Monday, August 24, 2020

About the Book

Book: A Dream for Harper

Author: Teresa Slack

Genre: Christian Historical Western Fiction

Release Date: June 2

With no prospects for a better life at home in Kentucky, Harper Dixon’s
mother sends her to Willow Wood, Idaho to become a companion to her
cousin Ellie Lundy. Ellie was jilted by a man who everyone believes was
only interested in her for her money. Harper doesn’t know how she can
help Ellie without having been in love herself, and with no prospects.

Harper believes the only way to help Ellie recover from her melancholy
is to find out what happened to Matthew Dunleavy, the man who broke her
heart. She enlists the help of Logan Kinski, the family’s hired man who
knew more about Matthew and his secrets than anyone.

Logan doesn’t trust the cousin from Kentucky. He believes Harper is here
to take advantage of Ellie and worm her way into the family’s immense
fortune. Harper doesn’t have time or patience to deal with a hard-headed
man who keeps getting between her and the truth.

Danger and suspicions mount as Harper and Logan uncover secrets about
Matthew Dunleavy and his dangerous past. Did he leave town on his own,
or did someone from his past with a score to settle catch up to him?

Can Harper and Logan put their mutual distrust aside in order to protect
Ellie? Will their suspicions prevent their growing attraction from
blossoming into love before the search for the truth destroys them?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

What would you do if you were asked to give up everything and travel to a place far from home? How would you feel if you knew you were going to a relative’s house you don’t know? Could you trust God as you try to help someone who needs a friend? Harper finds herself doing just that in this adventure filled with danger, intrigue, forgiveness and trust.

It was easy to like Harper because she has such a giving heart. It was hard for her to leave her family but she went because her mother hoped she would have a better life. Willow Wood sounds like such a charming little town. It was starting to blossom and Harper was a little excited and nervous when she arrived. I liked Logan and his charm. Of course he has his doubts about Harper when he sees her. Judging her by her clothes he figured she was there to take advantage of her wealthy relatives. Their relationship was fun to read and I loved how they seemed to irritate each other.

Harper and Ellie don’t quite hit it off at first, but Harper has this way about her that draws people to her. Ellie is suffering from depression due to the love of her life disappearing on her. I wanted Ellie to realize how loved she was by others and know that God was taking care of her. He is the only one that can mend her broken heart.

Ellie’s dad is mean, judgmental and prideful. He says he has his daughters best interest at heart, but deep down his “love of money” will be his downfall. The author does an excellent job of taking us through the ups and downs Harper experiences trying to reach Ellie. The story is emotional at times and surprised me with several twists in the story. I wasn’t prepared for the ending , but it is written in a way that showed how greed can destroy a person. I have read the other books in this series and each one brings hope, forgiveness and a lesson in trust and unconditional love. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

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

About the Author

Teresa Slack loves reading, writing, and falling in love. Creating clean
and wholesome western romances where fearless cowboys still sweep
independent heroines off their feet was an easy choice for her.

Her first book, Streams of Mercy, won the Bay Area Independent
Publishers Association Award for Best First Fiction. The Willow Wood
Brides Series is her first series of western historicals, and her third
series of Christian fiction novels. She also has two stand-alone
contemporary romances and a contemporary suspense, Joy Redefined.

She writes from her home in the beautiful southern Ohio hills, which she
shares with her husband and rescue dog and rescue cat. Any errors and
typos she blames on the cat randomly running across her keyboard.

Learn more about Teresa Slack and her books by visiting her website at
www.teresaslack.com Readers who sign up for her newsletter will receive
a free download of A Promise for Josie: A Willow Wood Prequel.

More from Teresa Slack

When people say nothing ever happens in a small town, they’re just not paying attention. I’ve always been intrigued by the real stories behind small town scandals and gossip. That’s why I write the stories I write and create the towns I create.

A Dream for Harper is based on a short story I started about twenty years ago. I never finished it and pretty much forgot it. When I started researching the Old West for the Willow Wood Brides Series and devouring Louis L’Amour and Elmore Leonard stories as research, I remembered that unfinished short story.

I knew it would make a great addition to the series. In the story, Harper leaves the loving arms of her large family in Kentucky to travel to Willow Wood, Idaho to help a cousin she never met. She is thrust into a world completely foreign to her, but she’s determined to help Ellie overcome her crippling depression. I think most of us can relate to Harper’s story. Feeling like a fish out of water and unqualified to fix the mess we’re handed. A little mystery, a lot of romance, and some unexpected twists and turns show Harper that God hasn’t put more on her plate than she can eat. Just like us.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, August 18

lakesidelivingsite, August 18

Blossoms and Blessings, August 19

Inklings and notions, August 20

deb’s Book Review, August 20

For Him and My Family, August 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 22

The Book Chic Blog, August 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 23

Older & Smarter, August 24

reviewingbookplusemore, August 24

Texas Book-aholic, August 25

Artistic Nobody, August 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Bizwings Blog, August 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 28

Connie’s History Classroom, August 29

Connect in Fiction, August 29

Splashes of Joy, August 30

Pause for Tales, August 30

Simple Harvest Reads, August 31 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Maureen’s Musings, August 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Teresa 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/ff9f/a-dream-for-harper-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, August 23, 2020

About the Book

Book: The Year the Stars Fell

Author: Elizabeth Wehman

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release Date: April 14, 2020

In the spring of 1833, newlywed Betsey Baker-Swain’s simple life changes when she and her husband, Aaron, make a hasty decision to join Betsey’s family on a move from Pennsylvania to Michigan Territory.

Along the way, rainstorms, freezing temperatures, seasickness, and lack of privacy pale in comparison to what the family will encounter once arriving at their destination. Soon, daily trials will include ear-piercing howls of wild wolves, bad weather, clouds of mosquitoes, and disturbing situations with the natives. Even then, Betsey wonders if this trip will finally quench her father’s adventurous spirit.

Over the next year, the Baker family will gain incredible strength, divine trust, and unexplainable courage, but will it be enough to keep them at the tiny cabin by the twisting Shiawassee River? Will uncertainty overtake their determination or will God’s intervention sustain them enough to become a part of the history of a new land?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Wow! Yes that is exactly how I felt as I finished the last page. The story is so captivating that I read it in one day. I couldn’t put it down and shut the world out around me. The author took me to 1833 where a family has decided to travel to Michigan Territory. I loved how readers are swept away on the adventure as the family sets out to follow their dream. The time they spent on the steamboat was most unpleasant for them. I could feel the boat as it rocked back and forth. Once they were on dry land this is where the journey really begins.

I have read many historical books, but this one really made me feel I was in the story. Their trip through rough terrain was hard at times as rain would slow them down. The dangers of wild animals at night kept the men on high alert. There was also the danger of Native Americans close by. I appreciated how the author talked about how the Native Americans knew their land was being taken from them. She acknowledges that it was rightfully theirs and it was hard for them to see it taken by settlers.

The faith element in the story is strong and is the heartbeat of the family. I loved how they trusted God during their struggles and rejoiced in His blessings. The author does an amazing job of giving readers historical facts about the family this story is based on. The mosquitos were quite the pests and it sure did cause for some uncomfortable times for the family. Wolves were a threat to the family and I enjoyed reading about an encounter one family member has with them.

I did enjoy reading how Betsey and her husband joined her family to find a better life. Betsey and Aaron are a young married couple with a bright future ahead of them. They learn to let go of fear and trust God with all their needs. My favorite character has to be Betsey’s father. His unwavering faith holds the family together as they battle illness, danger and blessings. He never once was discouraged and always knew that God was protecting them. I loved reading the Notes from the Author included at the end of the book. There are nuggets of historical facts that enhance the story and give more insight into the family as a new settlement was established. It is definitely worth reading to get a feel for this family and their historical value to the land. I am excited to know that the author is planning to write the next book in this exciting series. I can’t wait to see where our journey will take us next.

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

About the Author

Elizabeth Wehman’s writing career spans over thirty years and encompasses curriculum, periodical, journalism, and novel writing.

Her dream has always been to write novels and Elizabeth launched her first contemporary fiction, Under the Windowsill, in 2014. Since then, she’s added four titles to her shelf. They include: Promise at Daybreak, Just a Train Ride, Mere Reflection, and her latest complete historical work, The Year the Stars Fell.

She found the historical genre to be filled with rabbit trail research as well as walks through bygone cemeteries. The pioneers, of the early nineteenth century, reflected an amazing stamina and a determined courage to venture into the unknown. The Year the Stars Fell is based on a forgotten village established in the Territory of Michigan in 1833. She fell in love with the Baker family and the information she discovered about them gave way to folklore and tales of the early homesteaders. Two future novels are planned that will include the continuation of the nineteenth century farming community. The series will be called, ‘The Newburg Chronicles’.

In her spare time, Elizabeth loves to read and enjoys being out in nature. Her favorite places are digging in her flower garden, listening to the birds as they herald a new day, or taking a walk on the country roads surrounding her home in Michigan.

Elizabeth has been a trucker’s wife for over thirty years which helps supply the needed solitude to produce extraordinary stories. She has three grown children, four grandpuppies, and two sons-in-law.

More from Elizabeth

My “Stars” book began to emerge after doing research about the county where I live, here in Michigan. On an information discovery about another book, I came across the story of the Baker family. They were highlighted as the one of the first farming families to enter Michigan Territory in 1833. Hosea Baker brought his entire family from Pennsylvania to settle on 600 acres in an area beside the Shiawassee River.

Joining him there were his wife, Sally, his grown son Ambrose, his daughter and her husband, Betsey and Aaron Swain, and some younger daughters. While there, they hooked up with a boy named Alexander Stevens. Their first year included: building a home and barn, clearing and planting the first crops in the county, setting up a household, and Betsey giving birth to the first recorded child in the county. Betsey and Aaron named their new baby, Julia.

So much intrigued me about their story. I was excited to flesh it out with the help of short excerpts written in a Shiawassee County history book from 1888. From these short tidbits about the family, I soon embellished a story which is a mere glimpse into what their story could have included during their first year as settlers in a vast wilderness.

Much of the story is from my own imagination, but many of the highlights include the excerpts written about the family in 1888. After writing their story, I now feel a specific kinship to them. This is my first complete historical fiction work. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, August 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 25

lakesidelivingsite, August 25

Inklings and notions, August 26

For Him and My Family, August 27

21st Century Keeper at Home, August 27

Connie’s History Classroom, August 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 29

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 30

deb’s Book Review, August 30

For the Love of Literature, August 31

Older & Smarter?, September 1

Joanne Markey, September 1

Artistic Nobody, September 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Betti Mace, September 3

Ashley’s Bookshelf, September 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 5

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, September 5

Pause for Tales, September 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Elizabeth is giving away the grand prize package of a copy of The Year the Stars Fell and a $25 gift card to Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, which can be used online!!

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/fff0/the-year-the-stars-fell-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: You are Loved & Free

Author: Micah Ruth

Genre: Nonfiction, Christian Purpose

Release Date: July 29, 2020

How do you gain your sense of worth and significance? Career? Kids? Marriage? Finances? Living in a culture where your achievements define you makes you prey to attacks on your very identity. But God values you regardless of your wins and losses and provides the tools in His Word to help you win the battle and rebuild your identity on His truth as you walk with Him into your purpose.

Born achiever Micah Ruth found herself questioning her value during a career demotion and personal crisis. Feeling like a failure and questioning her every move, Micah began listening to God as He led her to make major life changes and reassess the source of her worth. Through exploring the book of Ephesians, Micah uncovered the lies that held her captive and broke the self-inflicted chains of shame to ultimately experience deep soul transformation.

Micah weaves her story as inspiration for you to embark on your own journey of freedom and discovery. Devotionals, journal questions, and practical application prompts provide opportunities for you to remove your armor of self-reliance, grow in your faith, and reflect on your story. You Are Loved & Free also includes resources to help you discover your gifts and purpose while you cling to your newfound identity as a beloved and free child of God.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I was a bit anxious to read this book because I knew there would be tough and hard truths that God wanted me to see. The first thing that grabbed my attention was this, “But I am spiritually hard of hearing sometimes.” Yes that is me. I have selective hearing at times where God is concerned. I question over and over why He allows things to happen. If I would just put down my pride and realize He is doing something in me and not to me, I would be at peace.

I really liked the different illustrations from the Bible the author uses to help us understand who we are in Christ. The world wants us to believe our worth is in our job, our status or other things that can cause us to think we are unworthy or not good enough. I can say with transparency now how I struggled with my identity while I was in ministry. I was a Children’s Pastor for many years. I felt that I was pleasing God and the pastors. I wanted their approval and befire I knew it I was becoming a shell of myself. God was in control and I found being asked to step down so I could refresh myself. I needed to be fed the Word and know that God loves me. My heart and pride was hurt and I was ashamed. God needed to remove me from ministry so He could heal me from my past.

As a child I remember pain, hurtful words and no love in the house. My image of myself was poor as I believed my parents when they said I would never amount to anything. Oh I wanted them to be proud of me and love me. I never got that, but I did get the greatest love of all. At a church service one morning, I felt this urge to run to the altar and ask God to forgive me. A woman was there with open arms waiting for me. I sobbed in her arms for the little girl who never felt loved. I cried for the teen who was a shadow of herself and I prayed that God would love me even though I was nothing. That moment something changed inside me. I felt God wrap His arms around me. The people in the church gathered around me and prayed. I had come home to God. I was free from shame and feeling worthless. I was finally free.

“He knows we are frail and broken, but He still wants to work with us in our mess .” We have to remove our pride and be willing to let God work within us. Let all those people who have judged you not define you anyone. Don’t allow the enemy to whisper lies that you aren’t good enough.

I have enjoyed this book and the truths that have helped me to see clearer who I am in Christ. I am His child who He loves unconditionally. He wants to have a relationship with us and He has a plan for each of us. I was devastated leaving Children’s Church, but God was preparing me for something else. I needed to get my heart right before I could move forward. The path he has taken me on has been a challenge but I know where I am at right now is where God wants me to share my testimony. I am praying for doors to open so I can share my story to those who need to hear it. This book has encouraged me to follow the desire of my heart and allow God to direct me to the audience that needs to hear how in my darkest moments, God was there telling me I was loved.

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

About the Author

After focusing solely on her career in the corporate world for eighteen years, Micah Ruth discovered and leaned in to her calling from Christ to share her journey and inspire others through her writing. Through her blog, Created Significant: Living Loved & Free, and first published book, she is committed to helping others see themselves as Christ sees them. Micah is a wife and mother to three kids, a lifelong Colorado resident, avid mountain biker, and a lover of the outdoors, where she does most of her writing.

More from Micah

Just after a devastating demotion, Micah Ruth sees the revelation God wants to speak to her in this season. You are not what you do, you are not what they think of you, or have said of you. You are a loved and free child of God. With this new revelation, Micah goes on a journey to break down what she had allowed to identify her and rebuilds her identity in Christ.

You are Loved and Free is a devotional journey through the Bible, focusing on the book of Ephesians which holds the Truth about who we are in Christ. Through testimonials and heartfelt stories, Micah shares her journey, inviting others to go on the journey for themselves. She also shares the Biblical wisdom and practical application to rebuild your identity in Christ God revealed to her. Both by uncovering the lies about who you are and revealing the Truth in God’s word, you can find and start walking in your identity as a loved and free child of God.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 20

Inklings and notions, August 21

My Devotional Thoughts, August 22 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 22

Texas Book-aholic, August 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 24

Wishful Endings, August 25 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, August 26

Artistic Nobody, August 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Mary Hake, August 28

Ashley’s Bookshelf, August 29

Through the Fire Blogs, August 30 (Author Interview)

Splashes of Joy, August 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Micah is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card & a 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/fee7/you-are-loved

Saturday, August 22, 2020

About the Book

Book: The Sinner in Mississippi

Author: D.L. Lane

Genre: Historical Fiction, Inspirational Romance

Release Date: May 1, 2020

Not expecting me to live, the midwife cleaned me up, wrapped me in an old tea towel, and placed me in a knitting basket beside the wood-burning stove. According to Mama, the storm raged until morning, but I never made one sound. So, hours later, when they peeked in at me, they were surprised to see me sucking my thumb, staring up at them with eyes the color of bluebells.

Mama told me, that’s when she cried.

See, she hadn’t shed a single tear during the harsh pain of giving birth or out of fear of the horrible storm taking the house and her with it, but she sobbed when she saw me. To her, it would have been better for all of us if I’d passed on in the night, carried off on the wings of angels, never to suffer the evils of this world. And sometimes, I wondered if she hadn’t been right.

–Mississippi Singleton

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

This book is now in my list as one of my favorites for the year. The emotional journey the author takes us on is one I will not forget. A little baby born into a family that didn’t want her was where we start our ride. Mississippi was raised in a home where violence and abuse was her everyday life. Her father didn’t want her and made her life horrible everyday. I could feel the pain as Mississippi thought she was no better than trash in a garbage can. I loved her unwavering faith and hope that someday her life would be better.

Thayer was the person who Mississippi needed to rescue her from a life that was filled with pain and sorrow. His kindness was overwhelming and I loved how he stood up for her when people said ugly things about her. The relationship that develops between them is slow as Mississippi learns to trust. Her past has made some people call her names that hurt but Thayer saw a woman who had value. The author delivers a story that is deep with raw emotions as we experience the unthinkable violence Mississippi endures. It was hard to read but it shows how Thayer never gave up on Mississippi. His unconditional love for her overflows as he protects her and gives her a place to stay.

I liked how the author took us from the beginning of Mississippi’s life and gives us a glimpse of God’s plan for her life. The relationship she had with her father was hard but at some point she knows she has to forgive him. I think the part in the story where Mississippi goes to her mon’s grave and cries out to God is one of my favorite scenes in the book. Her need to forgive and find peace was something she desired in order to be free. The other scene I found very emotional is when Mississippi goes to her father after many years apart. The moment she walks into her old home and sees her daddy made me cry.

The story had moments where it was hard to read but the author does a great job of allowing us to see that what the enemy meant for bad, God used for good. God was there when Mississippi felt abandoned, abused and hopeless. He gave her strength to hold her head up and follow her destiny. The story spans over many years as we see the path that Mississippi takes to help others.

“When we do something from the heart and follow God’s plan , He makes our tasks less of a challenge.”

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

About the Author

D.L. Lane is a wife, musician, a graduate of Liberty University, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2010 she walked away from the day job and started a writing career using a pen name. As far as the world was concerned, she was very successful writing romances, however, success aside, she knew she wasn’t on the right path but stubbornly kept on going for nine years. Although a Christian and raised in a religious home, D.L went her own way, leaving God out of her choices until He said, “Enough.”

Weary and seeking guidance, she finally listened and left the course she was on as an established novelist to take a new path—putting God first in her life where He always should have been.

More from D.L.

I love writing, and I love to challenge myself as an author, and so I thought, why not write a fictional historical piece. This was a test for me since there are many things to research when writing during a different era, especially when I wasn’t around at that time. But I prayed about it, grabbed my laptop, and started writing about a poor, uneducated girl who grew up in Louisiana during the Great Depression in a motherless home with a group of reprobate males.

Not unlike the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, a boy despised by his brothers who plotted against him, later rose from the depths to become one of the most powerful men in Egypt, facing the very men who had been responsible for the atrocities he’d suffered. Joseph had a choice. Let them die or help the ones who never helped him? This story weaves some of that same treachery with truth, teaching not only the heroine but the hero the ultimate meaning of love.

I wanted to give readers a book demonstrating the fact God will never leave us, even if we have left him for a time. That a personal relationship with Christ is our ultimate source of strength, and with His help, we can be pulled out of the depths of great sorrow, rising to heights we never imagined possible.