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Thursday, March 29, 2018

A Flute in the Willows copy

About the Book

Book Cover Front A Flute In The Willows
Book Title: A Flute in the Willows
Author: Carole Brown
Genre: Historical, Romantic Suspense
Both rebels in their own way, Josie and Jerry Patterson must figure out how to keep the other’s love…and keep the German enemy at bay.
She has two loves—her skating and Jerry, her husband. But when he returns home looking like a skeleton trying to return to life, she’s scared. What happened in Germany to change a man so much? Has another woman captured his heart?
Jerry has vowed to let Josie live her own glamourous life…especially after what happened in Germany. But when his wife’s life is threatened, Jerry realizes he can’t stand by and do nothing. Jerry has to risk all for the very soul and life of himself—Josie.
These two damaged, rebellious people learn the hard way that leaning on God instead of their ownselves and abilities is the only true way to love and happiness.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Carole Brown
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Guest post from Carole Brown

How Great is Our God! By Carole Brown
And the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
It seems everywhere you turn today, the world is a mess. I try to keep up with current events, but sometimes I find myself pulling back away from it all. The enemy of us all would drown us in disbelief, doubt and worry if we would allow it. I find my spirit beginning to flounder in that sea of distress and must need revive it with the good things of God.
In my newest WWII Spies series, in book two, soon to be released, both Jerry and Josie Patterson are rebellious, self-centered people. Neither have given much thought to God, and both have gone gung-ho after their own pleasures and desires.
  • Jerry not only suffers a serious physical injury, but his spirit is troubled over actions taken as a spy in Germany. Guilt over the death of a sweet woman, guilt over all the deceit he needed to use, guilt over the temptations that knocked, and though he didn’t give in to them, nevertheless, troubles his mind and soul. Who do you turn to when you have no God in your life?
  • Josie, filled with elaborate plans on becoming an Olympic participant once the horror of war is over, ignores all the people in her life—except when it’s convenient for her to use them. All that matters is attaining her goal and Jerry. Running roughshod over all others, forgiving and forbearing as they are, is her usual ploy in getting what she wants. So who do you turn to when all your dreams turn to ashes? 
It’s only after each one of them receive a severe injury that prevent them from doing what they want, only when they think they’ve lost the other, that they begin to listen to what God is teaching them.
Isn’t that so in our own lives? Many times we go headstrong toward our goals, without prayer or definite assurance from God that it’s what he wants for us. It seems a good thing, beneficial, and desirable so it must be good for us, right?
God is so great, so faithful, so loving in pulling us back, in teaching us that He is our all in all. Our strength in times of deep distress and trial, our anchor when the storms of life are blowing us off course, our shield when others would hurt or wound our spirits…our peace through it all.
May we, like Josie and Jerry, learn that our God IS a great God. We need have no fear; he does not fail.


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One of my favorite time periods is in the 1940's. The author brings this era to life with details that make readers feel like they have traveled back in time. The details of the war were  realistic and reminded us of how devastating it was.  I was very excited to read about Josie and Jerry. They were young and in love. It seemed they had everything they needed for happiness. Unfortunately, Jerry is whisked away to serve his country. I could feel the anguish Josie experienced when the love of her life is gone shortly after getting married.

It was fascinating to read about her rise to fame as a skater. The author does a great job of showing Josie putting everything she had into skating, then slowly start to unravel . I thought the pressure was to much for her and I cringed when she started drinking . Everyone has flaws and breaking points. Josie is strong willed but the longer Jerry is away, the more uncertain Josie becomes about her future. When she plays her flute she was poised and oozed with confidence, It was a joy to read about her starting to find her way again and bring happiness to others with her sweet gift of comforting melodies on the flute.

Jerry is a very complicated person to understand.  I had a hard time relating to him and found his injury during the war to be more of an excuse not to want to be with Josie. Little did I know that Jerry was hiding a deep secret from Josie. All his actions started to make sense.  I wanted to scream at him to tell Josie the truth instead of making her feel unwanted by him.

The story is captivating and at times very intriguing.  It is a race against time for Jerry to keep his wife safe from someone he encountered during the war.  I loved the way the author showed us how far Jerry and Josie will go to protect each other. The ending is suspenseful and full of intense danger. Can Jerry carry his mission out without causing harm to Josie or others? Will Josie interfere and endanger herself when she becomes to curious? The story is not just about a war, but about trust and unconditional love. It is a saga where characters are diversified and at times quite complicated.  The war changed Jerry and now he needs to find his way back to those who love him.

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

Blog Stops

Multifarious, March 30
A Greater Yes, March 31
Simple Harvest Reads, April 2 (Guest post from Mindy)
Carpe Diem, April 3
margaret kazmierczak, April 4 (Interview)
Bigreadersite, April 5
Reading is my Super Power, April 5 (Interview)
Pause for Tales, April 6
Artistic Nobody, April 7 (Spotlight)
Among the Reads, April 9

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away a grand prize of a canvas flowered/musical tote, a pink “All Things are Possible journal, and a copy of A Flute in the Willows (winners choice of print or ebook)!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c9e2

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Cinco de Murder (A Taste of Texas Mystery)
by Rebecca Adler

Maybe I am just smidgen biased but Cinco De Murder was a
super great read for this Texan! I think I have found a new series that is a favorite.
~My Reading Journeys
I enjoy the Texas flair and touch while all the food talk just makes me hungry. If you enjoy a good cozy mystery that features an adorable dog and a culinary touch then this is the book/series for you.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews
I liked how in this book, Josie and the Detective Lightfoot work more or less together, he doesn’t simply dismiss her ideas but take a closer look at her thoughts and discoveries. Makes the book more interesting. . .
~Varietats
I was totally sucked into the story. I loved the Texas setting at Cinco De Mayo.
~A Chick Who Reads

About the Book


Cinco de Murder (A Taste of Texas Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – Texas
Berkley (April 3, 2018)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0425275955
Digital ASIN: B073TJH4FF
Tex-Mex waitress and part-time reporter Josie Callahan serves up more Lone Star justice in this spicy mystery from the author of The Good, the Bad, and the Guacamole.
It’s fiesta time in Broken Boot, Texas, and tourists are pouring into town faster than free beer at a bull roping for the mouthwatering Cinco de Mayo festivities. Tex-Mex waitress Josie Callahan, her feisty abuela, and even her spunky Chihuahua Lenny are polishing their folklórico dances for Saturday’s big parade, while Uncle Eddie is adding his own spicy event to the fiesta menu: Broken Boot’s First Annual Charity Chili Cook-off.
But Uncle Eddie’s hopes of impressing the town council go up in smoke when cantankerous chili cook Lucky Straw is found dead in his tent. And when Josie’s beloved uncle is accused of fatal negligence, she, Lenny, and the steadfast Detective Lightfoot must uncover who ended the ambitious chilihead’s life–before another cook kicks the bucket.

About the Author

Rebecca Adler grew up on the sugar beaches of the Florida Gulf Coast. Drawn to the Big Apple by the sweet smell of wishful thinking, she studied acting on Broadway until a dark-eyed cowboy flung her over his saddle and hightailed it to the Southwest.
Prior to writing women’s fiction, Gina always found a way to add a touch of the dramatic to her life: dinner theatre in Mississippi, can-can club in Florida, and playing a giant Furskin in the New York Toy Fair, plus the occasional play and musical.
She’s currently content to pour her melodramatic tendencies into writing her Taste of Texas culinary mystery series. Set in far West Texas, her humorous stories are filled with delicious suspense and scrumptious Tex-Mex recipes. Her alter ego, Gina Lee Nelson, writes sweet contemporary romances with a sweet, Southern-fried flavor.
Author Links
Twitter: @CozyTxMysteries
Purchase Links
Amazon  B&N  Kobo  Google Play  BAM  BookBub


Review.jpg


I enjoyed every minute of this high fa looting Texas escapade.  The authentic Texas sayings had me rolling on the floor. I'm a Texan and boy did I relate to the towns and chili cook off so well. Texas loves to have chili cook offs and I remember all the fun it was when I attended them. The competition is fierce and some of the ingredients could be questionable at times. I loved Uncle Eddie right away. He is trying so hard to run the chili cook off while trying to follow the rules .  Josie is downright adorable and her eye for details is impeccable.  Writing for the paper keeps her busy and she is fixing to get real busy when one of the contestants is found dead in his tent. The deceased was a mean old coot who caused trouble wherever he went. 

The story is funny and keeps readers involved as the investigation starts leaning toward someone close to Josie. After reading about the different people at the chili cook off I suspected everyone. I loved how the author delivers a real Texas charm of a story and has unforgettable characters. I have to say Lenny stole my heart. His little personality just makes you smile. Who doesn't like to see a cute little chihuahua dancing around? Maybe I'm a bit biased because I have three very little chihuahuas myself. 

From a parade with excitement galore to authentic Tex-Mex food, there is something for everyone in this wonderful cozy mystery.  The author brings out authentic dishes that made me so hungry, I had to grab some salsa  and chips as I read the book. The ending is so action packed with snakes , coyotes and fireworks that I found myself reading as fast as I could. This is one book you don't want to miss. Make sure you check out the recipes at the end of the story.

I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR PARTICIPANTS
March 22 –  Read Your Writes Book Reviews  – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 22 –  Cozy Up With Kathy  – GUEST POST
March 22 –  My Reading Journeys  – REVIEW
March 23 –  Books a Plenty Book Reviews  – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY
March 23 –  The Self-Rescue Princess  – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 24 –  Varietats  – REVIEW
March 24 –  Babs Book Bistro  – SPOTLIGHT
March 24 –  Mysteries with Character  – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 25 –  T’s Stuff  – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 25 –  Lisa Ks Book Reviews  – AUTHOR INTERVIEW, GIVEAWAY
March 25 –  StoreyBook Reviews  – SPOTLIGHT
March 26 –  View from the Birdhouse  – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
March 26 –  A Chick Who Reads  – REVIEW
March 27 –  Teresa Trent Author Blog  – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY
March 27 –  Dee-Scoveries  – SPOTLIGHT
March 28 –  Texas Book-aholic  – REVIEW
March 28 – Sneaky the Library Cat’s Blog  – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
March 28 –  A Holland Reads  – SPOTLIGHT
March 29 –  The Pulp and Mystery Shelf  – GUEST POST
March 29 –  MJB Reviewers  – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW
March 30 –  The Montana Bookaholic  – REVIEW
March 30 –  Laura’s Interests  – REVIEW
March 31 –  That’s What She’s Reading  – REVIEW
March 31 –  Brooke Blogs  – CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

WINNING MISS WINTHROP BY CAROLYN MILLER

The author has written an enchanting story of two people who were in love, but drifted apart. Catherine is such a sweet and caring person. She can't figure out why the love of her life suddenly stopped seeing her. You can feel the anguish she carries deep within her. Have you ever loved someone and they one day without explanation, disappeared from your life? Catherine's pain is so deep, I could feel her emptiness.

The story is very emotional and takes us on a journey of forgiveness and rediscovery. When Catherine and her mother suffer a great loss they are shocked and emotionally spent. I loved how the author turns the story when Catherine's past walks in the door. Jonathan is vert straight forward and seems to do everything he can to ignore Catherine. How is it possible that Catherine's future is now determined by her lost love Jonathan?

There is no doubt that Catherine is hurt and angry when Jonathan has taken over their home and has been given a noble title. The richness of the Regency period is undeniable in this beautifully written book.  I loved the description of the beautiful land and the attires that women wore. They are very prim and proper and all vying for Jonathan's attention. It must be hard for Catherine to watch women swoon over Jonathan. The author writes of lost love in a romantic way while showing us how hard it is to hold on to hope. Will Catherine and Jonathan be able to forget the past and find happiness again? Don't miss this lovely story of hope, forgiveness and love that runs deep between two people.

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Blog Tour Services . The review is my own opinion.




Sunday, March 25, 2018

SURVIVAL OF THE FRITTERS by GINGER BOLTON

What a great start to a promising series. I love little towns and reading about the people who live there. Emily is the perfect character for this series. She is sweet and loves being part owner of Deputy Donut. I just love that name for a shop. It sounds inviting and oh my the smells of delicious coffee brewing would drive anyone to her shop. She offers the most tantalizing donuts around and her regular customers are an assortment of fun characters.

I loved being introduced to the Knitpickers. What a wonderful assortment of older women who brighten the shop each day they are there. When one of the members doesn’t show up for their morning get together, the group becomes concerned. Georgia is always punctual and her tardiness is very suspicious. The author does a great job of leading us up to the murder with little clues that are hidden cleverly in hints throughout conversations. I was saddened by who was found dead because I wanted to get to know her better, She sounded so nice and fun to be around.

The author takes us on an adventure where suspects seem to come out of the woodwork. I kept thinking I knew who it was, but the author does  a great job of adding details that make me start suspecting others. I liked the underlying story of Emily and Brent. This relationship has some history that is tragic and keeps them at arms length. I’m cheering for them to reconcile and deal with the past, but will it happen? The story is well written and I didn’t want it to end. It’s a great adventure and I loved the twists that the author throws in to keep readers on the edge of their seat. Don’t miss this first in a series that is action packed. The author has included recipes at the end of the book that you don’t want to miss.

I received a copy of this book from The Goodreads Giveaway Program. The review is my own opinion.


The Innkeepers Daughter FB Banner copy

About the Book

Title: The Innkeeper’s Daughter
Author: Michelle GriepInnkeepersDaughter_CoverImage
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Release Date: March 1, 2018
A London officer goes undercover to expose a plot against the Crown
Dover, England, 1808: Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the king—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue. . .until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.
All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

MichelleGriepMichelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit www.michellegriep.com.

Guest Post from Michelle Griep

Celebrating Oak Apple Day
Spring is just around the corner, or maybe it’s in full bloom in your neck of the woods. Regardless, by this time of year, everyone is ready to celebrate. . .and nothing new is under the sun. For centuries people have been eager to welcome budding greenery and warmth.
In my recent release, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, I incorporated a spring holiday that’s been around for over 500 years in England, one you may never heard of.
Oak Apple Day.
This ancient celebration dates back to the year 1651. At the time, Charles II escaped the Roundhead army by taking cover in an oak tree. Everyone loved ol’ Charlie and was glad he lived, so in his honor, a new national holiday was born—one that in some parts of England is still celebrated today.
Another name for this annual event is Royal Oak Day and the festivities occur every May 29th. Celebration traditions vary from parades to the ringing of bells, but one thing that is standard is that it’s a day to pin an oak leaf on your lapel. If you fail to wear one, you could end up getting pinched.
The hero in my latest release is kind enough to remind the heroine that she forgot to pin on her leaf, thus saving her from untoward pinches. Interested in hearing more about this gallant fellow and the forgetful miss? Here’s a blurb about The Innkeeper’s Daughter
Tension is high with the threat of a Napoleonic attack in Regency England, but risk from abroad means nothing when there’s danger at home.
Officer Alexander Moore goes undercover as a gambling gentleman to expose a high-stakes plot against the crown—and he’s a master of disguise, for Johanna Langley believes him to be quite the rogue . . . until she can no longer fight against his unrelenting charm.
All Johanna wants is to keep the family inn afloat, but when the rent and the hearth payment are due at the same time, where will she find the extra funds? If she doesn’t come up with the money, there will be nowhere to go other than the workhouse—where she’ll be separated from her ailing mother and ten-year-old brother.
Alex desperately wants to help Johanna, especially when she confides in him, but his mission—finding and bringing to justice a traitor to the crown—must come first, or they could all end up dead.
It’s a race against time for them both.


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The story finds us in England during 1808  with an adventure as well as secrets and danger. I liked Johanna right away. Trying to keep her family's inn open has become a difficult task. It is not the most attractive place with repairs needed . I loved reading how close she is to her family.  She seemed to be quite a strong woman and willing to find a way to overcome the fate of the family's inn.

Alex is a bit of a mystery to people he encounters. Why would someone who seems to be wealthy decide to stay at Johanna's less than attractive inn? He has been sent on a secret mission that could put him in danger. It was fascinating to read the banter between him and Johanna. I did kind of laugh when they seem to disagree on things. Is someone playing hard to get? The story takes a dark turn when Alex finds himself locked up and desperate to escape from his captors. I loved when I read, " If we fail to trust in God's provision, what kind of faith is that?  It is hard to keep your faith strong when you find yourself in a seemingly hopeless position.

The author allows readers to feel the desperation in Johanna as she shares her feelings of being a failure to Alex.  I hurt for her as she tells Alex how she can't hold it together anymore. She carried a lot on her shoulders and it has all started to drain her. Do you remember a time when you felt the weight of the world on your shoulders?  Johanna must reach deep inside her and hang on to  her faith and allow God to provide for her. The story is full of intrigue and a masterfully written adventure that captures the history eloquently. I loved reading about the attire people  wore during that time period wore and their polite way of talking . It is easy to picture the story as the author describes in detail the surrounding landscapes, inns and ships docked with mysterious cargo.

 Once again the author brings a wonderful story that is a page turner. This is one book you don't want to miss. Will Alex be able to complete his mission without being discovered who he really is? Can Johanna find a way to save the inn? The ending is very tense and I loved the action it provided as the characters race against time to pursue their goals. Thank you for a wonderful story and historical facts that made the book very realistic.

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


Blog Stops

Mommynificent, March 16
Among the Reads, March 17
Mary Hake, March 17
Karen Sue Hadley, March 18
Kathleen Denly, March 19
Remembrancy, March 20
Book by Book, March 20
Bookworm Mama, March 22
Vicky Sluiter, March 22
Carpe Diem, March 22
Pause for Tales, March 23
margaret kazmierczak, March 23 (Interview)
A Greater Yes, March 24
Simple Harvest Reads, March 26 (Mindy Houng Guest Post)
Pursuing Stacie, March 27
Bigreadersite, March 27
The PhD Mamma, March 28

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a signed copy of The Innkeeper’s Daughter and a $25 gift card from Barnes & Noble!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/cb72