About the Book

Book: In the Shadow of Croft Towers

Author: Abigail Wilson

Genre: Historical fiction, romantic suspense

Release Date: January 15, 2019

From debut author Abigail Wilson comes a mysterious Regency tale of secrets and spies, love and treachery.

Orphaned Sybil Delafield jumps at the opportunity for a position at the mysterious Croft Towers. She believes she was hired to act as companion to a dying woman, but a highway robbery and a hostile welcome from the Chalcroft family cause her to wonder if she was actually hired to help someone spy for France.

An unsolved murder adds intrigue to this already secretive family, and Sybil recognizes Mrs. Chalcroft’s handsome grandson as one of the infamous highwaymen who robbed her. Sybil must determine if this man’s charming smile and earnest eyes speak the truth or if he is simply using her like others in the house. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and Sybil must decide who to trust while also coming to terms with the truth about her own past.

About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children. Connect with Abigail at www.acwilsonbooks.com

Excerpt from the Book

1813

THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE

I often wonder what my life would have been like if I had never learned the truth. I wouldn’t have set off as I did for Croft Towers. I never would have met him.

It’s strange what I remember about the day I left London. The mail coach was late; the weather wretched. The clock had struck midnight long before two strangers and I ducked beneath the postmaster’s outstretched umbrella to board the Royal Mail and rumble across the North Downs.

That difficult journey east marked the beginning of an unseasonably cold autumn. Frigid rain pelted the coach windows. The undercarriage squealed beneath the seats as a metallic scent wound its way between the drafty boards. I gripped the windowsill, wondering if the coachman intended to hit every bump in the road.

“Far to go, miss?”

The woman’s voice startled me. Dressed head to toe in red

satin, she’d endured the last few darkened hours with a handful of smelling salts and a tongue hot for complaints, but she hadn’t spoken to me until now. Not until the first hint of rain-soaked daylight peeked over the horizon.

I lowered my gaze and fiddled with my bonnet ribbons. “Yes, ma’am . . . well, not too much farther, I hope.”

Taken from “In the Shadow of Croft Towers” by Abigail Wilson. Copyright © 2018 by Abigail Wilson. Used by permission of http://www.thomasnelson.com/.

It is not a very good start as Sybil is robbed on the way to her destination. I would be thinking about this time if I made the right decision to leave home. Arriving finally at Croft Towers, Sybil was  intimidated by the size of the place . She has been hired to be a companion for to a woman who is in poor health. Sybil will soon question just what she is really there for when she is asked to deliver mysterious secret letters from her employer  to someone who hides secret for profit.

 I would to explore  Croft Towers with all the hidden rooms and spacious land that surrounds it.  I loved the relationship between Sybil and Mrs. Chalcroft. The elderly lady is set in her ways but has a fondness for Sybil. Some members in the house seem to not like Sybil and it  jealousy or mistrust is involved. There is an array of twists in the story and at times I wasn't sure who could be trusted. 

The story is a journey for Sybil  as she finds herself with two gentleman wanting her attention. One is very arrogant and not respectful of women. I wanted him to disappear somewhere in the woods and slowly  fade away from the story. The other gentleman is somewhat a mystery and Sybil will have to decide if she can trust either one. There is a few surprises in the book that will find Sybil wondering about her past. The book is good but at times I did find myself thinking there were too many characters to keep up with.  It did take a while to find out what was really going on with the mysterious letters and the reason Sybil was involved in it.  Overall for a first book, the author has written a good story that keeps readers entertained.

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

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, December 20

Faery Tales Are Real, December 20

The Avid Reader, December 20

Reflections From My Bookshelves, December 21

seasons of opportunities, December 21

Mary Hake, December 22

Carpe Diem, December 22

Inklings and notions, December 23

Blogging With Carol, December 23

A Baker’s Perspective, December 23

Stories By Gina, December 24

Remembrancy, December 24

Madeline Clark, December 25

The Christian Fiction Girl, December 25

For the Love of Literature, December 26

Blossoms and Blessings, December 26

Janices book reviews, December 26

Back Porch Reads, December 27

Book by Book, December 27

Daysong Reflections, December 28

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28

Godly Book Reviews, December 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 29

Bigreadersite, December 29

Inspiration Clothesline, December 30

A Rup Life, December 30

Bibliophile Reviews, December 30

A Reader’s Brain, December 31

Texas Book-aholic, December 31

Just Your Average reviews, January 1

Bookworld Reviews, January 1

Pause for Tales, January 1

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 2

Simple Harvest Reads, January 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Abigail is giving away a grand prize of one finished copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d777/in-the-shadow-of-croft-towers-celebration-tour-giveaway

A SECRET TO DIE FOR by LISA HARRIS

I love books that are filled with intrigue and subtle clues throughout the book to solve the mystery. The author has done just that in this action packed book.

Grace is a psychologist that meets lots of different people. I always wonder if the psychologist is ever afraid of their patient. With great descriptions and an adrenaline rush this story had me on the edge of my seat. When Grace has a patient with a deep secret, what happens when that secret becomes dangerous? Can Grace outsmart who is after her?

Nathan is a welcome addition to the story and adds adventure to the story. Grace and Nathan team up to keep one step ahead of the suspect and keep both of them  alive. What secret does she know that someone would kill for? I'm glad the author made Grace a strong and smart character. She is not one to give up and her determination is off the wall.

They both have something in common which brings them closer together. I think that with them both dealing with trauma it  will help them keep each other safe . Grace draws on her faith and that keeps her grounded. The danger these two are put in is non stop and the race is on to see who survives. The book is well written and the mystery is so good I couldn't stop reading.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Librarything Early readers program. The review is my own opinion.

BUSTER’S EARS TRIP HIM UP presented by
NEW GROWTH PRESS

This is probably my favorite book from the collection because it talks about trying your best. We all want to do everything well and sometimes we get competitive. Buster tries so hard but his silly ears get in his way . I remember how I always wanted to do good at everything so I would not be made fun of. I wanted kids to like me, but I was so shy and not good at sports.

When Buster doesn’t do well in a race, the book does a great job of reminding children that God love’s us no matter what. We don’t always have to be first as long as we try out best and have a humble heart. Buster learns a valuable lesson about pride. We all have had to deal with that issue and the book is well written in a way that children can understand that God love’s us no matter what.

I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program. The review is my own opinion.

JAX’S TAIL TWITCHES presented by NEW GROWTH PRESS

I really enjoyed reading this book. It not only talks about children getting angry, but adults as well. We let little things grow into big problems that make us angry. Papa squirrel was angry because he felt that his neighbors weren’t following the rules. Jax was angry because Caspian seemed to always win at everything.

It made me think of how we let something get hold of us and our anger comes out. Poor  Mr. McNuffle   was just trying to feed his family, but Papa squirrel didn’t want to share. He was too busy being angry because rules were not being followed. I loved how  the book reminds us that there are times we don’t follow God’s word but he doesn’t get angry at us. The book is very well written with gorgeous illustrations. It will be a great book to read to children to teach them about anger.

I received this book from New Growth Press and Read With Audra Blog Program.

ZOE’S HIDING PLACE published by NEW GROWTH PRESS


The book is beautifully illustrated and will be a great addition to anyone looking for Children’s books with a message from God.

Zoe is a cute character and seems to let his mind wander sometimes. He finds himself lost and becomes anxious. I loved how the book gave scriptures to reinforce that God is always with us. When we are afraid, God reminds us that “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

If you are looking for books that encourage children and give them scriptures to help them rember God’s Word be sure and grab a copy of this book.

I received a copy of this book from New Growth Press and Read With Author Blog Program.

About the Book

Book: Catching Christmas

Author: Terri Blackstock

Genre: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christmas

Release Date: October 9, 2018 

This Year, Christmas Comes Just in Time

As a first-year law associate, Sydney Batson knows she will be updating her resume by New Year’s if she loses her current court case. So when her grandmother gets inexplicably ill while she’s in court, Sydney arranges for a cab to get her to the clinic.

The last thing cab driver Finn Parrish wants is to be saddled with a wheelchair-bound old lady with dementia. But because Miss Callie reminds him of his own mother, whom he failed miserably in her last days, he can’t say no when she keeps calling him for rides. Once a successful gourmet chef, Finn’s biggest concern now is making his rent, but half the time Callie doesn’t remember to pay him. And as she starts to feel better, she leads him on wild goose chases to find a Christmas date for her granddaughter.

When Finn meets Sydney, he’s quite sure that she’s never needed help finding a date. Does Miss Callie have an ulterior motive, or is this just a mission driven by delusions? He’s willing to do whatever he can to help fulfill Callie’s Christmas wish. He just never expected to be a vital part of it.

About the Author

Terri Blackstock has sold over seven million books worldwide and is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author. She is the award-winning author of Intervention, Vicious Cycle, and Downfall, as well as such series as Cape Refuge, Newpointe 911, the SunCoast Chronicles, and the Restoration Series. Catching Christmas is her first Christmas romance. Visit her website at www.terriblackstock.com Facebook: tblackstock Twitter: @terriblackstock

From Terri Blackstock

Enjoy this premium excerpt from Catching Christmas

https://aerbook.com/books/-128993.html?utm_source=pubpage

To get you in the Christmas mood, here’s an early holiday playlist:

“White Christmas” sung by Bing Crosby

“I Heard the Bells” sung by MercyMe

“Light of the World” sung by Lauren Daigle

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” sung by Amy Grant

“Don’t Save it All for Christmas Day” sung by Avalon

“Till the Season Comes ‘Round Again” sung by the Katinas

There is something so tender and sweet about this story. I loved getting to know Miss Callie and fell in love with her. She may be elderly but she has a heart of gold.  Miss Callie is forgetful at times and has started to depend on a cab driver named Finn. What will the doctor discover is wrong with her?

It wasn't by accident that Finn got the call to pick Miss  Callie up one day. You can feel his frustration as he realizes  Miss Callie can't tell him much about where he needs to go. Finn has a special place in his heart for  Miss Callie who reminds him of his mother. Does he feel guilt over his mother's passing? When he finally meets Miss  Callie's granddaughter there is a bit of animosity towards her. 

Sydney is doing her best trying to keep her job as a first year law student and taking care of her grandmother. The author does a great job of allowing readers to understand the desperation each character feels. Sydney is doing the best she can, while Finn has suddenly become Miss  Callie's personal driver. I loved how Finn has become attached to Miss Callie and I know there is a reason he has been brought into her life.

When I get to the part in the story where the doctor explains to Sydney and Finn what Miss     Callie has, I dropped the book. Oh how I cried because  Miss Callie has become like a family member to me. Miss Callie is a woman everyone loves. She has a generous spirit and loves God. It will be hard not to think of her because through this story, she has opened my eyes to Christmas. Her compassion for others is seen throughout the story and her connection with a stranger will change his life in many ways. Sydney can see how much her grandmother loved her. Will she find a way to be happy and follow her heart? It has been an honor to read a book by a very gifted author that has shown me that people do care.

This has been a very well written story with characters that seem like family. I loved watching how Finn grew in his faith and how Sydney realizes what her priorities need to be. This story is set at Christmas time but I think it could be read anytime of the year. The message of love, compassion and the gentle spirit of a special woman makes this story one that you won't forget.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, December 15

Daysong Reflections, December 15

Genesis 5020, December 15

Back Porch Reads, December 15

The Power of Words, December 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 16

Quiet Quilter, December 16

Among the Reads, December 17

Kathleen Denly, December 17

By The Book, December 17

Lighthouse Academy, December 17

Cultivating Us, December 18

Simple Harvest Reads, December 18 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)

Remembrancy, December 18

Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, December 19

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, December 19

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 20

amandainpa, December 20

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, December 20

Multifarious, December 21

Cathe Swanson, December 21

Stories By Gina, December 21

Connect in Fiction, December 22

Have A Wonderful Day, December 22

Splashes of Joy, December 22

Bibliophile Reviews, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Lis Loves Reading, December 23

Mary Hake, December 23

Bigreadersite, December 23

Book by Book, December 24

Pause for Tales, December 24

To Everything A Season, December 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 25

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 25

Vicky Sluiter, December 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 26

Inklings and notions, December 26

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 26

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, December 27

Captive Dreams Window, December 27

Texas Book-aholic, December 27

A Baker’s Perspective, December 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28

Older & Smarter?, December 28

Janices book reviews, December 28

Carpe Diem, December 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Terri is giving away a grand prize of a finished copy of Catching Christmas and a Christmas Tree Ornament!!

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/d776/catching-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

THE BIGGEST WIN Pro Football Players Tackle Faith by Joshua Cooley Foreword by Carson Wentz, Trey Burton, Zack Ertz, Nick Foles, Jordan Hicks, and  Chris Maragos NOW AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW! CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A COPY.

About the book: The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider’s look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team—Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Zach Ertz, Trey Burton, Jordan Hicks, and Chris Maragos. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God’s Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith.  Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing.  The Biggest Win is ideal for pastors, youth, and college leaders to use as a small group resource with students interested in sports. Questions at the end of every chapter will spark helpful conversations about living by faith as an athlete and fan. It is a MUST for coaches to use with every Christian youth sports and school teams. See your youth athletes’ faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions. Also a perfect book for men’s church groups. The Biggest Win combines biblical truths with practical direction on issues that every Christian faces—including dealing with adversity, competition, change, success, failure, and how to thrive by faith in a pressurized world. Encouraging male and female athletes in any sport, The Biggest Win guides them in finding their ultimate identity in Christ, not their athletic achievements, and assures them that their greatest prize is eternal life. It is not everyday that athletes are open about their struggles. We think of them as super stars with lots of money and no problems. I enjoyed reading about Nick Foles and how he started a group among the team to reach out to players. When Nick was traded, the group made a pivotal decision to keep the small group going. I know this made a tremendous impact on team mates who were hungry to hear about God. They felt they had others to stand with them and help them as they took a journey to know God.  It was interesting to go behind the scenes of the Eagles and read how much God is a part of their lives. As athletes they have a very strict schedule and have to be creative to make sure they find time to  study scriptures and spend time with God. One of the great things about sports, is that just about everyone loves to either play or watch sports. It's an ideal place to be able to share your faith. I remember a recent quarterback who knelt  before the game to pray and other times during the game. The press made a big deal about it, some was positive and some was negative. The best thing to come out of it was this quarterback openly shared his face and reached many people. The book is filled with powerful stories of several members of the Eagles team. They have been able to share with others and led a few to Christ. I loved the title because the biggest win for anyone is to know who Christ is. The book is geared towards athletes but I found it to be a book anyone could relate to.  I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra. The review is my own opinion. About the author: Joshua Cooley is a sportswriting veteran of twenty-plus years for various print and online publications, including Sports Illustrated, FCA Magazine, Sports Spectrum, Orioles Magazine, Clubhouse, and Highlights. He is also the author of The One Year Devotions with Jesus and the Heroes of the Bible Devotional, among other books. Joshua is the full-time children’s minister at Chapel Hill Bible Church in North Carolina.