About the Book

Book:  The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 MY REVIEW 

With all the reading I do, I can’t believe I have never heard of Cora Wilson Stewart. The author does a great job of mixing fiction with facts in this story that has become dear to my heart. I started reading as a young child and would stay up  past my bedtime to finish a book. It opened up places I could travel to without leaving my house. This story is one I think everyone  should read. Why, you ask? Simply because they need to know how special it is to know how to read and be introduced to a  woman who helped those who couldn’t. 

I loved Cora and her big heart for wanting everyone to read and write. I can’t imagine what it would be like to not be able to do those things. We take things  for granted in our lives and this story reminds me to be thankful at all times. The people in the mountains were secluded from everything and they lived a hard life. Cora never complained about helping them write letters or read to them. 

Lucy was a young woman who comes to help Cora out. I can see her eyes get big as she traveled to the backwoods where people were happy and content with their lives. To Lucy she knew she was privileged but never thought of herself better than others. I liked how she pitched in and soon discovered she was needed there to help those who couldn’t read. I did like the part in the story about Lucy’s sister that had been missing for years. It was an interesting part of the book and gave us a glimpse of what someone might do when tragedy strikes their own life. I won’t say more about this because I don’t want to give anything away. 

The book illustrates what it was like during the early 1910s. People in the mountains never came to town and kept to themselves. They helped each other out but never meddled in each other’s personal business. It is possible that some were superstitious and were fearful that something  would happen if they didn’t listen to those that believed. I loved learning more about this time period and thought the author did a great job in making the story come to life. I liked the faith element and especially learning about the mountain music. The people were not ashamed to worship and loved spending  time in His presence.

I am so glad this story was written so others can know the importance of literacy. Cora had a dream  to give  every person the chance to learn how to read . She worked long  hours but it was worth it when she heard someone read for the first time. The school was a brilliant idea and with faith Cora saw it come to pass. A true hero who has been overlooked for years. Hopefully this book will bring to the forefront about a woman who followed the call on her life. 

“ Happy  are those whose purpose has found them.” 

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

About the Author

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

 

 

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, January 30

Batya’s Bits, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

CarpeDiem, January 31

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 31

A Novel Pursuit, January 31

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 31

The Avid Reader, February 1

Bliss Books & Jewels, February 1

lakesidelivngsite, February 1

Connie’s History Classroom, February 1

She Lives To Read, February 2

For the Love of Literature, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 3

Through the Fire Blogs, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Inspiration Clothesline, February 3

Fiction Book Lover, February 4 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 4

Blogging With Carol, February 4

Lis Loves Reading, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

HookMeInABook, February 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 6

Artistic Nobody, February 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, February 7

EmpowerMoms, February 7

The Write Escape , February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Older & Smarter?, February 8

deb’s Book Review, February 8

Splashes of Joy, February 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 9

Beauty in the Binding, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Remembrancy, February 10

Bigreadersite, February 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

By The Book, February 11

Wishful Endings, February 11

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 11

Spoken from the Heart, February 12

Hallie Reads, February 12

To Everything There Is A Season, February 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/1068d/the-moonlight-school-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Beauty Among Ruins

Author: J’Nell Ciesielski

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: January 12, 2021

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

 

More from J’Nell

Inspiration for Beauty Among Ruins

Once again, blame it on Downton Abbey. This time on Lady Rose. She was impulsive, spoiled, a free spirit, yet with a good heart. I knew I wanted to take on the challenge of writing a heroine like her. A character who starts off one way and by the end of the book has completely charmed you over. So I started writing and everything was going great until … it wasn’t. The plot just stopped on me. No matter how hard I tried the story refused to reveal itself to me which is incredibly frustrating for someone who doesn’t like to give up once they’ve started something. But I had to. In the end, I had to put the story, affectionately titled Love on the Limp, away for several months while I wrote The Socialite. Then one day the story clicked. It was meant to be a WWI telling on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. Everything fell into place and the story and characters burst onto the page in glorious technicolor.

 

Lily and Alec took me by surprised with how much I fell in love with them. Bubbly Lily and brooding Alec. Never had two more opposites been so perfect for one another (at least in my writing experience). They had so many obstacles to overcome, many of them self-imposed, that I often found myself in tears over their heartaches, but golly gumdrops when they came together, boy o boy were there fireworks!

 

You may have also noticed that the story is set in Scotland because I happen to believe that every good story is set there. I had the privilege of staring at pictures of this breathtaking landscape for months so I could imagine the characters strolling among the heather  and watching the river twist through the green moors. To me, nothing rivals the awe inspiring beauty of a certain place, and hopefully readers will feel that through these pages.

MY REVIEW 

It has been a joy to read a book rich in history while sweeping across the ocean. The author describes  the time period with excellence and gives readers a front row seat as the curtains open on a journey to a castle thst has seen better days. It cries out for someone to bring it back to beauty where joy is found. 

Lily is everything I like in a character. She is sassy, stubborn, delightful and perhaps a little annoying to some. How she got to the castle is a minor detail when you realize she was meant to be there for emotional support. I loved how she took on jobs that were not all that fun. Her compassion for her patients bring them peace and hope. 

Alec is rather snotty at times and dare I say a bit boring. He is proper and  won’t stand for any shenanigans. Oh how I laughed as I read as Lily pushed his buttons with disregard to rules. She is a nurse but to me she was just what the castle  needed to bring it back to life. It seems rather dreary and dark in the hallways as maids scattered about afraid to speak. Alec does have a redeeming quality which made me like him. He is determined to care for his family and keep the castle running. 

The work that is being done to help soldiers that have been injured is dear to Alec. He has opened his home for them to get the best of care and find rest in the midst of chaos.  The story is inviting and at times very funny with Lily getting lost in the castle. Oh I had high hopes for her and Alec to become attracted to each other. After all opposites do attract, so they say. 

There is a part  in the story where a soldier is kidnapped right out of his bed while being cared for at the castle. Now what is that about? Is it someone who wants to cause others to question the work being done there? Or perhaps it’s the person who is insistent on buying the land and castle from Alec? I couldn’t wait to find out what was in store for our sassy Lily and brooding Alec. I loved learning more about the war and how it caused emotional damage as well physical damage.

Set in a picturesque background the author delivers a story of determination, survival, trust and mystery. This is one story I really didn’t want to end. I became very fond of the characters and loved how each one added something to enhance the story. I can say for sure that this is one book not to be overlooked. It is charming, with a bit of nobility mixed in that makes me want to travel back in time to sit with Lily  and enjoy her enthusiasm for life. 

The ending is filled with tragedy and wraps up the mystery with finesse . Some people are so greedy they will do anything to get what they want. In the end truth prevails and I am happy to know that Alec can begin to enjoy life again without the threat of danger anymore. Lily is the one thing missing that may bring Alec hope for the future. 

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

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, January 27

Fiction Aficionado, January 27

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 27

Wishful Endings, January 28

Genesis 5020, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29

lakesidelivingsite, January 29

Reflections From my Bookshelves, January 29

Connect in Fiction, January 30

Connie’s History Classroom, January 30

CarpeDiem, January 30

Artistic Nobody, January 31 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 31

Where Faith and Books Meet, February 1

Rebecca Tews, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

As He Leads is Joy, February 2

Robin’s Nest, February 2

Older & Smarter?, February 3

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 4

Remembrancy, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 4

Mia Reads, February 5

Joanne Markey, February 5

Splashes of Joy, February 5

Mary Hake, February 5

Betti Mace, February 6

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 6

For Him and My Family, February 6

She Lives to Read, February 7

deb’s Book Review, February 7

The Write Escape, February 7

Simple Harvest Reads, February 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Novels Corner, February 8

To Everything There Is A Season, February 8

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Lis Loves Reading, February 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J’Nell is giving away the grand prize of a paperback copy of the book and an audiobook copy of The Socialite!!

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/10688/beauty-among-ruins-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  The Dressmaker’s Secret

Author: Kellyn Roth

Genre: Christian historical women’s fiction

IF THEY KNEW WHO SHE WAS, THEY’D NEVER ACCEPT WHAT SHE’S BECOME.

Claire will stop at nothing to provide for her daughters. An unwed mother, she does everything possible to raise them whilst avoiding her scandalous past. Some secrets are best kept, even between mother and daughter. Alice longs for a father, especially if that means her mother will be happy. She takes matters into her own hands—but she never expected what she finds.

Despite her efforts to shelter her daughters, Claire’s ghosts rise up to haunt her, and any semblance of control over her life vanishes. If her secrets are uncovered, what will become of her family?

 

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kellyn Roth is a Christian historical women’s fiction & romance author from North-Eastern Oregon who has independently published multiple novels, the most notable being The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy series. You should definitely call her Kell.

Kell lives on family-owned property outside an unmemorable but historical town with her parents, two little brothers, arbitrary cat, precious border collies, a dozen cows, and lots of chickens. She also possesses a classic, vintage aesthetic which does not at all speak to her country girl side, but such is life.

When not writing, Kell likes to blog, teach writing to her various students, have day jobs which allow her to keep her car properly insured, and spend lavish amounts of money on Dairy Queen french fries.

 

More from Kellyn

I’ve honestly never rewritten a book as many times as I rewrote The Dressmaker’s Secret, and I hope I never do.

A first draft flew out of me one November when I was fourteen, and before the next November had come around, I’d gone through twelve drafts, changed points of view multiple times, and eventually rewrote the whole thing from scratch.

The ending especially went through many, many versions … until at last I settled on the final. Or so I thought.

Not long after, some more issues were called to light, and I revised again. And again. Years passed. I went through over twenty-five drafts! And, at the time, I liked all of them. Would I ever like one for longer than a month, though?

Well, turns out, it was possible! I’m over a year and a half into loving my draft of The Dressmaker’s Secret – e.g. the published draft – and that’s not likely to change any time soon.

This book taught me a lot. It practically taught me how to write – and edit! – a good book, and it made me really focus in on quality, even when it took some humility to admit I was wrong and critics were right – or, sometimes, that my gut was right. It taught me to not give up on something I love. It taught me that the risks I always wanted to take are worth taking. It taught me that no mistake is too great to be corrected … well, in some ways, at least.

And it taught me that there’s a great God out there who has grace for all my delays and mistakes and learning experiences.

So, that’s the story of how The Dressmaker’s Secret came to be written!

MY REVIEW 

The book starts in the late 1860s with a young woman who I wanted to take in my home and care for. Claire becomes an unwed mother of two darling little girls. I cried when her father shunned her. How was she to care for her children and escape the gossip? Nettie is her maid but also her dear friend. They decide to leave and find a better life for theirselves and the girls. 

I couldn’t read fast enough to see what adventure awaited  them. I thought it was sad that Claire felt she had to hide her girls from everyone. The rumors swirled around her as she found a way to make a living. I’m sure her skills were excellent as she made dresses but she still longed for true happiness. Sone people loved to gossip and make Claire feel ashamed. “He without sin, cast the first stone.”

Alice and Ivy were as different as night and day. Alice was very outspoken for a young girl and I loved how protective she was of her sister. I absolutely loved the faith element in the book. Claire feels like God is punishing her for her sin, but Alice wants her mother to trust God. I thought about this scripture as I read the book, “And a child shall lead them.” Alice does question if she was a mistake and is reassured that God does not make mistakes. She is wanted and loved and I liked how the author shows us the journey Alice takes to find acceptance. 

I found the story to be real and honest. The author holds nothing back when it comes  to the girls lack of a father. It was interesting to see how Alice decided she would find out who her father was. She was not afraid to learn the truth and hoped it would make her mother happy again. There are some emotional scenes in the story which gives depth to the characters. I was anxious to find out what secret Claire was hiding, I was not prepared for the ending and have to say I was shocked when several secrets were revealed. 

Claire fights her feeling for God and at some point she will turn to Him to show her the direction she needs to take. All she has ever known is rejection and she doesn’t want her children to ever doubt that they are loved and wanted. It is a beautiful story that tackles tough subjects with grace. I am excited to know that there is a book coming out where Ivy will be the main focus. 

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

Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 27

Splashes of Joy, January 27

Remembrancy, January 28

Genesis 5020, January 28

Worthy2Read, January 29

Vicky Sluiter, January 29

Maureen’s Musings, January 29

The Write Escape, January 30

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 30

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

A Novel Pursuit, January 31

Texas Book-aholic, February 1

CarpeDiem, February 1

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2

Inklings and notions, February 3

lakesidelivingsite, February 3

Betti Mace, February 4

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 5

Connect in Fiction, February 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, February 6

Connie’s History Classroom, February 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 7

Godly Book Reviews, February 7

Labor Not in Vain, February 7

Artistic Nobody, February 8 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Blogging With Carol, February 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 9

Sodbuster Living, February 9

Bizwings Blog, February 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kellyn is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of both The Dressmaker’s Secret and Ivy Introspective, as well as a $25 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/10689/the-dressmaker-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

 ALL THAT WE CARRY by ERIN BARTELS

I liked the book somewhat  but it seemed to drag in some areas. I wanted to like the characters but I began to realize they weren’t well developed. The book isn’t all bad. There are some really good moments with the sisters hiking. I enjoyed reading about their journey but was hoping for more in depth all out sharing . 

Both sisters are having a difficult time with the loss of their parents and think going on a hiking trip will help them communicate. The few times I have gone hiking all I could  do was concentrate on not falling and trying  to have enough energy to get to a resting spot. 

The story does have some  faith elements in the story which are good but  not clear. While the story has sone emotional moments, I wanted more than surface feelings. I’ve read other books by the author that have been a hit, but for me this one lacked the impact of a clear message. 

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging Program. The review is my own opinion.