Tuesday, November 8, 2022

About the Book

Book: A Fallen Sparrow

Author: Lynne Basham Tagawa

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: August 13, 2022

Ruth Haynes uses the pen name Honorius when she writes for her father’s newspaper. Boston has changed beyond recognition, and her Loyalist views soon get her in trouble. With war looming, what will their family do?

Jonathan Russell hides a guilty secret. The Battle of Bunker’s Hill sweeps him and his Shenandoah Valley family into the war. The unthinkable happens, and he’s forced to deal with both his grief—and his guilt.

Lieutenant Robert Shirley is summoned by his godmother and introduced to the Earl of Dartmouth, who charges him to gather intelligence in Boston. He is horrified but must obey.

Gritty, realistic, and rich with scriptural truth, this story features Dr. Joseph Warren, Major John André, Henry Knox, and Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lynne Tagawa is an educator and author with four sons and five grandchildren. She is the author of a narrative Texas History curriculum, Sam Houston’s Republic, and enjoys writing historical fiction. She lives with her husband in South Texas.

More from Lynne

When writing my books, I study all sorts of things: soapmaking, rifles and muskets, and horses. What breeds come to mind when you think of horses?

Here in Texas today, quarter horses are quite common, although you will find a plethora of other types: Arabians, Tennessee Walking horses, Morgans, even Friesens! Interestingly, in the 18th century, the quarter horse did not exist. Thoroughbreds (“hunters”) were fairly common as well as carriage / early draft horses: Cleveland Bays and Canadians. Narragansett pacers were popular as riding horses; George Washington was partial to pacers, and their descendants include the Tennessee Walker. Ponies and mules thrived in the backcountry.

Exotic breeds were imported as well. I included a Friesen stallion in A Fallen Sparrow because—well, because I could. Friesens were part of the ancestry of one of the very first American breeds: the Morgan.

In my stories, the horses all have names and personalities. I hope you enjoy these characters as well as my human ones!

MY REVIEW

This historical fiction story is a heavy hitter in its genre. It gives us a realistic look at a time when colonists were fighting for their rights. There is a strong emphasis on historical facts that blend well into the story. I loved how the author is able to insert historical people into the story and how they contributed to a time that was dangerous.

I remember reading about the colonies in school and how hard it was to become independent. There were those who wanted to be in charge and found ways to make laws that at times seemed unfair. The author does such a good job of bringing this time period to life, I forgot that some of it was fiction. It is not surprising to read that perhaps there were spies among the people who risked their lives to get information that was vital for freedom.

In this story we find unlikely people who are “forced to spy” for their family and keep ahead of a war that was sure to happen. I loved the interaction between characters and how faith was weaved throughout the story. If you love historical fiction I highly recommend this book. It has all the makings of a best seller that should give the author recognition that is well deserved.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 8

Texas Book-aholic, November 9

Holly’s Book Corner, November 9

Inklings and notions, November 10

deb’s Book Review, November 11

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 13

Connie’s History Classroom, November 14

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 14

Betti Mace, November 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 16

For Him and My Family, November 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 18

Pause for Tales, November 19

Cover Lover Book Review, November 20

Labor Not in Vain, November 21

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lynne is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, a signed copy of the book, and handcrafted soap based on the soap a character makes!!

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/22674/a-fallen-sparrow-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Deep End of the Lake

Author: Carol Grace Stratton

Genre: Women’s Contemporary Inspirational Fiction

Release date: March, 2021

Life looks great for Ally Cervantes. She has a gig with the paper in Lake Surrender, two adorable kids, and is marrying camp director Will Grainger in a few months. What could go wrong? Her optimistic side assures her she can juggle it all, especially her new custom cake business.

But typical, Ally bites off more than she can chew. Her dream job as a reporter is turning into the treadmill she left when downsized from a prestigious publishing company in Northern California. Now she covers everything from a contentious school board meeting to the new dog food store in town. Oh to have a day off. But she is bound to prove her worth as a writer even as Janice, the know-it-all office manager, scrutinizes her every move.

Her home front isn’t much better. Benjie, a 7-year old on the spectrum has a penchant for squirrels, tantrums and running off at school. But Will has a way with him and can already see changes in Benjie as he bonds with the boy.

Kylie, her precocious thirteen year old is another story She’s trying to wedge herself in-between Will and her mother, obvious she doesn’t want her mother to remarry. And worse still, she’s discovered boys – the kind that drive cars.

When Will hints at Kylie’s resistance to the upcoming marriage, Ally blows him off. Will, being a camp director, hears things about Kylie but Ally is in no mood to listen. When he confronts her on Kylie’s doings around town, Ally takes offense. Blending this family together is like mixing half dried cement. The tension builds between them as he seeks out God’s will for his life. Has he taken on too much? A side of him reminisces about his ex-fiancé. Sarah, a quiet, calm woman doesn’t have a tangled mess for a life.

It’s only through a near tragedy and coming close to losing Will, that Ally, a new believer, realizes what it means to trust God for her future. Her aunt reminds her “When you’re swimming in the deep end of the lake you’d better know how to swim.”

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carol has published three books through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas: Changing Zip Codes, Lake Surrender and Deep End of the Lake. Her first novel, Lake Surrender, won a 2016 Illumination Award Medal for Inspirational/Romance Fiction and was chosen as one of the top favorite books for Prismatic Prospects blog in 2015 as well as being a finalist for Serious Writer’s Book of the Decade.

Her work has appeared in a Guideposts book anthology, with credits from Focus on the Family online, CBN online, the MOPs website, In Touch and Your Church magazines. Carol was a reporter for the Mooresville Weekly for two and a half years with over 500 articles to her credit. She speaks to MOPS groups, has taught at writing conferences, and has had a blog for twelve years (carolgstratton.com).

Although born on the West Coast, she lived in the Midwest for years and now lives with her literary muse husband in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she diddles around on a mandolin, plays with eight grand kids and encourages new writers. Her most recent book, Deep End of the Lake, is a sequel to Lake Surrender and is a Golden Scroll winner.

More from Carol

Camps are in my blood.

I committed my life to Christ at a Young Life camp, kissed my husband-to-be (for the first time) at Mt. Hermon and worked at two summer camps as a college student. Experiences like standing under a giant California redwood tree in the rain or hiking in the rugged Sierra Nevada Mountains with a backpack shaped my early life and unleashed in me a love for God and His creation.

The tradition continued with all four of my children attending Bair Lake Bible Camp in Michigan when they were growing up. Experiencing camp helped them grow in their Christian life while having a blast water skiing, hiking and boating. They still talk about the experiences.

Now my grandchildren have discovered camp life. Fresh from their first experience, my grandsons shared stories of the 48 foot tall, (“Not just forty but forty-eight feet, Gammi.” they corrected me) climbing wall and the WATER BLOB a camper could jump onto to catapult their friend into the lake. So when I hunted a setting for my story, a summer camp seemed the perfect fit. Why, of course, send Ally Cervantes to work at a camp.

Because at camp, magical things happen.

We can make lifelong friends at a camp, commune with nature, and most of all connect with the God of the Universe. At summer camp you and I drop all pretenses of our normal life. Suddenly we find ourselves singing ridiculously silly songs around a campfire, and there’s no other world that exists at that moment besides friends, fresh s’mores, a smoky fire and a lumpy sleeping bag. But in the midst of the fun we mull over life’s important issues while trudging through dusty hiking trails or having a whispered late night conversation on the cabin porch with our new best friend.

Best of all, God shows up, knowing He can get our attention. Suddenly our mind becomes aware there is more to life than getting good grades, finding the right boyfriend, and discovering that perfect career. At camp we shift into slow gear and listen to our Heavenly Father say, “Be still and know that I am God.”

Ah, what a life.

MY REVIEW

After finishing this book I am exhausted. Ally is one overcommitted person and I don’t think I would ever be able to keep up with her. She writes for a newspaper, has a teen daughter with an attitude and a son who has autism. She is also trying to plan her wedding while dealing with a certain person in her office who maybe is a little jealous of her.

I loved the setting of a small town and how it felt like a great place to raise a family. Will is a wonderful character and I like how patient he is with Ally. Or is he? Receiving a phone call from his ex fiancé may bring up old feelings for him. It is a unsettling situation for him when Ally continues to not make him a priority? I can see why he gets frustrated when she cancels plans with him and doesn’t listen when he tries to warn her about her daughter making bad choices when it comes to friends.

The story explores how easy our life can get out of control and before we know it we find ourselves in the deep end. Can Ally find her way back to the shallow end and allow God to help her? I’ve been thinking lately that I an struggling with my faith. Yes I have admitted it on paper now. I feel like Ally in the deep end and am drowning in life. What I learned from this story is how we get so caught up in things that we forget to include God in everything. Ally sees herself losing control and knows the only way to survive is to let go and let God.

I loved the ending and how the author shows how important communication and honesty is between people. We have to let go of our pride and admit when we are wrong and struggling. Ally and Will are a great example of giving their problems to God and trusting Him to work things out.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 7

Texas Book-aholic, November 8

Inklings and notions, November 9

Beauty in the Binding, November 10 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, November 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 11

She Lives To Read, November 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 14

Spoken from the Heart, November 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 16

Blogging With Carol, November 17

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 18 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 19

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 20 (Author Interview)

Mornings at Character Café, November 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carol is givig away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of Deep End of the Lake!

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/22671/deep-end-of-the-lake-celebration-tour

Sunday, November 6, 2022

THE LOST MELODY BY JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO

When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman's portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so when the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know. But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Fan-favorite Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.

MY REVIEW

This book is one that took me a bit to get into. At first it was confusing and I was trying to figure out why Vivienne was looking for a woman at Hurstwell Asylum. When she decides to take a job there I began to understand that she needed to find this person. The author describes the place with eerie and precise words. Voices screaming in the night and darkness surrounding the hopeless.

Vivienne takes a big risk working at the asylum to get answers but suddenly things start to fall apart. She doesn’t know who to trust and she somehow becomes a patient there. Someone doesn’t want her to learn the truth and will do anything to stop her, including making it look like she is unstable. The author goes deep into a place where many never escape and I began to be fully invested in Vivienne. I liked her determination and how she believed that God would save her. Into the depths of despair Vivienne tumbles as she is tortured and I began to wonder if she was really who she says she is. The author cleverly gives readers doubts about our main character as the mystery grows darker.

When the one person Vivienne thinks that she can count on, turns his back on her hopelessness settles in. Richard was suppose to save her and set her free from this place of darkness and abandonment. As Richard walks away the nurse tells Vivianne, “Sometimes people who love us do what we need them to do, not what we want.” That statement made me think of those who have had to make difficult decisions for family members and how that burden weighed them down.

The story has many twists that kept me intrigued and I loved the way the author illustrated how we can come out of darkness to the light to be saved. Within the pages were hope that freedom would come for those who had been prisoners for so long. The music brought happiness and a sense of belonging for those who had been forgotten. Vivienne had long wondered what God wanted her to do with her life and in those moments where she was alone in a place where darkness surrounded her, she found her calling. It is a beautiful story that brings tears, brokenness and God’s light to those who had faith.

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

Joanna Davidson Politano freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. Her debut novel, Lady Jayne Disappears, releases October 3 from Revell. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods and shares stories that move her at www.jdpstories.com.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

About the Book

Book: Curtain Call

Authors: Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 5, 2022

With their future in theater on the line, can a newbie actress and overwhelmed playwright put on a production to remember?

Part-time thespian Griffith Williams can’t seem to do anything right in his parents’ eyes, especially compared to his brother, a missionary in the Dominican Republic. But if he can pull off the biggest play of the year, the Christmas play, he could win a job as a full-time director, and prove to himself—and his family—that he hasn’t mistaken his calling to the arts.

Would-be actress Hadassah Wright spends her days teaching and corralling her many, many younger siblings in a large homeschool family. Her only escape seems to be through marriage to a childhood not-so-sweetheart—until a casting call for a local play provides an opportunity to act, perhaps for the last time.

When the two end up as leads in the play, the chemistry they feel isn’t just on the stage. Hadassah finds refuge from familial pressures through helping Griffith at the theater, and Griffith finds a kindred spirit in Hadassah’s longing to pursue the art she loves.

But when an envious stage manager, a director with far too many demands, and a relentless suitor threaten to derail the show, will the curtains close on any chance of romance?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat are the authors of more than twenty books both independently and co-authored. They have worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as agents, editors, writers, journalists, and publicists.

When not writing, Hope is a theatre nerd who loves to hike, and Alyssa is a history geek and game enthusiast. Both are proud cat moms. You can learn more about them on social media @hopekbolinger and @alyssawrote.

More from Alyssa

When you think of calling, what comes to mind? Pastoral calling? A call to missions?

What about a call to theater?

Hope and I (Alyssa) found ourselves with a feeling of calling from a young age. We both felt the Lord leading us to writing and publishing.

I, for one, didn’t listen too well at first. Writing? But I wanted to serve God! I wanted to live a life that mattered for God’s kingdom! So instead, I studied math and science to prepare for a future in the medical field so I could work in medical missions.

The problem was, I didn’t enjoy it. Words beckoned to me. Books and writing gave me deep joy other endeavors never quite could. But if I didn’t go into traditional ministry, how was I supposed to serve God?

In Curtain Call, our characters struggle with calling. Griffith feels pressure to be a missionary like his brother. Hadassah feels obligated to be a good wife and mother like her own mom and sister. But they never feel quite as alive, quite as themselves, as when they’re on the stage. Is it possible that God might…want them there?

As you may have guessed, I eventually learned that God calls all of us to different things. He put the love of words inside of me. He guided me to writing, and doing what He has called me to do brings the greatest joy of all.

As Hadassah and Griffith in the book struggle with identifying their calling, I pray that we all may explore the unique joys and talents the Lord planted within each of us. We hope you enjoy reading Curtain Call as much as we enjoyed writing it. May His still, small voice lead you on the adventure of a lifetime.

MY REVIEW

This story brought up some great memories of when I directed the church play every year for the children. It was so fun to see how each child was excited to be part of the play. You could feel the tension as the time came to go on stage. One thing I always made sure of was that every child who wanted in the play was a part of it. Reading this story reminded me of all the responsibility Griffith has taken on.

It’s funny how Griffith has been waiting for the right moment to hopefully get his chance to get noticed and direct for a living. He has always been in the shadows of his siblings but now maybe his chance to shine has come. Being asked to direct the community play excited him but there is a little catch. They are doing a play that Griffith has written. How unexpected that was for Griffith. Talk about pressure, wow.

Hadassah has always watched children. Being in charge of homeschool for her siblings leaves her little time for herself. She would love to be married with a family of her own, but she has too much responsibility overseeing her siblings to have time to date. Working as the lead in the play may bring her out of her loneliness. Getting to spend time with Griffith helps both of them become more confident. I like that both characters are searching for their calling and want to do what God has planned for them. What is your passion? Are you still searching for your calling?

Byron comes off as an arrogant person who wants to take over the play. He acts like he is helping Griffith but I think he has plans of his own. He also has his eyes on Hadassah. Byron has an agenda to win Hadassah over and does everything he can to make Griffith look like he doesn’t know how to direct a play.

There are a few moments in the story where disaster tries to strike but God was watching over things. I love how Griffith was able to have a good and honest talk with his parents about his mission. We each have a mission whether it be sending cards to shut ins, bringing food to the sick or directing a play that brings people together to encourage them and give them hope. Don’t miss the author’s notes at the end of the book. It will give you hope and challenge you to never give up.

“Calling is where your passions and the world’s brokenness meet.”

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

deb’s Book Review, November 7

Inklings and notions, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Susan K. Beatty, Author, November 14 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

The Sacred Line, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Guild Master, November 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Alyssa and Hope are giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and copy of each of the three books in the series!!

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/22670/curtain-call-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 3, 2022

About the Book

Book: Catching Hope

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: YA

Release date: March, 2022

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger.
Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Cassel is author of more a dozen fiction and non-fiction titles for preteens and teens, including 2021 Selah Award finalist Freerunnerand the iParenting award winner Christian Girls Guide series. Kathy has lived on three different continents with her USAF husband, has eight children, five adopted from Haiti and the United States, and six grandchildren. To better relate to her characters, she enjoys learning their skills such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and riding a motorcycle, but draws the line at sky diving.

More from Kathy

My Experience with Haiti

Prior to the 2010 catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused immense damage to the country of Haiti, many people would not have been able to tell you that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola just a two hour flight from Miami.

I knew where it was because our family had adopted a child from Haiti in 1997. At the time the earthquake took place, my husband and I were in the process of adopting twins from a different orphanage in Port au Prince Haiti. It had been over three years and our adoption was not yet complete. During those three years I visited the twins at the orphanage five times. Other family members went with me on some of those trips, and at one point, all of our children still living at home went to visit the orphanage.

This was an eye opening experience for my family. In fact, I volunteered us to do the daily wash. That meant hand washing clothes and sheets for 135 orphans using large metal tubs and harsh soap, then rinsing the clothes in other tubs before hand wringing them and hanging them on clotheslines. Once home, my children no longer complained about unloading the dryer!

Cooking was done in large pots over open fires and mainly consisted of rice and beans, or red sauce over rice. The cooks originally prepared the food in a wooden shack, but more than once one of them would get so hot she’d pass out, so an outdoor area was set up for food preparation.

After the earthquake, there was a mountain of paperwork to be done to get refugee status for children in the orphanages who had families waiting for them. Finally the children were brought to the United States, although some of the orphans went to other countries too, to be united with their forever families. Sadly, many were held in the airport for days before being released. For our family, the long wait was over January 25, 2010. Now our family is complete with three birth children and five adopted children, three of whom are from Haiti.

Some of the places mentioned in the book resemble real places in Haiti, although they have been fictionalized. I hope you will not only read Catching Hope, but will also take time to learn more about the country of Haiti.

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed reading the story that takes us deep into Haiti. The devastation of the country is evident after the earthquake demolished buildings , homes and anything in its path. The people were barely surviving and I loved that this was a mission trip to help people in the country.

The story takes a dark turn when the teens and their driver in the story are taken hostage. I was shocked at how quickly danger came their way as they had hopes of enjoying the day. Lexi and Levi were hoping for a fun adventure here especially since they had endured a very unsettling childhood being placed in one foster home after another. When Chad’s parents adopt the twins Lexi and her brother start to feel hope for their future but now they aren’t sure what will happen to them.

With all the teens including Jen the cousin, they are fighting for survival after escaping the kidnappers. The author does a good job of letting us feel how scared they were but among them Chad began to share his faith. I loved how he told the others that God was there to protect them and they needed to have faith. The danger is non stop as they try to stay one step ahead of the men after them. What an adrenaline rush they must feel as they continue to get closer to freedom. With Chad continuing to point out that God provides ways to get farther away from the kidnappers I could sense the others start to wonder about this God Chad keeps talking about.

Just when I think I have everything figured out, the author throws in several twists that had me start to tense up. I wasn’t sure how much more I could take as the teens decide to take on a dangerous mission against an evil man out for revenge. The teens become more supportive of each other as they work together to now save their parents and the driver. Get ready for an action packed story that deals with kidnappers, revenge, drugs, and an illustration that with God all things are possible.

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