ANCIENT WORDS SERIES + GIVEAWAY

December  12,2015

The Ancient Words Series consists of two books: Where Can I flee (released August 13, 2014) and In The Shadow Of They Wings (December 8, 2015). Both books were independently published.  To purchase your copy of Where Can I flee, click here.  To purchase your copy of In The Shadow Of Thy Wings, click here.

BOOK INFORMATION:

Where Can I Flee

War is on the horizon during the spring of 1861. It will be an event that will change the lives of everyone in its path. The Harper family included.

Frank Harper is a young man full of dreams and ambitions. Even when the country is split and war breaks out, Frank will do whatever is necessary to see his dreams come true, even when that means putting on a uniform and leaving home.

For the first time, Claire Harper is forced to consider the reasons behind such a conflict. Should slavery be abolished? Which side should she be on, and what does God have to say about this? Claire is torn between her own opinions and those of her family. The struggle within her only increases when she repeatedly runs into a kind and handsome Union soldier. She longs to see her brother turn to Christ before it is too late. Desperate to reach her brother with the gospel, Claire pens a series of inspiring letters. Will she be able to handle all the obstacles of war and continue to be a witness to those around her?

How long can Claire last when her heart is torn in half and she is burdened for her brother’s soul? How long can Frank resist his sister’s urgent pleas or the gentle tugging from within? Can a man outrun a holy God?

In the Shadow of Thy Wings

Devastation sweeps across the land, and the families of Maple Grove cannot escape when war arrives at their front doors. After her father entrusts her with a new and dangerous task, Sally Chandler must find the courage to obey despite her fear. Meanwhile, her best friend, Claire Harper, is determined to serve others, even if it means putting herself in danger. But with a certain handsome Union soldier stationed nearby, Claire finds her heart in danger of falling for the enemy. Their differing loyalties create complications that neither could expect; her twin brother fighting for the Confederacy is only one of them. Frank Harper left home with one goal in mind – to become a prosperous plantation owner. Two years later, not only is he further from his goal, but he’s beginning to question his own desires–something that becomes more complicated when his heart becomes involved. The families of Maple Grove must learn how to survive the uncertainty of war and a country split in two. While the war in the nation rages on, the battle within grows stronger. Will they learn that the only safe place to hide is in the Shadow of  Thy Wings.

These two books really bring to light the struggles and hardships brought on by the Civil War.  They also show hope, love, courage, and forgiveness. I loved how the Gospel was weaved throughout the story.

The Harper family is a close knit family and this shines throughout the books – especially in Where Can I Flee.  The letters between brother and sister (twins) are both heartwarming and heart-wrenching.

By Deana Dick

Both of the books in this captivating series is filled with hope, love and struggle. I enjoyed getting to know Claire and her twin brother Frank. Claire has a deep love for God and prays daily that her dad and brother will find their relationship with Him again. The story sweeps  across an era that has long since been a favorite of mine to read about. The Civil War was hard for the troops as they were supplied with little provisions. As Claire and her brother correspond by letter while he is in the Confederate Army, you can feel the desperation that Claire feels for her brother's safety. There is much detail in the history of this war and the author has done a tremendous job of relaying those in a very detailed way. I couldn't put this series down as the author was able to transport me back to that time period with the exquisite words that held my full attention . What happens when someone sympathizes  with the other side? Will they become a traitor? Is their live in danger?

As you start the second book in the series, the author continues the story of Claire and Frank. We find a spiritual growth in the family and a secret that their dad reveals. Will this secret divide the family? The details of the Underground Railroad fascinated me and kept me emerresed in the gripping story. This is one series that has found me wanting to know more about this particular  time in history. What an amazing story that makes your heart break at some of the impossible surroundings the characters had to endure. Overall I give this outstanding series an enthusiastic five stars. Thank you for writing a masterfully written saga that reminds us of a battle that took many lives and the effects it at on the nation.

I received a copy of this book from A. M. Heath and  Celebrate Lit for an honest review.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Being raise in a small Tennessee town, A.M. Heath grew up with a love for southern history and nostalgia. She lives with her husband and four children in Southern Tennessee where they embrace the small town lifestyle.

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

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A Shenandoah Family Christmas ~ Lisa Belcastro

A Shenandoah Family Christmas by Lisa Belcastro is an 88 page novella in the Christian historical fiction genre. It is published by Washashore Publishing and was released on November 17, 2015. To purchase your own copy, click here.

Book Information:

Where is Christmas?

Disease, freezing temperatures, and the Revolutionary War bring bitter reality to the Reed home in December 1777. Captain Benjamin Reed is ordered to sail a supply shipment south to General George Washington. Days before Shenandoah’s scheduled departure, Ben’s first mate succumbs to smallpox.

Rebecca Reed had never feared the dreaded disease until her one-year-old daughter Felicity breaks out in the telltale rash. In the cold, dark days of Advent, Rebecca, Ben, and the Reed family wait in prayerful hope as Felicity fights for her life and they wonder who could be next.

With the rest of the family at risk, they decide to obtain the forbidden cowpox vaccine. Ben’s brother Jonah, his uncle Isaiah, and Shenandoah’scook Adam Greene venture off in search of the outlawed vaccine. A blizzard hits. A tree crashes. Jonah crumbles to the ground. A woman with the face of an angel aids Jonah, but is it too late? And where are Adam and Isaiah?

As the death toll rises throughout the Colonies, the Reed family prays for more than one Christmas miracle.

About the Author:

Lisa Belcastro lives with her family on Martha’s Vineyard. She loves time with her family and friends, running, gardening, outdoor activities, cooking, chocolate, reading, traveling, a healthy dose of adventure, and her cat, Ben, who keeps her company while she creates fictional lives for the numerous characters living inside her head.

Lisa runs as an ambassador for TEAM 413 (www.team413.org), and has completed a marathon (26.2 miles) in all fifty states.

Lisa’s stories are set on the Vineyard amidst the magnificence of the ocean, the beauty of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and ancient cliffs, as well as the people and events that make the Island so very unique.

When she’s not at her desk, Lisa is living in paradise, volunteering at her daughter’s school, serving in her church community, planting and weeding her numerous gardens, training to run the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge in January 2016, walking the beach looking for sea glass, or enjoying a great meal while she pens the cuisine column for Vineyard Style Magazine.

By Deana Dick

In this unique Christmas story we find Rebecca and Melissa traveling back in time to 1777. There we meet Rebecca's husband Ben and their precious little girl Felicity. When the child comes down with small pox Rebecca wants to go to present time and get the shot that will help her daughter. Can she go to the right time period to get the medication? Would she return in time to save her daughter?

This was a great story that reminds us of what it was like during a time period when little help was around when an illness spread quickly. I loved the description of the ship and especially the way the characters talked. Through her daughter's illness she is reminded about how God is there to protect them and that he was the Healer. We all can lose sight of our faith with faced with difficulty situations . The author does a great job of showing how faith is important during difficult times . This Christmas story reminds us of the importance of faith, love and family. I am a big fan of this book and will be reading others from this gifted author.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Bloggers Tour for an honest review.

Giveaway Information:

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FAITHING IT by CORA JAKES COLEMAN

Having been a pastor's kid myself , I was excited to read this book. I know how hard it can be to always be watched with people just waiting for you to make a mistake as a pastor's kid. It seems that people expect us to be perfect but we are all the same. We mess up, we stumble but we dust ourselves off and continue our journey.

Faithing It "means that in order to get through our problems and bypass our circumstances , we must fight with faith - and without a faith fight there cannot be a win." If you are going through a struggle right now, go to battle and arm yourself with faith. The author encourages us to Fight for our promise . Don't let anything stop you from the promises God has for you. It can be discouraging sometimes to think we are alone in the battle , but guess what? We are never alone as long as we have God .

The book is very encouraging and gives us insight to fight off the attacks of the enemy. We sometimes get so caught up in what people are saying about us, that we start to believe the lies. The biggest thing to remember is that we are a child of God. This is a powerful book that will have you charged up ready to fight to overcome whatever the enemy has thrown at you. "Don't look back. Stop giving the people who hurt you in your past the power that is rightfully yours. Forgive those who have hurt you -not just for them but for you."

Thank you for writing such an intense eye opening book that encourages  us all to take back our life, be free from shame or hurt and start "Faithing It."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

MISSISSIPPI NIGHTS by D. M. WEBB

Wow! Yes that's how I will start my review. I have never read such a powerful book about forgiveness , unconditional love and redemption before. This  is one book that will stay with me forever. It may be a fiction book, but it is reality for many people right now. Have you ever had something happen to you that  was so devasting that you didn't think you could go on? That is exactly what David thought as he deals with the horrible death of his fiancé . He blames his brother Jeremy for not trying to save her from the burning fire.

David spirals out of control and turns to alcohol to help ease his pain. When he decides to go home to get help, he still has to face his brother who he still blames for his fiancé's death. Will David be able to let go of his bitterness? There is a strong family standing beside him to help, but will he be to stubborn to allow them to help? The author has written such a heartwrenching story of how unforgiveness can destroy a person's life. How many of us still hold unforgiveness in our heart? Sometimes we have to reach the bottom of the pit before we surrender to God for help .

There is so much pain, sorrow and regret in this story that tears came to my eyes. The author wrote such a realistic story, I felt like I was there with the family as they try to intervene and reach a very desperate man. The emotions are raw and you can feel the urgency David has to overcome his addiction. I loved how the author brought Godly people into his life . Will he finally call out to God for help ? I highly recommend this book to everyone. We all fall and stumble, but we make the choice whether to turn to God or continue on a destructive path.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.

Lone Star Literary Life Blog Tours 

presents

MURDER AT PEACOCK MANSION

a Blue Plate Cafe Mystery

by 

Judy Alter

Title: MURDER AT PEACOCK MANSION

Author: Judy Alter

Genre: Cozy Mystery

# of pages: 258

Arson, a bad beating, and a recluse who claims someone is trying to kill her all collide in this third Blue Plate Café Mystery with Kate Chambers. Torn between trying to save David Clinkscales, her old boss and new lover, and curiosity about Edith Aldridge’s story of an attempt on her life, Kate has to remind herself she has a café to run. She nurses a morose David, whose spirit has been hurt as badly as his body, and tries to placate Mrs. Aldridge, who was once accused of murdering her husband but acquitted. One by one, Mrs. Aldridge’s stepchildren enter the picture. Is it coincidence that David is Edith Aldridge’s lawyer? Or that she seems to rely heavily on the private investigator David hires? First the peacocks die…and then the people. Everyone is in danger, and no one knows who to suspect.

BUY LINKS

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Praise for the author

“Kate Chambers continues to impress. This third book in the Blue Plate Café mysteries opens with two intriguing story lines that intermingle flawlessly and will keep you captivated until the final page.” Terrie Farley Moran, Agatha Award-Winning author of the Read ’Em and Eat cozy mysteries. 

“With Murder at Peacock Mansion, the showy feathers of a rich woman's birds aren't enough to save either them or relatives of the recluse who thinks someone's out to get her. Judy Alter, in her third Blue Plate Special mystery, serves up more than chicken-fried chicken as cafe proprietor Kate Chambers fights to save the ones she loves and figure out who the killer is, while keeping herself and her business alive, too.” Edith Maxwell, Agatha-nominated and national bestselling author of the Local Foods Mysteries, the Country Store Mysteries, and the Quaker Midwife Mysteries

“How did you meet Mr. Aldridge?”

“I was a cocktail waitress at the old Baker Hotel in Dallas. You might say I was Eliza to his Henry Higgins. He taught me to dress, speak, eat properly, even dance—he made a lady out of me, and I was always grateful. But once I was “finished”—his term, not mine—he found other Pygmalion-like subjects. In other words, he cheated on me, including financially, railed that I couldn’t run the house on the reduced budget he gave me.

“I used to lie in bed and listen to him roaming about downstairs, sometimes throwing things—I always hoped it wasn’t the Limoges he’d given his first wife, Alicia—and several times I thought I heard him fall. His best friend at night was a bottle of bourbon.

“One night I woke and realized he hadn’t come upstairs. By then I kept a derringer for self-protection, and this night I grabbed it and put it in my pocket. I found him at the foot of the stairs—he fallen apparently. What I didn’t realize until after I called the police was that he’d been shot too.

This tale was getting more bizarre. I itched to check it out on the Web, but for now I was a captive audience and, I admit, mesmerized by the calm recital of this woman’s life story. “What makes you think his children are trying to kill you now?” After all she’d lived this way for thirty years.

Judy Alter retired from Texas Christian University Press after thirty years, twenty of them as director. At the same time she developed her own writing career, focusing primarily on women of the American West. Now she writes fiction and nonfiction for all ages. She lives in Fort Worth.

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Kate Chambers runs the Blue Plate Cafe and it keeps her pretty busy. It is a cute little cafe that serves delicious food and has great service. But trouble walks in her cafe and its name is David Clinkscales. They team up to help Mrs. Edith Aldridge . She once was accused of killing her husband. Even though she was acquitted , people still whisper behind her back. I guess once you get accused of something, people will always have doubts of your innocence. I loved her character. She is a feisty woman determined to not give in to her step children's greed. After an attempt on her life, Kate and David must move quickly to solve the case before it is to late. Between running a cafe, starting a relationship with David and trying to solve a mystery, Kate has her hands full. Who wants Edith dead? Are Kate and David's lives in danger ? Is it a coincidence thst Dsvid just happens to be Edith's lawyer? Unexplained things start to happen that take this mystery on a great adventure . I loved the writing that was engaging and held my attention. Get ready for a twist that will surprise you as Edith's stepchildren suddenly surface with an agenda. Seems there is some bad blood between dear old stepmom and stepchildren. Why do bodies  and dead peacocks start turning up?

This is a great book that I couldn't put down and it has all the elements of intrigue and action that are sure to satisfy any mystery buff.

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