Saturday, December 16, 2017

OATH OF HONOR by
LYNETTE EASON

This book is one action packed story that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Izzy is a great police officer and is very smart. Her intuitions are always spot on and her keen sense of caution helps her in her job. I loved her partner Kevin. He is a rookie cop and is out to save the world. I liked how they seemed to work so well together.

One evening on a tip Kevin and Izzy go to investigate a warehouse. From the moment Kevin steps in the building, the story moves at a quick pace with intense moments. I can’t imagine how nerve racking it would be to investigate a building not knowing what you will find. It’s like going in blindly and hoping for the best. That night turns out to set in motion a riveting story. There were times I wasn’t sure who the good guys were. The author writes a suspenseful story and leaves the readers guessing at every turn.

Ryan is Kevin’s brother and a cop as well. I liked the chemistry between him and Izzy. Ryan is dealing with the loss of his brother Chris. Will his brother Kevin be able to stay out of danger? The author does a great job of keeping the action going with twists and turns. I loved reading about how elections are run and learning the ins and out of a police station. With the realism of the story, I could easily picture every movement characters were making. I love when an author can take a story and have it come to life with such vivid descriptions. The story is a sure winner with appearances from gang members, organized crime and corruption in the police department. I’m looking forward to the next installment of this series.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Librarything Early Reviewer’s Program. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Name of book: 12 Days at Bleakly Manor

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Historical Christmas

Release Date: September 1, 2017

England, 1851: When Clara Chapman receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet feels compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of five hundred pounds.

But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancé, Benjamin Lane.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar. Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters.

What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the author of both Regency and Colonial historical romances but also leaped the writerly fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. Keep up with her escapades at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Guest Post from Michelle Griep

Go Green With Victorian Christmas Décor

Guest post by Michelle Griep

Walk in any store and you’ll be bombarded with displays of Christmas lights, gaudy ornaments, and inflatable life-size lawn characters. Commercialization at its worst. 150 years ago, that wasn’t the case. Yearning to decorate in a simpler fashion this year? Here are some ways you can bring a bit of the nineteenth century to your home this Christmas…

TREE DECORATIONS

Queen Elizabeth’s husband, the German Prince Albert, introduced the concept of a Christmas tree to Windsor castle. And you know, if it’s good enough for royalty its good enough for the common folk, right? So, the tradition spread. Generally trees were brought inside on Christmas Eve and taken down on January 6th. Trees were decorated with homemade ornaments from paper or fruits and nuts, strings of popcorn or cranberries, or hanging cookies such as gingerbread men from the branches. And remember, an authentic Victorian Christmas tree would’ve been small, like small enough to stand on a table.

GREENERY

Holly. Evergreens. Mistletoe. Most Victorians couldn’t afford store-bought decorations even were there a commercialized industry at the time (which there wasn’t). So the next best thing was to bring in some free/natural ornamentations. Greenery would’ve been perked up with berries, ribbons, dough ornaments or flowers. Pinecones were also scattered throughout the house.

WREATHS

“Writhen” is the root word where we get the word wreath from. It’s an old English word meaning “to writhe” or “to twist.” While the art of hanging wreaths goes back to Roman times, Victorians continued the tradition.

CANDLES

Candles were primarily placed in one of two spots during a Victorian Christmas. A single candle in a window was lit to show that the house was willing to provide food and shelter to travelers. Candles were also used on each and every branch of a Christmas tree, which meant a huge danger of fire. Usually a servant would stand nearby with a bucket of water just in case the thing started to burn.

DRESDENS

Dresdens are ornaments hung from the tree, from a window, or really hanging pretty much anywhere. These were handmade by cutting out shapes (usually animals or trains) and painted with metallic paint so that they looked like metal.

And that’s about it. No obnoxious Santas or reindeer inflated on the front lawn. No psycho Christmas lights strobing enough to give every passerby a seizure. Just plain and simple decor that made the home feel cozy.

And speaking of cozy, how about grabbing a blanket and a cup of hot tea and settling in for a holiday read that’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit? My latest release is 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, a Victorian blend of Dickens and Agatha Christie.

I enjoyed going to back in time to the late 1800s and finding very interesting historical facts scattered throughout the book. It definitely reads like a Charles Dickens story, but with a bit more flair of intrigue. The characters were quirky and somewhat hard to keep up with. I thought there was a lot going on in the book with so many characters.

I did like the idea of a group of people ascending upon a manor house to spend Christmas. Their task was to be the last person there and be rewarded handsomely. Clara is not sure about the invitation, but with a promise for money to help her family, she decides to go. I’m not sure I would go traipsing off to a strange place so quickly.

Ben is my favorite character. He has been wrongly accused of stealing from Clara’s family and sent to prison. It was no surprise to me that he would be one of the guests of the manor. There is friction between Clara and Ben when they first see each other. Clara believes Ben ruined her family business. Perhaps she was more upset by the fact that he had left her at the altar. It is a good story with emotions that run high at times , but overall a story that gives hope and peace to all.

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

Blog Stops

By The Book, December 14

Bukwurmzzz, December 14

Faery Tales Are Real, December 14

A Baker’s Perspective, December 15

A Reader’s Brain, December 15

Have A Wonderful Day, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Carpe Diem, December 16

Cafinated Reads, December 16

Just the Write Escape, December 17

A Greater Yes, December 17

Remembrancy, December 17

Allofakindmom, December 18

History, Mystery & Faith, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18

amandainpa, December 19

Kat’s Corner Books, December 19

Mommynificent, December 19

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 20

Bookworm Mama, December 20

Vicky Sluiter, December 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 21

Christian Author, J.E.Grace, December 21

To Everything A Season, December 21

Reader’s Cozy Corner, December 22

The Fizzy Pop Collection, December 22

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 22 (Interview)

My Writer’s Life, December 23

Janices book reviews, December 23

For The Love of Books, December 23

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 24

Red Headed Book Lady, December 25

Raining Butterfly Kisses, December 25

Bibliophile Reviews, December 26

Blogging With Carol,December 26

Mary Hake, December 26

Reflections From my Bookshelves, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift card and a signed copy of 12 Days of Bleakly Manor!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c5b8

About the Book

Title: The Hope of Christmas

Author: Jodie Wolfe, Terri Wangard, Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Christmas

Release Date: November 24, 2017

Picking a Bride for Paul

When Teddy Love’s neighbor and best friend breaks his leg, she pitches in to do whatever she can to help him on his farm. But when he enlists her aid in finding a wife, she comes to realize she has feelings for him.

Paul Baker follows his heart mother’s wishes by looking for a bride from the East who is refined and gentile, two qualities Teddy isn’t. When his potential bride arrives, he finds himself comparing her to Teddy. How can he go back and change things before he makes the biggest mistake of his life?

Typhoon Prompting

A destroyer escort is among the smallest of warships, but the USS Tabberer has the heart of a giant. A typhoon threatens the US Fleet in the Pacific during World War II, days before Christmas. The men of the Tabberer stand tall as they rush to the aid of their fellow sailors. For Seaman Jerry Collier, the typhoon prompts a greater awareness of what he wants in life. First, though, they have to survive.

A Dr. in the House
Emma O’Sullivan is one of the first female doctors to enlist after President Franklin Roosevelt signs the order allowing women in the Army and Navy medical corps. Within weeks, Emma is assigned to England to set up a convalescent hospital, and she leaves behind everything that is familiar. When the handsome widower of the requisitioned property claims she’s incompetent and tries to get her transferred, she must prove to her superiors she’s more than capable. But she’s soon drawn to the good-looking, grieving owner. Will she have to choose between her job and her heart?

Archibald “Archie” Heron is the last survivor of the Heron dynasty, his two older brothers having been lost at Dunkirk and Trondheim and his parents in the Blitz. After his wife is killed in a bombing raid while visiting Brighton, he begins to feel like a modern-day Job. To add insult to injury, the British government requisitions his country estate, Heron Hall, for the U.S. Army to use as a hospital. The last straw is when the hospital administrator turns out to be a fiery, ginger-haired American woman. She’s got to go. Or does she?

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Authors

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests and is a member of ACFW. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Terri Wangard grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, during the Lombardi Glory Years. Her first Girl Scout badge was the Writer. Holder of a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library science, she lives in Wisconsin. Classic Boating Magazine, a family business since 1984, keeps her busy as an associate editor.

Linda Shenton Matchett is a journalist, blogger, author, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life-from Edison, New Jersey (named for the famed inventor of the light bulb) and Washington, DC to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire (reputed to be the oldest summer resort in America). She volunteers at the Wright Museum of WWII and as a trustee for her local public library.

This collection of novellas are sweet, easy and clean stories. The authors give readers stories that make the characters come alive and along the way we laugh, cry and travel back in time. Each story is a different theme, but they all blend together with a natural flow.

Picking a Bride for Paul by Jodie Wolfe

The story was funny at times because of the wonderful character of Teddy. She was full of life and some may call her a tomboy. I loved her spunk and found her to be a great addition to the story. Growing up with her best friend Paul has made her very comfortable around him. It was funny how Teddy reacted when Paul told her he was sending for a mail order bride. I think the best scene was them sitting at the table reading letters from prospective brides. Will Paul find his bride? Can Teddy finally admit her feelings before it is to late? Good story with a nice but perhaps predictable ending. I still loved it because the characters were so fun to know.

Typhoon Prompting by Terri Wangard

I really loved this story. It is set around the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The details are so beautiful, I could feel the ship moving in the water. I don’t think it would be fun at all to be trapped on a ship as the sea is hammering you with waves that tip the ship sideways. I was intrigued by the duties the men had and found that they were brave and honorable. The author does an amazing job of allowing readers to experience bombs going off and the danger the men faced with her gifted words .

Jerry was a great character and I loved reading the letters written between him and his girlfriend. It was nice to hear news from home and I know the letters cheered him up. I was glad to read about the women who were not afraid to get their hands dirty. It must have been a bit intimidating being one of a few women who worked on submarines. Through the letters, you could tell how proud Jerry was of his girlfriend. The story is a nice reminder of war and how it affects families. Will Jerry make it home safely?

A Doctor In The House by Linda Shenton Matchett

What a wonderful story of how many people served during the war and the obstacles they had to overcome. Emma was a delight to read about. It was unheard of to have a woman doctor during this time period . When she has an encounter with Archie an Englishman, you could sense the uneasiness felt between them. Archie is not happy that his beautiful mansion has been turned into a hospital for wounded soldiers. His dislike for Emma is evident as he thinks she is not qualified as a doctor.

I loved the details of the war and how difficult it was to get supplies. The author has really done her homework on making the story so real with historical facts. I liked that both characters looked to God for answers. I kept being reminded of how sometimes first impressions can be wrong . Is it true that opposites attract? Will Emma and Archie ever become friends? Will Emma go home or stay in England?

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

Blog Stops

Christian Author J.E. Grace, December 10

Blogging With Carol, December 10

Genesis 5020, December 11

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 11

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 12

Have A Wonderful Day, December 12

Mommynificent, December 13

Inklings and notions, December 13

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 14

Mary Hake, December 14

The Power of Words, December 15

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 15

A Greater Yes, December 16

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Radiant Light, December 18

Janices book reviews, December 18

Carpe Diem, December 19

A Baker’s Perspective, December 19

Reading Is My SuperPower, December 20

margaret kazmierczak, December 21

Pursuing Stacie, December 21

Maureen’s Musings, December 22

Blossoms and Blessings, December 23

Bigreadersite, December 23

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit Publishing is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c514

Thursday, December 14, 2017

like moonlight at low tide FB cover copy

About the Book

Title: Like Moonlight at Low Tide

Author: Nicole Quigley

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Release Date: 2012

When high school junior Melissa Keiser returns to her hometown of Anna Maria Island, Florida, she has one goal: hide from the bullies who had convinced her she was the ugliest girl in school. But when she is caught sneaking into a neighbor’s pool at night, everything changes. Something is different now that Melissa is sixteen, and the guys and popular girls who once made her life miserable have taken notice. When Melissa gets the chance to escape life in a house ruled by her mom’s latest boyfriend, she must choose where her loyalties lie between a long-time crush, a new friend, and her surfer brother who makes it impossible to forget her roots. Just as Melissa seems to achieve everything she ever wanted, she loses a loved one to suicide. Melissa must not only grieve for her loss, she must find the truth about the three boys who loved her and discover that joy sometimes comes from the most unexpected place of all.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Nicole Quigley is the author of Like Moonlight at Low Tide, a winner of the American Christian Fiction Writers “Carol Award” and “Genesis Contest” for best young adult fiction. Nicole works in public relations and spent many years in Washington, D.C. She now lives on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where she grew up. Nicole holds a B.S. from Appalachian State University, where she majored in Communications/Public Relations and minored in English. Her favorite place in the world is Western North Carolina, and her favorite place to write is a late night coffee shop, wherever she can find one open.

Guest Post from Nicole Quigley

Three Things I Hear from “Like Moonlight at Low Tide” Readers

When I first wrote “Like Moonlight at Low Tide,” I thought my readers were going to get the same things out of it that I did. The book gets off to a start when Missy Keiser sneaks into her neighbor’s pool to go nightswimming. She thought no one was home until she sees the figure of an unknown guy standing in the dark, at the edge of the pool.

Missy was bullied when she was younger, but this story is about what happens after she is bullied. What happens if you got everything you ever wanted? Would it be enough? I think that when we really look at the reasons behind why we want things and why the things we want can become so big in our lives, especially in high school—we often find that there’s really a bigger question left for all of us.

Who is going to love me?

Since “Like Moonlight at Low Tide” debuted, I’ve been so honored to hear from readers who could relate to Missy’s story. One thing that has surprised are the things I hear about from readers time and again.

First, I always hear about the ending! I definitely wrestled with how to bring the book to a close. I won’t say more about it (no spoilers!), but I have to laugh because most readers tell me I was really close to hearing a lot more from them! Second, I always hear about a certain guy who becomes the male protagonist. Yes, girls, I have to admit that I loved writing him!

Lastly, I often hear the book was written “just for them.” That’s what touches me most of all. I wrote this story from the heart. It means so much to hear that it reached others, and often in ways I never predicted. I love that.

Once a reader picks up my story and brings her own experiences to it, it becomes something new. And it’s really special to connect with a reader on some of these heart questions that we all have in common. One reader who has really made an impact on me sent me a hand-made charm bracelet based on the book. She took Missy’s story, and she turned it into something entirely new. Her creativity is really special, and the bracelet is now one of my most treasured possessions

I love hearing from readers about what they liked (or even didn’t like) in Missy’s story. As it turns out, listening to readers is one of the very best parts of writing for them.

If ever there was a book that teens should read, this is THE book. I really shouldn’t just say teens though. I recommended that everyone should grab a copy. The emotions in the book are captivated with beautiful writing . The author has written a story that many families have gone through. It is never easy to see one of your children being bullied. I wanted to grab Melissa and hug her and tell her that she was so important to God. I remember in junior high how much bullying I had to endure. I was not attractive at all. I wore long dresses because my dad was a Baptist preacher and I was not allowed to wear anything he felt was improper. Like Melissa, I had to daily hear names kids called me. I can so relate to Melissa when she hid in the bathroom from her tormentors.

Melissa has not had any real parents in her life that cared about her. Her mother was more concerned about herself and less about her kids. The author shows readers what it is like to grow up in a home when a parent ignores the well being of their children. I wanted to go shake the mother and let her know what precious gifts God had given her.

Melissa’s brother seemed to be affected by the absence of parents the most. He was a lost boy looking to be accepted and loved. He did start to withdraw and Melissa sees a change in him. His character was very well written and you could feel he was drifting away from everyone. One of the hardest things a parent will ever endure is the loss of a child. It makes it even harder when that child commits suicide. Sometimes there are no visible signs that someone is depressed and they may even hide their feelings from everyone.

I found the story to be very powerful and written with compassion. Melissa ignores warnings from a friend, and does things in order to be popular. She stills remembers how kids made fun of her when she was younger. Now that she is sixteen and been away for a few years, she hopes that she will be accepted in high school.

I wish I had a friend like Josh when I was in school. He is passionate about God and let’s Melissa know she is important. His faith and example of leading a Christian life really made an impact on Melissa. Will Melissa forgive herself for the tragedy her family went through? Can she see how beautiful she is on the inside? The book has great lessons we can all learn from. Living with regret and guilt brings sadness, but forgiveness can set you free.

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