Saturday, June 22, 2019

About the Book

Book: Love’s Truest Hope

Author: Laura V. Hilton, Rachel J. Good, Mary Alford

Genre: Christian Fiction, Amish

Release date: May 28, 2019

Mission of Love blurb

A nontraditional Amish man called to minister to the inner-city youth. An overwhelmed Amish woman terrified of the idea. When lies and manipulators threaten to destroy her life, she’s forced outside her comfort zone. Will she learn that God’s love spreads to more than just her people?

Plain Redemption

Spring is a long way in coming to the Big Sky country of Montana, and Lyddie Hershberger is still living in the winter of her life. First her husband died a little more than a year earlier, then Lyddie lost their unborn child. Now, an accident sends her father-in-law to the hospital clinging to his life. Will the gloom of winter ever leave their West Kootenai community?

When word of his daed’s accident reaches Thomas Hershberger in Colorado, he rushes home to find all his old sins waiting for him there, along with the woman who destroyed his heart. His brother’s widow, Lyddie Hershberger.

After someone breaks into the family home while Thomas and Lyddie are at the hospital, it soon becomes apparent that his father’s accident is anything but.

As Lyddie and Thomas struggle to understand why someone wishes their family harm, old feelings of love resurface. Is it possible for Thomas to overcome the guilt he feels for his part in his brother’s death and convince Lyddie that their love can melt any heartache standing in their way?

Bid for Love

The top bidder in the Amish silent auction wins a day of yardwork from Marty and two of his friends. But why did this wealthy Englischer pay so much money when she has a professional lawn service? Marty is shocked to when she offers him money to turn her granddaughter Amish. He refuses, but when Olivia and her grandmother both end up missing, Marty is fingered for the crime. How can he ever prove his innocence when all the clues the police find point to his guilt?

Grab your copy here.

About the Authors

Laura V. Hilton’s Bio

Laura V. Hilton is an award-winning, sought-after author with thirty Amish, contemporary, and historical romances. When she’s not writing, she reviews books for her blogs. Her most recent series is set in Mackinac County, Michigan, and includes Firestorm, The Amish Candymaker, and Married to a Stranger (July 2019).

Laura and her pastor-husband have five children and a hyper dog named Skye. They currently live in Arkansas. One son is in the U.S. Coast Guard. She is a pastor’s wife, and homeschools her two youngest children.

When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys reading, and visiting lighthouses and waterfalls. Her favorite season is winter, her favorite holiday is Christmas.

Rachel J. Good

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The bestselling author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farms and attending family events. Rachel has more than 40 books in print or forthcoming for both children and adults under several pen names.

Mary Alford’s Bio

Mary Alford is a bestselling author of over fifteen novels who loves giving her readers the unexpected. Combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that test their faith and result in novels the reader doesn’t want to put down.

This group of stories will warm your heart, give you a glimpse into the Amish world and be entertained by three great authors. Each story stands on its own and is filled with wonderful characters throughout the book. Sit back , enjoy yourself and be transported to Amish country.

Mission of Love by Laura V. Hilton

I really enjoyed this story and how it reminds us how hard it is to step out of our comfort zone. Cindy is a sweet young woman who is self conscious of her looks. I thought it was funny that Cindy thought of herself as unattractive; yet her twin she thought was beautiful. One thing is for sure, they may be twins but they sure don't think the same.

Jace has been in trouble in the past and is trying to return a favor by doing outreach to inner city teens. For a moment when he asks Cindy to join him silence filled the air. Cindy has a personal reason why she doesn't want to go to this town and she will have to search her heart to reach out to this community.

It is a journey where we discover that people can be blamed for things they didn't do, learn to forgive and turn to Jesus in time of need. I loved the part in the story when the author shows us what it is like ministering to inner city teens. Cindy really gets to experience compassion and learning how to forgive.

A Bid For Love by Rachel J. Good

This story from the moment I started reading it began to speak to me about trust, integrity and judgment. Many of us all guilty of judging others by their looks or surroundings. hen an elderly woman at an auction catches the three Amish young men's attention, I was totally committed to the story. I won't tell how these three young men ended up at the elderly lady's expensive home, but I will say I was excited to find out what Ms. Isabella had up her sleeves.

It was comical to read how Daniel, Marty and Rafe were a bit frightened of the woman and how they plotted to protect their selves from her. They have a job to do at her home and it was interesting to read how they acted as they became involved in their chores.

I never expected the intrigue in this story and was so impressed with how the author wove a story filled with secrets, danger and life changing events. it moves at a fast pace and I am hoping maybe the author will consider a followup story. One of her best stories I have read from her.

Plain Redemption by Mary Alford

What an exciting story this was. I loved Lyddie right away and felt her pain as she mourned the death of her husband. When a tragic accident happens, her brother-in-law comes home after a year. There is a lot of hurt between Lyddie and Thomas but they need to concentrate on Thomas's father right now.

I loved how the author lets us get to know the characters and take a look at their past. With Thomas home, will Lyddie be able to find love again? It was nice to see how faithful Thomas was to his mother and father. He will do anything to find out who hurt his father. The story is filed with a mystery that surrounds a desk. Someone is desperate to get it back. A mysterious man shows up in town and accidents start to happen. What is this man looking for? Lyddie and Thomas find themselves in danger and must keep one step ahead of this strange man.

The author shares how important it is to trust and forgive in this story. I loved how the characters turned to God and prayed for healing and protection. My favorite character was Thomas because he knew he had walked away from his family and needed to come home to repair the relationship. He is humble and I loved how he stepped up to help out as his father recovers. It is a great story that keeps you guessing and reminds us how important family is.

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

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, June 10

Blossoms and Blessings, June 11

Maureen’s Musings, June 12

Quiet Quilter, June 12

The Avid Reader, June 13

Bigreadersite, June 14

Emily Yager, June 14

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, June 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 16

Mary Hake, June 16

Blogging With Carol, June 17

Splashes of Joy, June 17

Through the Fire Blogs, June 18

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, June 19

A Reader’s Brain, June 19

Quiet Workings, June 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21

Inklings and notions, June 21

Texas Book-aholic, June 22

janicesbookreviews, June 23

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Celebrate Lit is giving away a grand prize of an eBook copy of Love’s Truest Hope and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/e574/love-s-truest-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, June 19, 2019

ALL MANNER OF THINGS by
SUSIE FINKBEINER

Sometimes stories just captured you and take you away. You forget everything around you and focus on every detail of the story. This book is exactly that. A story that unravels the 1960s when the Vietnam War was in the headlines and the country was in chaos as demonstrations broke out over the country.

It is easy to relate to Annie because she is such a charismatic character. Her family life has been difficult at times with a father not active in her life. Her oldest brother Mike, is like the man of the house and I found him to be a strong, determined person. My heart stopped as I read that Mike had enlisted in the army. He believes that it is his duty and figures that he would be called up anyway. I remember that time a little and how young men were waiting for that letter in the mail. The family is worried for Mike’s safety and Mike tells Annie something before he leaves that really shocked me. You may wonder what that is, but you must read this story and find out as we follow Annie and her family during this era that was filled with tragedy, heartbreak and hope.

It was very interesting to read that Annie’s family had a pattern of running away. It goes back several generations, but it makes you wonder if that is why her father left. The author does a great job of letting us into Annie’s life and get to know her better. I loved the letters she received from her brother and how they encouraged each other. Each letter starts to get a bit darker as Mike describes what he sees in Vietnam. The author has done a great job of taking readers to a time in history where war was on everyone’s minds, demonstrations were everywhere and tucked away was a family who knew first hand what the war does to a family. They prayed daily for Mike's safety and I loved how the church kept them in their prayers as well.

This story is one that will require tissues as you read this story. We get a glimpse through Mike's letters that the war is tragic and depressing. I loved how the story reminds us of a time when serving your country was not popular and of the men and women who gave all for our freedom.

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

Sunday, June 16, 2019

LIVING LIES by NATALIE WALTERS

The book is sure to please mystery buffs with secrets, lies and a murder. The author does a great job in keeping the story moving at a fast pace. I loved learning about paintings and all that is involved in an art gallery.

Lane is a good character who comes from a very influential family. It was hard for Lane to pretend everything was grand when she suffers from depression. I appreciate how the author writes about anxiety and depression with honesty and compassion. So many people suffer from depression and it is hard to find the right treatment. I loved Lane'swill power to deal with it in a positive manor. Her family seems to want to hide it from the world, which puts Lane in a difficult position at times.

The story is dark at times with realistic views of PTSD and depression which I think enhanced the story line. The last thing Lane needs in her life is to stumble upon the body of a young girl in the woods. This is where we meet the charismatic Deputy Charlie Lynch. He is fierce with a background in the military. He takes to Lane right away and has compassion for her and her adorable son. His intelligence is obvious when he realizes Lane is hiding something. Will she trust him with her secret?

I loved the setting of a small town and how neighbors look out for each other. The mystery of a painting really increases the speculation of who is involved with the murder and how it ties into a possible drug problem. Who is Miguel and why does he feel that Lane needs protecting? I found Miguel to be a lost soul tossed aside by society due to PTSD. My heart went out to him and I wanted someone to give him a helping hand.

I was impressed with the details of drug smuggling and new ways they are able to transport drugs undetected. The town is in an uproar when someone lets slip who they think killed the young girl. You could feel the chaos and rumors as the crowd gathers at what they think is the killer's home. The author brings us a story that keeps you guessing right up to the end. I have found a new author to add to my list who writes with intensity, honesty and an element of faith.

GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a copy of this book from Revel Publishing. The review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Book: The Noble Guardian

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June, 2019

A Cross-Country Trip through Regency England Brings Intrigue, Rogues, and High Adventure

The must-read conclusion to Michelle Griep’s Bow Street Runners Trilogy: Life couldn’t be better for Abigail Gilbert—but it’s been a long time in coming. Having lived with a family who hated her, it’s finally her time for love. Abby sets off on a journey across England to marry one of the most prestigious gentlemen in the land—until highwaymen upset her plans and threaten her life.

Horse patrol captain Samuel Thatcher arrives just in time to save Abby. But she’s simply another victim in a job he’s come to despise. Tired of the dark side of humanity, he intends to buy land and retire.

Abby pleads with him to escort her for the rest of her journey. He refuses—until she offers him something he desperately needs to achieve his goal. . .money. Delivering her safely will give him more than enough to buy property.

So begins an impossible trek for the cynical lawman and the proper lady. Each will be indelibly changed by the time they reach her betrothed, if they don’t kill one another first—or fall in love.

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

More from Michelle

Highwaymen Aren’t All Glamorous

Highwaymen are often romanticized in historical romances, but the truth is these fella’s were generally not compassionate thieves at all. They were cutthroat robbers who sometimes killed. Here’s a brief history so that you’re in the know.

The term “highwayman” simply means a thief who steals—usually at gunpoint—from travelers on the road. Not all, but some of those attacks turned deadly, the robbers not wishing to leave anyone behind who could identify them. Others wore masks for the same purpose.

Long, deserted stretches of roads that were main thoroughfares were the particular favorite haunts of these men. Criminals would choose remote highways that supplied regular traffic going to and from major destinations, such as Hounslow Heath, about fifteen miles outside of London.

To combat these villains, in 1805 the Bow Street Horse Patrol was created. There were about sixty men hired to protect travelers on the principal roads within sixty miles of London. Most of the men had served previously in a cavalry regiment. Their most successful achievement was to rid Hounslow Heath of highwaymen.

And that’s where I got the idea for my hero, Samuel Thatcher, in The Noble Guardian. He’s a rough and tumble man who’s tired of life and the wickedness of man. Mostly he’s just biding his time until he retires—that is until he rescues Miss Abigail Gilbert from the clutches of one of the worst offenders of all…Shankhart Robbins.

Sound like an adventure? It is. Settle back with your own copy and see what it’s like to ride the rugged heath in a carriage, bounding along—until you hear the crack of a pistol.

Enjoy!

What a wonderful story this is. I loved the adventure the author took us on and how vivid the details were. Abigail has never really experienced true love most of her life. I was appalled at how dismissive her family was to her. They couldn’t get rid of her fast enough and to a complete stranger at that. Her family didn’t care about her safety as was quite evident when she ventured out on her own.

A prearranged marriage to a Baron was awaiting her and she was excited to be wanted by someone. When Abigail hires Samuel to see her safely to her destination, the journey began. I can’t forget to mention how much I liked Samuel. He is strong, hard headed and true to his word.

I really enjoyed reading about the long journey they took and the dangers they faced. It was not an easy trip and there were times I wasn’t sure if they would make it. I kept thinking how odd it was that Abigail was traveling to marry a man she didn’t really know. What would this man called Sir Johnathan gain by marrying Abigail? Along the way they also have to deliver a child to someone that Samuel promised he would do. The place he was to leave little Emma was not fit for anyone to live in. Emma stole my heart and I loved the addition of her to the story.

The author delivers a wonderful story that takes us across miles of land and danger that surrounds the main characters. The banter between Abigail and Samuel at times is hysterical. I could see right through them and knew there was an attraction brewing between them. They both adored Emma and as they drew closer to Abigail’s destination, you could feel the emotions overflowing. Is it possible that Abagail has already found love?

I did not like nor trust Sir Johnathan at all. He was rude, untrustworthy and really just a mean person. His dislike for Emma is obvious and that didn’t set well with Samuel or Abigail. He is definitely hiding something and I didn’t feel like he was marrying Abigail for love. Will Abagail trust God to guide her? Don’t miss this beautifully written story of finding love and happiness.

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