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Saturday, January 30, 2021

 

About the Book

Book: Maryann’s Hope

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 26, 2021

The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies…the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visiting Englischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing–and new chances for love…even for a widow faced with an impossible choice between her head and her heart.

Secrets devastated Maryanne Harding’s marriage to an Englischer–and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryanne is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown…

Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew’s fraa, Maryanne can’t abandon her mother–or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryanne’s hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Molly Jebber is a best-selling & award-winning Amish Historical Romance author whose books have made the Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten List, media worldwide, and in USA Today. She’s a national speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and keynote and guest lecturer for many groups on writing, publishing, & marketing. She loves God, family, friends she is grateful for her readers.

 

More from Molly

Hi Readers!

You are the reason I write. Your inspiration and encouragement on social media posts brighten my mood and on those hard days of writing, keeps me going. Thank you!

I’ve been fortunate to have a close family. I hear so often, you can choose your friends but not your family. Maryann in MARYANN’S HOPE loves her mother, but finds her a challenge with her unpredictable moods. When she meets Andrew, they both must make difficult decisions throughout their courtship relating to family and seeking God’s will for their lives. Maryann’s toddler, Betsy, will make you laugh, as well as other children of her friends in the story. The bakery desserts will make your mouth water, and you’ll imagine the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and warm bread.

The Amish Charm Bakery is where friends come to enjoy a break, share secrets, solve problems, and laugh and cry.

On a personal note, this year has been an exciting one for our family in spite of COVID-19. My daughter, Misty, is getting married, and we love our future son-in-law, Kevin. They are having a small wedding due to the virus, but it hasn’t dampened any of our enthusiasm for this special day. God has blessed all of us with making all the plans go smoothly, and they’ve enjoyed their marriage counseling with Pastor Roger.

Pastor Roger asked them to put their first name in the verses in Corinthians Chapter 13 of the Bible, as an example of how they should feel about each other. Such as Misty is patient, and Misty is kind. I thought about that in my marriage to Ed. He is all those wonderful things to me. But I need to be more patient! So I’m learning along with Misty and Kevin! LOL

I pray that MARYANN’S HOPE will bring you a fun escape into the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio during the period of 1913-1914!

MY REVIEW 

This has to be the best story I have  read by this author. She takes us on an emotional journey where decisions are made that show compassion, love and sacrifice . You must grab a box of tissue before starting this book. I loved the time period and how the author makes the characters come to life. 

Maryann is someone I immediately liked. She has a heart so big that you can feel her love for life and family. Her past relationship was difficult, but a blessing came from it. Her daughter is precious and makes her life almost complete. Maryann is ready to settle down again and she has found a man who loves her unconditionally. I couldn’t wait to see where this relationship would go. 

Andrew is everything you would want for your daughter in a husband. He is kind, hardworking and  head over heels in love with Maryann and her daughter. I was excited to see these two find each other. It was definitely a match that God  ordained. I loved how the author illustrated how these two characters loved their families and would do anything to help them. Little do they know that their faith and trust would soon be tested. 

It was interesting to read about Maryann’s mother. Her illness is unlike anything the doctor has seen. In this time period they didn’t have technology to do scans or tests that could help provide a diagnosis. I had a few thoughts about what may be wrong and I wanted to see where the author would take this part of the story. As her mother’s illness starts to become worse, it is evident that Maryann will have to make a difficult decision that may cost her the love of her life. I admired Maryann for not being angry about what she knows she must do. It can be hard when you have a loved one who is very ill. They come to depend on you for care. I have been in Maryann’s  situation twice. I don’t regret my decision and am thankful that God allowed me to make amends with my mom before she passed and  that I was able to care for her and my brother when he became ill. I was blessed to lead my brother to Christ right before he passed away. 

Andrew has a similar situation that will find  him taking care of a loved one also. It may seem at times that you are in a place where nothing is going right. As Andrew learns, there is a reason for everything. I liked the part where Maryann finds out that Andrew has been hiding a secret. She feels like she can’t trust him anymore. Oh but the beauty of walking through forgiveness is a sweet joy when Maryann gets a Word from God in church. Have you ever felt like the message the pastor is delivering is just for you? Isn’t God wonderful to discipline us with mercy and grace? 

I loved the story and the lessons on trust, forgiveness, family and miracles. The author in this story reminds us to never give up and  to allow God to direct your path. There is someone at the end of the book  that I hope will make an appearance in their own  story. His presence sets the tone for reconciliation and the value of family. 

“God  always  has a plan, but we may not know what it is. Have faith.”

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


Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 28

The Avid Reader, January 28

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, January 28

Bigreadersite, January 29

lalkesidelivingsite, January 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

EmpowerMoms, January 31

Lighthouse Academy, February 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, February 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, February 2

Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 3

Older & Smarter?, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Britt Reads Fiction, February 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

Batya’s Bits, February 6

She Lives To Read, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 7

Connie’s History Classroom, February 8

Simple Harvest Reads, February 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Splashes of Joy, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and an Amish doll!!

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/1068a/maryann-s-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway


About the Book

The Thief of Blackfriars LaneBook:  The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian historical

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Michelle GriepMichelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest

 

 

More from Michelle

Zootopia in Victorian London

I admit it. I like kid’s movies. You know, the animated sort that entertain both young and old alike. One of my favorites is Zootopia, a rollicking adventure about a bunny whose dream it is to be a police officer and make the streets of the big city safe for all animals. In fact, I loved it so much that I thought why not set it in Victorian London?

 

So I did.

 

And that’s what The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is all about, but that meant I had to do a little digging into the history of police force of the late 1800’s. Here’s what I learned…

 

The Metropolitan Police (founded in 1829 by Robert Peel) was composed mostly of young men, many of whom were recruited from rural areas. Few were from London, the philosophy being that they would thus be free from local patronage and influence.

 

It is a bit of an anomaly that hero Jackson Forge and his friend, Officer Baggett, carry a sidearm. Some did, but most relied on truncheons. It was up to the officer. Revolvers were usually only supplied after the death of a police officer by an armed criminal, at the discretion of the Divisional Officer, or if a constable requested to use one during night duty. In 1884, after the deaths of several police officers, the Home Office ordered nearly a thousand revolvers from Webley & Scott to be issued to branches of the London police. . .which is where I got the idea of a shipment of guns for the villain to attempt to steal.

 

Police detectives were recruited from within the ranks of existing uniformed officers. There were actually women on the force at the time, employed as police matrons. But these were behind-the-scenes workers, tasked with guarding women and children. If my heroine, Kit, were to be out in public, serving as Jackson’s assistant, she’d have to keep her job secret. The first female police officer wasn’t seen on the streets until 1919.

 

And so, armed with that information, I wrote the adventures of not a police bunny and a con artist fox, but of Jackson Forge, a fresh-faced constable, and his thorn in the side, swindler Kit Turner. Snatch up your own copy and enjoy a visit to Victorian London!

MY REVIEW 

This has been an adventure that I didn’t want to end. The author does a great job of exploring London during Victorian times. I loved feeling like I was there and watching as pickpockets scurried from one person to another. Kit was fascinating and funny to read about. She sure doesn’t seem intimidated by the Constable Jackson. 

Jackson I think could be over his head as he tries to prove himself worthy to uphold the law. When he and Kit join forces to find a missing person, shenanigans abound. I did laugh in several places as Kit outsmarts Jackson. The twists in the story are just enough to keep readers guessing. The most endearing quality Kit has is her heart for those less fortunate. She goes out of her way to help them although it may not always be within the law. Her heart is in the right place, she just needs to refocus herself on what is right and wrong.

Jackson sometimes irritated me because he didn’t seem to have  it all together. I’m not sure he is cut out for the job as a Constable. As they both work together Kit and Jackson forge a friendship. I began to wonder if there was more feelings they weren’t sharing about each other. The adventure is fun and full of danger as they two try to find the missing man.  There is a great theme of faith in the story and I liked seeing how one character found a relationship with God. This is one of the author’s best stories to date. 

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

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 23

Bigreadersite, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 23

Bizwings Blog, January 23

Remembrancy, January 24

Connect in Fiction, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

She Lives To Read, January 25

Blessed & Bookish, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 25

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 26

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 27

CarpeDiem, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 28

Connie’s History Classroom, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 29

Life of Literature, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

HookMeInABook, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

Godly Book Reviews, January 31

Through the Fire Blogs, February 1

KarenSueHadley, February 1

The Book Chic Blog, February 1

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 1

Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mamma Loves Books, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Splashes of Joy, February 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 3

The Write Escape, February 4

Wishful Endings, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4

Hallie Reads, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 5

To Everything There Is A Season, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!!

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/1062a/the-thief-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway


Friday, January 29, 2021

 

About the Book

Book:  Journey Back Home

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Christian Romance

As you know, life isn’t always as it seems.

Ten years, four children, two full-time careers, insane schedules—this is not what Jace and Simone signed up for. When the couple married a decade ago, they shared a passion for serving youth together. They believed their deep love for God and shared interests were all they needed to keep their marriage strong.

With Jace busy as a youth minister on the weekends, and Simone taking care of their four children, as well as her second grade classroom, they barely find time to connect with each other. Travel up close and personal into the home of a youth pastor and his family as they deal with issues far-to-common in this fast-paced society.

Tragedy strikes…an investigation begins…and it seems as though life will never return to the “happily-ever-after” of their dreams.

When their world is turned upside down, the question becomes…will God give the family strength to journey back home?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, buckle in to read Journey Back Home, Book 2 of The Redemption of Green Pines series today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, and writer, in that order. She enjoys writing regularly for Book Fun Magazine and LIFE TO THE FULLEST. Her Spoken from the Heart Series is available through Deeper Shopping in both eBook and paperback versions. To read one of her many articles on life from a Christian perspective, visit her blog at: http://bit.ly/1gRp9oK. She loves to interact with her readers, so send her an email at clSwalwell99@gmail.com or “like” her on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1h4eudV.

More from Cheri

Journey Back Home was the first novel I ever wrote. The way God downloaded it into my heart was by sharing Simone’s side of the story first. Her journey is shared in the book through a series of diary entries. So I basically wrote the middle of the book first, then the ending, and then went back and wrote the beginning. It was definitely God who tied it all together so nicely.

When I finished writing Journey Back Home, it sat in my computer folders for six years. During that time God took fiction away from me, and gave me the platform of nonfiction. Two years ago, He lovingly gave me fiction back and I pulled it out, dusted it off, and started getting it ready to publish.

However, I realized it wasn’t a standalone book anymore. It was a community, a tight-knit group of people who had much more they wanted to share with readers. And I knew I needed to start with Holly’s story. Adventure’s Invitation, Book 1 of The Redemption of Green Pines, tells Holly’s background which is an integral part of Journey Back Home.

I hope you fall in love with Jace, Simone, their four children, and of course Holly as much as I have. If so, get ready because there are many more people to grow to love in all six books of The Redemption of Green Pines series.

MY REVIEW 

This book is a wonderful example of marriage and the struggles that some couples face. It is hard to be in ministry and juggle a family as Simone and Jace find out. I knew right away that Jace was over committed and started putting his family last. My husband and I have been down a similar road. We were Children’s pastors and also leaders in Marriage Ministry. Like Simone I felt overwhelmed working full time, raising  children   and being in ministry. 

Simone is a sweet character who loves being a mom and wife. But as time goes by, she could feel herself taking on  more family responsibilities while her husband was at church or meetings. It is easy to understand her frustration and feelings of not being enough for everyone. Her despair starts to show as little fights start happening between husband and wife. It was a sad moment when I read about the tragedy the family faced. If only we could take back words or actions , maybe things would turn out differently. 

Jace is so consumed with ministry he slowly forgets he is a husband and father as well. His children can tell there is tension in the family and yearn for his attention. It can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting to please others and always be available when in ministry. Jace forgot that God is first, then family then ministry. It became an idol to him and I saw his life spiraling out of control. When he faces the harsh realization that he now is responsible for taking caring of four children alone while being the youth pastor he turns to God for help.

I loved getting a glimpse into Simone’s thoughts when Jace found her journal. Within those pages he fell in love with her all over again. God showed him that he needed to change things in his life in order to move forward. I liked meeting Holly and loved how she helped Jace with the children without overstepping her bounds. She becomes very important in to the family   and I’m excited to read more about her.

The story is emotional and reminds us never to take for granted one moment. Jace’s journey is filled with lessons about forgiveness, showing  family unconditional love and while finding his way   back home where there is hope , joy and God’s love. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 22

Artistic Nobody, January 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 24

Batya’s Bits , January 24

Inklings and notions, January 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 26

deb’s Book Review, January 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

Rebecca Tews, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Holly Jo Morris, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 1

For Him and My Family, February 2

Pause for Tales, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $15 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/10626/journey-back-home-celebration-tour-giveaway