About the  Book

Book:  The Gold Digger

Author: Liz Tolsma

Genre:  Christian/Historical/Suspense

Release Date:  December, 2020

Men Are Disappearing in LaPorte, Indiana

Book 9 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

Fiction Based on Strange, But True, History

In 1907, shy but loyal Ingrid Storset travels from Norway to support her grieving sister, Belle Gunness, who owns a farm in LaPorte, Indiana. Well-to-do widow Belle, who has lost two husbands and several children, provides Ingrid with enough money to start a small business. But Ingrid is confused by the string of men Belle claims to be interviewing for her next husband. When Nils Lindherud comes to town looking for his missing brother, who said he was going to marry Belle, Ingrid has a sinking feeling her sister is up to no good.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Liz Tolsma is a popular speaker and an editor and the owner of the Write Direction Editing. An almost-native Wisconsinite, she resides in a quiet corner of the state with her husband and is the mother of three. Her son proudly serves as a U.S. Marine. They adopted all of their children internationally, and one has special needs. When she gets a few spare minutes, she enjoys reading, relaxing on the front porch, walking, working in her large perennial garden, and camping with her family.

 

More from Liz

This story was so much fun to write, and the research was so interesting. It has to rank up there with one of my favorite books to write. That’s what makes my job the best around.

 

There are a great number of characters in The Gold Digger who are historical. Many of the places I mention are also historical. I had the pleasure of spending a day in LaPorte, Indiana, to research the book and take some pictures they had in the museum there. Research is one of my favorite aspects to writing. I could have spent much, much longer losing myself in the museum and in the archives. Good thing my cousin, who I was staying with, called me to let me know that it was getting dark and she had dinner ready, otherwise who knows how long I would have been there. Probably until they kicked me out!

 

One thing that the people of LaPorte would want you to know is that they really are nice people and that their town is a nice town. Lots of good people have been born there or have lived there over the years, including Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, William Mayo, who founded Mayo Clinic, and William Scholl, who found Dr. Scholl’s. They kept emphasizing to me while I was there what a great place LaPorte is. Judging by their friendliness and helpfulness, I would have to agree.

 

To help you better visualize the characters and setting, here are some photographs of the real people and places that appear in The Gold Digger.

 

Enjoy the book!

 

Liz

May REVIEW 

This series has been very intriguing and I have enjoyed reading about historical events that took place during the 1900s.  Each book can be read alone but I would encourage you to read each one in the series. The theme of the book is about a crime that was committed and the people who feel victim to  unthinkable acts of violence. 

Belle just plain out gave me the chills. On the outside she appeared to be a kind woman who loved children. Beneath the surface laid a sinister woman who hid her dark side very well. I can’t believe that men would travel to her farm and want to start a life with her. Why would they trust a complete stranger? That question troubles me . Was she capable of manipulating people in order to hide her secret? I loved how the author introduces  us to  the men who came to be with her and how their disappearances start to cause doubt in the eyes of some. 

Ingrid wants to believe her sister would never do anything to harm anyone. My thoughts were always on the children as I soon discovered that one of her children were sent away. I suspected that this innocent child met foul play but without the technology we have today, it was almost impossible to find evidence. I so wanted Ingrid to start to really look at her sister and her mysterious actions. I know Ingrid didn’t want to believe her sister was crazy. The author does an excellent job of using historical facts to deliver a story that not only had me on the edge of my seat but drew me into the world of a woman who seemed to show  no remorse for anything. I wonder if she was even capable of having feelings at all. 

I did like the historical notes at the end and appreciate that the author wrote true to the original account of the crimes. My heart hurts for the children who became victims by a woman who will always be a mystery to us. Did she survive? No one really knows but I want to think that somehow justice was served and those who died at her hands are at peace. 

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

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, December 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 17

Genesis 5020, December 17

Pause for Tales, December 17

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sodbuster Living, December 18

21st Century Keeper at Home, December 18

Older & Smarter?, December 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 19

Blossoms and Blessings, December 19

The Write Escape, December 19

For the Love of Literature, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Blogging With Carol, December 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 21

lakesidelivingsite, December 21

Betti Mace, December 21

Inklings and notions, December 21

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 22

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 22

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 23

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, December 23

CarpeDiem, December 23

Hallie Reads, December 23

Remembrancy, December 24

Christian Bookaholic, December 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24

Writing from the Heart Land, December 25

Splashes of Joy, December 25

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 25

Through the Fire Blogs, December 26

Rebecca Tews, December 26

For Him and My Family, December 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, December 27

Bigreadersite, December 27

Southern Gal Loves to Read, December 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 27

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 28

Mary Hake, December 28

Texas Book-aholic, December 29

Godly Book Reviews, December 29

Daysong Reflections, December 29

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, December 30

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Liz is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of The Gold Digger!!

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/104fc/the-gold-digger-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book:  Silver Moon

Author: Jenny Knipfer

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Release Date:  June 20, 2020

A tale of courage and hope in the darkest of times…
Silver Moon, the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon, paints a stunning and poignant picture of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, and of three men who are a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.

Shamed into joining the war, the tide turns for Luis Wilson when he is steered into the depths of espionage. Injured and presumed missing, will he lose his heart to the very woman who presented him with a white feather?

Oshki and Jimmy offer a grim perspective on life in the trenches. They despair of ever returning home to the women who hold their hearts.

Meanwhile, Lily fights for the cause in her own way and rallies the female troops at home as prejudices run high and the local cafe owner is accused of being a spy.

Will the women of Webaashi Bay receive their men back unscathed? Can the power of love win out over insurmountable odds? All this drama and more plays out under the light of a silver moon.
Fans of WWI historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and literary fiction will find Silver Moon a moving, powerful read!

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.

Jenny’s education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. She spent many years as a librarian in a local public library but recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability.

She authored and performed a self-published musical CD entitled, Scrapbook of a Closet Poet.

Jenny’s books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon earned five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite, a book review and award contest company. Their praise: “Ruby Moon is entertaining, fast-paced, and features characters that are real. Blue Moon continues a well-written and highly engaging saga of family ties, betrayals, and heartaches… Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing”

She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Historical Novel Society, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.

Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. She has self-published the first three books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon, in her four-part series. One more novel to complete the series is planned for 2020. She is currently writing a new historical fiction series called, Sheltering Trees.

 

More from Jenny

Family, Friends, and Faith:

 

FAMILY: 

Ask people what ranks high on their list of thanks, and likely it will be family. I have a wooden plaque in my kitchen with the words “Family is Forever” on it. I love my family and am so grateful for each member. We’ve been through the good, bad, and the ugly together, and I wouldn’t trade one day of the journey. Maybe you can say the same.

 

I wanted to work this sort of family importance into my novels, and I hope readers will get a sense of that. In Silver Moon, family plays a big role in keeping the spirits of the fictional community of Webaashi Bay, Ontario going during WW1.

 

Oshki Cota, a young man from the Canadian town, fighting in the trenches on the Western Front, writes home to his wife and family, and the letters he receives back give him hope to keep fighting and hoping that he can return to his loved ones.

 

Mauve, Oshki’s wife, leans on her husband’s family as a young mother and the trials of depression and illness come calling. Her faith is strengthened by her in-laws, as they gather together to surrender Oshki to God in prayer, trusting in His love for Oshki to lead him through unknown valleys.

 

Luis Wilson, my main character, acting as a spy in France, is bolstered by the love and support of his family after surviving an auspicious day, fighting in Flanders with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces.

 

Rose, a nurse working in a hospital receiving wounded men, makes an unusual bond with the parents of her once-intended fiancé. She blooms in her faith from their love and support.

 

FRIENDS:

Jimmy Smith, another man from Webaashi Bay, receives letters from Lily Parsons, an old schoolmate, who he once picked on in school. Over letters of friendship, they fall in love, and Lily’s words become an anchor for Jimmy in a sea of destruction.

 

The women of Webaashi Bay unite and do what they can to further the wartime effort and tame tensions rising at home. They form a group, meeting and talking about such things as: how to make meat and dairy rations go further, how to make new clothes from old ones, and how to can and preserve food.

 

Natalie Herman, the local café owner, accused of being a German spy by her neighbor, must defend herself to the local constabulary. Lionhearted Lily stands by her friend and challenges the town to do the same.

 

FAITH:

 

I can’t write a story without pouring my faith through my characters. My faith in God and the salvation of His Son, Jesus, is integral to who I am as a person and as an author. I’ve lived through some dark days, and I know that God was with me in the midst of those. And He will continue to be in the future. Although, I have not lived through a physical war, I’ve lived through a mental and spiritual one, and I battle with my health every day. I hope my writing reflects the deep places I have been to in the voices of my characters and their experiences.

 

TIME TOGETHER:

During our current health crisis around the world, we’ve come to realize just how important time together is as family and friends. We cherish the times and opportunities when we can see our loved ones.

 

Participating in or hosting tea parties has always been an activity I liked to do with friends and family. In Silver Moon, I have several scenes including friends, family, and tea—imagine that. In the back of the book, I included my own recipe for a lovely tea. Let’s have a cup together, shall we?

 

Thank you for reading! The very best of blessings to you,

Jenny

 

Autumn Comfort Tea

This is a recipe for a hand-blended tea from ingredients that I grew, except the spices.
It’s simple, light, and comforting.

Ingredients:
1 and 1⁄2 T. dried apple
2 t. dried sage
2 t. dried mint
1 t. dried chamomile
2 T. cinnamon bark chips
1⁄2 t. crushed clove buds

Instructions:
Chop dried ingredients separately before measuring. After chopping mix together well.
Store in airtight container away from light.
Use 1 t. per 8oz of boiling water.
Steep for 4-5 min. in an infuser.
~
Enjoy!

MY REVIEW 

This is third in the series and my favorite one so far. I love reading about history and especially the war that was going on and the involvement of Canada. I don’t think too many books show the perspective of the Canadians and was pleased the author highlighted them in this story. 

There are several things going on in the story that fascinated me. The first was how   since so many men had been called up for duty, the emptiness they left behind fell to the women to cover. I loved how they stepped up and worked in factories, farms and other places to keep the economy going. It was interesting when the women gathered to share how to cook frugally. Some of the ideas were quite ingenious and I know my grandmother had used those same ideas in her cooking. Small little things like using molasses or honey instead of sugar or how to make meat stretch to feed many were ideas the women shared to help each other out. 

The other part of the story  that has piqued my interest was that someone had become a spy. It is not an easy task this person has taken on. Danger lurks at every corner, on every word spoken and every task before him. I followed him as he slipped vital information to help his country. The author depicts a realistic look at war and the heartache it causes. Can you imagine being in the trenches as bullets fly just pass your ears? 

The story is emotional and filled with tragedy and hope. But there is always hope even in the midst of darkness. The author shows us how important prayer is as the characters find themselves in need of answers. I loved the two couples who shared their feelings for each other. Not knowing what the outcome of war would be, they wanted to express their hope for a future with the one person they cared about. I enjoyed the story and thought the author did an excellent job of showing the effects of war as men and women come together to fight against the enemy. 

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

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, December 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 21

lakesidelivingsite, December 21

Libraray Lady’s Kid Lit, December 22

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 24

Book of Ruth Ann, December 25

deb’s Book Review, December 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 27

Texas Book-aholic, December 28

Inklings and notions, December 29

Mary Hake, December 29

For Him and My Family, December 30

Artistic Nobody, December 31 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 1

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jenny is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a set of earrings pertaining to the theme 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/104fe/silver-moon-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: Christmas Stalkings & New Year’s Revolutions

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Fiction / Christian / Romance / Holiday

Release Date: January 29, 2017 and December 31, 2016

Christmas Stalkings

If her life had to transform into a TV movie, couldn’t it have been a sweet romance instead of a creepy suspense?

Wendy Nabity has redefined “crazy cat lady,” and she’s just fine with that. She’s got a tree and a stocking for reach of them, too.

All that festivity turns ominous when things begin turning up in odd places—places her fur babies couldn’t move them. The local police? They think she’s as crazy as the fleas jumping from cat to cat—or something like that.

Her neighbors aren’t much help. The nice one won’t come near her, despite his obvious interest, and the other hates her enough to torment her every chance he can. Seriously, if Neal Kirkpatrick makes one more rude demand of her, she might just start dumping the litter box on his front porch!

However, when a threatening note appears in one of the stockings, even Fairbury’s police officers have to admit no cat could have written it, and one officer takes it upon himself to do something.

Who knew Christmastime could feel so sinister?

____________________________________

New Year’s Revolutions

His life is spinning out of control, and his heart isn’t far behind!

Neal Kirkpatrick: project manager, staunch atheist, and town grump. Aside from an apparent soft spot for a neighborhood boy, the man has nothing to recommend him.

So when he overhears criticism from a neighbor he secretly respects, Neal decides maybe it’s time for professional help. With the same straightforward tenacity he uses in his job, Neal goes on a hunt for a therapist to help him unravel the mystery of himself.

His therapist says he’s in love, but Neal Kirkpatrick does not do relationships.

Does he?

Is any woman worth changing his entire life for?

Is He worth it?

You met him in Christmas Stalkings. Now it’s time to get to know him.

Discover what happens when the town curmudgeon steps out of his comfort zone and into a psychologist’s office to learn what’s up with his heart.

 

Click here to get your copy of Christmas Stalkings!

Click here to get your copy of New Year's Revolutions!

 

About the Author

Chautona 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 at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

 

More from Chautona

Sometimes, You Just Can’t Let a Character Go

I met him in my book, A Bird Died. Neal Kirkpatrick. Grumpy, snappish, the man just seemed to look for something to grouse about. Except when it comes to a little boy in the town, and then a soft side came out that no one expected.

A few years later, I got the idea for a Christmas comedic suspense “noella” (Christmas novella), and the minute I knew what I wanted to write, I knew I’d be writing about him, too. He’d be the main character’s neighbor and always on her case about something. Instant conflict and subplot. Oh, yeah!

Something unexpected happened as I wrote the story, though. I fell in love with the cranky guy and didn’t want to let him go. Did I have time to write a book for New Year’s, too? I mean, how cool would that be? After much deliberation, I decided to go for it.

I’m kind of glad I didn’t know what kind of Christmas our family would have that year or I would never have decided to do it, and I doubt Neal’s story would still be languishing in the slush-pile of my mind (for the story of our family’s Christmas that year, you might want to check out Sand & Mistletoe).

That story turned into something unexpected. 

First, there was more to his story than I’d ever imagined. A dysfunctional family, a past that he didn’t even choose himself, and a rather immoral life I wouldn’t usually care to consider. But reality made me admit that a man with no concern for what the Lord says about things wouldn’t necessarily live the kind of life I think people should! Don’t worry, I didn’t do deep into those kinds of details! My prudish streak got pushed, but not pushed aside.

More than just “his side of the story,” New Year’s Revolutions tells the story of a man who sees himself through the lens of someone he respects and goes on a journey to see why he is as he is and if there is something inherently wrong with it or if the trouble lies with others (as he suspects).

Both a personal and a spiritual journey ensued that made me dig deep into Scripture to discover what it had to say about Jesus, relationships, and honesty. Neal’s discovery of what the Word says about things drove me to study and restudy things that I believed. We didn’t always come to the same conclusions, but it was interesting and I learned more than I would have expected to.

I hope you love Neal as much as I do. I know one thing for sure… this isn’t the last we’ll see of him.

CHRISTMAS STALKINGS

Oh what a fun book to read to brighten my holiday spirit. I loved Wendy and all her cats. I could see me doing the same thing but with dogs. Her love of cats is adorable and she treats them with special care. What a treat it would be to visit her home and find Cupid, Dancer, Vixen and well you get the idea. Every Christmas she decorates a tree for each cat. Now it’s not a simple tree she does  but rather a special theme for each cat. That’s right. Every cat gets their own special tree.

She is lonely though and has high hopes her neighbor will ask her out. Now she has two eligible men in the neighborhood but one is down right cranky, demanding and a Scrooge. I loved the mystery surrounding who was getting into Wendy’s house and moving things around. The things she goes through to keep her cats safe is like a scene from “I Love Lucy.” The police think she is nuts and half the town tries to avoid her. Something strange is going on and Wendy is determined to get to the bottom of it. 

The story is quirky but oh so enjoyable. I really was thinking I had the culprit figured out but the author fooled me completely. There is a faith element in the story that I liked and loved how it tied into someone wanting to know more about Jesus. I can’t say anything more but this is a must read for everyone looking for a shining star in the midst of chaos. 

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

NEW YEAR’S REVOLUTIONS

In this book we get to know Neal on a deeper level. I did like how the author shows him as a confused but kind man. He really does mean well when he says things to Wendy. It’s the way he says it that is easily misunderstood. He can sound abrasive at times and other times almost sincere. Being Wendy’s neighbor is like a roller coaster ride. That woman is always forgetting things, has a lot of cats and a stalker to complete the story. 

I really liked the sessions Neal  had  and how he slowly became aware of his feelings. I thought it was very brave for Neal to decide to step out of his comfort zone and seek help. The author does write a more emotional journey as she peels away the surface and opens Neal up as a vulnerable person. Will he win Wendy over? Can she get past his unusual way of expressing himself to see the compassionate Neal? 

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

Blog Stops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 14

For Him and My Family, December 15

Get Cozy Book Nook, December 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 16

Captive Dreams Window, December 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 18

Holly Jo Morris, December 18

Inklings and notions, December 19

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 20

Mary Hake, December 20

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 21

deb’s Book Review, December 22

Blogging With Carol, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

CarpeDiem, December 24

Godly Book Reviews, December 25

Artistic Nobody, December 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, December 26 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Texas Book-aholic, December 27

Batya’s Bits, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of each book, Christmas Stalkings & New Year’s Revolutions!!

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/104a9/christmas-stalkings-new-year-s-revolutions-celebration-tour-giveaway