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Saturday, March 30, 2019


HEARTS IN HARMONY BY BETH WISEMAN

The newest book from the author is a like a sweet melody with words. Her characters blend well together and capture a story of friendship and love.

The Amish have very different beliefs than most and I found it amazing that they weren’t allowed to play an instrument. Levi has secretly played piano since he was a child. His hands sweep across the keys with compassion, but he starts to wonder if he is going against what the bishop has said. It would be so hard to have a gift but not be able to use it. I liked how Levi continually asked a God to show him if he was to play or walk away from it in order to be obedient.

Mary is a wonderful young woman who has known Levi since they were children. I liked how Levi and Mary reconnected after years apart. They have come back together to help out sweet Adeline. Oh how I loved this elderly woman. She was my favorite character because she had so much love to give. She has been lonely for awhile and when these young people show up to help her, it made my heart fill with joy.

Natalie is a little more complicated and I struggled  at times trying to like her. She is sent by her mother to spend time with Adeline, who is related to them. It doesn’t hurt that she begins a friendship with Mary and Levi as they get together on Saturdays to do chores for Adeline. As she started to spend quality time with Adeline I could feel her heart soften .

The ending of the story is filled with emotion and shows how valuable it is to reach out to others in their time of need. Adeline not only brings three young people together but gains a family in the process. Her heart is happy as they bond and become like her children. I won’t spoil anything but I will say this is the best book I’ve read by the author. Her heart and soul went into this story and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

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






Thursday, March 28, 2019

WELCOME TO REVIEW PROMO BLAST FOR THE DANCE OF SHADOWS by 

ERICA MARIE HOGAN
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT






The Winter Queen has brought the storm …
and the Abyss roams the halls of the Blood Keep.


Ten days have passed since Sundragon blood was shed for a sacrifice by Raphaela Kael. Ten days since Lathan and Maxx Jandry fled the city in search of Princess Damari Kael and their niece, Noelle. Brecken Jandry, Brae’s loyal husband, remains a tortured prisoner in the Kael dungeons and no one in Sunkai is safe from Roderick and Raphaela’s wrath.

Damari Kael flees Sunkai with little Noelle Jandry, determined to deliver the child to the safety of the Shadow Lands, even as her own power emerges within her. The Eventide Sisters embark on a mission to join the Winter Queen. Across the land, Clea Jandry arrives in her birthplace of Molderëin where she is met with a savagery she thought long dead. Afra Malaki seeks the Creator’s will and the Queen of the Woodlands prepares for battle.

In the peaceful city of Quintaria, the Winter Queen grieves. But the shadows are coming for her. They carry a message for Adlae Sundragon, and they will not rest until all is revealed.





From as far back as she can remember, Erica Marie Hogan loved to write. When she was a little girl she adored make believe, but gradually her imagination became too big to restrict it to playtime and so, she wrote.

Erica was born and raised for nine years on Orient Point, Long Island, New York. She then moved with her family to Virginia and, finally, to Texas where she now lives. She lives to plot new stories, enjoys a good tear-jerker, and chocolate is her cure for any ailment. Once a month Erica publishes a post on her blog, By the Book: Diary of a Bookaholic, where she shares her experiences with writing and book reviews. She is represented by Jim Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.

Along with the first two books of The Winter Queen Series, Erica’s World War I standalone novel, The Lost Generation, is also available now from Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.





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This book is filled with adventure and characters that the author has created which jump off the pages. I will say at first I had a hard time keeping up because there is an abundance of characters. I did like how the characters became mingled in each others lives and the fantasy element in the book is incredible. What I like about reading books that are not in my usual genre is I get to stretch myself and find interesting stories. 

The shadows were eerie and I wondered what would happen when they enveloped someone. The senseless murder of one of the characters sets the stage for revenge. I found it intriguing when one of the characters said they would never forgive the person responsible for killing the love of his life. As hard as it is, we all need to forgive and I couldn't wait to see how this character would deal with his bitterness. 

The action is relentless and I loved following everyone as they were determined to finish their mission.  The author has a unique way of putting biblical principals in the story. The book follows a premise of dark versus light or as many would say good versus evil. There is a battle brewing and I began to wonder who would survive. I have to say I did like Clea for her bravery and how she stood up against the enemy. 

The book is well written and for fantasy fans, it will be a book you won't be disappointed in. I imagined how it would look if it was made into a  movie and thought how majestic the characters would be . The shadows are vicious and won't stop until they seek out the person they want to destroy. After reading the book, I am a fan of the author and really want to read the next in the series. 

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









Wednesday, March 27, 2019


WELCOME TO THE PROMO BLAST FOR HIGHER RANSOM BY ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL

PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT







Two lives so vastly different from each other... are about to be given a choice that will change the course of their lives forever.

King Raymond is ruthless. He will stop at nothing to see that every Christian is diminished.

But Anna Haddington doesn’t understand why she must keep quiet about her faith.

When her plans to stay with her aunt in Carpathia go quickly awry, Anna finds it takes all that is in her to trust God with the outcome.

This is a story full of mystery and sacrifice that will leave you questioning whether you have what it takes to give up everything for Christ, even your very own life.

Discover the account of three lives, all so different from each other. And find out how one person’s decision can affect the lives of so many.

Will Anna stand strong and not waver in her faith? Or will she crumble under the rule of the heartless king?






ALEIGHA C. ISRAEL writer of inspirational fiction and poetry is an author of multiple books and enjoys sharing God's love through the powerful art of storytelling.
Aleigha loves being a Community Assistant at the Young Writers Workshop and teaching writing classes to her talented students.
When she's not daydreaming about a new story idea or playing with her sidekick "Marley" (a Pomeranian mix) she can usually be seen traveling with her family's gospel bluegrass band, “Fret Not” or making personalized author swag for her business Literary Treasures. 
She doesn’t have to search very hard for inspiration.

Living in the Israel household, it’s guaranteed there’s an adventure waiting around every corner!



Social media links:









Book Purchase Links:


Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-higher-ransom-aleigha-c-israel/1123909016



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I enjoyed the book and was captivated by Anna. She is hoping for a better life and travels to live with her aunt. It was sad to read that Anna traveled so far only to find out her aunt had passed away. I won't say how she died but it does make one think what you would do in her situation. In a turn of events Anna is offered a job working for the king. Anna believes she has found a friend in William knowing he is the kings son. 

Anna has no idea what she has walked into when she starts her daily chores at the castle. She has been warned that the king does not allow anyone to talk about God in his presence. The king is bitter and blames God for his loss. I loved how Anna was not afraid to share her love of God and was willing to pay the ultimate price for her faith. Would you be willing to die for God or deny Him? I pray if I am ever faced with that scenario that I would stand up and trust God.

William is concerned for Anna's safety as she continues to be open about her Christianity.  Will he find a way to protect Anna? The story is very well written and gave me much to think about. In today's world, people are still persecuted for their belief in God. I loved how the author explores the scriptures which enhance the story. Anna is a character that is not ashamed of her faith. You don't want to miss the ending of this inspiring story. 

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











WELCOME TO THE PROMO BOOK BLAST FOR FINALLY ACCEPTED by TONI SHILOH
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT





There’s only one thing Chloe Smith has ever wanted: family. Yet the DNA results she’s received have thrown her life into a tailspin. Her utmost desire has ended up being the catalyst for shaking her faith. She doesn’t even know who she is anymore, and she’s certainly too messed up for her longtime crush to give her more than a second glance.
Darryl Jones is struggling between his past and the grace God so freely offers. His sins feel too big for him to handle, let alone expect the woman of his dreams to accept. Chloe is the only woman he’s ever wanted and the one he doesn’t deserve.
As they form a tentative relationship and examine their faith, Chloe and Darryl ache to know they are finally accepted and fully loved.




Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian contemporary romance author. Once she understood the powerful saving grace, thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.
She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.
You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.
Finally Accepted Back Cover Blurb –
There’s only one thing Chloe Smith has ever wanted: family. Yet the DNA results she’s received have thrown her life into a tailspin. Her utmost desire has ended up being the catalyst for shaking her faith. She doesn’t even know who she is anymore, and she’s certainly too messed up for her longtime crush to give her more than a second glance.
Darryl Jones is struggling between his past and the grace God so freely offers. His sins feel too big for him to handle, let alone expect the woman of his dreams to accept. Chloe is the only woman he’s ever wanted and the one he doesn’t deserve.
As they form a tentative relationship and examine their faith, Chloe and Darryl ache to know they are finally accepted and fully loved.







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The author has written a wonderful story about acceptance and believing in yourself. Chloe is trying to accept the fact that she is bi-racial. She is a very down to earth person who finds out that she has siblings she never knew about. Her heart is heavy at times because she wants to be liked by her new found family but still struggles with how they will react to her. She also has a deep rooted image problem and will need to trust God to overcome this obstacle that has plagued her life. 

Darryl is a doctor who likes Chloe but he needs to deal with something from his past. Being abandoned by his mother has caused him to hold back on relationships including a relationship with God. I loved this statement from his grandmother; " Time waits for no one. Once it's passed you can't get it back. It does something to a person, being filled with regrets, sorrow, anger....dare I even add bitterness." I have been in that position where I have held on to things from the past, which has caused me to become bitter and a loner.

One of the things that really hit home for me was the turmoil both characters had with their parents. I know very well about violence in a home and for Darryl having to witness that has caused him to be so careful around women. He doesn't want to be anything like his father. He knows he must forgive both his parents, but he is still holding on to bitterness. Chloe has similar issues with her parents but hers is more emotional abuse which has left her wanting so bad to be loved. 

The author does a phenomenal job of showing readers the importance of forgiving. It is hard at times to walk through but once you do, freedom and joy are waiting. How many times have we thought we were not good enough? Have you always thought that God could not possibly love you? Both of the main characters face decisions that could either heal their  broken heart or cause them to miss out on knowing the unconditional love of God. If you have not read a book from this author, you are missing out on stories that capture the true heart of a forgiving God who gives each of us grace and mercy.

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







Buy links –
Short Buy links –

The White City FB Banner

About the Book

Book: The White City
Author: Grace Hitchcock
Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense
Release Date: March, 2019
The white CityMysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime
While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Click here to order your copy.

About the Author

grace hitchcockGrace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance BridesThe Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Guest Post from Grace

True Colors—Fiction Based on Strange, But True, American Crime Stories
True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colorsseries.
In book one, The White City, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped while attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a detective, for bodyguard.
Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?
The Real Criminal Behind the Story
While Winnifred Wylde is a fictional character, Doctor H. H. Holmes was very real and became infamously known as America’s first serial killer. Learn more about him HERE.



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I love mystery books and was very intrigued by this story. We all have heard about different notorious crimes that have been committed such as The Boston Strangler. This book is based on Dr. H.H. Holmes who was known as America's first serial killer. I had never heard of him until I started this book. It is quite an interesting read and really takes you back to the late 1890s where the infamous serial killer made history. It is hard to believe that something so horrific happened that few people may be aware of. 

Winnifred is a quirky character who is determined to prove to her father that something is happening to women in the city. I was surprised that her father let her become involved in a plot to catch the killer. She has a lot of confidence and I loved her strong willed attitude to stop whatever evil was going on. 

Holmes from the beginning was a shady person. He made my skin crawl and I didn't like the way he looked at women and the secretive life he had. Winnie starts working for him and that really puts her life in danger. Thank goodness her father had the good sense to hire Jude to protect her. At times, I don't think he was such a great detective and was perhaps smitten by Winnie and didn't fully concentrate on his job. 

There is one chilling part in the story where Winnie noses around in the  basement and almost gets caught. What is Holmes hiding down there? I could feel the darkness overtake her and the creepy feeling she got as she tried to find out answers. I loved how Winnifred took advantage of every opportunity to snoop around where she worked at. She could sense Holmes was up to no good and was willing to risk her safety to find out . I was on the edge of my seat as Winnifred encountered the person she has suspected of killing people. The details are chilling and I loved how the author brought the story to a shocking ending. 

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

Blog Stops

The Lit Addict, March 14
Multifarious, March 15
Back Porch Reads, March 15
Livin’ Lit, March 16
By The Book, March 18
EmpowerMoms, March 19
Bigreadersite, March 21
Genesis 5020, March 21
The Becca Files, March 21
Emily Yager, March 22
Pause for Tales, March 22
Mary Hake, March 23
Book by Book, March 23
amandainpa, March 25
Older & Smarter?, March 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The White City!!
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/dd7d/the-white-city-celebration-tour-giveaway


Meddlin’ Madeline: Dead Letter Mystery Kick-Off Package


Madeline Dead Letter FB Banner

About the Book

Dead Letter
Book: Dead Letter, A Meddlin’ Madeline Mystery
Author: Chautona Havig
Genre: Christian historical, mystery
Release Date: February 19, 2019
For the first time, Madeline has permission to meddle.

Something’s not adding up in the Wintherwood, Ohio bank, and Madeline’s there to figure out why.
Sent by the Rockland Pinkerton’s office to investigate shady banking practices, Madeline finally has the opportunity to try out all her developing detective skills. From her new disguise to an assumed persona, complete with non-existent fiancé, Madeline takes on embezzlement in Wintherwood, Ohio.
Now, to find the culprit and get back to Rockland before Amy arrives, before Mrs. Barnes gets any sicker, and before Russell writes her off as a hopeless, heartless girl.
As Madeline figures out what’s happening, even Mr. Flint begins to lose confidence in her. How will she prove who is taking the money and why–especially after her primary suspect ends up dead?
Dead Letter is the fourth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline series.

About the Author

ChautonaChautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME

“This is book four, right?”
I nodded.
He looked at me with those eyes that conjure up the idea of puppy dogs begging for treats. So deceptive. “You’re going to have to up the stakes then.”
“Well, this is the one where she goes into official active detective mode and decides if she even wants that kind of life.”
“Not enough.”
He was right and I knew it. Fortunately, I’d prepared for this moment. You see, I know him well. He’s a horror writer. He likes to torment in ways that make my worst meannesses seem petty (like the time I suggested killing off Chad in Past Forward—trust me. That was kind compared to his ideas).
So, I pulled out my bigger gun and plopped it on the table. I added ammunition. And grinned.
Look, you guys are going to hate me for it, but trust me. It needs to be done. You’ll forgive me… eventually. Maybe. I hope.
Then he did it. He gave me that look. No, not the, “Yeah, baby!” look you want to see when you’ve hit a hole in one. The, “Is that all you’ve got?” look.
The work began. He suggested one thing. I toned it back. He looked like that puppy again—except this time I’d kicked him. Bless his heart, he does love his horror.
Still, he whistled his way out the door a short while later, and I grinned. Compromise is beautiful. But what does that mean for YOU?

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME

First—
Love the book: Madeline as Jane Sempleton is a hoot. She cracked me up from the beginning, and I’m still chuckling.
Hate me: Madeline’s faith and integrity are tested in this one—exponentially. Without giving away too much, her father even rebukes her!!!
Second—
Love the book: Mrs. Barnes is such a sweet mentor to Madeline
Hate me: Mrs. Barnes. That’s all I’m sayin’. Mrs. Barnes.
Third—
Love the book: Snippets of the heart get revealed.
Hate me: Russell. That’s all I’m sayin’. Russell.
So, there you have it. All the reasons you should read this book… and remember that the series isn’t over. Not by a long shot. It’s darkest before dawn. And um… a whole bunch of other clichés.

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Madeline has been assigned to find out what is going on at the Wintherwood, Ohio bank. There is  unexplained money missing and it's time to sniff out the culprit. I adored Madeline in her disguise. She becomes this simple woman who many would say is unattractive. It was hilarious to see how Madeline tried to stay in character during the story. The time period is one of my favorites and I loved the description the author uses to make readers feel like we have been transported back in time. 
Madeline is irked by the manger of the bank who thinks women can't count money and therefore couldn't possibly be a bank teller. 

I thought it was brilliant how Madeline corresponded to let the people she is working for in the investigation know what was going on. Who would suspect that her beloved Royal wasn't real? The letters are filled with important information and tidbits of silly nonsense that made me laugh. Her ability to pull off the transformation into a woman of lets say less than attractive is one of her greatest achievements. Will she be able to find out what is going on before she is found out?

Madeline has her hands full with men flirting with her and a grouchy manager. Mr. Stine is someone who seems most unhappy in life and therefore wants everyone around him miserable as well. The banter between Madeline and Mr. Stine is classic and adds humor at just the right moments in the story. The story heats up as Madeline gets closer to learning the truth of what is happening at the bank. Something may pull her away from her duties when she receives unfortunate news from home. The emotions in this part of the story are felt with quivers of tears rolling down my cheeks. Does Madeline make the right decision? This is one book you won't be able to put down as the mystery is cleverly solved. I hope the author has planned for another book in this series, because there are some unanswered questions that must be resolved.

" We pray because through prayer we understand Who God is and invite Him to make necessary changes in out lives." God does want to hear from  His children and He desires to spend time with them. 

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 18
Mary HakeMarch 19
Back Porch ReadsMarch 21
Carpe Diem, March 22
BigreadersiteMarch 28
Lots of Helpers, March 28
Multifarious, March 29
The Becca Files, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of Dead Letter, a Madeline-inspired book cozy, and a book-themed candle!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dee6/meddelin-madeline-dead-letter-celebration-tour-giveaway