Saturday, March 9, 2019

The Secrets of Paper and Ink FB Banner(2)

About the Book

Title: The Secrets of Paper and Ink

Author: Lindsay Harrel

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Release date: February 26, 2019

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Lindsay Harrel presents a powerful story of healing, forgiveness, and finding the courage to write your own story.

A year after the death of her abusive fiancé, domestic violence counselor Sophia Barrett finds returning to work too painful. She escapes to Cornwall, England—a place she’s learned to love through the words of her favorite author—and finds a place to stay with the requirement that she help out in the bookstore underneath the room she’s renting. Given her love of all things literary, it seems like the perfect place to find peace.

Ginny Rose is an American living in Cornwall, sure that if she saves the bookstore she co-owns with her husband then she can save her marriage as well. Fighting to keep the first place she feels like she belongs, she brainstorms with her brother-in-law, William, and Sophia to try to keep the charming bookstore afloat.

More than 150 years before, governess Emily Fairfax knew two things for certain: she wanted to be a published author, and she was in love with her childhood best friend. But he was a wealthy heir and well out of her league. Sophia discovers Emily’s journals, and she and William embark on a mission to find out more about this mysterious and determined woman, all the while getting closer to each other as they get closer to the truth.

The lives of the three women intertwine as each learns the power she has over the story of her life.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. Connect with her at LindsayHarrel.com.

Guest Post from Lindsay

With every book I write, it seems God has something new to teach me. That certainly was true of The Secrets of Paper and Ink.

Lately, I am learning more and more about the power of our words. I’ve become more conscious of the words I speak over myself as well as what I say to other people. It’s more than “positive thinking”—the words we say ultimately contribute to the stories we weave, and I want my story to be as positive and hope-filled as possible, regardless of my circumstances.

I’ve also become much more aware of the lies that I tell myself—“you are not worthy, you are not enough, you will never achieve what you want to achieve”—and the need to replace those lies with the truths that God says about me. I have listened to Lauren Daigle’s song You Sayon repeat lately, and it has become a theme not just of The Secrets of Paper and Ink, but one in the story of my very life.

So while I may not have experienced everything my characters have—I’ve never suffered emotional abuse, or been ostracized by my family, or been orphaned and alone in a world that seems against me at every turn—I have learned alongside them. I set out to write a book that would draw readers closer to the true healer and hope giver, and I ended up being drawn closer myself.

And that, to me, is the true power of story.

Through the depths of emotions comes a book so powerful that readers will have a hard time putting the story away. I read it in one sitting because it captured me right away. It is hard not to become attached to the characters as they draw you into their struggles. I love time-slip stories and this one is the best I have read. The author threads three characters through time and attach them forever in history. The beautiful way the author slips from past to present is seamless. I became committed to one time period and didn’t want to leave. The characters are three young women who all are looking for what we all desire. They want to be accepted and loved.

Emily is such a sweet person who has loved Edward ever since they were children. They have always claimed to just be friends, but Emily has ached over Edward for years. I loved how they would hide letters and other things at their special tree. Wouldn’t it be so romantic to have a special place where you find a note from that special someone? I could picture the tree with its branches that spread out in anticipation of secrets hidden among its beauty. Emily and Edward are two people who have hidden their feelings from each other. Can Emily’s dream of becoming an author ever come true? Will it be to late for them to find happiness when a wedding looms over their head? Will one marry to please their family or find the courageous to follow their heart?

Across the pond we meet Ginny. She has a wonderful bookstore and until a few months ago, a happy marriage. It was heartbreaking to see Ginny feel inadequate to make the bookstore a success without her husband. Her heart is crushed when her husband leaves her. Finding out that you were never loved by your husband crushes Ginny. I loved getting to know the dynamics of Ginny as she was growing up. She has always had this sense that she never was good enough, never as smart as her siblings and a disgrace to the family . My heart went out to her as this burden of rejection as followed her all her life. Will she discover how much she is loved by God? Can she let go of the past and allow someone to show her how valuable she is?

I saved Sophia's story for last. This woman was who I felt a connection to. She has a great practice as a therapist for women. When she faces a tragedy in her life, it is too much for her. She takes time off to heal and try to understand how she allowed a man like David in her life. He was sweet at first but suddenly became this demanding and abusive husband. His death shakes her to her core. She is free of him but her guilt of feeling this way takes over her life. It's time for a change. This is where Emily and Sophia's lives intersect. The perfect setup for Sophia is waiting for her across the pond. She rents a room from Emily and works in her bookstore to help pay the rent for her little apartment above the store. It was just what she needed. Her love of books is refreshing . I could relate to her because she escapes into books like I do. They allow us to forget everything and find adventure in stories. Her discovery of Emily's writing from so long ago intrigued her. Emily' strength is what Sophia admired They both suffered a loss but Emily was able to move forward. Can Sophia find the truth behind the manuscript she found of Emily's?

The ending is one that made me linger long after I read the last word. I don't want to leave this story but I know it will never be far from my heart. We all have hopes and dreams. One word, one sentence, one moment in time brought three women together to find healing, forgiveness and the knowledge that they are worthy to be loved.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 26

The Avid Reader, February 26

The Power of Words, February 26

Carla Loves To Read, February 26

Blogging With Carol, February 27

Inspirationally Ever After, February 27

Kristin’s Book Reviews, February 27

Real World Bible Study, February 28

Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, February 28

Carpe Diem, February 28

A Baker’s Perspective, March 1

Andy Carmichael, March 1

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 1

Bibliophile Reviews, March 2

The Becca Files, March 2

Just Your Average reviews, March 2

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 3

Emily Yager, March 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3

Genesis 5020, March 4

Reader’s Cozy Corner, March 4

Stories By Gina, March 4

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 5

Simple Harvest Reads, March 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mary Hake, March 5

Remembrancy, March 6

Through the Fire Blogs, March 6

Inklings and Notions, March 6

Just the Write Escape, March 7

Pause for Tales, March 7

Book by Book, March 7

Living Life Free in Christ, March 8

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 8

To Everything A Season, March 8

The Lit Addict, March 9

Texas Book-aholic, March 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 10

Janices book reviews, March 10

Bigreadersite, March 10

Henry Happens, March 11

Godly Book Reviews, March 11

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 11

amandainpa , March 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lindsay is giving away a copy of Lindsay’s first book The Heart Between Us!!

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/dcc3/the-secrets-of-paper-and-ink-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, March 8, 2019

About the Book

Title: Bring Me Near

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February, 2019

Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing

Louis Lestarjette enters a world of secrets and questionable actions for the Patriot cause.

Charles Town, South Carolina, 1775—Louis Lestarjette ventures beyond the confines of family life as patriotic duty compels him to enter the world of secrecy and clandestine maneuvers. When he leaves Charles Town for Philadelphia, he experiences first-hand the drastic demands of time and finances, and possibly his life. He must keep Elizabeth and his daughter safe while remaining faithful to this cause of liberty. One wrong decision might cost him all he has worked for over the last three years.

A new generation of children in Elizabeth Lestarjette’s life demands the successful and safe fulfillment of her role as a Patriot. She wonders if her husband understands her desire to do her part as an active Daughter of Liberty. Although Louis is willing to move the family to the country, the decision falls to Elizabeth regarding whether to remain in Charles Town or escape its borders.

About the Author

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. She enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches high school Spanish and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband.

More from Marguerite

I am very excited about the release of Bring Me Near. Thank you for joining me in its debut.

My writing journey began with reading as a child in elementary school. I lived in England for a few years where I bought and read loads of books on horses, history, and mystery. While in that unique environment, my parents took us to explore castles, old houses, churches, and cemeteries. The love of history sprouted and grew (I blame it all on my father)!

My love of reading never diminished, but it continued to expand my world. I still devour books (much to my husband’s and my bookcases’ chagrin), mostly historical Christian fiction, though I have some favorite contemporary novels and authors

In my Revolutionary Faith Series, I combine my love of travel, research, history, and writing. I researched my family history originating in Charleston, South Carolina and walked in the footsteps of my 1770s ancestors (I even found my ancestors’ house for sale!) I asked questions about what they would have done during the American Revolution? What did they eat and wear? Were they fearful? Faithful? Courageous? Where did they worship?

My motto in writing is Entertain. Educate. Encourage. I entertain through the elements of fiction by making the characters in my imagination come alive on the page. I educate by presenting an historical period and event after countless hours of research. I encourage by giving a Christian world view where the characters grow and develop through their challenges.

Please join me on this journey by following me at www.margueritemartingray.blog.

Blessings,

Marguerite

If you have not read the first two books in this series, I highly recommend you grab a copy of each. The author takes us on an adventure through time during 1775. There was a lot going on in the world and men are having to take sides in order to protect their families. I love the author's very detailed historical facts which helps us understand what trials men and women went through to survive.

Louis has his hands full as he and his wife Elizabeth welcome a new baby. Surrounding them is more talk of discord among the British and colonists which makes Louis uneasy. The tea Act has caused many to be ready to fight for what is theirs and Louis is right in the middle of the action. Charles Town is their home and Louis must step up to protect his family. The story takes on a serious tone when a few of the women learn to shoot. They must be able to protect themselves and their children if their husbands aren't around. I could feel the tension in the air as reality started to sink in for these women. It is hard to imagine that people had to be on guard at all times as danger lurks just a whisper away.

I found it very profound when one of the characters said, "I wonder what will be said of us when someone records 1775." They had no way to know that history was being made and that time period would be pivotal to the world. I wonder sometimes what it will be like when my children start having families. There is still even today the uncertainty of peace in the world. Louis and Elizabeth are just on the verge of danger as more threats are rumored by the Loyalists and Patriots.

As the tension builds friends are pitted against each other. The refusal of unloading British ships take a toll on the town. People watch as cargo after cargo are dumped into the water and their hope for food and necessities are lost as the waves carry the shipment out to sea. You can feel the hopelessness settle in as supplies start to dwindle. It was a difficult time for all, and people started to wonder if war would soon break out. I loved reading about this time period and how men and women stood up for their cause. The author has delivered an intense look at history and how it changed many lives.

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

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, February 28

Back Porch Reads, March 1

Bibliophile Reviews, March 2

Maureen’s Musings, March 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 4

Through the Fire Blogs, March 5

For the Love of Literature, March 6

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 7

Texas Book-aholic, March 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9

Janices book reviews, March 10

Carpe Diem, March 11

A Baker’s Perspective, March 12

Bigreadersite, March 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Marguerite is giving away

Grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card
1st place winner will receive eBooks of the entire series

and
2nd – 4th place winners will receive an eBook copy of Bring Me Near!!

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/de7c/bring-me-near-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, March 7, 2019

About the Book

Title: Ladies of Intrigue

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: February 2019

Publisher: Barbour

3 Page-Turners Under One Cover from Reader Favorite Michelle Griep!
Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?

The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!)
Dakota Territory, 1862
Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.

A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.

About the Author

Michelle Griep has been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She seeks to glorify God in all that she writes—except for that graffiti phase she went through as a teenager. She resides in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, where she teaches history and writing classes for a local high school co-op. An Anglophile at heart, she runs away to England every chance she gets, under the guise of research. Really, though, she’s eating excessive amounts of scones while rambling around a castle. Michelle is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and MCWG (Minnesota Christian Writers Guild). Keep up with her adventures at her blog “Writer off the Leash” or visit michellegriep.com.

Guest post from Michelle

3 Reasons to Read Historical Fiction

Guest post by Michelle Griep

Believe it or not, some readers snub historical fiction, preferring instead to stick to contemporary reads. Several have good reason to, simply preferring one genre over another. But others have never given historical fiction a try. If you fall into that camp, here are some reasons you should consider reading a tale from the past.

Historical fiction books are not as boring as your high school history class.

Does the thought of endless names and dates make you break out into hives? Good news! Historical fiction is a painless way to glean some historic facts without mindless memorization. You can experience a different era and culture vicariously through heroes and heroines that live on the pages of yesteryear.

Makes for great conversation.

In a world that prides itself on keeping up with the Kardashians, dare to add a little cultural zest to your next dinner conversation. Reading historical fiction arms you with interesting tidbits of things that’ve happened in years gone by.

Because truth is timeless.

Some people yearn to go back to a simpler time. The truth is, though, that the grass isn’t necessarily greener on the historic side of the fence. People have had tough issues to deal with no matter the era. . .but therein lies a great reason to read historical fiction: truth is timeless. Be it ancient, biblical, medieval, Victorian, or anything in between, truth never changes.

In my new release, Ladies of Intrigue, you’ll experience all these things and more. Find out about the smuggling trade in Cornwall in The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady. Learn about the rough and dangerous life on a military fort during the 1860’s in The Doctor’s Woman. Find out why the gilded age wasn’t as glittery as we often think in A House of Secrets.

Don’t be doomed to repeat history. Grab a cup of tea and master it with a great read!

I enjoy anthology books because they give you a variety of stories. It's like getting bonus books all in one beautifully crafted work. Each story takes you right into the action and the author has done a great job of giving vivid descriptions. I loved each story and hated to see them end. It's time to travel back in time and be introduced to characters that jump off the pages with realism.

The Gentleman Smuggler's Lady

I was hooked right at the beginning as a band of thieves come aboard a ship to take the cargo the ship had been transporting. To their surprise is a lady that they didn't know was there. Helen has traveled a great distance to care for her ailing father. She is rescued by one of the thieves and taken to her father. It was easy to feel her uncertainty as Isaac became her knight in shining armor. After all he was robbing the ship she was on and that does send up red flags.

Isaac is one of those characters that may cross the line in some areas of the law, but he is doing it for the better good of people. I loved his charismatic charm and his need to help others. Will Helen be able to forget Isaac's past and trust him? Isaac is someone I would love to have as a friend. His heart is big when it comes to those who have less than he does. I loved how he provided whatever Helen needed to care for her father. The story is enchanting and I loved how expressive the author was in describing the hearts of two people who face danger and secrets.

" We must put our trust in God alone, not in our own feeble attempts to enact justice."

The Doctor's Woman

Emmy has just suffered a great loss and is preparing to leave to go stay with her aunt. Her father was a well respected doctor and his loss will be felt by many. The story jumps right into action when a doctor is needed and Emmy decides she will help. I loved when she encounters the wounded soldier and suddenly is pushed aside by Dr. James Clark. They certainly don't agree on the treatment of the soldier, but Emmy pushes her pride aside . Dr. Clark is a man who is demanding at times and very opinionated. I loved the time period and how the author blends, humor, faith and pride into a story that captures the essence of life in the late 1860s. They will encounter the Sioux Indians, soldiers and danger as they try to work together. The description of what they encounter at the internment camp overwhelmed me. Their primitive doctoring is hard to read about while thinking of our modern medicine today. I especially liked reading about the medical procedures and how dedicated they both were to saving people who others thought as animals. The relationship between Emmy and James is swoon worthy. This is one story that has everything you would expect from an author gifted in writing strong characters with a fierce determination to help others.

" Then I pray that God will bring to you a special someone. As long as you're still breathing, there's always hope."

A House of Secrets

With this story, we are rewarded with how gifted the author is by writing descriptions like, "half -burned timbers reached into the night sky, dark on dark, like blackened bones trying to escape a grave." Amanda is swept away by her fiance , Joseph to attend their engagement dinner. To her surprise the carriage doesn't turn towards the place where the dinner is being held. I chuckled as Joseph tells Amanda they are making a detour to Hannah's Crow, which is a brothel. Joseph has a strong determination to see this place closed down. Amanda has her eyes on a building to restore it as a school for the poor children in the area. I loved the intrigue in this story as Amanda tries to find out who owns the building she wants. What is Joseph hiding from his fiance? This story is filled with secrets, learning to trust and two people who must find their way to the truth.

" You are loved. Trust in that. Believe in that."

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