Saturday, May 30, 2020

WELCOME TO LEAF ME ALONE REVIEW PROMO BLAST PRESENTED BY

CELEBRATE LIT

A long lost child . . . and secrets that insist the lost remain lost! Word spreads through town about the genealogy researches of Shannon, Bailey, and Jessica. So far, it’s been a fun hobby and an eye-opening experience as they helped to solve two murders. But when old Mrs. Perkins, their Bible study leader, wants to hire Shannon and her husband Jayden to find her long-lost nephew, the couple soon learns that moving forward along the Perkins family tree may leave them dangling out on a limb . . . and someone is holding a saw!

Freelance writer, award-winning author, and professional speaker, Julie B. Cosgrove leads religious retreats, workshops for churches and writer groups, and Bible studies. She writes regularly for several devotional publications and is on staff with Campus Crusades of Canada’s Power to Change digital ministry as editor and writer for The Life Project. Their websites help to lead thousands of people worldwide to know Christ, one mouse click at a time. Her own blog, Where Did You Find God Today? has readership in 52 countries.

Julie has published three Bible studies, a devotional, two inspirational guides, and has fifteen faith-based fiction novels published or contracted, including two cozy mysteries series, The Bunco Biddies Mysteries and the Relatively Seeking Mysteries. All can be viewed on her website: www.juliebcosgrove.com.

Awarded one of the 50 Writers You Should Be Reading by the Author’s Show in 2015 and 2016, and Best Religious Fiction 2016, Best Cozy Mystery 2017 by Texas Association of Authors, Julie was also an INSPY semi-finalist and a Grace Awards Finalist in 2016. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and the Christian Authors’ Network. She achieved the highest public speaking level in Toastmasters International, the Advanced Communication Gold, in 2015.

Julie is widowed and lives in Fort Worth, Texas where she is involved in mission and women’s ministries. She is a murder mystery aficionado—especially British ones—and loves word games.

Social media:

website: http://www.juliebcosgrove.com

blog: https://wheredidyoufidngodtoday.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julieb.cosgrove.tx

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JulieBcosgrove

Tweets:

#Amreading, #mystery, Shannon hunts a long lost nephew with a possible murderer on her trail. https://amzn.to/392yNor

#Christian #fiction #mystery Searching for long-lost relatives can be dangerous. https://amzn.to/392yNor

#mystery #Christian Is someone really killing hospice patients? https://amzn.to/392yNor

Book link:

https://amzn.to/2v8lxAg

MY REVIEW

I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this author before . The story is so captivating that I blocked everything out and delved into the book. Each character is intricate to the story as the author delivers a touching and intriguing story. Mrs. Perkins became so real to me that I wanted to visit her in Hospice and confirm her. She has a sweet spirit around her. When she asks for help in finding someone before she passes, I cried my eyes out.

Shannon and her husband are determined to find Mrs. Perkins relative before it is too late. The story takes readers across country as time is running out to honor their promise to Mrs. Perkins. I appreciate the author talking about homeless people and how they need help like everyone else. I liked the many lessons in the story. God wants all His children to feel loved. I wonder how many times we have seen a homeless person and judged them? We don’t know why they are on the streets but they each have a story. I won’t say what happens in this story but I will say I cried many tears as I read the book. The faith element in the story touched me and I wanted to ask God to forgive me for ignoring the lost, the homeless and the unloved.

There is a secondary story that became a race against time. Having a loved one in Hospice is heartbreaking. The author does a good job of allowing readers a glimpse into a world most have never experienced. A mystery surrounds the place Mrs. Perkins is staying at. I held my breath each time a tragedy occurred there. It will take some snooping and instinct to unravel the mystery. The story is very emotional and shows how unconditional love can bring families back together. I recommend having tissues handy as you read this moving story of hope, trust, forgiveness and God’s mercy.

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

WELCOME TO WHEN VALLEYS BLOOM AGAIN REVIEW PROMO BLAST
PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

As war approaches in 1939, Abby Stapleton’s safety is under threat. Her father, a British diplomat, insists she go back to America until the danger passes. Abby vows to return to her home in London—but where is home? With her family facing mortal danger so far away and feeling herself isolated, she finds it hard to pray or read the Bible. Did she leave God behind in war-torn London too? Abby becomes friendly with Jim, a gardener on her uncle’s estate.

Jim can’t get Abby out of his mind. Did she have a sweetheart in England? Was it foolish to think she’d consider him? He curses his poverty and the disgrace of his father’s desertion and drunkenness haunts him. Can he learn to believe in love for a lifetime and to hope for a happy marriage?

Abby couldn’t know the war would last a long time, nor that she would fall in love with Jim—soon to be drafted by the US Army—or that she’d have to confront Henri, a rejected suitor, determined by his lies to ruin her reputation and destroy her faith in God’s providence. Will she discover the true meaning of home and find happiness with Jim?

PAT JEANNE DAVIS has a keen interest in 20^th Century United States and British history, particularly the period of World War II. Her longtime interest in that era goes back to the real-life stories she heard about family members who served during the war. When Valleys Bloom Again is a debut inspirational romance set in WWII. She enjoys flower gardening, genealogy research and traveling with her British-born husband. She writes from her home n Philadelphia, Pa. Pat has published essays, short stories and articles online and in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She loves to hear from her readers. Visit her at https://www.patjeannedavis.com

Author Social Media:

Website: https://www.patjeannedavis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.j.davis.7

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patjeannedavis/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43600391-when-valleys-bloom-again?from_search=true

Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/patjeannedavis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-jeanne-davis-34290422/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/patjeannedavis/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/when-valleys-bloom-again-by-pat-jeanne-davis

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/2yc2PZH

MY REVIEW

This has been a wonderful story as the author takes us in the trenches of war during 1939. The details are so realistic that you could hear bombs going off as soldiers fight for freedom. I loved Abby and how much she cared for others. She has a big heart for children and finds herself in charge of what we consider a daycare. It was hard for her to be in America away from her parents that were still in London. The threat of danger surrounded her as she prayed her parents would stay safe.

Jim was a very patriotic person and wanted to enlist to do what he could for his country. I enjoyed reading how Abby and Jim developed a relationship. It was sad when he was shipped out. I had hoped they would marry before he left but it didn’t happen. As Abby received letters from Jim, I though about all the men who wait patiently to hear from loved ones as they fight the enemy. How sad it would be if someone never received mail. The author describes the war in great detail through the eyes of Jim. His life was in constant danger and the things he witnessed were so hard to read.

The story is a glimpse at war where espionage is exposed in this emotional story. I loved the faith element spread through the story. There is someone that tried to befriend Abby and I instantly didn’t like him. He was ruthless, sneaky and demanding. This part in the story had me on the edge of the seat because I wasn’t sure if Abby would be rescued from his evil plot. It was very intriguing and I have to say it was one of my favorite parts of the story.

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

About the Book

Book: Hope for Tomorrow

Author: Michelle De Bruin

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: October 2018

A young man leaves his career and agrees to board the teacher who offers him a priceless gift.

When Logan De Witt learns of his father’s sudden death, he returns home to the family’s dairy farm and chooses to stay. As a way to make some extra money, he agrees to board the teacher for their local school.

Karen Millerson arrives from Chicago and accepts the role of country school teacher. Eager to put her family’s ugly past behind her, Karen makes a fresh start in her new surroundings as a way to replace the trust she lost in her father.

Can Karen learn to trust again? Will Logan lay aside his grief in exchange for God’s purpose for his life?

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

This is a beautiful story set in 1910. Towns were just starting to grow and farming was a way of life for many. Logan had left his family to pursue his calling that God had for him to be a pastor in Oswell City, Ohio. He loved being there and helping people in his town who needed spiritual guidance. Little did he know that his life was about to change. Logan received tragic news about a family member and needed to go home. He was upset to leave his congregation but knew that God wanted him to go home to take care of his mother and sister. I wondered how he would feel leaving behind his dream of pastoring a church. I liked that he didn’t hesitate to go home because family has always been important to him.

The lovely Karen Millerson was finally going to be a teacher. Her dream was coming true and she couldn’t wait to get to her destination. It’s funny how God changes our direction while supplying everything we need to fulfill His calling. Karen was excited about being a high school teacher but she soon learns that she has been reassigned to teach at a little school in Silver Grove, Iowa. It will be a test of her faith as she finds herself renting a room from Logan’s mother and teaching in a one room school. It must have been so hard in those days to teach all grades under one roof. It kind of reminded me of Little House on the Prairie.

I especially liked Tilley, Logan's sister. She is having a very hard time with her father’s death. She blames herself and blames God for not saving him. Her anger towards God spills out into an attitude of bitterness and jealousy. She doesn’t like Karen and resents her for taking her brother’s attention away from her. They use to be so close, but Tilly has it in her head that Logan is ignoring her and focusing more on the new school teacher. Oh bot dies Tilly need an attitude adjustment.

The story is an emotional journey through grief, forgiveness, trust and faith. I loved how the author showed how important family is. Logan coming home to help on the farm was a testimony to how important family is to him. His obedience to God is a great lesson on trusting Him and knowing that He has a plan for our lives. The relationship between brother and sister is a lesson in forgiveness and letting go of anger. I loved seeing how slowly Logan and Karen’s relationship developed. This is a wonderful look at a time period where farm life was hard and how families come together to help each other out.

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

About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband and two teenage sons. She has a bachelor’s degree in Religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle is the spiritual services provider for an organization that offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities. She has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) since 2015. Michelle writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. Her first book, Hope for Tomorrow, released in 2018. The sequel, Promise for Tomorrow, released November 2019

More from Michelle

Hope for Tomorrow is a story that explores responses to uncertainty and the grief that comes from sudden losses. The main characters of the story have experienced unexpected changes that press them to grow deeper in their faith. Psalm 30:5 reminds us that weeping may linger through the night, but joy comes with the morning. Logan De Witt, his mother, his sister, and Karen Millerson the new teacher, learn this truth for themselves as the events of the story’s plot unfold.

My hope is that readers will learn the best way to respond to loss and change while also finding pleasure in the ways the Lord introduces joy and unexpected blessings into our lives.

An excerpt

“How far must we travel to reach Bridgewater Springs?” Glad to finally be able to see above the cornfields, Karen scanned the horizon. No buildings indicated the location of another town. Only the silhouettes of silos, hip roof barns, and a few windmills broke up the landscape.

“We ain’t goin’ to Bridgewater Springs.”

“What do you mean?” Karen’s middle stretched tight.

“Didn’t anyone tell ya?” The school board chairman turned to her. Crows’ feet etched deep lines in the sun-browned skin around his eyes.

“I received a letter that said I am to teach English and reading at the Bridgewater Springs High school.”

Mr. Hinkley shook his head and clicked his tongue. “Oh, the sad communication in our school systems these days.” Slapping a horse with the reins, he cleared his throat. “The school in Bridgewater Springs combined subjects. The community got worried about how many students might actually decide to go on to high school. They wanna hold off before hiring too many teachers. Don’t wanna get too carried away with offering a lot of subjects if no one comes to school to take ‘em. You know how that goes.” He transferred both reins to one hand, reached in his front pocket, pulled out a toothpick, and stuck it in a corner of his mouth.

The toothpick wagged a bit before he continued speaking. “At the last minute, the superintendent told me that the girl who taught our school last year got engaged over the summer. So, since you were a teacher without a school, and we were a school without a teacher, he made the decision to send ya here.” He chewed on the toothpick for a moment before looking over at her once again. “Sorry ya have to find out this way. I thought maybe someone already told ya.”

“You mean to tell me, to tell me that I . . .” She gave up in a sigh that collapsed all the air from her lungs.

“Now I know we ain’t the most educated folks you’ll run across, but our kids deserve a chance. Just like any in the big city.”

“But I . . . I still need to . . . to . . .” Karen groaned about the sputtering that betrayed her chaotic mind. She drew in a deep breath and tried again. “I traveled all this way to begin my career.”

“Well, now, I think we can work somethin’ out.” Mr. Hinkley drove on a road that crested a small hill and dipped to a stone bridge spanning a brook.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

Inklings and notions, May 31

reviewingbooksplusmore, May 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1

For Him and My Family, June 2

deb’s Book Review, June 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 4

Maureen’s Musings, June 4

Betti Mace, June 5

Older & Smarter?, June 6

For the Love of Literature, June 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 8 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Read Review Rejoice, June 9

Vicky Sluiter, June 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 11

Pause for Tales, June 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card & signed 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/fa0c/hope-for-tomorrow-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, May 29, 2020

About the Book

Book: When I Meet You

Author: Olivia Newport

Genre: Christian fiction

Release Date: May, 2020

Book 3 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees

A trunk abandoned at Denver’s Union Station more than a century ago leads Jillian and Nolan to untangle the mystery of its contents—including correspondence with the head of Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency Denver office. While Nolan digs into the legalities of the findings, Jillian searches for the descendants of a stolen identity who might not be who they think they are on Colorado ranch land. When Drew seems anxious to hear what Jillian has to say but his Great Aunt Min slams the subject closed—twice—Jillian is all the more determined to find out what happened to the woman who never claimed her luggage, why Min doesn’t want to talk about it, and what will happen for Drew if he gets the answers he seeks.

When I Meet You is the third book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

I simply adore time slip books. The author is very well versed in taking readers on a journey in this emotional and intriguing series. Even though this is book three in the series, I think readers can still read it as a stand alone. I would recommend however to read the first two books to get a feel for who the characters are.

Jillian has a gift for details as she uses her knowledge as a genealogist. I was so impressed with her character and how thoughtful she was at unraveling the mystery of a long ago forgotten trunk. It was easy to visualize the time period and the young woman who will risk her life to save her family's name and wealth. Jillian has her hands full with digging up records that could destroy a family or finally give them closure about a trunk left many years ago at a train station. Why would someone not pick up their belongings?

Lynnelle is a fascinating character who travels by herself across country to deliver papers that could help save her father’s reputation and business. Along the way several characters seem to take interest in her. I was very interested to see who could be trusted as two couples are drawn to Lynnelle. Can you imagine traveling by yourself with secrets that put your life in danger? The author does a great job weaving a mystery that spans generations.

My brother was always interested in genealogy and has left me many documents on his search for answers about our family. We had sone very interesting relatives and the more my brother searched the deeper the mystery became for us. In this story as I read about the different ways to search for information, I realized I needed to finish what my brother had started.

The author has written a story that explores a family who opened the door to expose the ugliness of greed and deceit. The faith element is light but just enough to get a sense of the characters belief in God. As I finished the book I had so many questions I wanted to ask. I’m glad to know there will be a fourth book coming out soon. I loved Jillian’s father and how gifted he is as a chef. I loved reading about the different recipes he tried and wished I had been at the table when he served up the savory and sweet menu. There is a bit of a hint of a romance between Jillian and someone who becomes vital to the story. He was a bit unsure why Jillian was interested in where he lived and who his relatives were. The author lays a foundation that spans generations and brings it full circle in this exception story of the value of family.

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

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.

More from Olivia

Stolen Identity or Stolen Secrets?

Years ago I made a business trip to a country in Asia. Somehow I managed to pack for two weeks in carry-on luggage. This was before everyone started carrying electronic devices that required a bag of their own, and the impoverished area I visited had only intermittent electricity anyway.

When it was time to come home, my luggage met the requirements to keep it with me as I traveled halfway around the world through several airports. But at the boarding gate, a woman pushed a cart stacked with six oversized and overstuffed suitcases, insisting she had to take all of them on the plane. Her argument was that she couldn’t risk losing her personal belongings. She was moving back to the States, this was everything she owned, and she just wasn’t having this nonsense about abiding by the same limitations as the other 300 people in line or that none of those bags would fit in an overhead compartment anyway. The airline staff began waving people around her to get the large aircraft boarded on time for an international flight. She was one of the last people to take her seat—without her bags.

I admit I prefer keeping my bags with me and getting in and out of airports quickly. And once my bags didn’t come off the same plane I did, and it took a few hours for them to be delivered to me.

But what happens to truly unclaimed baggage? One-half to one percent of baggage that goes through American airports is never claimed. Airlines will try for ninety days to find the owners. If they can’t, they have to do something with it. Generally it’s sold, sight unseen, to the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Alabama. There it is opened and sorted into what can be cleaned and sold in their store, what might be donated, and what has no value and is disposed of as trash. They find some pretty interesting things!

But my brain goes back to the curious question of why the baggage is unclaimed in the first place.

It’s not just because the airline lost it. We’ve all seen the lines of suitcases that baggage handlers remove from the circling conveyer belt because they’ve been around enough times that it’s obvious no one is there to pick them up after the flight. People got off the plane and left the airport without their bags. Why?

My new book, When I Meet You, raises the same question about travel in the railroad era. A trunk abandoned at Denver’s Union Station more than a century ago surfaces, leading genealogist Jillian and her lawyer father, Nolan, to untangle the mystery of its contents—including correspondence with the head of Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency Denver office. While Nolan digs into the legalities of the findings, Jillian searches for the descendants of a stolen identity who might not be who they think they are on Colorado ranch land. When Drew seems anxious to hear what Jillian has to say but his Great Aunt Min slams the subject closed—twice—Jillian is all the more determined to find out what happened to the woman who never claimed her luggage, why Min doesn’t want to talk about it, and what will happen for Drew if he gets the answers he seeks.

When I Meet You is the third book in the Tree of Life series. Return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

Visit www.olivianewport.com or find me at www.facebook.com/OliviaNewport.