Thursday, February 20, 2025

About the Book

Book: The Covenant: Book One the Messiah Brigade

Author: Terry Overton

Genre: Middle Grade Reader

Release date: November 12, 2024

Middle schooler Zeke just wants to survive school unnoticed, but his intelligence and small stature make him the target of a gang of bullies. One afternoon, he stumbles upon a mysterious old box hidden in a pile of trash. Inside are trinkets, notes, and a Bible he’s never read, all hinting at life-changing truths if he can solve the clues. With the help of new friends in the “Messiah Brigade,” Zeke embarks on a journey of faith, courage, and discovery.

Together, they hope to use what they uncover to bring positive change to their school and stop the bullies.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Terry Overton is a retired university professor of educational and school psychology. She has an Ed.D. in Special Education and a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her professional experience includes teaching public school, teaching at the university level, and being a college dean. She has two children, seven grandchildren, one great granddaughter. Her writing and publication experiences include textbook and journal articles in the fields of special education and school psychology. She seeks to answer God’s call to share the good news and grow the church by writing Christian books and devotionals. Her books have won Firebird Book Awards, American Writing Winner Awards, Bookfest Winner Awards, Reader Views Silver Reviewers Award, and International Book Award Finalist. Her books examine real world events with a Christian worldview. She enjoys writing for young children, middle grade readers, YA fiction, and adult level novels.

More from Terry

My love of history, especially the WW II era, inspired me to write this book. It was an effort to combine the history of the world, specifically the cruelty of the Nazis to the Jewish people, and how bullying can result in kids taking over the culture of a school if not stopped. The three main characters decide to try to change the culture and make it a safe place from bullies. The discovery of a mysterious box of memorabilia of the WW II era sets the curious kids on their way. They find out there were three good friends who went off to fight in WW II to stop the Nazi movement in Europe. They see the parallels between their school, taken over by bullies, and Europe when Nazi forces were running over it. They soon figure out the meaning of trinkets, scribbled notes, and Scripture and use these to steer their middle school in a better direction.

MY REVIEW

I’m hooked already on this series. Zeke is smart but stays to himself a lot. He has to deal with bullies at school which seems to happen a lot these days to others. His mom is hardworking and tries to spend Friday nights with him watching a movie. Growing up without a father sure isn’t fun for Zeke. I loved when he discovers an old box. What he finds inside will begin an adventure he won’t forget.

It was nice to see how Zeke and his new friends used the Bible to help them start to solve the mystery. As they read scriptures I could tell Zeke became interested in knowing more about the Bible. He has never been to church so maybe this will help him become involved at church. Isn’t it just like God to give us little gifts to help us learn more about Him. Zeke begins to understand the verses better which made me smile.

Throughout the book we see scriptures from the Bible. Zeke is being taught about Jesus while he is trying to solve the mystery in the box. He now has two new friends and starting to understand about forgiveness. The bullies at school need forgiveness and Zeke is going to try very hard to do that. How hard has it been for you to forgive someone?

The author does a great job of illustrating how being kind to others is what Jesus wants us all to do. Little by little Zeke and his friends reach out to those who are lonely. I loved the name they called their group and how they started inviting others to join them. One by one they will make a difference . It starts with each of us. Do you see someone sitting alone in church? Next time go introduce yourself to them. Look around and see what kid at school eats by themselves. Go sit with them. I loved how this book brings a group together to change their school. Watch out bullies.

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

Blog Stops

Artistic Nobody, February 12 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 13

Guild Master, February 14 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 18

Back Porch Reads, February 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 22

Lights in a Dark World, February 23

Fiction Book Lover, February 24 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terry is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a 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/00adcf54154

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

About the Book

Book: His Grace’s Governess

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historic Romance

Release date: February 4, 2025

A governess with a secret. A duke with a broken heart. Can love heal their wounds?

Miss Eleanor Clairbridge, at five and twenty, has resigned herself to a life without love. With her family’s London townhouse threatened by dwindling finances, she accepts employment as a governess to help support her widowed mother and preserve her cherished childhood home. When Eleanor arrives at Ivy Grange Estate, the last thing she expects to find is a spark of attraction between her and her new employer. Determined not to risk her position, she resolves to keeps her distance. There is more than one reason a romance between them can never be.

Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle, has no intention of finding love. Since losing his family in a tragic carriage accident five years ago, he has devoted himself to protecting his young niece, the only family he has left. But when his niece’s enchanting governess arrives at the estate, Edmund finds himself reconsidering his vow never to love again. Why then, as he seeks to know her more, does she seem determined to avoid him at all costs?

As Eleanor fulfills her role as governess, her past begins to catch up with her, threatening to unravel the secrets she holds dear. Both Eleanor and Edmund must confront their deepest fears and decide whether to succumb to the darkness within or brave the path to healing and love.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

More from Jackie

In His Grace’s Governess, much trouble befalls Edmund and Eleanor as they attempt to sort out their close proximity to and burgeoning feelings for one another, but there is one scene in particular that I enjoyed researching.

In one scene of the novel, Mr. Roskilly(the gardener at Ivy Grange Estate) worries at Eleanor plucking the plant Rabelera–otherwise known as Greater Stitchwort–from the ground. He fears that danger will befall Eleanor if she takes it from the garden and Eleanor, misunderstanding him, even believes at one point that Mr. Roskilly might be threatening her. But, why is Mr. Roskilly so worried? Is he really so concerned that Edmund’s hackles will be raised when he sees that Eleanor has plucked a few mere flowers from the garden–and with his niece, no less?

Indeed, that is not where his concern lies, for if you read the passage closely, you’ll see that Mr. Roskilly is Cornish. This is an important factor. When doing my research for the novel, I found that, in Cornwall, it is believed that Greater Stitchwort is the property of the pixies. It is believed that to pick it is to take it from them and to anger them, and if you anger them then there is all the chance that they may well retaliate for you having stolen what was theirs. Truly, they may even enchant you, according to legend. Having read this and being sufficiently intrigued, the scene was born! I do hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do.

Here is an excerpt from it so you know what I’m referring to:

“Hope yer walk’s went well. ’Tis a fine day fer one.” He grinned, revealing a mouth full of crooked teeth. His Cornish accent was thick, with a friendly tone to his voice.

Eleanor returned his smile and nodded. “It certainly is. What better way to spend a morning than to enjoy the sun in these beautiful gardens? They’re the finest I’ve ever seen.”

She could’ve sworn there was a hint of a blush on the man’s tawny face. “I than’ ye, miss. We do our righ’ bes’, and keepin’ i’ as i’ is makes ’is Grace ’appy. Ever since…” The man trailed off, a growing look of concern on his face.

What had he been about to say? Something about the duke or his family?

“Greater Stitchwort.” He spoke with a grave edge to his words, looking intently at the flower in Rose’s hand.

Eleanor’s gaze flitted from the man to the flower, her brows furrowing. “Is something wrong, sir?”

The man tilted his head, flicking his eyes to the side in a plea for a private conversation.

I will not say whether this decision to pick the plant affected Eleanor later on in the story or not, but I’ll leave you with this: Do consider all of the plants you touch before you decide to place your hand upon them and pull them from the ground.

Happy reading!

Jackie Killelea

MY REVIEW

This has been a nice change of pace for me. I enjoy learning about the Regency period with all the pomp and circumstances. What would it be like to need to take a job during your family’s financial woes? Eleanor takes a position as a governess and soon finds that secrets could threaten her reputation and job. She wants to help her family but at what cost?

Edmund has vowed to care for his niece and wants to find a governess to help. Meeting Eleanor sure surprised him. She carries herself with grace and beauty. Will he allow his heart to open up to a relationship ?

Eleanor is dealing with the loss of her father and the hardships her family now face. She is attracted to Edmund but doesn’t believe he will like her. After all they come from different backgrounds. What I like is how Edmund who is a Duke is humble, caring and kind. He is not like others in his position. He is fair to others and doesn’t judge.

I like how the author gives us a story where opposites attract. They both deal with grief and find a way to help each other. Sweet story that allows characters to grow and heal their broken hearts.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 19

Texas Book-aholic, February 19

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Stories By Gina, February 22 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, February 28

Pause for Tales, February 28

Book Looks by Lisa, March 1

Blossoms and Blessings, March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift 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/00adcf54157

Monday, February 17, 2025

About the Book

Book: Love and Chocolate

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: September 13, 2024

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

More from Linda

A couple of years ago while I was planning my upcoming writing projects, I knew I wanted to write a series of books about siblings but couldn’t decide where or went to set the stories. Lots of research later, I discovered the 1898 Columbian Exposition here in the United States and the various inventions associated with that event. Further study led me to Milton Hershey who attended that World’s Fair and was so enamored with the concept of chocolate production for the masses that he sold his caramel company to enter the chocolate business – a risky proposition at that time. As I read more about Milton and his wife Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney-Hershey, I knew I had the beginnings of a story.

The owner of Beck’s Chocolates in my latest release Love and Chocolate is inspired by Milton Hershey, and I enjoyed creating my own “company town,” Cocoaville in which to set the story. Taking place in 1914 prior to the beginning of World War I, the story explores the mixed feelings about German Americans that were prevalent at the time as well as themes of second chances and forgiveness.

In the early days of my career, I worked in a printed circuit board factory, but I knew nothing about chocolate or how to manufacture it. Research for Love and Chocolate included interviewing a close friend who is a chocolatier and trying various brands of chocolate to understand the difference in flavor and texture. Here are a few fun facts I learned about chocolate along the way:

The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to realize the benefits of cacao beans, ground and soaked in water approximately 5,000 years ago.
Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption.
The smell of chocolate can help relax and reduce stress.
It takes two to four days to produce a single serving chocolate bar.
Cote d’Ivoire is the single largest producer of cocoa, providing roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply.
The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed over 12,000 pounds.
It takes about 400 cacao beans to make a pound of chocolate.
Cacao trees can live up to 100 years.

MY REVIEW

I have such a big craving for chocolate after resting this book. With great research the author describes what it is like to run a chocolate factory. Ilsa never dreamed that she would be working at the factory her father refused to sell milk to. Times have changed since his untimely death. The farm is in trouble and bills are piling up. Ilsa takes a job that she prays will get her family out of debt and save the farm. I admire her hard work and devotion to her siblings.

Ernst is all set to work at the chocolate factory as a leader. Waiting for him will be a journey to share his faith, repair a relationship and find happiness. When Ernst discovers that Ilsa is now an employee there he wants to clear the air between them.

Ilsa is struggling with faith and tells Ernst, “my faith is an illusion.” She is angry that God took her parents. Ernst is so thoughtful when he tells Ilsa “ questioning God doesn’t mean you don’t have faith.” He references people in the Bible who struggled with their faith. Having this conversation begins the journey to reconcile their friendship.

The author explores how hard it was for women to achieve a degree during this time period. They could be nurses, leaders or a teacher, but they were not allowed to be doctors, supervisors or even a principal. Women in the factory are starting to talk about unionizing. Why do they get paid less then men? There is also a problem looming for Ilsa. Jealousy is rearing its ugly head as rumors are spreading. Some think Ilsa is getting special treatment. I didn’t like the joke they pulled on her at her locker. It seemed petty and juvenile.

Things start to change at work when it is announced that management positions would be open for women to apply for. How exciting that there are men who see value in women in the workplace. I wonder just how much women had to fight to move up in a job during this time period?

Oh how I loved the message about joy in the story. God wants the best for us. He knows what we are going through and stands beside us as we struggle in life. But joy is there if we trust Him. Ilsa must find a way to be joyful and not worry what others think. She puts so much power on people’s opinions of her that she may lose out on happiness. Change can be hard if we don’t allow God to show us the growth we will have when we let go of fear.

I was going to share the ending but then I would ruin a great surprise. Jesus is there in the most glorious way as an unexpected danger threatens the managers of the factory. Be sure to grab a copy of this beautiful story of faith, joy and hope.

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