Tuesday, October 20, 2020

THE KEY TO LOVE by BETSY ST. AMANT

I really loved this beautifully written story that I won’t soon forget. Bri is adorable and loves the idea of couples being in love. I really liked how the author talked about the lovelock wall. It is so interesting and cute that Bri’s small town has a version of it.

Going into a bakery you except delicious pastries and other mouth watering treats. This bakery is a little different with that special wall they have. I absolutely loved Mable and Agnes. They are hopeless romantics that believe they are great matchmakers. The story gives us a few laughs with theses two women .

Gerald has been assigned to write about the bakery and the famous lovelock wall. It was funny that he was assigned this article since he is not so much into all the romance hype. Gerald is determined to write the article and get out of town as fast as he can.

The story takes us inside the lives of Bri and Gerald and unravels past hurts that keep them both a little shy of letting someone in. I loved reading how they spend time together and seeing the changes that come over them. It would be fun to be there at the bakery and watch a romance bloom while Mable and Agnes look on with satisfaction. Will Gerald give a good review for the bakery? Can Bri and Gerald find love or walk away from what is right in front of them? I enjoyed the story and liked how the author uses faith in a subtle way that readers will find encouraging.

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

Monday, October 19, 2020

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Honor

Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: Nov, 2020

Legacy of Honor He’s been raised to carry on the legacy.

After her mother’s untimely death, Emma Monroe’s dreams to become a teacher are dashed. She takes a job as maid and cook at the local Stratton Ranch, where she endures humiliation and hardship in order to provide for her ailing father and younger brother. Only Riley Stratton, her childhood friend and heir to the Stratton fortune, sees her heart. When she’s asked to care for Skye, the young half-Indian girl most family members refuse to claim, Emma finally finds the purpose she craves.

Riley Stratton has it all, or so it seems. Growing up as the youngest son of the rich and powerful John Stratton, Riley stands to inherit a legacy of greatness in the Stratton Ranch. On the surface, his family looks like they have it all, but manipulation, deceit, and an ever-present quest for power leave him desperate for change. Yet his father has made it clear: do things the Stratton way, or face alienation and disinheritance.
As Riley and Emma choose between honor, dreams, and expectations—not to mention the love they can no longer deny—their first steps prove how quickly the situation can spin into danger. When their best efforts threaten the lives and hopes of those closest to them, it becomes clear the decisions they make will change the course of their lives forever.

Click here to get your copy!

My REVIEW

This book starts a new series for the author and oh my is it good right out of the gate. The author shares a story of two families that are different as night and day. I feel in love with Emma right away. I cried with her as she grieved over her mother. I liked how the author portrayed Emma’s mother as hard working and faith filled. Her influence over her daughter is evident in everything she does. Emma has a big heart and treats others with respect.

There is one character in the story that I didn’t really like. This person is arrogant, stuck up and down right mean to Emma. I wanted to scream and tell Emma not to let this person take away her dignity. The beauty of the story is how Emma rises above all the hatred and shows mercy to those who may not deserve it from her. I loved how she went out and got a job to help her dad and brother out. By the grace of God, Emma is able to work in an environment that is truly mentally unhealthy.

Riley is someone I would like to have on my side. He struggles with his faith at times but when it comes to doing the right thing he never backs down. His family has anger issues, they are greedy and dishonest. If it wasn’t for Riley I think the family would probably not speak to each other. There are some underhanded deals going on and Riley is determined to make things right. I liked how nice he was to Emma and I already sensed an attraction developing.

One of the highlights of the story for me was getting to know Skye. This innocent young girl has been through a lot in her life that made me cry. I‘m sure she knew that she was talked about and the treatment she gets from her grandfather is hard to understand. During the time period the story is set, Skye is treated as an outcast by many. Riley and Emma overwhelmed me with their unconditional love for Skye.

The story is well written and I’m anxious to read the next in the series. The author writes an emotional ending to this story that showed God is always there to comfort us and provide for us. Forgiveness plays a big part in the story and I loved how one particular character allowed God to soften their heart. I highly recommend this story as the author takes us to a place in Texas that I am very familiar with. Being from Texas I loved reading this story and getting a feeling of the west during the late 1880s.

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

About the Author

renae humor headshot Renae Brumbaugh Green is an ECPA Bestselling Author, award-winning humor columnist, and wannabe superhero. She lives in Texas with her handsome, country-boy husband, four nearly-perfect children and one nearly-perfect son-in-law, and far too many animals. When she’s not writing, Renae teaches online classes and tries to be rugged without chipping her nail polish.

More from Renae

I’ve been writing this book for more than a decade!

In 2008, my dear friend and writing mentor, Chip Ricks, shared a book idea with me. Loosely based on her own family history, she wanted to write a story about two brothers—one who chose to live for Christ, the other who didn’t. She wanted to follow that family through the generations, to show the impact of that one choice, on the people who came behind.

She just had one problem. Chip was a brilliant writer, but she wasn’t a fiction writer. “Will you help me write this book?”

Now, Chip was in her 80s at the time. She was a mother, a grandmother, to me in the faith. If she’d asked me to paint the moon pink, I’d have given it my best shot. For several years, Chip and I worked together on several versions of the book. We only ever got through the first few chapters, and we’d change our minds about the characters or the situations. Finally, one day she smiled at me. She said, “You know, Renae. This is your book. I know I whispered the idea to you, but I always wanted you to be the one to write it. I’m getting too old to work on this . . . please take it. It’s your story.”

Soon after, she moved across the country to live with her daughter. We stayed connected via phone calls and Facebook, until eventually, she stopped responding. We lost touch. I continued to write the book—Chip’s book. Now my book. I’d work on it a while, then put it away for several months, even a few years at one point. In 2017, I finished what would become the first final draft. I fiddled with it more, here and there, but I hung onto it until I met Misty Beller, my publisher at Wild Heart.

I submitted the book to her, and she accepted it, right away! Then the editor got hold of it. God bless Erin Taylor Young! She was brutal, in the best possible way. I spent weeks (months?) making the suggested changes, and each one made the book so much better. The day I turned in those final edits to my publisher, I opened up Facebook. There, on Chip’s FB page, was a note to all her friends.

From one of her children.

She’d gone to see her Heavenly Father.

I sat there, frozen, looking at my screen, big fat tears tracking my cheeks. How was it possible that on the day the book was complete, I learned of her death? She was so instrumental in my walk of faith, and in my path as a writer. It was almost like the Holy Spirit wanted me to know . . . this particular journey was now complete.

I hope you enjoy this book, book one in a trilogy, for it is very close to my heart. And I hope you learn from the actions of two brothers, so many years ago, that our choices have an impact on our own lives, and on the lives of those who follow us.

—Renae Brumbaugh Green

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, October 16

Through the Lens of Scripture, October 16

The Christian Fiction Girl, October 17

deb’s Book Review, October 17

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 18

Labor Not in Vain, October 18

Texas Book-aholic, October 19

Genesis 5020, October 19

Vicky Sluiter, October 20

lakesidelivingsite, October 20

Betti Mace, October 21

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 21

ABBA’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 22

Sodbusterliving, October 22

Older & Smarter?, October 23

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 23

For Him and My Family, October 24

Lighthouse Academy, October 24 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Inklings and notions, October 25

Daysong Reflections, October 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 26

Simple Harvest Reads, October 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

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

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 28

Adventures Of a Travelers Wife, October 28

Connie’s History Classroom, October 29

Pause for Tales, October 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Renae is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/10258/legacy-of-honor-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, October 17, 2020

About the Book

Book: Taming the Dragons

Author: Brenda Wilbee

Genre: Christian Living / Women’s Interests

Release Date: May 12, 2020

Are you overwhelmed, in despair, heartsick, or in danger? Not sure which way to turn? Whom to trust? Once upon a time . . . the raging dragon . . . a damsel in distress. It worked out well in our fairy tales, but what about real life?

In this highly creative approach to problems all women face today and in varying degrees throughout their lives, Wilbee identifies six choices women have when beleaguered by conflict and challenge. She partners six biblical women with characters from The Wizard of Oz, naming choices for Innocent, Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, and Wizard. She then skillfully weaves in characters from other stories and tales, accounts of women from history and today, and experiences from her own life to illustrate how these choices empower women in difficult times, moving them from want to abundance—for themselves and others.

Beginning with Eve the Innocent, Wilbee asserts that while some of us might want to go back to the garden of Eden, where innocence dwells, no one can. It’s only by making choices to tame our dragons—and by walking the metaphorical yellow brick road of our inner journeys—that we can, and do, find the happily ever after of our fairy tales and the abundant life Jesus promises us all.

Each chapter concludes with a motivational section that includes journaling pages, “Something to Ponder,” and prayers for courage and hope.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I like the unique way the author wrote this book. My favorite movie of all time is The Wizard of Oz. I watched that movie every time it came on. The author intrigued me and I had to see how she would incorporate this iconic movie into a book. She also uses fairytales to get her point across about the dragons in our lives. I did like the references to several women from the Bible who stood up and took the battlefield in spiritual warfare. It is not taught a lot in some churches and I have to wonder why these women are not studied more.

Each chapter is straight forward and uses examples to help readers understand the author’s points . I liked the part about how we each have choices. Eve had a choice to eat the forbidden fruit or turn away from it. In her choice she opened the door to evil . Temptation is hard to fight sometimes , but if we allow ourselves to listen to God’s voice, He will direct our path.

In one of the first few chapters the author talks about the Innocent. I found this one chapter to be very profound. We can choose to stay as a victim or fight the dragon and become stronger. Our journey may be difficult but as we fight the dragons in our lives, we are able to overcome that which the enemy meant for harm. Just like Dorothy we have to make a choice whether to follow good or evil.

Each chapter is geared toward helping us understand how to conquer our dragons by God’s truth. I liked how the author used several people from the Bible to show us how they went through tough times. Several women in the Bible were rejected, abused or forgotten about. In those moments they knew they were not alone. Jesus was there just like He is for us as we face difficulties in our lives. Reading the different examples the author uses, I felt more empowered and able to stand up against the evils of this world. I appreciate the personal stories the author used and helped me to see how spending time in the Word and having a deep relationship with God can help us over the dragons if this world.

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

About the Author

Brenda Wilbee is passionate about helping women in their everyday lives. The author of over 10 books with more than 700,000 copies sold, Brenda is a long-time contributor to Guidepost’s Daily Devotionals. Her work appears in Zondervan’s Women’s Devotional Bible, Inside Religious Publishing, and Guidepost’s Best Loved Stories. She holds an MA in professional writing, with an emphasis on myth, fairy tale, and folklore. She divides her time between the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and the Canadian Yukon.

More from Brenda

Author Brenda Wilbee wrote Taming the Dragons to help Christian women understand that they have choices when up against conflict and challenge. In this highly creative approach, she partners six biblical women with the characters from Wizard of Oz, naming choices for Innocent, Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, and Wizard. She then skillfully weaves in characters from other fairy tales and stories, accounts of women from history and today, and experiences from her own life to illustrate how choice empowers women to tame the many dragons they face. She contends that by walking the metaphorical yellow brick road of learning choice, women find inner healing and restoration.

She begins with Eve the Innocent, asserting that even though we might like to go back to a garden of Eden, where innocence dwells, we can’t. But by making choices to tame the dragons we encounter as either Orphan, Pilgrim, Martyr, Warrior, or Wizard, we can, and we do, return to the happily ever after of our fairy tales and the abundant life Jesus, in John 10:10, tells us is ours.

Each chapter begins and ends with narrative to first explain a choice and to then offer the caveat. An Orphan asks for help, but by doing so she learns self-reliance. A Warrior fights to save herself and those she loves but has to be careful lest she become like her enemy. Each chapter concludes with journaling pages for personal thought, a study guide with Scripture to consider, and questions to ponder.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 17

Emily Yager, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 19

Inklings and notions, October 20

Spoken from the Heart, October 21

deb’s Book Review, October 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 26

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Artistic Nobody, October 28 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, October 29

Mary Hake, October 29

Pause for Tales, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Brenda is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of the book and 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/10259/taming-the-dragons-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 16, 2020

About the Author

Book: Light in the Mountain Sky

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 29 , 2020

Light in the Mountain Sky (1) This epic journey may seal her fate forever.

Determined to prove her worth, Meksem fiercely fought to earn her place among the warriors in her Nez Perce camp. When her half-sister is captured by an enemy tribe, she refuses to trust the rescue to anyone else. But her new friends insist on joining her mission, and she battles between relief and frustration at their presence. Especially the white man who peers at her as if he can see through the face of the warrior she struggles so hard to maintain.

Spaniard Adam Vargas thrives on adventure wherever his travels take him. He’s fallen in love with this Rocky Mountain wilderness, as well as the spotted horses the Nez Perce tribe raise. His fascination with this Indian maiden-turned-warrior catches him off guard though, including the way she seems to be fighting for more than her sister’s safe return.

The journey proves more perilous than any of the group expects, and the secret Meksem hides becomes impossible to conceal. If they live through this mission, the life they knew will never be the same again.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes another epic journey through breathless landscapes and intense adventure.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

This story is rich in historical facts while giving readers a glimpse into a treacherous journey. I loved how the author let us get to know details of horses in a way that made me appreciate them more. I have several friends who have horses and every time I am around them, I think how majestic and powerful they are. In this time period horses were very important as a means of travel. The author does an excellent job of helping readers visualize the land and how dangerous it can be.

I could feel a chill sweep over me as Meksem led a group to find her half-sister. I loved Meksem and how fearless she was. She was out to prove that she was a warrior like others in her Nez Perce camp. I enjoyed learning more about Meksem and her people. The journey is long and with a new friend to help her, maybe Meksam will be able to rescue those who were kidnapped. She dies have a little insecurity that will hold her back until she allows God to show her how strong she is.

Adam is overwhelmed with the gift of a beautiful horse from Meksem. She gives something very valuable to attain the horse. I was a bit surprised that she would give away a treasured heirloom but her intentions are very honorable. I worried about him when he is injured in a horse accident. He is very gentle and patient with his new horse, even when he is thrown off. His character is very like able and his attraction to Meksem is evident.

The journey takes us through very cold and dangerous weather that at times slows them down. There are moments where the group face uncertainty as they encounter strangers who could be a threat to them. I loved following along as they get closer to their destination.

I loved how Meksem finds a relationship with God and learns to trust Him. Her faith will be tested in this story that spans over land and living conditions that can be harsh at times. Once again the author has written a beautiful story with characters you become invested in. I can’t wait fir the next book in this series.

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

About the Author

Misty M. Beller photo (1) Misty M. Beller is a USA Todaybestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and children now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

More from Misty

Early Nez Perce Business Women

As I’ve been researching for my current Call of the Rockies series, I’ve had the pleasure of diving deep into the culture of the Nez Perce tribe. I found it interesting that one of the primary food sources of The People (as they called themselves) was camas roots.

But what really drew my notice was how the women would cultivate entire fields of camas root, store what they needed for their family through the winter, then use the extras for bartering. Some savvy women would become quite wealthy from their business dealings!

The bulbs of the camas plant are full of calories and nutrients, and each fall, Nez Perce families would travel to their particular camas meadow (a section of land whose camas rights had probably been passed down from generation to generation within their family). Many of these meadows were located near present-day Weippe, Moscow or Grangeville, where the onion-shaped bulbs grew thickly.

Women used pointed wooden tools to harvest the bulbs, and could often gather over 50 pounds a day, satisfying their full winter’s supply within just a few days.

Native American peoples who ate camas include the Nez Perce (Nimíipuu), Cree, Coast Salish, Kalapuya, and Blackfoot, and Yakama, among many others. Not all of these people groups harvested camas themselves. Instead, many relied on trade in order to procure it. Trade networks were established all the way from the Rockies to the Pacific Ocean, and a shrewd businesswoman who tended her camas meadows well could provide everything her family needed and more!