Saturday, November 5, 2022

About the Book

Book: Curtain Call

Authors: Hope Bolinger & Alyssa Roat

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

Release date: November 5, 2022

With their future in theater on the line, can a newbie actress and overwhelmed playwright put on a production to remember?

Part-time thespian Griffith Williams can’t seem to do anything right in his parents’ eyes, especially compared to his brother, a missionary in the Dominican Republic. But if he can pull off the biggest play of the year, the Christmas play, he could win a job as a full-time director, and prove to himself—and his family—that he hasn’t mistaken his calling to the arts.

Would-be actress Hadassah Wright spends her days teaching and corralling her many, many younger siblings in a large homeschool family. Her only escape seems to be through marriage to a childhood not-so-sweetheart—until a casting call for a local play provides an opportunity to act, perhaps for the last time.

When the two end up as leads in the play, the chemistry they feel isn’t just on the stage. Hadassah finds refuge from familial pressures through helping Griffith at the theater, and Griffith finds a kindred spirit in Hadassah’s longing to pursue the art she loves.

But when an envious stage manager, a director with far too many demands, and a relentless suitor threaten to derail the show, will the curtains close on any chance of romance?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Hope Bolinger and Alyssa Roat are the authors of more than twenty books both independently and co-authored. They have worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as agents, editors, writers, journalists, and publicists.

When not writing, Hope is a theatre nerd who loves to hike, and Alyssa is a history geek and game enthusiast. Both are proud cat moms. You can learn more about them on social media @hopekbolinger and @alyssawrote.

More from Alyssa

When you think of calling, what comes to mind? Pastoral calling? A call to missions?

What about a call to theater?

Hope and I (Alyssa) found ourselves with a feeling of calling from a young age. We both felt the Lord leading us to writing and publishing.

I, for one, didn’t listen too well at first. Writing? But I wanted to serve God! I wanted to live a life that mattered for God’s kingdom! So instead, I studied math and science to prepare for a future in the medical field so I could work in medical missions.

The problem was, I didn’t enjoy it. Words beckoned to me. Books and writing gave me deep joy other endeavors never quite could. But if I didn’t go into traditional ministry, how was I supposed to serve God?

In Curtain Call, our characters struggle with calling. Griffith feels pressure to be a missionary like his brother. Hadassah feels obligated to be a good wife and mother like her own mom and sister. But they never feel quite as alive, quite as themselves, as when they’re on the stage. Is it possible that God might…want them there?

As you may have guessed, I eventually learned that God calls all of us to different things. He put the love of words inside of me. He guided me to writing, and doing what He has called me to do brings the greatest joy of all.

As Hadassah and Griffith in the book struggle with identifying their calling, I pray that we all may explore the unique joys and talents the Lord planted within each of us. We hope you enjoy reading Curtain Call as much as we enjoyed writing it. May His still, small voice lead you on the adventure of a lifetime.

MY REVIEW

This story brought up some great memories of when I directed the church play every year for the children. It was so fun to see how each child was excited to be part of the play. You could feel the tension as the time came to go on stage. One thing I always made sure of was that every child who wanted in the play was a part of it. Reading this story reminded me of all the responsibility Griffith has taken on.

It’s funny how Griffith has been waiting for the right moment to hopefully get his chance to get noticed and direct for a living. He has always been in the shadows of his siblings but now maybe his chance to shine has come. Being asked to direct the community play excited him but there is a little catch. They are doing a play that Griffith has written. How unexpected that was for Griffith. Talk about pressure, wow.

Hadassah has always watched children. Being in charge of homeschool for her siblings leaves her little time for herself. She would love to be married with a family of her own, but she has too much responsibility overseeing her siblings to have time to date. Working as the lead in the play may bring her out of her loneliness. Getting to spend time with Griffith helps both of them become more confident. I like that both characters are searching for their calling and want to do what God has planned for them. What is your passion? Are you still searching for your calling?

Byron comes off as an arrogant person who wants to take over the play. He acts like he is helping Griffith but I think he has plans of his own. He also has his eyes on Hadassah. Byron has an agenda to win Hadassah over and does everything he can to make Griffith look like he doesn’t know how to direct a play.

There are a few moments in the story where disaster tries to strike but God was watching over things. I love how Griffith was able to have a good and honest talk with his parents about his mission. We each have a mission whether it be sending cards to shut ins, bringing food to the sick or directing a play that brings people together to encourage them and give them hope. Don’t miss the author’s notes at the end of the book. It will give you hope and challenge you to never give up.

“Calling is where your passions and the world’s brokenness meet.”

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

deb’s Book Review, November 7

Inklings and notions, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9

For the Love of Literature, November 10 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 10

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Susan K. Beatty, Author, November 14 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, November 15 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 15

The Sacred Line, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

Guild Master, November 18

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Alyssa and Hope are giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Amazon gift card and copy of each of the three books in the series!!

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/22670/curtain-call-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, November 3, 2022

About the Book

Book: Catching Hope

Author: Kathy Cassel

Genre: YA

Release date: March, 2022

Catching Hope: A pursuit fraught with danger.
Newly adopted Lexi Michaels is taking her first real vacation as she, twin brother Levi, adoptive brother Chad, and new cousin Jen head to Haiti where their dad, a pediatrician, will be volunteering in an island clinic. But who is the man who displays such hatred for the Michaels when they arrive at their resort? Is an attempted burglary as random as it appears? Will Jen ever accept the newcomers to the family? When the four teens set out to explore Haiti’s sights and history on their own, an unexpected encounter and natural disaster plunge them into adventure and danger. With their very survival at stake, can the four teens work together, or will Lexi’s dream of a “forever family” end in tragedy?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kathy Cassel is author of more a dozen fiction and non-fiction titles for preteens and teens, including 2021 Selah Award finalist Freerunnerand the iParenting award winner Christian Girls Guide series. Kathy has lived on three different continents with her USAF husband, has eight children, five adopted from Haiti and the United States, and six grandchildren. To better relate to her characters, she enjoys learning their skills such as whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and riding a motorcycle, but draws the line at sky diving.

More from Kathy

My Experience with Haiti

Prior to the 2010 catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake that caused immense damage to the country of Haiti, many people would not have been able to tell you that Haiti and the Dominican Republic share the island of Hispaniola just a two hour flight from Miami.

I knew where it was because our family had adopted a child from Haiti in 1997. At the time the earthquake took place, my husband and I were in the process of adopting twins from a different orphanage in Port au Prince Haiti. It had been over three years and our adoption was not yet complete. During those three years I visited the twins at the orphanage five times. Other family members went with me on some of those trips, and at one point, all of our children still living at home went to visit the orphanage.

This was an eye opening experience for my family. In fact, I volunteered us to do the daily wash. That meant hand washing clothes and sheets for 135 orphans using large metal tubs and harsh soap, then rinsing the clothes in other tubs before hand wringing them and hanging them on clotheslines. Once home, my children no longer complained about unloading the dryer!

Cooking was done in large pots over open fires and mainly consisted of rice and beans, or red sauce over rice. The cooks originally prepared the food in a wooden shack, but more than once one of them would get so hot she’d pass out, so an outdoor area was set up for food preparation.

After the earthquake, there was a mountain of paperwork to be done to get refugee status for children in the orphanages who had families waiting for them. Finally the children were brought to the United States, although some of the orphans went to other countries too, to be united with their forever families. Sadly, many were held in the airport for days before being released. For our family, the long wait was over January 25, 2010. Now our family is complete with three birth children and five adopted children, three of whom are from Haiti.

Some of the places mentioned in the book resemble real places in Haiti, although they have been fictionalized. I hope you will not only read Catching Hope, but will also take time to learn more about the country of Haiti.

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed reading the story that takes us deep into Haiti. The devastation of the country is evident after the earthquake demolished buildings , homes and anything in its path. The people were barely surviving and I loved that this was a mission trip to help people in the country.

The story takes a dark turn when the teens and their driver in the story are taken hostage. I was shocked at how quickly danger came their way as they had hopes of enjoying the day. Lexi and Levi were hoping for a fun adventure here especially since they had endured a very unsettling childhood being placed in one foster home after another. When Chad’s parents adopt the twins Lexi and her brother start to feel hope for their future but now they aren’t sure what will happen to them.

With all the teens including Jen the cousin, they are fighting for survival after escaping the kidnappers. The author does a good job of letting us feel how scared they were but among them Chad began to share his faith. I loved how he told the others that God was there to protect them and they needed to have faith. The danger is non stop as they try to stay one step ahead of the men after them. What an adrenaline rush they must feel as they continue to get closer to freedom. With Chad continuing to point out that God provides ways to get farther away from the kidnappers I could sense the others start to wonder about this God Chad keeps talking about.

Just when I think I have everything figured out, the author throws in several twists that had me start to tense up. I wasn’t sure how much more I could take as the teens decide to take on a dangerous mission against an evil man out for revenge. The teens become more supportive of each other as they work together to now save their parents and the driver. Get ready for an action packed story that deals with kidnappers, revenge, drugs, and an illustration that with God all things are possible.

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

Blog Stops

3Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 3

Texas Book-aholic, November 4

Inklings and notions, November 5

Mary Hake, November 5

deb’s Book Review, November 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 7

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 8

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 10

Blogging With Carol, November 11

For Him and My Family, November 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 14

Guild Master, November 15 (Author Interview)

Dee S Writes, November 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Books-A-Million 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/2266e/catching-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

About the Book

Book: Annie’s Hope

Author: Merrillee Whren

Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance

Release date: September 27, 2022

The Village of Hope: A community built on service and love

Annie Payton hopes for one thing—to regain custody of her children. She believes the Village of Hope’s lawyer will give her this chance until she learns that lawyer is Ian Montgomery, her ex-husband.

Since Ian has turned from his life of substance abuse, he’s all about helping others, but he doesn’t know if he can help his former wife. Her betrayal still brings him pain, and most people at The Village don’t know about his past relationship with Annie.

As Annie and Ian’s lives intersect, can she show him that she’s clean and sober and wants a second chance not only with her children but with him?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Merrillee Whren is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author who writes inspirational romance. She is the winner of the 2003 Golden Heart Award for best inspirational romance manuscript presented by Romance Writers of America. She has also been the recipient of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of forty- plus years, and has two grown daughters. She has lived in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Chicago and Florida but now makes her home in the Arizona desert. She spends her free time playing tennis or walking while she does the plotting for her novels. Please visit her Website and signup for her newsletter and connect with her on Facebook.

More from Merrillee

One of my writing goals is to set at least one book in every state in which I have lived. So far I have written books set in Washington State, Texas, Florida, South Dakota, Georgia, Ohio, Montana, Massachusetts, and Tennessee. I still have to write books set in Illinois and Arizona to complete my goal. Just for fun I’ve gone astray and have written a couple of Christmas novellas set in Maryland, where my older daughter lives. The third book in the series, Puppy Love and Christmas Cookies is ready for preorder.

Annie’s Hope is one of my books set in Georgia. It is the first book in The Village of Hope series. We lived in the Atlanta area for nine years when our daughters were in elementary and middle school. I have many found memories of that time. One of the things I remember is a ministry there that served older adults and had children’s homes. When I got the idea for this story, I thought of that ministry. I also have friends who served many years at a children’s home in Oklahoma. I expanded on those ministries to create The Village of Hope, a multifaceted ministry, a place that provides hope, love, and a helping hand for those in need. James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This verse fits Annie’s Hope perfectly.

Because I’m what they call an organic writer, I don’t plot my stories. I start writing and see how things unfold. I start with a set of characters and wonder what if. In the case of Annie’s Hope, I wondered how a divorced couple might find love with each other again, despite hurt and betrayal. I’m always thankful that somehow God brings everything together when I write a book.

MY REVIEW

It is always nice to read the first book in a new series by this author. It reminds me of a spring day as flowers start to bloom. It is a reminder of a new beginning like Annie is hoping for in this story. I love the theme of the book which illustrates forgiveness, second chances and hope for a future . I loved the faith that was spread throughout the book as we witness how God can change people and show them grace and unconditional love.

Annie has had a hard life overcoming addiction. It is hard once that stigma is placed on you. People will remember you as an ex-addict and some will not trust you. Annie is praying that she can get her children back and have a fresh start in life. The Village of Hope is where Annie begins her journey. She has a place to live, a job and a lawyer to help her with regaining custody of her children. There is one little obstacle. Her ex-husband works as a lawyer at The Village of Hope.

Ian was brought up as a preacher’s kid which can be difficult at times. I know the pressure that puts on children because I was a preacher’s kid as well. It seems like I was under a microscope with people waiting for me to do something wrong. Ian followed Annie down the trail of addiction when they were young and married. His life has now changed, but will he give Annie a chance to prove she has changed? He has memories of their past and his emotions are hard to contain. The word trust and Annie don’t go together in Ian’s mind.

Something that really spoke to me in the story was how Annie continually worried if she was strong enough to stay sober and if she would ever gain Ian’s trust. I loved when Ian told her, “Don’t think about trouble. Think about the good things God has given you today.” I needed to hear that myself. I become so focused on what could happen that I forget to thank God for the things that he has done for me. Annie needs to stop living in the past and become confident of who she is now.

I hope you have plenty of tissues as you read the book. The author reaches deep into our hearts and shows us how God can save us. We may go through trials but He will never leave us. Annie has made mistakes but one person took the time to minister to her. Those words spoken to her changed her life. As I was nearing the end of the book, I had to wipe tears away as I witnessed how God used Annie during a very dangerous situation. Her compassion showed as she herself shared with someone how their life could change if they gave theirselves to God. I witnessed miracles of reconciliation, forgiveness and best of all God’s mercy.

I am excited for this series and can’t wait to read the next book coming out. This book goes on my favorite books for 2022. Thank you to the author for reminding me that nothing is impossible for God.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, November 3

lakesidelivingsite, November 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 5

Susan K. Beatty, Author, November 6 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, November 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 7

deb’s Book Review, November 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool,Academy, November 9

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 11

Britt Reads Fiction, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 12

Inklings and notions, November 13

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 14

SusanLovesBooks, November 15

Pause for Tales, November 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Merrillee is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of A Match to Call Ours!!

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/2266f/annie-s-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

About the Book

Book: Dream of Kings

Author: Sharon Hinck

Genre: Fantasy

Release date: October 11, 2022

The Future Never Sleeps

In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the Dream Teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard.

When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her.

Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” novels praised for their strong spiritual themes, emotional resonance, and imaginative blend of genres. She earned an MA in Communication (with a major in theatre and thesis in dance) from Regent University and spent ten years as the artistic director of a Christian dance company. That ministry included three short-term mission trips to Hong Kong to teach and choreograph for a YWAM dance/evangelism team. She taught classical ballet and liturgical dance for twenty years, and led workshops on dance in worship. She’s been a church youth worker, a dancer/choreographer, a church organist, a homeschool mom, and an adjunct professor of Creative Writing for MFA students. One day she’ll figure out what to be when she grows up. When she’s not wrestling with words, she enjoys speaking at churches and conferences and has taught at Minnesota Christian Writer’s Guild, the national conference of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and Realm Makers. A wife, mom of four, and grandmother of three, she lives in Minnesota and is a member at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. She loves visitors at sharonhinck.com.

More from Sharon

Have you ever found yourself in a place you didn’t belong, through no choice of your own? When I began writing Dream of Kings, I was caring for my mom as she dealt with Alzheimer’s. The whole world was stuck in lock-down because of the pandemic. And I was facing limitations caused by health challenges. So it’s no wonder this story question arose for me: how do we respond when we are in painful, unfair, and unfamiliar places? Is there room for God to bring good from difficult circumstances?

Jolan the Dream Teller has already experienced heartache before the book opens, and perhaps believed it was time for an easy road. Instead, she faces betrayal and the loss of everything she holds dear—her calling, her friends, her nation. Everything familiar is ripped away. But the Provider shows up in unexpected places and through unexpected people.

The question that began my brainstorming led to an adventure I didn’t fully expect. Dream of Kings became a celebration of the purposes of God and how they unfolded in one woman’s life. Courageous adventures, unselfish compassion, and unexpected romance fill Jolan’s journey.

As NYT bestselling author Tosca Lee described it: “An epic fantasy and absorbing page-turner, Dream of Kings has it all—intrigue, romance, and characters as interesting as they are endearing.”

But while Jolan navigates foreign kingdoms and the halls of power, she represents every one of us who find ourselves in a place of struggle. My longing is for this story to stir courage and inspiration for every reader grappling with a difficult road or a dark valley. I am so excited for readers to join Jolan on her journey!

Blessings!

Sharon Hinck

MY REVIEW

With gifted authors like Sharon I am becoming a fan of fantasy. I like the way she brings new worlds to life and surrounds us with vivid images. I immediately liked our main character Jolan. Having a gift of telling others what they dreamed and the meaning behind it, she is sought by powerful people. She uses her gift to warn and also give hope but someone wants to use her for their own selfish gain. Will she survive being kidnapped?

Jolan is in a dire predicament when she is unable to completely tell what she sees and this puts her in danger. Something is holding her back from seeing everything but what is it? Being accused of pitting the Duchess against her husband stirs up a threat to Jolan. The author definitely had my attention as the drama takes shape in the form of revenge. The action really starts when Jolan finds herself befriending the king. As news of a plot to poison the King is averted Jolan knows that more chaos will happen. Someone wants the king out of power and Jolan is in the middle trying to interpret dreams to keep the King and herself from harm. If only she could find a way back to her home, she would finally be safe.

Throughout the story we see mention of the Provider. I liked how it reminds me of God and how He wants to protect His people like Provider does. We see Jolan many times asking for help from the Provider. We do the same when we pray and ask guidance from God. I couldn’t wait to see if Jolan would be able to help her people and keep the King from harm. Danger follows around every corner and it is hard to figure out who to trust at times.

The adventure in the story takes us to a place where deceit is close and Jolan risks everything to expose who is responsible for trying to start a war and take over. I can’t overlook the fact that trusting was a big part of this story. We all find ourselves at times trying to trust someone. Jolan relied on the Provider to direct her path and show her who to trust. I liked how the story directs us to be faithful and let God show us the direction to follow in our lives.

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 31

For Him and My Family, November 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 1

Texas Book-aholic, November 2

Inklings and notions, November 3

deb’s Book Review, November 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 5

Through the fire blogs, November 6

Mary Hake, November 6

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 8

Blogging With Carol, November 9

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 9

Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 10

Worthy2Read, November 11

Labor Not in Vain, November 12

Simple Harvest Reads, November 13 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Book Club Network, November 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharon is giving away the grand prize package of an autographed Hardcover copy of Dream of Kings, the e-book of Devotions for Dreamers, bookmarks from my other two series (Sword of Lyric, and Dancing Realms), Quoca Tea (from the book) and a $50 amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2244c/dream-of-kings-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, October 31, 2022

About the Book

Book: A Not So Convenient Marriage

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: November 8, 2022

A spinster teacher…a grieving widower…a marriage of convenience and a second chance with the man she’s always loved.

When Samuel Walker proposes a marriage of convenience to Rose Hatfield so soon after the death of his wife, she knows he doesn’t love her. She’s loved him since their school days. Those long-suppressed feelings spring to life as she marries him. She must sell her childhood home, quit her teaching job and move to a new city.

Marrying Rose is harder than Samuel expected, especially with the shadow of his deceased wife everywhere in his life. And he has two young children to consider. Peter and Emma need a mother’s love, but they also need to hold close the memories of their real mother as they grieve her loss.

Life as Samuel’s wife is nothing like Rose hoped, and even the townspeople, who loved his first wife, make Rose feel like an outsider. The work of the farm draws the two of them closer, giving hope that they might one day become a happy family. Until the dream shatters, and the life Rose craves tumbles down around them. Only God can put these pieces back together, but the outcome may not look anything like she planned.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

More from Sandra

There are some stories that must be told. A Not So Convenient Marriage is one of them for me.

I don’t know what it is about this story, but once I began writing it over a dozen years ago, the characters wouldn’t leave me alone.

I wrote the first draft of this book a few years before my first book—another book, A Stranger on My Land—released, so I was still learning about the writing journey. I’m certain that my first draft of A Not So Convenient Marriage wasn’t ready for publication because it was rejected.

But the characters in my imagination wouldn’t allow me to let this one go. I edited and reedited, using skills I learned at writing conferences. Then I tried again with another editor. Another rejection.

Discouraged, I worked on other writing projects and met with a little success. When my first Civil War romance published, I decided to follow my heart and continue writing about that turbulent time period.

This book was set aside.

Still, every morning I woke up thinking about the characters in A Not So Convenient Marriage. In my mind, I’d rewrite a scene from the book as I lay, trying to sleep, in the middle of the night. Or the story would haunt me before falling asleep at night, keeping me awake an hour or two.

This happened almost daily for years.

Finally, I pulled up the manuscript again. It had been written in my early days so it required a lot of modification. I asked my agent to begin showing my updated proposal for the book. She was happy to do this because she always believed in this book. In fact, she decided to represent me after reading for proposal for it.

By the way, the story was still keeping me awake as I waited to sign a book contract.

Last year, I was thrilled when Misty Beller, Wild Heart Books, offered me a contract for a three-book series for this novel. Not only that, she also gave me a three-book contract for my “Spies of the Civil War” series, that published this year. (I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series beginning with Book 1 Avenue of Betrayal, Book 2 Boulevard of Confusion, and Book 3 Byway to Danger.)

Misty told me that she cried when reading my manuscript for A Not So Convenient Marriage—the first time that had ever happened for a submission. That touched my heart.

I’m happy to say that scenes from the book no longer keep me awake at night…for now the story will be told.

MY REVIEW

I always find stories about marriages of convenience interesting. This book especially touched me because it was written with emotion that is felt deep in your soul. However unless you read the book you will miss out on how God works to restore a family who was broken hearted to a family that was able to build a new life. The lessons in the book are ones we all need as we face difficulties in our own lives.

It isn’t easy to lose a spouse and Samuel is finding that out as he struggles raising his children on his own. Grieving the loss of his wife has left him in despair and watching his children become shells of themselves hurts him to the core. As the title implies he decides to remarry to find someone to help him with the children, clean house and cook meals. I don’t think he was ready to take on a wife but in his mind he was doing it for his children.

Rose is one of the best characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. Her compassion for children is evident and her grace is abundant. When Samuel asks her to marry him, she understands her place in the family. Perhaps she has had dreams of having a beautiful wedding and a husband who adores her, but for now she feels led by God to help Samuel out.

There are moments in the story where we witness Rose yearning to be loved and finding people in the community shunning her. Samuel’s first wife was loved by many and they seem to judge Rose unfairly. The hardest part for me to read was when Rose felt there was no way for her marriage to work. Samuel always reminds her that he is to have all the say in the children and leaves her out of moments where she felt that her presence would help everyone grow closer. Her tears flow with hopelessness as she contemplated what to do.

I loved how God was the center of this story and how he worked on both Rose and Samuel. Rose is a little bitter and decides to leave instead of communicating her feelings to Samuel. Rose thought she was not wanted and allows herself to believe everyone would be better off if she was not part of the family anymore. Samuel hasn’t let go of his feelings for his first wife. He thinks he is being disrespectful to her memory and can’t admit his feelings for Rose.

The ending is more than just forgiving and starting over. It represents what God meant for marriage to be. Two people who love each other unconditionally, willing to communicate, trust and honor each other and put God first is the foundation for a marriage.

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