can change his nature?” “With God’s help, yes.” We can’t change people but we can pray for them. Arabella realizes that God is in control . I love happy  endings and was pleased with how the author demonstrated God’s unconditional love as two people find their way back to each other.

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

Blog Stops

Through the Lens of Scripture, November 30

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 30

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 30

Christian Bookaholic, November 30

Andrea Christenson, November 30

Texas Book-aholic, December 1

KarenSueHadley, December 1

Robin’s Nest, December 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Blessed & Bookish, December 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Mia Reads, December 2

Wishful Endings, December 3

lakesidelivingsite, December 3

Through the Fire Blogs, December 3

For Him and My Family, December 3

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

She Lives To Read, December 4

Remembrancy, December 4

deb’s Book Review, December 4

Writing from the Heart Land, December 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 5

Quiet Workings, December 5

Blogging With Carol, December 5

Spoken from the Heart, December 5

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 6

Connect in Fiction, December 6

Artistic Nobody, December 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Worthy2Read, December 7

Genesis 5020, December 7

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 7

Life of Literature, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 8

Connie’s History Classroom, December 8

Batya’s Bits, December 8

Labor Not in Vain, December 8

Hallie Reads, December 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 9

Older & Smarter?, December 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 9

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 9

Betti Mace, December 9

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 10

Faery Tales Are Real, December 10

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 10

Mary Hake, December 10

Daysong Reflections, December 11

Bigreadersite, December 11

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 11

Splashes of Joy, December 11

Vicky Sluiter, December 12

To Everything There Is A Season, December 12

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 12

Blossoms and Blessings, December 12

The Write Escape, December 12

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Bizwings Blog, December 13

Simple Harvest Reads, December 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Pause for Tales, December 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Julie is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and the other three books in the Ivy Hill series, plus the winner’s choice of Bingley’s Tea!!

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/103f5/an-ivy-hill-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway