Saturday, October 19, 2024

About the Book

Book: An Arrangement with the Heiress

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: September 24, 2024

She’s a wealthy debutante with the finest ancestry in Kentucky horseracing circles…

He’s a member of New York’s Gilded Age elite, yet on the brink of financial ruin…

Neither of them want an arranged marriage…or do they?

Veronica Lyndon has a plan for her life, and it doesn’t include being married off to a perfect stranger. After all, she is descended from generations of Kentucky horseracing royalty. She has no need for a marriage arranged solely to secure her place among the elite of Manhattan’s Gilded Age society. But that’s exactly what her parents expect of her. Determined to defy the arrangement, Veronica formulates a plan to drive her intended away. But when Edward arrives in anticipation of the match, she doesn’t expect to find him so attractive, nor can she deny the feelings he stirs in her heart, complicating her plans. Has true love galloped into her life by conventional means, or are her estimations mistaken?

Edward Beckett realizes the futility of avoiding the arranged marriage to Miss Lyndon. His family is already on the brink of financial ruin and Veronica’s dowry may be their best opportunity to recover. But he didn’t expect to fall for the Kentucky debutante so easily. He finds himself attracted to her natural beauty and vivacious spirit, free from the conventions of other ladies in his customary circles. In fact, he’s downright smitten after meeting Veronica. Unfortunately, Edward’s sisters don’t feel the same, and if their attempts to sabotage the relationship are successful, his whirlwind courtship to Veronica may be over before it’s really begun.

Saddle up for a clean romp filled with sweet romance, inspiration, and plenty of adventure along this course of obstacles and a glide through the splendor and opulence of the Gilded Age.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

More from Lisa

Q & A with Lisa M. Prysock…Writing Gilded Age Kentucky Romance!

What inspired you to write An Arrangement with the Heiress?
Residing here in beautiful Kentucky near many of the world’s finest horse farms, rolling hills, and rich culture, for years, I have longed to grasp hold of the inspiration around me to pen a historical story that had been mulling around in my mind.

Hence, I reached out to a dear author friend, Chautona Havig, to brainstorm and build upon what was in my head and heart thus far. She ran a hypothetical scenario by me with some conflict arising because of hypocrisy about the horseracing world…something that could stem from some possible characters. This fit perfectly with some of my research about the Gilded Age era in the horseracing world. My immediate reaction: Ooo, yes girl, yes! Imagine squealing and much chatter at this point. We writers can get a bit on the gabby side if left to ourselves. And because, well, my hero had two sisters; ideal candidates to become antagonists. Chautona and I were chuckling and laughing…and I was off and running like a horse out of the gate.

Were there any challenges you faced about including some history from horseracing in your writing process?
Yes! For starters, how to do it all justice? How to get the feel of it onto paper without writing it wrong? There was so much that had been written about the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland, and horseracing history in general. My deep dive into the Kentucky Derby alone could have held me captive for many months in research.

Knee deep in taking notes, I landed on a thesis paper from the 1940s that was steeped with everything that had put the Kentucky Derby and horseracing in Kentucky on the map. By the time I finished wading through the thesis and all of my other research, I had gobs of notes and a goldmine of historical tidbits to bring my story to life with some degree of accuracy. My story also takes readers to Manhattan and South Carolina. Imagine me turning my laptop sideways to study ancient theater seating charts (okay, well maybe not ancient, but some theaters from the 1900s no longer exist…) and maps for street names from Gilded Age Lexington and Manhattan, and beaches on the Carolinian coastline. All my story needed now was my imagination and a tour of a local horse farm.

Tell us about your tour of a local horse farm.
Feeling a little shaky about my knowledge of horses, on an ultra-super-hot day in July of 2023, my husband—who behaved like a trooper in agreeing to escort me toward the end of getting my horse facts straight—and I, set out to drive to Lexington from our rural suburban home on the edge of Louisville.

We’d decided to make a day of it. We had a wonderful time and really enjoyed touring Gainsborough Farm. It was sweltering hot, but by the time the tour ended, despite melting from the heat before, during, and after, I felt as though I understood more about horse farming better than before the tour.

I had some knowledge of horses from growing up on a farm in Minnesota where my dad boarded horses for locals from time to time, but that had been a long time ago. I needed to brush up on the facts and try to imagine it as if I were living in the early 1900s. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many time machines around to satisfy my desire for temporary transportation to and from a working horseracing farm in 1908. My research, memories, books I’ve read, movies I’ve watched, and my own imagination would have to fill in the rest. It’s all part of being a fictional historical writer, right?

Hubby and me at Gainsborough Farm in 2023…it was so hot that day. My makeup was melting!

MY REVIEW

This has been a fun story to read. During this time period arranged marriages seemed to be popular. Poor Veronica finds herself in the midst of an agreement to marry because her father wants it done. Now there are several reasons that Veronica is not happy about this situation. She wants to stay at the farm, help her parents out and race horses. She loves riding and spending time with her favorite horse. There is the fact that she only wants to marry for love and she does not want her heart broken.

Edward has been told by his father that he is to marry Veronica. The family is having financial difficulties and with this arrangement it will help Edward’s family out. He has no desire to marry Veronica but can he stand up to his father and stop the marriage from happening?

I loved the first meal they had as the two families join together to get acquainted. Veronica’s shenanigans at the table made me laugh so hard. Her table manners would hopefully scare off Edward but will he see through her tricks? I liked how the author developed their story at a nice pace. When the two agree to try to make their parents think they are getting along, will it bring feelings for each other stronger?

Edward does struggle with his faith at times but he sees how open Veronica and her family are about God. It impresses him to see how God is first in their lives. As they begin to spend more time together he starts to feel a pull on his heart to seek God and build a real relationship with Him,

The author gives readers good information about horses that show us her knowledge about these beautiful animals. I have rode a few times but they intimidate me. They are powerful, strong and very intelligent creatures who do give others a sense of enjoyment when they are around them. Veronica impresses me with her ability to feel free while on her favorite horse. Can Edward embrace her love for horses as well?

Don’t miss this story where faith will show two people that God’s plans are better than out plans. Will Edward and Veronica marry? If so, will it be for love or convenience?

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

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 15

Stories By Gina, October 16 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 17

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

Devoted To Hope, October 19

Simple Harvest Reads, October 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 21

For Him and My Family, October 22

lakesidelivingsite, October 23

Holly’s Book Corner, October 24

Pause for Tales, October 25

Karen Baney Reviews, October 26

Hannahbandanarama, October 26

Cover Lover Book Review, October 27

Labor Not in Vain, October 28

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5468

Thursday, October 17, 2024

About the Book

Book: Preach It, Grace A Girl’s Testimony of Faith (Dream Pony Book 5)

Author: Susan Count

Genre: Middle-Grade

Release date: February, 2024

Sharing a pony worked perfectly, until it didn’t.

The pony share Grace worked out with her elderly neighbor was ideal—she thought. Mr. Harvey bought the buckskin gelding’s food and Grace fed him. The pony was important to both of them so it made no sense when the elderly man sent him away. And why won’t he tell her where?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Susan Count is a Kingdom Scribe who has published nine books in two equestrian series. As a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Texas Association of Authors, she takes studying the craft of writing seriously. Revision is her super-power.

Susan is a life-long equestrian and owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse that is kind hearted enough to take her on long, forested trail rides. She says the only thing more fun than riding might be writing horse adventure stories and she invites you to saddle up and ride along.

Read an Excerpt

Saturday started early for Grace’s family. Serve Out Saturday was the church’s biggest outreach event all year, and everyone who could turned out to help. Grace manned the church’s front-door sign-in desk. After everyone got their work assignments, she ran with her clipboard for the van headed to the retirement home. When they arrived, many residents were already gathered.
She lined up with six other girls, and they sang the gospel songs the residents requested. She searched their faces until she found Mr. Harvey in the last row. Giving him a quick wave, she sang directly to him.

He didn’t sing along like many of the residents, but he stayed for the program. That counted as a victory. Did he recognize her? She couldn’t tell.

She stepped to the microphone. “Hello. I’m Grace. That means blessings from God.”

She grinned at the residents, and they smiled back at her. “Horses are my favorite thing, and they’re also blessings from God. If you’ve ever seen a horse, then you know they are magnificent, mighty creatures.”

Grace held a booklet high, then pointed with it to the residents. “This explains how we can know the God that blesses us. And how we can go to heaven to be with him someday. It says he sent his Son, Jesus, to teach us about eternal life.”

She placed her hands over the open Bible on the podium. “No matter how hard we try, we can’t be perfect, but because of Jesus, we are forgiven for all the things we do wrong. He suffered and died on the cross, was buried, then raised to life on the third day.” She looked into Mr. Harvey’s eyes. “He loves us that much.”

As she closed the Bible, she softened her voice. “Pray to your heavenly Father—ask him to help you believe in Jesus.”

MY REVIEW

The book is geared towards middle school children, but I absolutely loved it. It brought such nice memories for me. Each summer when I was younger, we would go to my granddad’s farm in Oklahoma. He always has a pony for us to ride. I can still remember how excited I was to be on this beau and graceful animal. It was easy for me to relate to Grace as my dad was a preacher as well.

Grace is such a sweet young girl who loves Preacher the pony. She helps her neighbor who own the horse care for it. It was easy for Grace to fall in love with the horse. All Preacher needed was someone to show it love and attention. I liked how she always took time to spend with Mr. Harvey. She loves helping him in the garden as well as collecting eggs for him. She does start to feel like Mr. Harvey doesn’t want to keep Preacher anymore. This makes Grace very sad.

The relationship between Grace and Mr. Harvey is very special. I loved how she always visited him everyday. She shares Jesus with him hoping someday he will ask Him into his heart. As Mr. Harvey slowly starts to forget things, Grace realizes he may forget her. I loved how the author illustrates how Grace never gave up her dream of riding Preacher someday. The best part of the story is the very special gift Mr. Harvey received because a special little girl never gave up on him.

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 12

Simple Harvest Reads, October 13 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 14

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 15

Lots of Helpers, October 16

Vicky Sluiter, October 17 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

Guild Master, October 19 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 20

A Reader’s Brain, October 21 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 21

Blossoms and Blessings, October 22 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 23

Cover Lover Book Review, October 24

Book Zone Reviews, October 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon card and a paperback copy of all five books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5466

About the Book

Book: Glitter and the Grouch (Romance in Valiant Book Three. It can be read as a standalone.)

Author: Mary Pat Johns

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: September 3, 2024

Silas and Nat don’t get along. Neither can they leave each other alone. When a prank goes terribly wrong at their workplace, they face an impossible choice.

Either they compete in a canoe race to prove they can work together or forfeit their futures at Peeps. Quitting isn’t the norm for either of them. Good thing, because their boss isn’t backing down an inch. He assures them they can accomplish anything they set their minds to, even if it’s 3 days and 260 miles of river.

There’s only one catch—they’ll have to be in the same boat.

Will they reach deep inside to find out what they’re made of? Or will they succumb to the physical rigors of the event and the machinations of Nat’s controlling ex?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Mary Pat Johns’ writing career began once she retired from years of teaching speech and writing. She’s written devotions for an online publication and had short stories published by Chicken Soup for the Soul. She currently writes a weekly faith column for the local newspaper. Countin’ On Jesse, her first novel debuted in 2023, and book 2 of the Valiant series, Lovin’ On Red, released in release in 2024. God put it in her heart to tell stories of brave veterans and their reintegration into civilian life after suffering the traumas of war.

She lives in South Texas with her husband and their two dapple dachshunds. Her grown children and five grandchildren are useful sorts who keep her grounded with her reading/writing obsession. You can find her at the gym, at her computer, or reading a good book.

More from Mary

I wrote Glitter and the Grouch for two reasons. The first reason was peace of mind. LOL. Two minor characters from Books 1 & 2 of the Valiant series INSISTED on having their own story. Rather, Nat insisted and Silas grudgingly followed. He hated the idea at first, but all’s well that ends well.

The second reason is I absolutely LOVE the Texas Water Safari and follow it every year. When I talked to a friend who competes, he wasn’t sure how I would write a book about it. When I explained it would be a story about two people who fall in love during the race, he grinned from ear to ear and said that scenario had happened a few times.

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed this lighthearted story where two people must learn to work together. Nat and Silas are always pranking each other . When one prank goes too far at work they face reprimand by the boss.

Nat is fun and full of determination to get promoted at her job. After her shenanigans she might have lost her chance to advance. I loved her relationship with her brother Jesse. He is always looking out for her. I loved when he told her, “Let the right man come to you Nat. Forget about all the others. Watch God bring him right to you.” Those words are comforting to Nat as she tries to forget about her ex boyfriend.

Silas has been working hard at the same place Nat works at. He is really good with children who may be developmentally challenged. His patience is sincere and the smile on those sweet faces of children who need extra help bring him joy. He is now ready to take on new responsibilities at his job, but that could change since the silly prank Nat and him were involved in.

They soon find out their punishment when they are ordered to work together in a canoe race that will test their strength, faith and teamwork . I liked how knowledgeable the author was about canoes and the race that that calls for endurance and teamwork.

The story follows these two on an inspiring journey that has a bit of intrigue in it. Obstacles will come their way, but as they learn to trust each other, they build a bond that grows slowly. The race is fun to follow and I loved how Nat and Silas showed growth not only in trusting each other but God as well.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 11

Back Porch Reads, October 12 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 12

For Him and My Family, October 13

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15

Fiction Book Lover, October 16 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

Vicky Sluiter, October 18 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 19

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 20 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, October 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 21

Simple Harvest Reads, October 22 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 23

For the Love of Literature, October 24 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5465

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

About the Book

Book: Have You Heard from God Lately? 30 Messages from Heaven to You

Author: Keon Lindsey

Genre: Bible Study/Devotional

Release date: March 15, 2024

Who is God? Does He care about you? What does He want you to know? What is your purpose on Earth? Why is your life not perfect? Is there any hope in this out-of-control world? Can you actually know God?

Have You Heard from God Lately? 30 Messages from Heaven to You helps you discover the answers to these all-important questions. The messages are organized to progressively build your understanding of the God of the universe so that you can relate to Him. Why? He wants to give you the wonderful life you were made for but cannot reach without Him.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

“Throughout my life God has been the source of my success and my sustainment in failure. I’ve experienced His great love and want others to know the joy that He provides.”

Keon Lindsey is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Pilot, PMP, Business Finance Expert, Black Belt in Karate, and has a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. More importantly, he has studied the Bible over 40 years and taught Bible studies for adults and youth.

Keon writes to inspire others to dig into God’s Word and find satisfaction for their souls. His first book, Seeking the Lord, a 30 Day Start to Your Journey, was published in 2020. His second book Have You Heard from God Lately? 30 Messages from Heaven to You was released in 2024.

More from Keon

How would you like to get a personal letter from someone? Most people like real mail, especially if its from a person who truly cares about you. What if that letter not only shared their affection but it revealed the answers to some of life’s most profound questions? God has written you such a letter, the Bible! Actually, the Bible is a collection of all God’s written messages to you.

This fact was impressed on me as I read the New Testament book of Hebrews. It opens with a bold statement. God had given messages to humanity in ancient times through prophets and angels. Finally, God sent Jesus, the Ultimate Messenger with the ultimate message that is vital for every person.

This captured my attention and made me wonder how the previous messages in the Bible led up to Jesus and His message? Researching that question took me on an exciting journey of discovery, encouragement, and warning in God’s Word. The result is my book, Have You Heard from God Lately? It summarizes major Bible themes to help you navigate the amazing Book. I hope it inspires you to open God’s letter and realize just how much He cares for you!

MY REVIEW

I don’t know how many readers take time to read the introduction in a book, but don’t skip over this one. It shares different ways God may speak to someone with scriptures and Biblical figures from the Bible. This encouraged to want to dive into this study right away,

Each chapter has a different topic with scriptures and questions at the end. I liked how easy it was to understand and was able to apply it to my own walk. We can’t forget how God told Eve not to do something very specific. He wanted to see if Eve would obey and follow Him. This illustration shows us that we have a choice. God never makes us do anything. We choose what to do and if we choose a path away from God there could be consequences.

Chapter twenty for me was very powerful. It reminds us that we are not God. We need to be on guard everyday that the enemy doesn’t try to isolate us from God. Remember we are not in control. God is here to help us, guide us and have a relationship with us. We must learn to trust Him with everything.

The book is very helpful and gives us more understanding of who God is. Have you heard Him whisper to you? Do you take time to be in His presence? I always search for a deeper relationship with Him. We all must take time to listen fir His voice, follow his directions and trust him so we may live a life that honors Him.

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