Friday, October 28, 2022

About the Book

Book: Mary

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Historical/Christian/Romance Fiction

Release date: October, 2022

Worlds Collide Along the Shores of the Outer Banks

Immerse yourself in the “what if” questions related to the Lost Colony of Roanoke. What if an English boy and a native girl met in the wilderness? The push-and-pull between two very different worlds begins as one seeks simple friendship and the other struggles to trust. And can it—dare they—allow it to be more?

Sparks fly between Mushaniq, free-spirited daughter of Manteo, and Georgie Howe, whose father was brutally murdered by undiscovered native warriors before they’d been on Roanoac Island a full week. As Georgie struggles to make sense of his life and to accept that not all they call “savage” are guilty of his father’s death, Mushaniq grapples with her own questions about who Manteo has become. As tentative friendship becomes more, forged in the fire of calamity and attack upon their community, both must decide whether the One True God is indeed who He claims to be and whether He is worthy of their trust.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in Charleston, South Carolina, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s a military wife, mom of eight, mother-in-law of three, grammie of two, and a member of ACFW and RWA. Her first novella, Defending Truth in A Pioneer Christmas Collection, was a 2014 RITA® finalist. When she’s not sewing, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies. Connect with her at www.shannonmcnear.com, or on Facebook and Goodreads.

More from Shannon

Why did I write Mary? The series started as an idea suggested by my editor and soon became something of an obsession. This installment was inspired partly by the Legend of the Coharie, a fragment of the very murky history surrounding the Roanoke Colony and the Lumbee people of North Carolina. According to this legend, George Howe, the son of the colonist by same name who was brutally murdered a few days after their landing on Roanoke Island, married a daughter of Manteo, the Native man who traveled twice to England, later led a group of the colonists inland for refuge and eventually became an ancestor of the Lumbees. Then, as my Lost Colony research expanded, my interest in the nuances of two cultures meeting and blending grew into a desire to pay tribute to what might have been the first (and possibly only) example of European and Native peoples living together in peace. Imagine if this had been the defining moment of our country’s founding?

As usually happens, fictional characters (even those based on historical figures) sooner or later run away with the story—and that’s the part I find most exciting! I hope you, the readers, also enjoy this tale of Mushaniq (squirrel in Carolina Algonquian) and Georgie, which serves as both a parallel story and sequel to Elinor.

MY REVIEW

I remember reading the first book in this series and thinking how beautifully it flowed. With this book it does the same only I feel it was a much more emotional and deeper book. The author goes into details that enhance the history of the people she writes about. It is easy to feel like you have traveled back in time as we get acquainted with the characters.

It was interesting to get to know the colonists and their beliefs. There is a discussion about God and one of them spoke of wanting “us to be as one people. One heart and mind. One purpose.” Even today that same mindset exists among us. In the 1500s people were trying to survive and get along with others. I enjoyed reading as this desire to work as one was played out in the story.

The book is one where at times I thought about how two people different in culture wanted to learn about each other. The journey was not easy and at times there was tension that could be described as maybe a warning to guard your hearts. I appreciate how the Native Americans were represented in the story. Yes there were moments that I didn’t want to believe that some horrible things had been done by these people but the author kept true to history.

The relationship between two people in the story was very touching and handled very well. Perhaps they came from different cultures but to watch them grow and desire to bridge the gap between the families was hopeful. Another aspect of the story was faith that was prevalent and the desire to know Him better. With the author’s ability to describe the food, land and clothes in this tine period helped the story come alive as we feel like we are right there with them. Overall good book that touches our lives as we understand each other better and accept each other. Maybe someday we will “be as one working together for one purpose.”

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 26

Remembrancy, October 27

Inkwell Inspirations, October 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 29

Hallie Reads, October 29

Inklings and notions, October 30

For Him and My Family, October 30

deb’s Book Review, October 31

To Everything There Is A Season, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Holly’s Book Corner, November 1

Betti Mace, November 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 2

Connie’s History Classroom, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Bizwings Blog, November 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 5

A Reader’s Brain, November 6

Sylvan Musings, November 6

Through the Fire Blogs, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 8

Spoken from the Heart, November 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon 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/22447/mary-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 27, 2022

About the Book

Book: Dog Days of Summer

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Genre: Christian/Mystery/Romance Fiction

Release date: October, 2022

Trina Potter, Nashville country music star, buys a ranch near her hometown in Brenham, Texas, to help her niece open a rescue facility for dogs. Her presence in town stirs up some old high school rivalries—and romance. Finding property to buy is a challenge, convincing her mother to move there with her is daunting, and navigating a string of strange accidents is perplexing. Sometimes Trina feels like she’s purchased her own three ring circus instead of a beautiful piece of land. But her first priority will be figuring out who wants Second Chance Ranch shut down before they even have the grand opening.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

When she’s not spinning modern day tales about her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen inserts an ancestor or two into her historical and mystery novels as well. Recent book releases include bestselling The Pirate Bride set in 1700s New Orleans and Galveston, its sequel The Alamo Bride set in 1836 Texas, which feature a few well-placed folks from history and a family tale of adventure on the high seas and on the coast of Texas. She also writes (mostly) relative-free cozy mystery novels for Guideposts Books.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and one very adorable Londoner.

More from Kathleen

Do you love dogs…or cats…or both…? I’m firmly in the “both” category. Since childhood I’ve always lived in homes that had at least one or the other, usually several of each. With every dog or cat comes at least one good story. One of my favorites is the tale of Bandit, the inspiration for the cover of my cozy mystery DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

Once upon a time there was a black and white dog named Bandit. He was an English Springer Spaniel by birth but was completely convinced he was human. Bandit loved his people—three growing boys and a baby girl—even more than he loved popcorn and playing keep away (his version of catch). After many years, Bandit’s people grew up and he grew old. Toward the end of his very long and pampered life, he was plagued by the unwanted and yet much appreciated friendship of an ornery orange striped cat named Baby and a snooty pedigreed feline named Fifi.

Everyone loved Bandit…except the territorial squirrel who lived in a tree in our back yard in Southeast Texas. From the moment Bandit joined the family, the furry fellow was determined to rid himself and his back yard of the trespassing canine. The squirrel’s favorite tactic was to tease Bandit until the dog chased him up a tree. Once treed, the crafty critter would run around the trunk just out of Bandit’s reach. Once the squirrel tired of this, it would retreat to a limb. There, the battle of the backyard beasts would commence again but with the squirrel lobbing pinecones and the dog trying to catch them.

While every good story has a beginning, middle and end, unfortunately at the end of this one there was no winner in the dog vs. squirrel wars. A job transfer led us to Houston where squirrels were in abundance in our new neighborhood but none of them were nearly as much fun as the one Bandit left behind. The last time I spoke with the owners of our old house, they told the funniest story: they loved their new home, but there was this squirrel in the back yard that kept throwing pinecones at everyone.

In DOG DAYS OF SUMMER, I tell the story of another Texas back yard. This one is located in Brenham, Texas, and it is about to become a very special place for some very special dogs named Patsy and Cline. Have I mentioned these dogs belong to a country singer named Trina who has a mother named Mama Peach who happens to own a cat named Hector that dislikes almost everyone and can open doors? Then there’s the problem of the next door neighbor and his penchant to forget to close the lid on his grill when he’s cooking? Did I mention that Patsy and Cline enjoy nothing more than whatever they happen to find on an unguarded grill? While the two furry scoundrels are rounding up trouble next door, there is even more trouble happening at the building site for Second Chance Ranch Dog Rescue on the other side of the property. Apparently not everyone is happy about the new neighbors. The mystery is who that person might be. While you’ve got to read DOG DAYS OF SUMMER to find out, I can give you one hint: it’s not the squirrel!

I’ve told you mine; now tell me your favorite dog or cat story. I can’t wait to read them.

MY REVIEW

I am over the moon in love with this series. I highly recommend getting comfy, grab a snack and get ready to laugh, cry and be entertained by this lovely look at a small Texas town. I am a Texan and this series represents the state perfectly. Yes we are known for our sweet iced tea, family gatherings and barbecue.

Trina has just gotten back from her trip to see family in Brenham, Texas when an unexpected phone call sends her right back home. Now her mama is always getting into something whether it be making delicious pies, spending time with family or having trouble find her. I had to laugh at Trina as she has no idea what to expect when she sees her mama in the hospital. Maybe now is a good time to think about purchasing a home and land in Brenham so she has a place of her own when she comes home? Hector the cat once again steals the show with a call to get Mama help. Oh I laughed so hard I spilled my tea when I read what the cat did. Be prepared for more antics from Hector.

There is always that one person who acts nice and makes you believe she is trying to help, but Bitsy is up to no good. She definitely is jealous of Trina and her pushy way about hinting that Trina should use her as a realtor is starting to get on my nerves. We will need to keep our eyes on Bitsy. Will she cause trouble for Trina?

With strange things going on close to the opening of Second Chance Ranch, Trina is trying to help her niece Mari while juggling the idea of perhaps making a purchase on land and a home. Who is out to stop the grand opening of a much needed place for dogs to go until they are adopted? Clues start piling up along with suspects which gives readers a chance to play detective along with Trina.

With the book now read, I must confess something. I loved everything about it from the rescue dogs, the setting of the story, delicious pies, suspense and an added bonus of romance. The author delivers a great story that will have you laughing, falling in love with the characters and becoming more familiar with how important it is to put family first. I am excited to read the next installment in this series.

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 28

Texas Book-aholic, October 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Blogging With Carol, October 29

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 30 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, October 30

Inklings and notions, October 31

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 1

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 3

Remembrancy, November 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 4

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 6

Boondock Ramblings, November 6

Labor Not in Vain, November 7

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, November 7

Pause for Tales, November 8

Mary Hake, November 8

For Him and My Family, November 9

Divine Perspective, November 9

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, November 10

The Book Club Network, November 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/2244a/dog-days-of-summer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

About the Book

Book: Wreathed in Disgrace

Author: Robin Patchen

Genre: Christian romantic suspense

Release date: October 18, 2022

A famous actress, a protective bodyguard, a festive Christmas season, and a killer…or two…on the loose.

Everybody believes movie star Denise Masters abandoned her family to pursue her dream, but the truth is much more complex. For years, she’s longed to return to Coventry to repair her relationship with her daughter, but contractual obligations–and fear of being rejected–have kept her away. When a serial killer targets Hollywood actors, Denise decides to spend the Christmas holidays in New Hampshire. She will finally face the disgrace of her past.

Private security agent Jon Donley figures the woman he’s been hired to guard will turn out to be a paranoid, privileged prima donna. Instead, the more he gets to know Denise, the more he likes her. But he’s not being paid to get involved with her. His job is to keep her safe while he figures out what links her to the other victims.

But the serial killer on the west coast isn’t the only danger they face. A second one is closing in fast, threatening not just Denise but the little girl she’ll stop at nothing to protect.

Romance, suspense, and a New England Christmas. Don’t miss the next installment of the addictive Coventry Saga.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Robin Patchen is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of Christian romantic suspense. She grew up in a small town in New Hampshire, the setting of her Nutfield Saga books, and then headed to Boston to earn a journalism degree. Working in marketing and public relations, she discovered how much she loathed the nine-to-five ball and chain. After relocating to the Southwest, she started writing her first novel while she homeschooled her three children. The novel was dreadful, but her passion for storytelling didn’t wane. Thankfully, as her children grew, so did her writing ability. Now that her kids are adults, she has more time to play with the lives of fictional heroes and heroines, wreaking havoc and working magic to give her characters happy endings. When she’s not writing, she’s editing or reading, proving that most of her life revolves around the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. Visit https://robinpatchen.com/subscribe to receive a free book and stay informed about Robin’s latest projects.

More from Robin

On Becoming a Hero…

I’ve been contemplating this story since I wrote the first book in the Coventry Saga, Glimmer in the Darkness, and discovered that little Ella’s mother had abandoned her family. She was such a bad mother, in fact, that she didn’t even come home when Ella was kidnapped.

Obviously, Denise Masters was not heroine material.

Or so I thought.

But Denise has been whispering in my ear for a couple of years now, telling me her secrets. Turns out, she doesn’t just play a hero in the movies. She’s learning to be a hero in real life. In Denise’s case, that means facing the ghosts of her past, ghosts that chased her away from home, from the people she loved most in the world.

To outsiders, it looks like Denise has everything a person could want—fame, money, and success. But all she really wants is a relationship with the daughter she adores, the daughter she left because she couldn’t see another way.

Have you ever been there, so deep in the muck that you can’t find your way out? So lost that you think the best option—the only option—is to escape? Have you ever believed that your problems—whether caused by someone else or by your own choices—were unsolvable?

That’s what Denise believed for years. That one foolish choice—which led to a myriad of other foolish choices—had permanently disqualified her not just from being a good mother but from being worthy of love.

And then she met Jesus, and He changed everything. He pulled her out of the mire and set her on solid ground. He gave her the longing and the courage to face the people she’d disappointed.

The serial killer preying on Hollywood actresses is the impetus she needs to return to Coventry just as the community ramps up for the Christmas season.

But Denise’s attempt at escaping one killer puts her squarely in the path of another.

This story won’t be much fun for Denise, though I have a strong suspicion she’s going to really like the hunky bodyguard, Jon Donley. (If you read Lineage in Corruption, you might remember Jon.)

For us who get to read it, it’s going to be great fun. I hope you’ll check it out!

MY REVIEW

Attention fans of suspense with an adrenaline rush this is a must read book. It goes at a good pace and keeps you on your toes as danger surrounds Denise. I enjoyed getting some background on her which helped me relate to her. Her life took a nose drive when she became an addict and walked away from her sweet little girl. As the author states Denise wasn’t really meant to be a heroine but somehow she became this person that many understand. No one has a perfect life and when Denise messes up it costs her dearly.

Oh yes she has fame and fortune now, but what she really wants is a relationship with her daughter. After you have reached the bottom it is hard to convince others that you have changed. She has gotten past her demons that drew her into a world of drugs. She gives God all the credit for her transformation. Now she needs to show her ex-husband that she can be trusted and has her daughter’s best interest at heart.

All seems to start going well when she buys a house in the town her daughter is being raised in. She does have to travel back and forth to Hollywood since she is an actor, but she hopes having a home here will help rebuild her relationship with her daughter. What transpires next no one could predict. A serial killer is on the lose and targeting Hollywood Actors. Denise finds herself the target as bullets come close to her, an arrow flies through her home and mysterious messages turn up.

I absolutely loved having Jon join us in this adventure. I remember him from the last book and yes he is definitely attractive and able to protect Denise. She has a team of guards around her but is that enough? Jon does let his guard down a little as he can’t deny the attraction he has for her. His team is concerned he is getting too close to Denise which may complicate their mission.

I loved how the author incorporates faith in the story as Denise and Jon start to share how they feel about each other, I applaud Denise for letting Jon know that she can’t have a serious relationship without them being equally yoked. Jon doesn’t take this well , but the author uses this to show that God is first in Denise’s life. Will Jon decide to surrender to God and allow Him to show Jon he is loved unconditionally? It is important to note that both of our main characters struggle with the idea that they are not valuable. God loves each of us the same. He has no favorites and loves without conditions.

The ending is one of the best suspenseful moments I have ever read. First I didn’t see the twists coming and second I was shocked at who was behind everything. The author concludes the story with heart pounding action and gives readers a glimpse into what happens when you trust God.

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 22

For Him and My Family, October 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 23

Genesis 5020, October 24

Betti Mace, October 25

Inklings and notions, October 26

Texas Book-aholic, October 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 28

Holly’s Book Corner, October 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 30

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 31

deb’s Book Review, November 1

Blossoms and Blessings, November 2

Spoken from the Heart, November 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 3

Blogging With Carol, November 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card and a copy of Lineage of Corruption!!

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/2224f/wreathed-in-disgrace-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

About the Book

Book: Rita: A Yorktown Christmas Time Travel Novella

Author: Izzy James

Genre: Christian Romance

Release date: July 19, 2022

Dr. Rita Woods thought she was going back in time to save the children. She didn’t count on falling in love.

Rita Woods—retired physician, widow, with a granddaughter about to be married—misses her patients. She’s tired of knitting. She wants to do something that makes a difference again. When Max Ballard and his time-traveling conservatory pop in to her life, the voice of Dr. Josiah Jones’ diary calls. The voice who’d inspired her vocation. The last line of the diary haunts her quiet moments:

“…the children succumbed in the night…”

In 1769 Dr. Josiah Jones has a good life. His practice is thriving and, except for the the guilt he carries over the death of his wife, life couldn’t be any better. His biggest worry is the zealous match-making activities of his best friend…that is until a hurricane throws an unexpected guest on his doorstep.

Can Josiah trust a woman from the twenty-first century to save the only grandchildren he’ll ever have?

Is it possible for two people living 250 years apart to have a second chance at love?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Izzy James grew up in the footprints of history in coastal Virginia. She lives there still with her fabulous husband in a house brimming with books.

More from Izzy

After I finished Garrett, who worked really hard to hide his contemporary origins when he slipped back to 1769, I thought it would be fun to have someone actually take some technology back to 1769. I also felt bad for Olivia’s grandmother who makes her first appearance in Max. She is a retired physician knitting away and helping out Olivia and Garrett as she can. I thought it was time she had an adventure of her own. And since I love historic areas, and Yorktown has become one of my favorite places, I knew I had to go back at least one more time.

MY REVIEW

I love the imagination of this author so much. We get to travel back in time and witness medical history being made that changes lives. Rita is a great physician and has always admired a diary that inspired her to become a doctor. Dr. Josiah Jones is well known as a great doctor in 1769. Rita wants to help these children that Josiah could not save, so she decides to time travel back to help him.

I think at first Josiah wasn’t sure about this story of time travel, but he slowly warmed up to Rita. She wants to help him and knows that she can save the children if given a chance. Being back in 1769 was fascinating and I appreciated the history that the author shared. It was fun to watch the attraction between Rita and Josiah. The big question lingers between them though. Will Rita stay in 1769 to be with Josiah, or go back to her life in the future?

This is a quick read and just perfect for an afternoon to sit, grab a hot cocoa or tea and get swept away to a great adventure. The author has done a great job of giving us a story that entertains, gives hope and adds a little romance to complete the book.

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