About the Book

Title: No Small Storm

Author: Anne Matteer

Genre: Historical/Historical Romance

Release Date: August, 2017

September 1815, Providence, Rhode Island

Thirty-year-old Remembrance “Mem” Wilkins loves her solitary life running the farm and orchard she inherited from her father and has no plans to give up her independence. Especially not for the likes of Mr. Graham Lott. But when Mem is unable to harvest the apples on her own, she accepts the help of the man she despises.

Fresh off a boat from Ireland with his four-year-old son in tow, Simon Brennan secures a building in which to ply his trade as a cobbler. Still healing from the grief of his wife’s death a year earlier, he determines to focus only on providing a good life for his son. But when he intervenes in an argument on behalf of the intriguing Miss Wilkins, sister-in-law of the tavern owner who befriends him, he suddenly finds himself crossways with his landlord, Mr. Lott, and relieved of his lease and most of his money.

With no means of support, Simon takes a job helping Mem with her harvest, relieving her of the need of Lott’s help. But their growing attraction to each other makes them both uneasy. Mem gladly escapes to town when her sister begins labor, and Simon, believing it best to distance himself from Mem, takes his son and leaves.

But neither anticipates the worst gale New England has ever seen—or that the storm will threaten all they hold dear.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Anne Mateer has loved reading and writing stories since childhood. She is the author of 4 historical novels, 1 historical novella, and a few contemporary short stories. Anne and her husband of 30 years, Jeff, love to visit their grown children and tour historical sites. They are currently living an empty nest adventure in Austin, TX.

Guest Post from Anne Mateer

I’m always up for a good historical story. It’s what I enjoy reading. It’s what I enjoy writing. But I find that my pleasure in any historical fiction increases exponentially when the story at hand is based on at least a kernel of historical fact. All four of my full-length novels share this trait. So it stood to reason that when turning my mind to a historical novella I would seek the same grounding in truth I’ve sought before.

So what historical fact inspired No Small Storm? It was a combination of them, actually. Which I think always makes for the best tales!

I like an overarching historical event to help frame a story. Things like war or economic crisis or natural disaster. Situations in the historical record which required courage or resilience or sacrifice from the people who lived through them. When I stumbled upon the Great Gale of 1815, which hit Providence, Rhode Island particularly hard, I knew it could provide obstacles for my characters to overcome.

As I began to read about this event—a hurricane before such storms were commonly called hurricanes—I happened upon some first hand accounts of that day. Fascinating remembrances about a storm arriving without much preamble, then departing and leaving bright sunny skies with which to view the destruction.

And destruction there was! Not only from wind and water, but also the fact that both of those things unleashed the ships moored in the harbor and sent them sailing down the main street of town! Can you imagine looking out of the second or third story window of a building which was likely flooded on the ground floor and seeing a ship coming at you?

That, in itself, was dramatic enough. Especially when coupled with the fact that those ships often broke apart, whether from wind and waves or from contact with the buildings and bridges they encountered on land. Then I considered the in those ships? What happened to them? Many were flung into the water, searching for purchase.

It was just such a circumstance that brought one man to the window of a young woman. She helped him inside. They were later married. And if finding such a story that isn’t a romance writer’s delight, I don’t know what is!

Finally, as I continued to read about the destruction in the area, I discovered a few lines about area orchards. The hanging fruit was found covered with a dusting of white. When tasted, it was discovered to be salt. Salt from storm surge and sea spray. Salt that saturated, even miles inland. Water and wind—and they salt they carried—ruining fruit crops ready for harvest. What could be more devastating to a farmer than that?

And so No Small Storm was born, with Remembrance and Simon each trying to make a good life for themselves, each trying to trust God as they work hard. Each keeping careful watch over their heart. But sometimes circumstances take things we don’t want to give. And give things we never imagined possible.

Historical fact and spiritual truth. Characters who are a product of their times as well as universal in their struggles and desires. It’s the kind of story I love to read. And the kind of story I’m proud to write.

This is a nice book written with historical facts that make the story come to life. I loved reading about Rhode Island and the destruction that happened one day to a town that was unprepared. The author gives us wonderful characters like Mem. Oh how I loved her strength and determination. I’m not sure I could run an apple orchard on my own. Mem is determined to honor her father and make the orchard a profitable venture. I could picture her out there grasping for apples as the ladder leaned to one side. I cheered her on as she tried her best to do everything on her own. Sometimes we have to swallow our pride and ask for help.

Simon was an instant charmer. I could just hear his British accent and how much he wanted to make a new life for his son. He has many challenges in the story, but I loved his faith and willingness to help others. Simon encounters a cantankerous man who tries to do everything to run Simon off. Will Simon be able to stand up for himself and find a place to belong?

The best part of the book for me was the storm that occurred in Providence, Rhode Island which the story is centered around. I didn’t realize such a disaster had happened and was quite intrigued with the details. To see rushing water in the streets is terrifying and many people were caught off guard. Being in a hurricane , I know the danger of fast moving water. You have little time to react as the water seems to over take you. This disaster which was called the Great Gale of 1815 was written in great detail and I found myself screaming for people to hurry to safety. The author does a great job of depicting that disaster with vivid details. Overall the story was good but for me it seemed to end abruptly.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Carpe Diem, February 6

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 7

Reading Is My SuperPower, February 7

The Power of Words, February 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 8

Inklings and notions, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Kathleen Denly, February 10

History, Mystery & Faith, February 10

Bukwurmzzz, February 11

Views From the Window Friend, February 11

By The Book, February 12

Maureen’s Musings, February 12

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 13

Mary Hake, February 13

proud to be an autism mom, February 14

Connie’s History Classroom, February 14

A Greater Yes, February 15

Janices book reviews, February 15

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 16

A Baker’s Perspective, February 16

Bibliophile Reviews, February 17

Margaret Kazmierczak, February 17 (Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 18 (Guest post from Mindy)

Bigreadersite, February 18

Pink Granny’s Journey, February 19

Pursuing Stacie, February 19

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Anne is giving away a grand prize of a reader bag of goodies—including a Pride and Prejudice fleece throw, a “reading” charm necklace from Storied Jewelry, a Secret Garden litograph tote bag, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c604

About the Book

Title: Soul’s Cry

Author: Cara Luecht

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: June 15, 2017

Ione has everything she’d wanted with her busy shop filled to the brim with sumptuous fabrics, gossiping debutants, and a neatly increasing profit margin. Not to mention the unexpected attention of a man who doesn’t know her past.

And then the letter dropped from the mail slot onto to lush carpet. He was back. And the abuse, the shame, rushes in, reminding her of how unworthy she really is.

Miriam also has everything she’d wanted—and with a baby on the way, for the first time in her life, she has everything to lose. When she’d been alone, the future had held promise, but now with her life full, it also holds fear.

Unwilling to risk a vision of loss, Miriam stops painting what will be…right before Ione needs it most.

Click here to purchase your copy

About the Author

Award winning author, Cara Luecht, lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin with her husband, David, and their children. In addition to freelance writing and marketing, Cara works as an English Instructor for a local college. Cara graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Currently, Cara is studying for a Masters of Divinity at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Guest post from Cara Luecht

The moment you realize how subtle racism can be.

As someone of Northern European ancestry, I approach this topic with caution and with the knowledge that I can never fully understand racism in America from a personal perspective. That being said, part of me knows that unless white America owns up to the problems that still exist, they will never go away, or if they do, they will not go away because of what I have done. I don’t want to be on the right side of history as a spectator.

Writing Soul’s Cry was daunting, because the main character in this part of the trilogy is African American. I’ll tackle the challenges with that in another blog. For now, I want to talk about one simple example of ongoing racism.

A few months ago, my publisher contacted me looking for inspiration pictures for the cover. The picture I had pinned to my desktop for Ione was from the 1800s, and heaven-only-knows how I would find permission to use it. Besides, it was in black-and-white, and we needed something that would go well with the other covers in the trilogy.

Ione’s Inspiration Picture

I went to the popular sites that cover designers use to look for modern pictures of women, in Victorian Era clothes, who had the smart, determined expression I’d imagined for Ione.

I found a bunch of models–problem is, they were all white.

I then typed in “African American Victorian Woman.” One picture. And she was dressed as a burlesque dancer. Nice. I tried “Black woman in 1890,” a bit miffed that I had to use the term “Black” rather than “African American”—nothing. I got desperate, rolled my eyes, and even attempted the archaic “Negro woman in 1890” in hopes of getting something…nothing.

I tried other sites. I found the same problem.

I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised—when you think of a high-society Victorian woman, does an African American face come to mind?

This doesn’t match up with the truth, though. In the late Victorian era, there was a thriving, influential, African American community in Chicago as well as many other major cities. While there were indeed crowded ghetto areas, the “Black Elite” prospered in the medical and legal professions.

Unfortunately, we rarely hear of these remarkable people who moved beyond the place society had deemed was theirs, who built on the humble foundation of literacy, who pushed innovation forward, who served on boards and cultural societies, and who worked to pull their families out of the devastation of slavery and the Civil War.

It is uncomfortable to admit, but the picture that comes to mind when thinking of an African American in the late 1800s has more in common with slaves than with a prosperous, thriving community.

And since poor African Americans outnumbered wealthy ones, I suppose one could make the argument that this reflected how a majority of African Americans lived. And that would be true…

…but it would also be true for whites. One of my grandfathers was born in an Iowa coal town. Another, into the dustbowl conditions of North Dakota. In fact, if I look back in my own history, almost every one of my ancestors lived in poverty.

So why is it that when I think about a Victorian Era woman, the picture that comes to mind looks like someone from the set of Meet Me In St. Louis.

And here’s the twist…because the picture of the woman in my mind looks a bit like me (in that we are both white), her poise, the no-nonsense posture and expression…it makes me feel a bit of pride—even though I have no real connection with her. The fact is, I can look at these old pictures and see in her the determination I hope to have. I want to live up to this woman’s expectations. As crazy as it sounds, when I look at these pictures, I feel pride in a heritage I do not own. My family was in poverty, but because of these pictures, I can identify with affluence. Prosperity does not feel like a foreign concept.

Now imagine that every picture of a white woman I saw as representative of my past looked haggard, tired, and hopeless.

I’ll leave the implications for you to puzzle out.

I found the book to be quite eerily dark at times with the two main characters regretting past mistakes. The author does a good job of allowing us to feel the struggles both Miriam and Ione have. I was quickly intrigued with Ione. She seemed to be scared of being recognized by someone from her past. She has a past like most of us do, but she feels hers is so bad she can never be forgiven. I liked that she was an owner of a dress shop and was very well liked by many. Her attention to detail made her shop very successful. I could picture the beautiful fabric as she sewed with grace. Ione has made a new life for herself, but lurking in the darkness is evil waiting to harm her.

Miriam is a woman who is gifted as a painter. Her paintings are beautiful and she feels alive when she lets herself immerse in her work. As she waits for the birth of her child, she starts to feel a bit lost at times. I loved the mysterious passageways that several characters found themselves wandering in. Miriam almost seems to find solace during her time of exploring the winding hallways. She can sense someone watching her, but can’t convince others of her concerns.

The mystery throughout the book is well written and does add a level of intense drama to the story. I couldn’t wait to see how the story ends, and I was very pleased with the outcome. The author does a good job of keeping readers glued to the story with a heartstopping event that could hurt many people. Both Ione and Miriam are relatable because like many of us, we want to be accepted. The past kept Ione from believing in herself but with God’s forgiveness we can learn to hold our head up and know we are loved.

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

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, January 23

Blogging With Carol, January 24

Simple Harvest Reads, January 24 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

allofakindmom, January 25

Avid Reader Book Reviews, January 26

Pursuing Stacie, January 26

A Reader’s Brain, January 27

proud to be an autism mom, January 28

Bigreadersite, January 28

Bibliophile Reviews, January 29

A Greater Yes, January 30

margaret kazmierczak, January 30 (Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Janices book reviews, February 2

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 3

Carpe Diem, February 4

A Baker’s Perspective, February 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cara is giving away a grand prize of signed copies of the entire series!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c729

BENEATH THE SUMMER SUN by
KELLY IRVIN


One of the reasons I love reading books by this author is because with a few words I am swep away to another place. Her vivid description of the setting takes my breath away. She is an excellent writer and I fall in love with the characters each time. I loved the story and wanted to sit down with Jennie and hold her hand. She had kept a dark secret for many years. Not every marriage is perfect but Jennie’s was like living a nightmare. Her fear of doing something wrong kept her on egg shells. Now that she has seven children to raise on her own, what will she do? Can she continue to scrape by, or will she follow what the church thinks she needs to do? 

One of the things I found so fascinating was learning the difference between Anabaptist and Mennonites. There are many things the Mennonites allow, that the Anabaptist don’t. I loved how the author brings Nathan into the story. He is a good man, but I’m not sure he can get Jennie’s attention. They come from different backgrounds and for Jennie she doesn’t want to go against her church. He wants to make roots in the community, but devastating news may change that. What will Nathan decide?

Leo is the kind of man who would make a great husband. He is a good hard working man. He is very quiet and hard to talk to though. Many people have talked to him about his guilt over his father’s death. Leo feels responsible and he will have to lean on God to heal him. I loved the turmoil that Jennie and Leo are going through. They each have guilt that is overwhelming them. For Jennie , will she learn to trust another man, or stay in her own raising her children? Can Leo learn to forgive himself ?

The story is like a walk through the countryside with beautiful things waiting to be explored. It can bring you new adventure and give you a sense of peace while allowing God to heal hearts. I loved this story and wanted it to not end. I loved this quote from the story ,”It’s a sign of overwhelming pride when a man thinks he’s the only one who can do God’s work.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Title: Ain’t Misbehaving

Author: Marji Laine

Genre: Contemporary Inspirational Fiction

Release Date: January 16, 2017

True, Annalee’s crime amounted to very little, but not in terms of community service hours. Her probation officer encouraged her with a promise of an easy job in an air conditioned downtown environment. She didn’t expect her role to be little better than a janitor at an after-school day care in the worst area of town. Through laughter and a few tears, Annalee finds out that some lessons are learned the hard way, and some seep into the soul unnoticed.

Carlton Whelen hides behind the nickname of CJ so people won’t treat him like the wealthy son of the Whelen Foundation director. Working at the foundations after-school program delights him and annoys his business-oriented father. When a gorgeous prima donna is assigned to his team, he not only cringes at her mistakes, but also has to avoid the attraction that builds from the first time he sees her.

About the Author

Marji Laine has completed seventeen years of homeschooling with the surreal notion that

she’ll now have time on her hands. But that’s unlikely. Her publishing company, Write Integrity Press, keeps her extremely busy. In her spare time, she teaches a high school and college Bible Study, leads a Sunday morning high school fellowship group, directs a children’s choir, and sings in her church’s adult choir.

She enjoys road trips with her family and friends, photography, scrapbooking, and participating in musical theater. Her favorite past time is game night with her family and her kids’ extended collection of friends.

Guest Post from Marji Laine

AIN’T MISBEHAVING delves into the depth of life from the perspective of a shallow, sheltered woman. Annalee Chambers has been raised to pay attention to all aspects of society, particularly the appearance of success. Being cultured and socially-educated, she’s not really prepared to work in one of the poorest sections of town. And she’s really not expecting to find such joy intertwined with such poverty.

Having my story set in my hometown has some fun aspects. I got to handpick the homes for the main characters and the locations for the after-school program. And even now when I drive past some of those places, I get all excited about the story again.

Photo by Andreas Praefcke via Wikimedia Commons

For instance, I chose a particular building downtown to be CJ’s (the hero’s) condo. It’s in One Arts Plaza. This condo was for sale when I was writing the book so I was able to download actual pictures of the place including the view from its southeast facing patio. You’ll laugh, but I don’t drive by that building without looking up to the 18th floor and half expecting to see CJ standing there.

AIN’T MISBEHAVING goes much deeper than only the setting, though. It was written a number of years ago, so many that I barely remembered the storyline. But when I started editing, I was moved to tears again and again. These characters are so real, and I would love to meet them!

I hope you’ll enjoy AIN’T MISBEHAVING and watch for Annalee and CJ to have an extra special cameo part in Book 2 of the Dallas Duets, PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ.

I haven’t read a book from this author before and I found her writing style to be sassy, straight forward and exceptional character development. Right away I knew this book would help me look at people differently. Can I see a show of hands of those who have judged someone before because of the way they dressed? How about those who think rich people are all stuck up? Yes I can say that ugly little thing called jealousy and deception has played a part in how I perceive people. This is the perfect book to have your eyes and heart open as the author takes a seemingly weathly young woman and places her in a place she has never been before. 

I loved how Annalee found herself doing community service at an after school program for children. She has lived a very pampered and sheltered life. Will the time she spends at the after school program change her attitude? Can she open her heart to these children and show them love and acceptance? I really like Annalee and her determination to stick it out even though some volunteers didn’t quite like her. The story is well written and I fell in love with the children. There are some tender moments that brought tears to my eyes. CJ has his hands full keeping an eye on Annalee. He wants her to be able to do her community service so she doesn’t have to do jail time. CJ is very humble and doesn’t want Annalee to find out who he really is. What will happen when the truth comes out? Will Annalee feel betrayed?

The dynamics between Annalee and her parents are very intriguing. Why does Annalee feel so inadequate around her mother? Annalee is slowly learning how to accept God’s love, but it is hard since her mother seems to always criticize her. I loved how the author focuses on Annalee’s relationship with God. The story also focuses on the threat of the after school program shutting down. Can Annalee and CJ find a way to save it? It’s clear that Annalee loves being with the children. Will her plans help safe the place, or will someone close it down? Don’t miss this wonderful book that deals with jealousy, acceptance, secrets, and finding God’s plan for your life. 

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

Blog Stops

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 27

Janices book reviews, January 27

Remembrancy, January 28

Mary Hake, January 28

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 29

Inklings and Notions, January 29

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Carpe Diem, January 31

A Baker’s Perspective, February 1

Multifarious, February 2

Daysong Reflections, February 2

Bibliophile Reviews, February 3

proud to be an autism mom, February 4

Power of Words, February 4 (spotlight)

A Greater Yes, February 5

Reading is my Super Power, February 5 (Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

margaret kazmierczak, February 6 (interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 7 (Guest review from Mindy Houng)

Bigreadersite, February 8

Avid Reader Book Reviews, February 8

Kaylee’s Kind Of Writes, February 9

Pursuing Stacie, February 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marji is giving away a grand prize of Dallas chocolates, Texas snack box, and a packet of Bluebonnet seeds!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c516

A HOME FOR HANNAH by
AMY LILLARD

When I started the book I had two thoughts pop in my head. One was the saying, “You can never go home again,” and the other is “There is no place like home.” I know once I left home, I never wanted to return. There was nothing for me and I wandered lost in the world for many years. Hannah has come home to help out and I could feel her stomach as it did somersaults walking into her parents home. She has been gone for a long time and not everyone will be happy to see her. Can she regain the trust of her dat? Will the community welcome her home, or shun her until she asks for forgiveness? 

It had to be a culture shock for her son Brandon. He must think he has traveled back in time, as he realizes there are no modern conveniences. His appearance will shock a few but he does have a stubbornness to him which I found to be endearing. Brandon has a lot to deal with and maybe by playing it cool he can hide in the background. The author knows how to write stories that tug on your heart and I wanted to hug Hannah and Brandon.

Aaron is a hard working man who has been in love with Hannah for a long time. He sure was surprised to see Hannah come home. I could feel the tension between the two when they first see each other. How would you feel if you ran into someone from your past? Can Aaron forgive Hannah from leaving him so long ago? Things have really changed in Aaron’s life and Hannah will have to make some hard decisions. 

I loved how the story was about second chances and forgiveness. Hannah has walked away from her faith and will have a hard time allowing herself to heal. I was in for a big shock in the story and never saw it coming. The author is a master storyteller with wonderful characters and a theme that whispers of grace and compassion. I am honored that I read a book that captured real problems with answers that came from prayer and family. Can you really go home again? Find out in this first in the series from an author that keeps me coming back for more books from her. 

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

THE CELEBRATION by
WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER

I was so excited when I received a copy of this book in the mail. I have anxiously been waiting to continue Heidi and Lyle’s story. This series has brought many different people together and shared their secrets and left finding hope and new friends. 

The author doesn’t disappoint her readers with this charming story. I loved the concept of a cooking class for children. Heidi has such patience as she works with the children. Her calmness and compassion just oozes off the page. I can’t explain why, but as I read the book, I felt this peace come over me. Heidi and Lyle have been like family to me and I have enjoyed reading how they work together, pray together and dream together. I enjoyed the story about foster care. Will Heidi and Lyle’s prayers be answered so they can adopt the children they have been caring for?

Heidi will have her hands full with this class. The children are different ages. Some have family problems, while others have single parents. I love the interaction the parents had with each other. I can say one young lady has a smart mouth and will find out quickly that she won’t make friends in the class with her stinky attitude. I fell in love with Velma the instant she was introduced. She is a proud woman who is willing to work around the house for Heidi so her daughter can attend the cooking classes. I loved how she is willing to do whatever she can to make her children feel accepted, loved and provided for. 

The story once again will have readers finding themselves invested in each character. I loved how the author showed how a community comes together to help their neighbors and how each child found a way to be happy in their life and appreciate what they have. This is my favorite book in the series. I learned how gracious the Amish are and appreciate the time Heidi took to show each child that they were capable of doing anything if they trust and believe.

I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher. The review is my own opinion.