About the Book

Book: Legacy of Love

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: December 8, 2020

Will their love come at a cost?

Escaping Boston to avoid a marriage of convenience aimed at garnering society’s respect for her family name in the shadow of her father’s war profiteering, Meg Underwood settles in Spruce Hill, Oregon. Despite leaving behind the comforts of wealth, she’s happy. Then the handsome Pinkerton agent, Reuben Jessop, arrives with news that she’s inherited her aunt’s significant estate, and she must return home to claim the bequest. Meg refuses to make the trip. Unwilling to fail at his mission, Reuben gives her until Christmas to prove why she should remain in Spruce Hill and give up the opportunity to become a woman of means. When he seems to want more than friendship, she wonders if her new-found wealth is the basis of his attraction.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

Dear Reader:

 

Have you ever dreamed of winning the lottery?

 

Last year, that happened to someone at work. Not millions, but a significant amount of money. As a result, she immediately cut her hours to part-time and began to do things she hadn’t been able to. Her good fortune prompted a lot of conversations among my colleagues about what they would do if they came into a large sum of money.

 

Those discussions inspired the plotline for Legacy of Love, but instead of winning the lottery my main character comes into a large inheritance. As a result, everyone treats her differently and weighs in on what she should do. Her friendships are affected, and her life is turned upside down. She was happy before the inheritance, however the money would allow her to perform acts of kindness. But at what cost?

 

I hope you enjoy Hannah’s story.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

MY REVIEW 

This is a quick read packed  with a cast of wonderful characters. The author is one of my favorites when it comes to historical fiction. Her ability to capture the feel of this time period warrants applause. I was transported back to a time where a small town was thriving and the cafe was booming with business. I have always wondered how difficult it must have been to cook long hours in a place that was busy, hot and at times overwhelming.

Meg is a delightful character who  works hard and is content to be away from city life in Boston. Her reason for leaving everything behind is centered on a pre arranged marriage. I liked how she refused to to be married to someone she didn’t love. Her family must have been hurt when she left, but she prays that someday they will understand. 

Rueben intrigued me because of his job with the Pinkerton Agency. They are well know to catch bad guys but also find people who others can’t track down. His visit to Meg’s town is met with opposition as he tries to convince Meg to come back to Boston to secure an inheritance. There is a good reason she should go, but her refusal doesn’t quite sit well with Rueben. 

The story focuses on which one can prove their reason to stay or go. Rueben at first sees Meg  as another assignment , but will sparks fly between the two? Meg is very content where she is working at the cafe and  is not interested in anything that involves going back to a place she feels is not home. It was fun to see how these two interact and  the struggles they faced. Will love conquer all? 

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

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 16

For Him and My Family, December 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Artistic Nobody, December 20 (Spotlight)

Betti Mace, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 21

Connie’s History Classroom, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Bizwings Blog, December 24

Mary Hake, December 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

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/14836/legacy-of-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Next Fithian

Author: Rick Barry

Genre: YA Christian Science Fiction

Release date: September 14, 2021

Was this a new life — or a death sentence?

When Rankin Johnson boards a flight to Israel, he expects an adventure in archeology. But the airplane comes under attack and explodes in midair. Rankin shouts, “God, I’m yours!” Instantly, he’s in some other place. An angel informs Rankin the Lord is pleased to accept his offer. He dubs Rankin “the next Fithian” — a messenger from God, not to Earth, but to planet Zemna in the alternate dimension. What happened to the previous Fithian? “He was killed,” the angel says before vanishing.

On Zemna, Rankin finds a perplexing, violent world. Futuristic technology mingles with primitive ways. Also, a bizarre symbol—the Intersection of All Things—has appeared on his left palm. It’s a tool to aid his mission, but how? Rankin is supposed to share God’s message with this planet. Instead, he becomes a slave. What he really wants is a trip back to Earth.

With the aid of Prahv and Theena, a brother and sister who become his best friends, Rankin escapes. He hopes to fulfill his mission and return home as fast as possible. But now there’s a price on Rankin’s head. More than one Zemnan would rather kill him for the reward than hear what he has to say.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rick Barry has climbed mountains, jumped from perfectly good airplanes, toured World War 2 battlefields, and visited Eastern Europe over 50 times in Christian ministry. He has a degree in teaching foreign languages and speaks Russian. His fiction and non-fiction have been published by Kregel Books, Focus on the Family, JourneyForth Books, Answers in Genesis, and others. His previous novels are Kiriath’s Quest, Gunner’s Run, The Methuselah Project, and Methuselah Project S.O.S.

 

More from Rick

Years ago, I received an unexpected phone call. Michael Ross, then-editor of Focus on the Family’s Breakaway magazine, asked me to brainstorm a big, bold adventure for teens: “Maybe fantasy. Maybe science fiction. Maybe both mixed together. I don’t know. Just make it big!”

Such an intriguing challenge! I accepted the assignment and developed a 3-part Christian sci-fi story, The Next Fithian. Those three installments reaped enthusiastic reactions from readers. However, after Part 3, that assignment was done. I moved on.

As years passed, my Fithian characters refused to let me forget them. They kept coming to mind, urging me to create an exhilarating, novel-length adventure for them. At first, I refused. I was giving priority to my novels about World War II airmen.

However, whenever I attended homeschool conferences to sign books for shoppers, teens visited my table to talk. What were those teen guys and girls wearing? T-shirts portraying the Avengers, Spider-Man, Captain America, the Hulk … It was obvious what kinds of adventures captivated these young adults. I wondered—what kind of uplifting novel could I pen for Christian fans of the Marvel universe?

In reply, my thoughts jumped back to The Next Fithian, a story brimming with action, adventure, danger, faith—plus a positive role model. This time, I yielded and began brainstorming ways to extend the original 5,400 words into an 80,000-word sci-fi novel with a Christian worldview. I didn’t want simply to create a gripping adventure. I wanted to give readers something unique. I wanted to touch their emotions, to make them laugh, to make them cry, to inspire them, and make them ponder things they had never considered before. I also wanted to transport them to another world where they might see better how to live in our own real world.

Responses from volunteer readers give me hope that The Next Fithian: An Ordinary Teen on a Strange, New World will appeal to diverse readers, both teens and adults. One teen, Kaden E. wrote, “WOW! I just finished the book, and boy was it fantastic!” Another teen, Victoria S. declared, “Rankin is exactly the kind of protagonist we need—he’s mentally, emotionally, and spiritually mature; intelligent; and compassionate.” Adult test reader Marali S. emailed, “I enjoyed this! You must write more!” Another, Jude U., wrote, “I pronounce excellence! The ‘romance’ was sweet and just enough.”

A mix of other test readers gave similar encouragement. So, even though my target audience is young adults, I hope adults will also enjoy it, just as adults enjoyed 17-year-old Katniss Everdeen of Hunger Games fame.

Christian sci-fi might not be your style, but pause and think—maybe you know a young adult who might benefit from such a story?

MY REVIEW 

The creativity of this story is sure to grab the attention of science fiction fans. With a Christian theme it is perfect for young adults and adults. I loved our main character because he is chosen to spread the Word in a world unlike anything seen before. 

The minute the plane is in trouble, Rankin is thrust into a place where he is challenged and sent on a mission that astounds him. Leaving his family behind  he begins his journey. Now I’m not sure I would be as calm as he seemed when he finds out that he has been chosen by the Creator to share a message. I enjoyed reading  about Zemma and it’s vast difference from Earth. Danger awaits him as word gets out that he has arrived. 

What I liked most about the story was the reminder that we all have been called to be disciples and share His Word  with others. Rankin is obedient and says, “God, I’m yours.” Would we be brave enough to do the same? Could we go to a foreign place and speak about God? I like how the author uses a seventeen year old to explore what it would be like to follow His lead and overcome obstacles that could harm him. His faith is strong and his urgency to succeed is important to him. I enjoyed reading how Rankin became more sure of himself as he fights for the truth to be told. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Texas Book-aholic, December 14

Inklings and notions, December 15

For Him and My Family, December 16

deb’s Book Review, December 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 21

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 21 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 23

Simple Harvest Reads, December 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 25

Beauty in the Binding, December 26 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Rick is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copy of the book!!

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/14834/the-next-fithian-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Of Fire and Ash

Author: Gillian Bronte Adams

Genre: YA Epic Fantasy

Release date: December 7, 2021

She rides a fireborn, a steed of fire and ash, trained for destruction. Ceridwen tal Desmond dreams of ruling like her father over the nation of Soldonia, where warriors ride to battle on magical steeds—soaring on storm winds, vanishing in shadow, quaking the earth, and summoning the sea. After a tragic accident claims her twin brother, she is exiled and sworn to atonement by spending her life—or death—for her people. But when invaders spill onto Soldonia’s shores and traitors seize upon the chaos to murder her father, Ceridwen claims the crown to keep the nation from splintering. Combatting overwhelming odds and looming civil war, she begins to wonder if the greatest threat to the kingdom may, in fact, be her. With fire before her and ash in her wake, how can she hope to unite instead of destroy?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Gillian Bronte Adams is a sword-wielding, horse-riding, wander- loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own. She loves to connect with readers online at www.gillianbronteadams.com.

 

More from Gillian

I still vividly remember the moment, years ago, that the idea for this book came to me. It was the end of July, sometime between ten and eleven at night, and the insects outside were buzzing so loudly you could hear them through the window of the back room of the camp office where I sat. Slumped exhaustedly in a chair, shivering in the air conditioning in my sweat-soaked jeans and a t-shirt, I was waiting for the other summer staff to arrive so we could start and finish our planning meeting and stumble off to our cabins to sleep.

Even then, writing felt like breathing to me, so to pass the time and keep myself awake, I drew a ragged notebook out of my backpack and started scribbling sparks and specks of story ideas, barely noticing how my arm left smears of dirt on the page. It was my third or fourth summer as Head Wrangler, which meant I spent my days either on horseback or jogging alongside kids who were learning to ride. Dirt was just a part of life.

So many details of that night remain fresh in my mind, it’s odd that I can’t remember exactly what sparked the idea itself—the wide-eyed grin of a boy on his very first ride, the budding confidence in a girl as she raced around the barrels, or the cumulation of all the hours I’d spent atop my own wild thing, clearing wooded trails with a machete, leaping across creeks because he refused to simply wade, and performing amateur stunts for the occasional skit.

Whatever lit the fuse, as soon as I scribbled the first set of words on that crumpled notebook page, I knew I had struck gold. I felt it in my bated breath and leaping heartbeat. “Super-powered horses.” Or better yet, “Magical steeds.” Some that could breathe fire, some with hides like stone that could quake the earth with their hooves, some that rode upon the waves of the sea, and still others that could step into shadow and disappear without a trace.

Seven in all, they quickly cluttered the page, and I couldn’t wait for the chance to write the epic tale that could contain creatures like these. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a story yet. Just a page full of fanciful beasts and a head full of wild dreams. No characters. No plot. No premise. Or so I thought.

The meeting started then and I had to tuck my notebook away, but I couldn’t banish the magical horses now roaming in my head. Over the weeks and months that followed, I took them out and let them dance across the page every now and then, gradually fleshing out details, uncovering their secrets, and imagining their world. Yet the story itself remained elusive, until I finally, reluctantly, set them aside and turned my attention to other things. Months before that summer night, I had, in a fit of wild inspiration, outlined a new three book series starring a female warrior who longed to rule like her father before her. It was a bit daring and a lot daunting, but while I liked the characters and the concept, the world itself was lacking that flare of uniqueness, that touch of magic, that allows a fantasy realm to sprawl beyond the confines of the page and take root in the imagination of a reader.

Reading the outline afresh, I lamented that it was the sort of lusterless story doomed to die on a novelist’s hard drive, and perhaps my incredible magical horses with it, for though they were lustrous enough, without a story, they could never truly live. Without a story …

What if my aspiring queen lived in their world? What if she rode a fire-breathing steed? How might those beautiful magical creatures enhance and ultimately, shape her and her story?

Combining any two concepts can be dangerous, as you never know how they will interact until you try it. The resulting explosion shattered my outline and blasted apart my carefully formed plans, but when the dust settled and the heart of the new story emerged, I knew that this finally was an epic tale worthy of my magical steeds, and a world deep and dangerous enough to have forged my aspiring queen. It was, at last, Of Fire and Ash, the first book of The Fireborn Epic.

MY REVIEW

Ceridwen has suffered a big loss but I don’t think she had time to grieve because her mission depended on her to save others.  It is hard for her to know that the king, her own father has banished her with punishment by death. Can you imagine what  she must have felt knowing her own flesh and blood feels nothing for her? With horses only the imagination can conjure up I liked them the most in the entire story. 

The premise is to conquer and overcome obstacles which the author illustrates well. I liked how forgiveness was inputted in the story and gave me pause to think about what things I still hold on to that prevents me from moving forward. The author gives us several characters to follow that each have a certain trait or mission. The world they travel in is dangerous and the author keeps the action going throughout the book. 

As I read the book I kept thinking how nice it would have been to have stories like this for my boys to have enjoyed while growing up. I have noticed that fantasy has really increased in popularity over the last several years. With an author like this, it gives young adults and adults as well something to read that is not overly graphic and has lessons we all need to work on. There is a hint of a book two, so be looking for that to come out soon. 

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

Blog  Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 11

Rebecca Tews, December 11

Worthy2Read, December 12

Texas Book-aholic, December 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 14

For Him and My Family, December 15

Inklings and notions, December 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 17

deb’s Book Review, December 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 19

Where Faith and Books Meet, December 20

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 20

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 21

April Hayman, Author, December 22

Blogging With Carol, December 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 23 (Spotlight)

Through the fire blogs, December 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gillian is giving away the grand prize of a $40 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/14831/of-fire-and-ash-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Billionaire’s Secret

Author: Meghann Whistler

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: October 11, 2021

He’s a billionaire hiding a devastating diagnosis. She’ll do whatever it takes to help her sick, matchmaking mom. A freak accident throws them together, but will his big secret tear them apart?

When Ryan Lawson’s business partners force him to go on a wilderness retreat to come to terms with a shocking diagnosis, the last thing on Ryan’s mind is romance. But when he’s stranded in the woods with a sweet young event planner, all thoughts of business take a back seat to her girl-next-door appeal.

Fresh off a bad breakup, Zara Georgopoulos comes to Vermont to help her terminally ill mom work through her bucket list—not fall in love with a man who’s the exact opposite of her usual type. But when Ryan starts working his way into her heart with his kindness and generosity, she needs to make a decision: Trust the biotech billionaire not to walk all over her, or go back to guarding her heart.

Stuck together in the wilds of Vermont, they forge a tenuous connection. When Ryan finally shares the truth about his illness, will it bring them closer together . . . or shatter Zara’s trust in him for good?

Inspired by 2 Corinthians 12:9, The Billionaire’s Secret is a sweet inspirational romance with a swoony hero, LOTS of entertaining banter, and a strong Christian message.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won’t make your grandmother blush.

Her debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper, was a #1 bestseller in the Clean & Wholesome Romance category on Amazon.ca. It was also named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and is currently a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best Award.

Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.

She is grateful to be living her dream of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.

 

More from Meghann

Billionaires have been in the news a lot lately. Bill Gates was just revealed to be a serial adulterer, and both Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson recently used a portion of their riches to rocket off into space.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t find any of these guys very relatable.

So, when the idea to write a Christian billionaire romance first occurred to me, I knew it would be a challenge. I love a good challenge, though, which is what made writing this book so much fun!

Real People, Real Problems

It’s been said that death is the great equalizer, but I think illness is a pretty big equalizer, too. Old, young, fat, thin, rich, poor—it doesn’t matter. Sickness can strike anyone at any time.

And when it strikes Ryan, the hero of The Billionaire’s Secret, he doesn’t react well. He resigns himself to living without love and the family he’s always wanted . . . until he meets the heroine, Zara.

But as Shakespeare said, “The course of true love never did run smooth.” Zara’s already dealing with illness in her family. Ryan is certain she won’t want to deal with his poor health, too.

Can’t Buy Me Love

Psalm 121 asks, “Where does my help come from?”

Money can’t buy love. It can’t buy happiness. It can’t buy good health. In The Billionaire’s Secret, Ryan has to find where his help truly comes from before he’s ready for the happily ever after God’s had in store for him all along.

I hope you’ll join him and Zara for the journey!

MY REVIEW 

This was a nice clean book that I really enjoyed. As the title suggests it is about a billionaire. It is hard to think about someone with that much money. Oh the things I could do with that kind of fortune. What  I really liked about the story was the focus wasn’t so much on money as it was on relationships. The author does a good job of giving us characters that we can relate to because they have insecurities and real life issues. 

Ryan may be wealthy but he is the kindest  most generous man you could ever meet. He has worked hard to get where he is, but he needs to take a break from work to deal with his health. The diagnosis he has received is not without hope, but it can be hard at times to keep it under control. The author does a good job of describing the illness and the affects it can have on people. 

Zara is trying to juggle work and also take care of her mother who has been diagnosed with a devastating illness. It is something that her mother is not sure she wants to continue treatment for but I admire her strength. Zara has grown  closer to her mother which is something they both have been blessed to have. I liked that Zara never once thought she was sacrificing anything to take care of her mother.  

The story explores two people who meet at a place where they have come to relax and slow down from their hectic lives. With Zara’s mother there as well, I thought it was sweet that Zara always made sure her mother was comfortable and having a good time. There are a few bumps in the road as Zara and Ryan get to know each other. They discover they need to open up more to others and learn to trust. For Zara it was a lesson  on  not only judging someone by their success but also to learn to trust that there are good men out there in the world. The faith element in the book is nice and not preachy. Overall a sweet story that makes you feel good after reading it. 

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

Blog Stops

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 10

For Him and My Family, December 11

Texas Book-aholic, December 12

deb’s Book Review, December 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Spoken from the Heart, December 15 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 15 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Inklings and notions, December 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 19

Simple Harvest Reads, December 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 21

Kayem Reads, December 22

Susan K. Beatty, Author, December 22 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Meghann is giving away the grand prize package of a 1000-piece Vermont Jigsaw Puzzle, My Weekend Is All Booked Adult Coloring Book, My Weekend Is All Booked Mug, & signed copy of Falling for the Innkeeper!!

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/1482d/the-billionaire-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway