All SHE LEFT BEHIND by JANE KIRKPATRICK

Stories that take me back to a different time period always pique my interest. Even though Jennie Pickett didn’t seem to have much self esteem she did possess a dream. It wasn’t a dream that most women were encouraged to have. The though to have a lady doctor in the late 1800s was not very popular. It reminds me of the show Dr. Quinn. I loved that show because despite what the men though of her in town, she opened her own practice. Just like Dr. Quinn. Jennie was determined that she would become a doctor. Her strength to overcome so many obstacles was encredible to read.

She does give the elderly woman the best care possible when she finds out she is ill. When the woman dies Jennie is heartbroken and wonders what her widower and son will do know. Is it possible that Jennie has developed feelings for the widower?
The best part of this story is that it is based on a true story and the author really shines with the research she did to make the story authentic. As with all her books, the author writes with a style that captures each character and builds them slowly to be an intregal part of her beautifully written story. Jennie does have some bad luck when it comes to marriage, but perhaps that will change when she meets Josiah. He is a welcome addition to the story and encourages Jennie to fulfill her dream. I loved how the author brought up some hard subjects that some people are uncomfortable talking about.

Jennie had a big heart and wanted to treat everyone who was ill. She recognized the need to address alcoholism, and abuse. I can’t imagine the turmoil she went through as she spoke to patients who were afraid to speak up. Would you be willing to help women and children find shelter for them knowing that some didn’t approve? I found the book te quite a journey and loved how the author took us to many different scenarios that Jennie faced. Will she find true love again after getting hurt before? Will the community recognize her as a well respected and gifted doctor. I keep thinking about the scripture that says, “Treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated.” I think Jennie heard her calling on her life and wanted to treat the sick, because she would want the same for herself if she was ill. I loved her character and she will be one I remember for a very long time .

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

Spotlight on Rachel Jones

SPOTLIGHT AND GIVEAWAY OF  TAKING A CHANCE ON LOVE BY

RACHEL JONES

Award winning author Rachel Jones is a Labor & Delivery RN by night and a writer by day. Her love of reading romance novels prompted her at age fifty-seven to write her first contemporary romance manuscript. She loves composing stories about strong women and sweet romance. Her books reflect her love of the performing arts. Her twenty-eight-year career in healthcare has influenced the threads of medical drama woven into her storylines.

When she’s not working or writing, Rachel loves traveling, sewing and making music. She lives in Kennesaw, Georgia her husband of thirty-nine years. They have three grown children and one spoiled Labrador retriever. Rachel is a member of Georgia Romance Writers, Georgia Writers Association, Heart of Dixie Romance Writers, and is a PAN member of Romance Writers of America.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

http://racheljonesauthor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RachelJonesAuthor/?ref=hl

https://twitter.com/rjonesauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8336834.Rachel_Jones

http://www.amazon.com/Rachel-Jones/e/B00L2HSGZQ/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

https://www.pinterest.com/rjoneswriter/

Interview Questions

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I came to this realization after I finished my first manuscript. My writing began as a personal challenge. When I completed that manuscript and received a contract offer, I decided I wanted to pursue a writing profession wholeheartedly.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

The daily news has an influence on my book ideas. A news article can initiate a ‘what if’ thought process and sometimes a plot begins to form. Many times my ideas come from dreams. When I wake up, I’m lucky to remember enough details to start an outline.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I started my first book in 2012 and finished it in 2013. I was fifty-nine years old.

What does your family think of your writing?

They think it’s great that I have found my next career. My family gives unending support to my writing. I will admit when my grown daughter heard I was writing contemporary romance she asked me to use a pen name. She has since retracted her request. 

How long did it take you to write, Taking a Chance on Love?

It took about fifteen months. I began Virginia and Blake’s story while I was doing final

edits on my debut novel.

What was your favorite part about writing it?

Researching football so the scenes involving the coach and his team would be realistic.

What inspired you to write it?

I’m an accomplished musician and I love the arena of performing arts. I wanted to see how someone intent on following their dream would fair if they had to choose a different path. 

What topic would you choose to write about that you haven’t yet?

I have not written about heroes/heroines with children. I’m outlining my first series and in book one, the hero has a young daughter. I’m looking forward to the challenge of this new element in my storyline.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I love that I have found another way to express my creative side. 

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what genre or songs?

I prefer to write in a quiet atmosphere. I know many writers listen to music while they write, but I have found I get pulled into the music and out of my writing. If I did listen to music, it would be classical music.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to read and watch movies. I enjoy sewing and cross-stitch. My husband and I have started traveling more over the past few years, and I enjoy that as well.

What is your favorite quote in general or from one of your books?

Mason Cooley – ‘Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.’ 

Which famous person you would like to meet (living or dead) and why?

I would love to meet Martha Argerich because she is one of the greatest pianists of the second half of the 20th century. If I possessed one-third of her talent, I’d be a happy musician.

What is something you would like your readers to get out of your writing?

Everyone has something that complicates life. It could be relationships, money or family. I hope as readers watch my characters solve similar problems they will feel better about their situation and perhaps it can guide them toward a solution.

Do you have any words of wisdom for writers who are afraid to pursue publication?

Not everyone writes to be published, but if it is your heart’s desire you must push past your fear. To give your work over to those who may reject it is hard, but I have always looked at rejection as an opportunity to learn.

Virginia Manning’s performance career plans are interrupted to focus on family, taking her down a path she would never have chosen.

A knee injury blows Blake Oliver’s chance for an NFL career. He opts for a fresh start in a small New England town, accepting the position of a football coach for the newly formed football team at the Waverly School.

During football season, Virginia’s relationship with the new football coach goes from problematic to romantic. After Blake’s brush with death, a scared Virginia runs away looking for the contentment and security music has always brought to her life. Football takes a backseat when Blake realizes it’s not where you live, but having someone to love. Can he convince Virginia?

BUY LINKS:

http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Chance-Love-Rachel-Jones-ebook/dp/B0167GDZF2/

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taking-a-chance-on-love-rachel-jones/1122754380?ean=2940150782532

GIVEAWAYY!!!!!!

Thanks Rachel for being on my blog today. Rachel is giving a paperback copy of Taking A Chance on Love to one lucky person. Please leave a comment and your email for your chance to win.Likes and follows are appreciated.

PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE by CARRIE STUART PARKS

The first few pages pulled me in right away. The scene was horrific and it made my skin crawl. From that moment on, I was completely immersed in the characters and where the story would lead them. The author teases the readers a bit with the opening by giving a glimpse into the dark world of unbelievable terror. I loved the details and couldn’t stop reading.

Gwen fascinated me right away. She had survived something horrible in her childhood but seemed pretty stable and very focused on her new job. Having a specialty with the police department is quite an achievement, but not everyone is impressed with her. Did anyone wonder why she was so quick to volunteer for a case that involved the disappearance of a child? The similarities of the case and her childhood have piqued her interest. Will she be able to handle this case, or will it cause her to have nightmares? I loved the way the author described Gwen’s job as a forensic artist. As she listens to the witness, she is able to draw an image that eerily resembles the suspect.

 Her determination was uncanny and I loved her strong ability to continue on as her memories began to open up wounds that could hurt her. The tension runs high throughout the book and Gwen finds herself in danger . Is she getting to close to the truth? I really enjoyed the story and loved how Gwen stood strong on her faith. I know that is what helped her keep moving forward in finding out the truth.

This is a story that oozes with intrigue and twists that capture the writing of an exceptional author. I love her writing style and how she takes a character to the limits of danger without overdoing it. Gwen is a character that I can relate to on a personal level. Having been through something traumatic myself, I appreciate how her character was written with strength and survival. I’m glad she keeps it together and doesn’t play victim. This is one book that you must read if you love suspense and excellent characters.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Click to purchase

Name of book: To Gain a Mommy

Author: Tanya Eavenson

Genre: Christian Romance

Release Date: December 10, 2016

They had a plan, but will it work?

Thirteen years ago, pediatrician Hope Michaels was the fool-hearted girl who came home from college to learn the man she loved was engaged to her twin. But now to move on with her life and accept a proposal of marriage, she must confront the one man who holds the key to the wounds of her past.Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him. As she stirs up his life and heart, Carl knows some things never change. Even a past he’d rather keep hidden.

When a new neighbor moves in across the street who would be a perfect fit for their family, Mary and Brody form a plan to bring their dad and Hope together. But how will it work if Hope keeps pushing him away?

About the Author

Tanya Eavenson is a bestselling and an award-winning inspirational romance author. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading

Guest Post from Tanya Eavenson

I’d like to thank Celebrate Lit for featuring my first novella in my Gaining Love Series, To Gain a Mommy, for this tour. I’m looking forward to visiting with you along the way!

Recently I was asked to share what inspired me to write To Gain a Mommy. Believe it or not, my inspiration came from a prayer.

Last year my employer offered me a great promotion, but the catch was I’d have little time to spend with my family. So I prayed, asking God for direction for my family, my job, and my writing.

God knows us so well. He knew I had a desire to work with other authors and to write my first novella. He also knew that without a push, I wouldn’t do it.

It all began with a simple post on my Facebook timeline. Another writer posted that she had messaged me but wanted to let me know since FB has a couple of message boxes (I had no idea!). I clicked on my messages, and there it was—the extra message box, filled. As I read through the messages, I found one asking if I’d be interested in joining a novella boxed set. Right away I knew God had answered my prayer.

Needless to say, I didn’t take the position at work and joined the boxed set. Since then, To Gain a Mommy has become an international bestseller and has been a finalist in two contests. My Gaining Love series continues to grow, with the third novella, To Gain a Bodyguard, releasing in time for Christmas. Isn’t God good!

The Lord tells us to trust in Him and that if we do, He will direct our paths. It still amazes me how the Lord works behind the scenes in our lives to give us hope and a future.

Yes, God gives us hope. He gives us a future. This is why I named my heroine in To Gain a Mommy Hope. Romans 5:5 says, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (NKJV). Although my heroine can’t see her future or what it might hold, she is reminded that God will not disappoint.

The Lord reminds us of the same in our own lives.

I remember when I was in school there were identical twin boys in my class. I had the hardest  time telling   them apart. As we became friends I began to notice little things about them that were different. It helped me tell them apart. One day they decided to play a trick on their teachers and switched classes with each other. It was funny until one twin found out he was going to be taking a test. He soon realized his twin had tricked him. In this story about twin girls something one twin will hurt her sister in a way that will change both of their lives  .

I’m sure it would be fun to have a twin and share things with. You look alike, share common interests and sometimes share feelings for the others love interest.  Hope and Faith were always together until Hope found someone she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Little did she know how jealous her sister was of that relationship. My heart went out to Hope when she thought she had been betrayed by the two people she trusted. Have you ever felt betrayed by someone you trusted? One mistake can turn people bitter and cause hurt and pain. Being betrayed by a family member was so hard on Hope and she left home.

After being away from home for awhile Hope comes back to care for her mom. She knows that she will run into the man who broke her heart. I loved how Carl’s children took to their aunt right away. They longed for a mom and maybe their prayers were going to be answered. Hope has had a very hard time forgiving her sister and Carl for what they did to her. What I really loved about the story was how the author took a character who was hurting and having trouble letting go of the past, and see her rely on God and learn to let God heal her broken heart.

I have heard that one of the hardest things to do is forgive someone. You want to stay angry with them because you have been hurt, but what we forget is that bitterness can cause us to carry that hurt into other relationships. I loved how Carl wanted to explain what happened that night so many years ago, but Hope was having a hard time hearing the truth. Will Hope find a way to forgive her sister and Carl? Don’t miss this sweet story about forgiveness, trust and love.

“Remember, when we feel like everything is out of control, God is in control.”

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

Giveaway

In honor of her tour, Tanya is giving away a grand prize package consisting of a $5 Amazon Card and pillow cover from Redbubble! Click the link below to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c141

Blog Stops

September 19: Blogging With Carol 

September 20: autism mom

September 21: Avid Reader Book Reviews

September 22: A Greater Yes

September 23: A Baker’s Perspective

September 24: Christian Bookaholic

September 25: Karen Sue Hadley

September 26: Singing Librarian Books

September 27: His Grace is Sufficient

September 28: Remebrancy

September 29: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 30: Reading Is My SuperPower (interview)

October 1: Bibliophile Reviews

October 1: Red Headed Book Lady

October 2: Quiet Quilter

October 2: Multifarious

October 3: Vicky Sluiter

October 3: Texas Book -aholic

October 3: Artistic Nobody

October 3: All of a Kind Mom

October 3: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

ABIDING MERCY by RUTH REID

I am still trying to absorb the emotional rollercoaster I have been on while reading this book. I am overwhelmed by the well crafted storyline and the characters I have come to love. The author has written a treasure filled with raw emotions that seep deep into your soul. If you haven’t read this book yet, you need  to grab a copy right now. It will be a journey of secrets, tragedy, and forgiveness. Between the pages you find mercy and grace that fills the hearts of the characters.

Faith is a wonderful young woman who works hard at her family’s restaurant . I loved reading about the delicious bread and other menu items that the restaurant served.  Her sister Olivia is a bit rebellious and has a little jealous streak going on. Her disobedience was heartbreaking to read and I wanted to ground her until she stopped acting like a spoiled child. When their parents are severely injured in a buggy accident Faith must step up and run the restaurant with little help from her sister. I loved the differences the sisters had in how to help their parents. It shows readers how siblings argue, become jealous and do mean things.

Gideon was a character I wasn’t sure of at first. He liked Olivia but didn’t like the way she was swaying toward the English way of life. Maybe that is why Faith captured his attention or perhaps Gideon had always liked her. I loved how he stepped up and helped Faith’s father with his chores around the farm. With all Gideon had on his shoulders, he also found time to help Faith at the restaurant as well.

What really intrigued me the most was the story of a baby that was kidnapped many years ago. The author does a great job of developing that storyline parallel to Faith. Is it possible that Faith was kidnapped long ago and raised Amish? Were her parents part of the kidnapping?

I will have to say that the story hooked me right away and I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out about the mysterious kidnapping and also about a stranger that appears throughout the book. He has Godly words to give to several people that will shake them to their core. Don’t miss this story that not only shares about family but shows you what mercy is about.

I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.

IF WE MAKE IT HOME by CHRISTINA SUZANN NELSON

Three women who once were close friends in college have lost touch with each other. Each one has a different reason to get away for awhile and try to regroup. When they find themselves at their old alma mata at the same time, is it fate or God’s plan? It was painful for them to find out that their friend Hope had passed away. That was a turning point for each of them. The author shows how each other’s  lives  went in different directions and caused them to lose touch. At one time these four women were like sisters. With only three of them left they make a crazy decision to take a trip into the mountains with a guide.

Glenda was a tough lady who knew she would have her hands full taking the three women hiking into the mountains. I could see her laughing as they had no clue what they were in for. For Vicky, Jenna and Ireland, their lives will never be the same. When a tragic accident occurs the three women must find strength and determination to survive.

Vicky is a very well known Christian speaker who reaches many people across the world with her faith and encouraging words. What if her followers really knew the truth about her life? Behind that fake smile is a very unhappy and insecure woman. I think we can relate to her as she have all tried to be someone who just wanted  to be accepted . Is she doing what God has called her to do or has she lost sight of His plan for her?

Jenna is to me a typical loving wife and mother. She is having a hard time being an empty nester. Her husband doesn’t understand and she feels like she can’t go on. So many of us fall into the trap that we are defined by our family. We forget about ourselves and make sure our children and husband are happy. Along the way, Jenna forgot to live her life and make sure she was happy.

Ireland was my favorite character. After a damaging accusation, Ireland leaves the university she teaches at to get away from the gossip. She feels she  needs to reevaluate her life. I could totally relate to her feeling alone in the world. She had a tough childhood and ended up  in foster care. The sad thing to me was she was never adopted and that made her feel unwanted.

The story is about these three women who must find a way to survive in the wilderness and get along with each other. The rough terrain they climbed was treacherous and I could feel the pain when they bumped their head, or felll down an embankment . I loved the honesty they shared with each other and the how their lives were not as happy as they have each other to believe. I loved the bickering between them because it showed how much past history they needed to air out between themselves. It is a very emotional and spiritual journey of survival, trust, finding yourself and never giving up. Will they find a way out of the wilderness?  Each woman is strong and I loved hearing about their story. The book gives us a glimpse into the lives of three different women who all struggle with self esteem issues. I loved how the author showed each woman in their most vulnerable moments. This is one book that makes you think and will have you take a look at your own life? Are you lost in the wilderness?

I received a copy of this book from Kregel Publications. The review is my own opinion.

HER ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHNESS by
DARLENE FRANKLIN

I have never been to Colorado, but I have seen pictures of the majestic mountains there. The author describes Colorado with such vivid words that I could see how gorgeous the place was. I especially liked the homage to John Denver. He was one of those singers that was very likable.

Krystal and Jill have a wonderful job showing people around the city. On this particular assignment they find themselves as guides for Prince Johann "John" van Koppelberg and his “bodyguard” Gus. Krystal is really impressed by John and his natural politeness. I liked how Krystal and John hit it off right away. John has come to the Rockies for a vacation, but will he find more than just a place to relax and enjoy the sights?

I really liked Gus and his loyalty to John. I can just imagine how intimidating Gus must be with his tall stature and quiet nature. Krystal was a great character and I liked how she enjoyed being able to show off the town to John and Gus. I fell in love with the places the author described from hiking up the mountains to a place called little town. The story is short but filled with adventure and faith. The main quality John said he wanted in someone he would marry was that they loved God as much as he did. At the end of John’s stay, he realizes how much he has fallen in love with Colorado. Is it possible that there is something else keeping him there?

Don’t miss this great story about adventure, romance and the wonderful state of Colorado.

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