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Saturday, October 1, 2022


About the Book

Book: Escape from Amsterdam

Author: Lauralee Bliss

Genre: Christian Fiction/ Historical / Romance / Intrigue

Release date: September 1, 2022

A University Student Smuggles Children Out of Amsterdam

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.


Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Lauralee Bliss is a published author of many romance novels and novellas, both historical and contemporary. Lauralee’s prayer is that readers will come away with both an entertaining story and a lesson that speaks to the heart and soul. When not writing, Lauralee can often be found on the trails where the author has logged over 10,000 miles of hiking. She makes her home in the Blue Ridge mountains with her family. Visit Lauraleebliss.com for more information about the author and her adventures.



More from Lauralee Bliss

Oh, the simple beauty of the Netherlands. Windmills. Tulips. Dutch wooden clogs. Beautiful Delftware and delicious speculaas cookies. Quaint villages nestled beside the waters. And here I am, an American that was able to visit this beautiful country on the heels of my husband winning a contest through his work. We had planned to immerse ourselves in Dutch culture, see the sites, and yes, visit places like the Secret Annex of Anne Frank and the town where Corrie ten Boom and The Hiding Place existed. Little did I realize though that this unique trip would become a journey into the heart of a hurting country in World War II. During our time there, we visited the Jewish Quarter in the center of Amsterdam and learned the details of Nazi occupation for many years that eventually caused two-thirds of the Dutch Jewish population to be exterminated. Walking in the place where a theater once stood and Jewish people gathered there to be deported was indescribable. Seeing the Jewish stars embedded in the pavement and noting the name of a man or woman killed at Auschwitz, was heart-wrenching. But through these horrendous details came the strength of courage and heroism. Across the street from the theater, Jewish children were rescued because of the efforts of those who gave everything to see them go into hiding. Thus the book, “Escape from Amsterdam” was born. It honors those that aided and hid Jewish children from the Nazis to avoid deportation. I am grateful for the opportunity to write this story of two common Dutch people, a college student and a grocery store clerk, called to a dangerous mission to save the innocent when the odds were the greatest. It is a timely book that magnifies the strength of courage in adversity and allows us to become better people because of it. I hope you enjoy this journey and as you do, remember those who came before us and allow their acts of courage to encourage you to persevere, no matter what.

MY REVIEW 

With a breathtaking look at Amsterdam during a war that changed so many lives, the author illustrates how dangerous it was in this period of history. I enjoyed how we felt like we were there with the people who lived peacefully in Amsterdam. When the Germans invade their peaceful land, we witness how the enemy destroys quickly and without remorse.

The plight of the Jewish people during this time was so hard to read. They were treated poorly and had to find certain  places to live. The author does give us an insight into  how hard it was to survive and the vicious attacks on them physically and emotionally. As we are introduced to Helen we see how compassionate she is. Her dream to become a teacher is in jeopardy as German soldiers slowly start to occupy areas where Helen used to feel safe. 

Erik is very much a person who believes in helping  others. He sees friends and neighbors losing their jobs and homes because they are Jewish. When he meets Helen they form a friendship that will take them on an adventure  where they will see lives taken as chaos surrounds them. It is hard to read how horrible it was for  people to find shelter and keep their families safe. As the enemy gets close, Erik knows he must do something to help the innocent people who are being tortured because they are Jewish. 

The story takes a dark turn when talk of death camps is explained to Helen. Erik tells her that children  are being taken there as well as adults. The ones who are taken away never come  back and Helen suddenly understands  the need to save children from this horrific  place. There is an urgency to get the  few children they can to safety. When Helen and  Erik return to friends they had met before, this loving couple  took them in without hesitation. I adored Ephraim and  Delia and found them to be a very important part of this story. For me they were the  real heroes of the  story. They risked  everything to hide Erik, Helen and the three children from German soldiers. Their faith was very strong and they knew that God had called them to do this mission. 

I found the book to be interesting and really gave a voice to the Jewish people who had suffered at the  hands of evil which I hope will never be repeated. The author notes at the end gives us more details about this war and the  people who were persecuted. We find that there were people who were willing to risk their safety to help others who needed to find shelter. I loved how the author used faith throughout the story and showed how people were faithful to trust God to keep them from harm. 

“We must care for each other as God would have it. There is no greater calling on earth.”

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 29

The Write Escape, September 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 30

Inklings and notions, September 30

deb’s Book Review, October 1

Holly’s Book Corner, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 3

Mary Hake, October 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 4

Through the Fire Blogs, October 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 5

Cover Lover Book Review, October 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 6

Labor Not in Vain, October 6

Connie’s History Classroom, October 7

Betti Mace, October 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 8

Remembrancy, October 8

For Him and My Family, October 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 9

lakesidelivingsite, October 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 10

Splashes of Joy, October 11

Lights in a Dark World, October 11

Blossoms and Blessings, October 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauralee is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a 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/2224b/escape-from-amsterdam-celebration-tour-giveaway


 


Friday, September 30, 2022


About the Book

Book: Pursued in the Wilderness

Author: Loretta Eidson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: September 27, 2022

Her baby’s life…depends on one man and his K-9

The murder of her ex-husband at a remote cabin and the discovery that the killers want to take her about-to-be-born baby sends Brooke Chandler running into the Tennessee mountains. She stumbles into the campsite of K-9 handler Trent Williston and his search-and-rescue dog, Rex. Trent vows to get Brooke and her baby to safety. But with the killers on their heels, the impending birth of Brooke’s baby and the threats of the wilderness, they must first survive…

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her husband, four children, and thirteen grandchildren. Her love of reading began in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels. Loretta’s heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.

Connect with Loretta on social media or through her website at www.lorettaeidson.com. Be sure to sign up for her quarterly newsletter www.lorettaeidson.com/newsletter-signup/

 

More from Loretta

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been mesmerized by the majesty of the mountains. I love log cabin vacations on the mountain top, sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch, and enjoying my early morning coffee. Low-lying clouds hang over them like a soft blanket and slowly dissipate while birds sing their wake-up songs. The perfect place to reminisce about life and dream about the future. Serene and beautiful.

 

One would think with my admiration of the mountain range I would accept all the mountains have to offer. Not so. Even though there are many hiking trails, I have ventured out on very few. Animals of the wild frighten me, but none near as much as a bear. I am certain every bear in the forest hides in the tops of trees, waiting for my arrival so they can pounce on me. I know it’s silly, but my apprehension is real.

 

What could be more suspenseful than to write a novel about Brooke Chandler, thirty-eight weeks pregnant, running for her and her baby’s life through the mountains? She must face her fears of the wild, including bears, if she wants to save her baby from the killers that murdered her husband. To make it worse, she’s in the forest alone in the inky darkness.

 

Handler Trent Williston and his K-9, Rex, escape the city, away from all pregnant women. He refuses to deliver another baby after a mishap with an emergency delivery while on the job. A camping trip to the mountains with Rex is his go-to for relaxation – until Brooke falls into his camp with three killers on her trail.

 

I hope you enjoy Trent and Brooke’s story as they face their challenges together.

MY REVIEW 

This story starts with a very intense scene where we find Brooke running for her life in the  woods.  Her mistake was meeting  her soon to be ex-husband at a secluded place in the Tennessee Mountains. I did think it was not a great decision for Brooke since she is eight months pregnant. It kinda frustrated me that she would be so gullible to meet him anywhere since she  has been through a very tough marriage with him. She knows he can’t be trusted so why did she decide this was the best time to bring the divorce papers to him and see why he needed her to travel to him? 

The author does a great job of bringing suspense into the story as Brooke stumbles upon Trent and his K-9 dog who happen to be out hiking. I really liked Trent and how he stepped up to help Brooke. You could feel the tension between the two as each one sized the other up. Brooke is not a big fan of Trent’s dog or the wilderness but I had a feeling the dog would be a great protector for her. They find  themselves barely staying  ahead of the men after Brooke. The dangerous terrain and weather is enough to stop anyone in their tracks. 

I didn’t much care for Brooke at first because she was a complainer at times and the repeating mention of her being pregnant really got to me. I did finally understand why Brooke was so unsure of herself which helped me relate to her a little better. I want to applaud Trent for being a person who puts others before himself. His ideas to keep them safe was good and definitely showed his survival skills. 

 I did like how the author illustrated how both characters needed to work through doubt and trust. They each have something from their past that keeps them from allowing God to truly be the one they  depend on. I enjoyed the ending and appreciate that the author focused on them being rescued and how strong they each became at the end.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 1

Texas Book-aholic, October 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 2

Blogging With Carol, October 2

Inklings and notions, October 3

deb’s Book Review, October 4

Paula’s Pad of Suspense & Detection, October 4

Betti Mace, October 5

Lily’s Book Reviews, October 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 6

Simple Harvest Reads, October 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 8

Hallie Reads, October 8

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 9

Holly’s Book Corner, October 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 10

Mary Hake, October 10

Through the Fire Blogs, October 11

For Him and My Family, October 11

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 12

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 12

Pause for Tales, October 13

Labor Not in Vain, October 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 14 (Author Interview)

Lights in a Dark World, October 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Loretta is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a 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/21c37/pursued-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, September 29, 2022


About the Book

Book: Flight

Author: Kristen Young

Genre: YA dystopian sci-fi

Release date: September 13, 2022

The Fight for What is Right is Also a Fight to Survive 

On the cusp of graduation, Cadence is finally feeling in control. She’s about to become one of the prestigious Elites working in the Hall of Love. Plus, she can take her place as a full member of the underground Sirens who meet secretly in Love City. She’ll finally be able to use her memory skills for good, instead of reporting people as a Watcher.

But a dangerous trap is set, throwing Cadence into unwelcome and unfamiliar territory. Someone in the Collective remembers things that could very well get her killed. The Muse is by her side, after all, but will she be protected when someone powerful wants her dead?

Cadence just wants to be normal, free from politics or squad intimidation. Will she be able to achieve her Elite dreams, or will sinister forces leave her running for her life?


Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

A Scottish-born Australian author, Kristen Young has worked in children’s and youth ministry for decades. She writes fiction and non-fiction for teens, and always has a notebook on hand to capture stray story ideas. In her spare time she loves hanging out with her family, watching movies with subtitles, and enjoying a little too much chocolate.



More from Kristen

Interview with Kristen Young, author of Flight

 

Okay, so Flight is the final novel in the Collective Underground series. Was it hard writing the conclusion?

 

The funny thing is, Flight was originally book 1! I wrote the story ages ago, and the manuscript won a Caleb award for unpublished fiction. The prize for that was a manuscript assessment, which came back with the comments, “This is good, but it starts a little fast. Can you add some backstory?”

 

So the backstory turned into two books?

 

Yes! Of course, by the time I came back to Flight, there were so many more story threads to follow, so the final result is very different to the original.

 

What did you change?

 

Some of the characters in Apprentice and Elite needed to re-appear, and so I had to change some of that. Like Hodge, who didn’t exist when I wrote the first version of Flight. There was also quite a lot of unfinished business that carried over from the first two books, and I felt that they needed some resolution, too. I can’t tell you too many details, though, because that would spoil the fun.

 

What can we look forward to in the final installment?

 

More thrills, more plot twists, and maybe some love. Just a whole lot of excitement, really. But seriously, Cadence is thrown into some pretty difficult situations this time, and she has to re-evaluate her whole mission. There are also some pretty high-level plots going on in the government that might send her a bit of trouble, too…

 

Love? Does that mean what we think it does?

 

I’ve already said I can’t spoil the fun of reading.

 

Oh, go on. Tell us.

 

Sorry. You’ll just have to read it. 🙂

MY REVIEW

I remember how much I loved the previous books in this series and am excited to see what happens with Cadence. I do think it would be beneficial to read the previous books in this series in order to be able to understand what is happening. This book is the last in the series and will give readers an exciting adventure as we anticipate the ending. 

The big day is fast approaching for Cadence’s graduation. It seems like everything is falling into place for her to finally become an Elite working in the Hall of Love. I was excited for her but the author throws a curve ball and a trap is set that could endanger Cadence. Who sends her a code that sets up a cat and mouse scenario? I had my suspicion but with the author’s  brilliant writing  the story takes on secrets, danger and a question of who Cadence can trust. 

I loved following Cadence as she tries to stay hidden from the enemy who is hunting  her down. She encounters several people who I found to be intriguing. I especially liked Lark. She is there at the right time to help Cadence and brings her a safe place for now. With her injured leg she can’t do much.  Lark makes  her feel welcome in this secret underground environment.  Will Lark be someone who Cadence can depend on?

I like that the author has Wil and Cadence cross paths again. The people she is staying with seem to trust him, but she knows how deceitful he can be. It is hard for her to forget the things he did yet these people trust him. Cadence is having  a hard time understanding how Wil can be forgiven after she tells everyone about him.  When Cadence can’t hold her anger anymore she turns on Wil. She didn’t quite get the reaction she wanted and runs away from the scene. This reminded me of a recent encounter I had with someone. After being  verbally  attacked by someone, I decided to walk away yet was expecting someone to comfort me. When it didn’t happen I felt shame and hurt. Cadence must have felt the same as she thought perhaps others would see that Wil is not who he says he is. 

There is a lot going on in the story but one thing is clear. Faith and forgiveness are evident in this story as Cadence faces betrayal, danger and surprises that keep the story going. I loved how the author shows us how a person can be forgiven and changes into a person who wants to do right. The author also touches on worry. “We can’t extend our lives by worrying.” 

The ending is explosive, intense and dangerous as Cadence encounters  old friends that  come to help her. I am sad to see the series end but really  loved the characters and being reminded about forgiveness and trust. 

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 30

Artistic Nobody, October 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Inklings and notions, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 4

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 5 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, October 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

Blossoms and Blessings, October 10 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Baker’s Perspective, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away  the grand prize of 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/21c36/flight-celebration-tour-giveaway


Tuesday, September 27, 2022

 

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: September, 2022

Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.




Click here to get your copy!

 

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.


And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

 

More from Michelle

A Visit to Borough Market

Whenever I skip across the pond, I make it a point to stop at the Borough Market for some great meals. This area was—and is—a popular place to shop and an absolute must-see for food lovers. From grocers, fishmongers, cheese sellers, and butchers to all kinds of ethnic eats, it’s hard not to want to sample everything. My personal favorite are the buddha bowls.

Believe it or not, Borough market has been in operation for the past thousand years. Yes, you read that correctly. It actually began as a bridge, constructed in 990. But let’s fast forward to the Victorian era, shall we?

 

In the nineteenth century, a railway viaduct was constructed through the middle of the market, which brought in more people—but also brought in more noise, soot, disruption, and crime. In such a hotbed of activity, it’s easy to imagine cutpurses and pickpockets of all sorts.

And that’s the perfect scene for a certain con-artist turned investigator to meet with an informant. In The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, Kit Turner is up to her old shenanigans, much to Jackson’s chagrin. You can visit Borough Market along with her in this wild ride through Victorian London. It’s just one of the many stops in a city that never gets old.



MY REVIEW

I’m glad to see the story continue with Kit and Jackson in this adventure. I remember Kit from the previous book and how street smart she is. Who would of thought that we would be witness the marriage between the feisty   Kit and Detective Jackson. But not all is easy going as these two seem to find trouble. At the start of the book we can get a feel of how the story will go. Kit never backs down and her determination could cause problems for her and Jackson. 

Kit and Jackson are gearing up for their big day, but Kit has a surprise in store that she thinks will be a great wedding present. I’m not sure she was thinking  clearly when she set out that  morning of her wedding , but if you know Kit nothing will stop her. I did like meeting Jackson’s brother and finding out what happened to him. Kit has such a big heart for him that she wants to find justice for him. The excitement grows as Kit finds herself in a little bit of a predicament. The author does a very good job of letting readers feel Kit’s fear as she tries to remove herself from danger. 

Because of Kit’s actions she may have lost the man she loves. On her wedding day she goes off to solve a case which to some  seem irresponsible. How will Jackson feel when he finds out why Kit didn’t show up for their wedding? Kit’s father doesn’t hold anything back as he confronts her and points out that her pride may cause her to lose Jackson. I think I heard Kit gasp at those words. Has there been a time when you let pride interfere with doing what was right? 

The story delivers a few surprises that had me turning the pages as fast as I could.  What Kit finds while she is trapped in a building will cause an avalanche of hurt and answers that have long been hidden. I loved how the author shows how important communication is in any relationship as Kit and Jackson try to get past their argument. The theme of trust and forgiveness is shown in the story by characters who must decide if they will swallow their pride and allow their hears to be softened.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 27

Life of Literature, September 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Book Looks by Lisa, September 28

Bigreadersite, September 28

Betti Mace, September 29

Genesis 5020, September 29

Remembrancy, September 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Christina’s Corner, September 30

A Baker’s Perspective, September 30

She Lives to Read, October 1

Inklings and notions, October 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

Blogging With Carol, October 2

Daysong Reflections, October 2

Hallie Reads, October 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 3 (Author Interview)

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 3

deb’s Book Review, October 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 4

Holly’s Book Corner, October 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 5

Bizwings Blog, October 5

Back Porch Reads, October 5

Connie’s History Classroom, October 6

Books I’ve Read, October 6

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Write Escape, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 8

Vicky Sluiter, October 8

Through the Fire Blogs, October 8

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 9

Labor Not in Vain, October 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 10

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane!!

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/21aab/the-bride-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway