Saturday, October 21, 2023

About the Book

Book: Coming Home Forever

Author: Michelle De Bruin

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

Release Date: May 30, 2023

Her college career is cut short, so Rose Harper takes a job that throws her into the path of a weary soldier who joins her in the search of a place to call home.

Rose Harper dreams of becoming a teacher, but she quit school at the local college because her classes were harder than she expected. Dreading the thought of returning to her hometown and sharing a home with her father, Rose works two jobs so that she can stay in Oswell City with her friends. When she gets called in to help with special events at the Ellenbroek home, Rose is forced to make a big decision. Should she continue working as a maid, or does she dare to try and achieve her goal of becoming a teacher? Obstacles lie in the way, but thanks to the assistance of a supportive friend, Rose is given the chance to find a place to belong.

Timothy Ellenbroek has just completed his tour of duty as a chaplain to the soldiers on the Front. Now he has come home weary, grieving, and under pressure to find a job. His father would love to see him in a high-profile career, powerful and important. But Tim isn’t so sure. He longs for a safe place to rest, to heal, and to live a quiet peaceful life. When his father intervenes in the job search with an offer to work with him in the mayor’s office at City Hall, Tim resists. He wants peace and a meaningful career, but Oswell City can’t give him both. Tim wonders if he will have to leave home again. The longer he stays, the more his hometown means to him. Tim must make the choice to listen to his heart and trust where it leads him.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Michelle De Bruin lives in Iowa with her husband of 25 years and two young adult sons who are college students at Iowa State. She has a bachelor’s degree in religion with a Christian Ministry emphasis, and in Music. Michelle serves as a chaplain for Pella Regional Health Center. She writes inspirational historical romance about people who live in rural communities. Characters that bring to life the delights of farm and small-town living, whispers of Dutch heritage, and Christian faith make Michelle’s stories distinct. A romantic at heart, Michelle is always on the lookout for glimpses of God’s love through the window of a good story. You can learn more about Michelle by visiting her website: michelledebruin.com

More from Michelle

Coming Home Forever is the last in a trilogy of books set in a small Iowa town during the years 1913 through 1918. This is the second series of books I have written. The Tomorrow series is the first set, and if you’ve already read it, you will recognize characters that appeared in Hope for Tomorrow, Promise for Tomorrow, and Dreaming of Tomorrow.

This book opens in the winter of 1919, after the end of World War I when the soldiers are coming home. We meet Timothy Ellenbroek, the son of Oswell City’s mayor. He’s been in France serving as a chaplain in the military and now that his tour of duty is completed, he’s ready to find a peaceful place to call home.

Rose Harper dreamed of becoming a teacher, but college was much harder than she expected. Now she is trying to chart a new course, but it isn’t going like she thought. Through a few unexpected adventures, she joins Tim in the search for a peaceful, safe place.

I wrote this book to illustrate how God is always with us, working through us, and speaking to us. I also wanted to encourage readers that yes, we can change, we can heal, and we can be restored, putting bad decisions behind us for good.

Thank you for joining me on this tour. I hope you enjoy the blog posts and enter the drawing for the giveaway.

Grace and peace,

Michelle De Bruin

MY REVIEW

A great story of finding out what plans God has for you. Rose has dreamed of being a teacher but her plans didn’t quite go in that direction. I remember when I was younger all I ever wanted to be was a teacher. I never had the chance to go to college so I pushed my dreams aside. Years later I became a teacher but not where I thought I would teach. Rose is an inspiration to me because she continues to press forward even when her dream seemed impossible.

When Timothy returns home from the war, he wants to pastor a church. His first thought is he needs time to emotionally heal before pastoring a church. Timothy’s father is pushy and wants Timothy to take the first job offered to him. I liked how Timothy and Rose met even though they come from different backgrounds. This may cause friction between them and their families, but I was excited to see where God would take these two characters.

With emotional scenes such as Rose trying to decide to go with her friends or stay and help her aunt the author delivers a touching example of how the enemy can slowly slip into out thoughts if we are not careful. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom before we finally surrender to God. Rose feels insecure around Timothy while she battles with trying to do the right thing.

Timothy has his own problems with nightmares from the war. He finds comfort from letters his mother sent him. They are filled with scriptures that gave him comfort during the war. Now he turns to those scriptures to find guidance from God, and pray for direction. With pressure from his father he leans more on his faith to seek God’s purpose fir his life.

The story is a look at God’s plan for your life and finding a place to call home. There are some tearful moments in the story but the ending is beautiful.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 22 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 22

Lighthouse Academy Blog, October 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

lakesidelivingsite, October 24

Life on Chickadee Lane, October 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 25

Connie’s History Classroom, October 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 28 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 29

For Him and My Family, October 30

Holly’s Book Corner, October 31

Pause for Tales, November 1

Cover Lover Book Review, November 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & 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/2879b/coming-home-forever-celebration-tour-giveaway

HE SHOULD HAVE TOLD THE BEES BY AMANDA COX

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh is living her dream, working alongside her father in their apiary, until his untimely death sends her world into a tailspin. She suddenly finds she must deal with a new part owner of the family business--one who is looking to sell the property. Beck cannot fathom why her father would put her into the position to lose everything they built together.

When Callie Peterson is named in the trust of a man she's never heard of, she's not sure what to do. Her fledgling business has just taken wing and her mother has reentered her life asking for help getting into rehab for her lifelong substance abuse issues, making Callie's financial situation rather . . . precarious. She's sure she has no right to someone else's farm, but the money from the sale could solve her problems and give her the stability she's always craved.

As these two women navigate their present conundrum, they will discover a complex and entangled past full of secrets--and the potential for a brighter future for both of them.

MY REVIEW

Very moving story that brings us together as we follow the characters through trials. We see that bees play a big part in the storytelling which for me was a symbol of working together and becoming a family. The sisters are trying to figure out life and build a bond. They are different yet both yearn for acceptance and love.

It is an emotional story that draws readers to discover secrets, mental health and other sensitive subjects that the author handles very well. At times it is hard to describe what is going on but it is because I was drawn to their depth of emotions I couldn’t find the right words. A past that unravels slowly brings this story full circle.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads .

Friday, October 20, 2023

ON MOONBERRY LAKE BY HOLLY Varni

Delightful! Charming! Full of characters who take up residence in your heart. The best of 'News from Lake Wobegon' and Father Tim combined."--Lauraine Snelling, bestselling author of the Red River of the North series

Cora Matthews's life is a mess. A broken engagement and the unexpected death of her mother have left her wondering if things will ever return to normal. Whatever "normal" is.

It certainly isn't what she finds at Moonberry Lake. After she receives her family's dilapidated lakefront lodge as an inheritance--with a surprising condition attached--Cora finds her life overrun by a parade of eccentric neighbors who all have something to say and something to teach her.

As Cora works to put her life back together, she must decide if she is willing to let go of the past, open her heart to love, and embrace the craziest version of family and home she could ever have imagined.

"An uplifting novel about the power of small-town community."--Suzanne Woods Fisher, bestselling author of The Sweet Life

"Rich characters, a delightful setting, and a heartwarming story. You'll love everything about On Moonberry Lake!"--Ginny L. Yttrup, Christy Award-winning author of Words

MY REVIEW

Cora may feel alone after a loss but the quirky people in this town are there to help her. I loved the feeling of “helping neighbors,” in this sweet clean story. Cora has been through a lot of changes with the death of her mother, her grandparents and breaking things off with her fiancé. Now she needs to decide if she is going to start over after inheriting a lakefront lodge. It isn’t exactly in good condition but maybe it is just what Cora needs.

After being taken away by her mother when she was only seven, it is hard to be back in Moonberry Lake. I really don’t care for all the fuss after the funeral where everyone gathers to eat. Cora is told that, “ when grieved, we eat. Food is supposed to replace the emptiness in our hearts.” Cora just wants everyone to leave so she can be alone with her memories. Now she faces a big decision that could change her life.

I liked the emotional journey the author takes us on as Cora tries to understand what happened between her mother and grandparents. Discovering that her grandparents passed away later than she thought brings many questions to her. Hurt from not being able to see her grandparents, she need to know the truth. I couldn’t wait to unravel this mystery and watch Cora find a place she can call home.

For some reason this story brought back memories of my own grandparents. I adored them so much and every summer our family would go to their farm and spend two weeks there. It was a beautiful two story house complete with a wraparound porch, cattle, land that went on forever chickens running around the yard and a windmill that stood tall. But like Cora one summer we just stopped going. My heart went out to Cora as she replayed her memories in her mind. Yes those were cherished memories we both shared. Our grandparents made us feel loved and wanted.

There are some great characters in the book which for me made the story come to life. A man who thinks he can scare Cora off her land, the handy woman who can fix anything to the sweet old lady who takes care of the cemetery. Of course there is San who watches over Cora in a protective way. All this brings Cora to a realization that maybe she was brought here for a reason.

I loved how the story flowed as the author peeled away the pain and rejection Cora has felt after not being able to see her grandparents. Secrets will be revealed along with a deeper sense of belonging and forgiving for Cora. With a bit of romance and finding a family at last Cora will have to let go of the past in order to start a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads. The review is my own opinion.

Read less

About the Book

Book: Voices in the Sanitorium

Author: Amy Lynn Walsh

Genre: Historical Mystery, Women’s Fiction

(This is not horror or paranormal. Readers will have no trouble falling asleep after reading this!)

Release Date: October, 2022

Relocating from Manhattan, teenage Aislyn must adjust to life near the abandoned West Mountain Sanitarium. One night, Aislyn joins new friends in the old ruins — and seems to return home with a different personality. Not long after Aislyn purchases a diary written almost a century ago by Bridget, a young patient recovering from tuberculosis on the sanitorium grounds, strange things begin to happen.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Amy Walsh writes historical and contemporary romance, mysteries, speculative fiction, and women’s fiction. She is a 5th-grade writing teacher in an urban public school. Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children. Amy considers herself greatly blessed in the roles God has given her as an earthling, including aspiring wordsmith, teacher of youngsters, nature appreciator, tea aficionado, avid dessert fan, book fanatic, lover of family and friends, and Christ follower.

More from Amy

Mam’s Apple Cinnamon Scones with Maple Cinnamon Glaze

These are the scones Katherine’s mother makes the morning their new friend Cadence comes for an Irish tea. This time of fellowship marks a turning point in the plot of Voices in the Sanitorium.

The dough:

2 3/4 cups flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 stick of softened butter

1 diced small apple

3/4 cup cinnamon chips (optional)

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup applesauce

For best results, follow the steps below. However, if you are as busy as Katherine is with four children and a thriving Irish textile business, you can just melt the butter in the microwave and throw all the ingredients together at once, and these scones will still be delicious.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Mix in the butter just until the mixture is crumbly
Stir in the chopped apple and cinnamon chips.
Mix the eggs, vanilla, and applesauce in another bowl, then add these to the dry ingredients.
Make sure you have parchment paper or have floured your baking sheet.
Drop scoops of the dough onto the baking sheet. (about ¼ cup scoops)
Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees or until golden brown

Notes:

If pressed for time, Mam just makes drop scones. When guests are coming, she forms the dough into a circle about ¾ inch high, cuts the dough into pie pieces on the parchment paper, then gently pulls the pieces apart and uses her fingers to form them into perfect isosceles triangles.

Sometimes Mam puts the dough into the freezer after forming it on the baking pan. She says freezing dough for a half hour makes them softer. Katherine has never noticed a difference.

Glaze:

1 ½ cup powdered sugar,
1⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons melted butter
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
4 ½ Tablespoons maple syrup

If the glaze needs to be thickened, add more powdered sugar. If it is too thick, add more syrup, cream, or milk. You can put it in the microwave for about fifteen seconds if it starts to get firm while you wait for the scones to come out of the oven.

MT REVIEW

This book was interesting and took readers on a journey in a dual time period. I have to say I loved spending more time in the past and following Bridget. Her time spent in the sanitorium was hard to read at times. I can’t imagine being locked up in a place where disease spread rapidly. Sometimes the patients seemed hopeless and I could feel the dark and cold surround them. Bridget’s journal gives us insight into how she struggled with tuberculosis and wanting to see her family.

As we travel to the present we meet Aislyn and her family. They move away from the city to a more secluded place where there is lots of room for the family. Aislyn is not happy since she is a senior in high school. Leaving her friends behind is a big adjustment for her. I found it weird that she called her parents by their first names simply because she was mad at them. Some of the words used in the book for me were a little uncomfortable and I didn’t like the slang words that were used. It seemed a little rough to talk like that in a Christian themed book.

The book does dabble in the ghost theory and other things I didn’t care for. I have seen other reviews where the readers loved the book. I just couldn’t get into the story and how it switched too quickly from past to present. There wasn’t enough details for me to really feel connected to the characters.

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 17

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 18

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 19 (Author Interview)

Avid Reader Nurse, October 19

Texas Book-aholic, October 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 22

Connie’s History Classroom, October 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 24

Denise L. Barela, October 25

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, October 26

Blogging With Carol, October 27

For Him and My Family, October 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 29 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 30

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize package of $40 Amazon card, a hardcover copy of the book, and historical memorabilia related to the West Mountain Sanitarium in 1931!!

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/28796/voices-in-the-sanitorium-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, October 19, 2023

SHADOWS AT DUSK BY ELIZABETH GODDARD

Montana Detective Trevor West is desperate to learn what happened to his sister, who went missing in Alaska over a year ago, leaving nothing but a few photographs as clues to her whereabouts. At the advice of Police Chief Autumn Long, Trevor enlists the help of an experienced bush pilot. If Carrie James can't help him find the places in the photographs, no one can.

But Carrie has her own agenda. Grieving the death of her closest friend and the only person she could trust, Carrie will help Trevor find his sister on one condition--that he help her track down her friend's killer.

As the two close in on the answers they crave, they'll face dangers and connections they could not have imagined. They'll have to learn to trust one another--and face the dark secrets of the past--if they are ever to discover the truth and bring a killer to justice.

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty novels, including Cold Light of Day and the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold nearly 1.5 million copies. She is a Carol Award and Reader's Choice Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award and HOLT Medallion finalist. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at www.elizabethgoddard.com.

To get book news sign up for her newsletter at her website: http://elizabethgoddard.com

Follow her on Bookbub! https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-goddard

You can connect with Elizabeth on Facebook: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor

or Twitter: http://twitter.com/bethgoddard

MY REVIEW

Fast paced with twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, this book will stay with you long after the last page is read. I loved how Carrie has survived betrayal from a man she thought she would spend the rest of her life with. I can’t imagine being thrown out of a plane by the man you loved. What is really a miracle is that Carrie survived. She thinks the past is behind her and she has found a place to hide out. Her dear friend Isaac has been like a father to her and rescued her from what could have been her death. When she discovers him dead, her world is shattered. What did he need to talk to her about as she was leaving that day? Was he trying to warn her of something?

Trevor has come to Alaska to find out what happened to his sister who has been missing for a year. All he has to go on is something she kept for him in a safety deposit box. He gets Carrie to fly him over the area where the clues that were left for him might give him some answers. A strange accident finds the pilot that Trevor hired after Carrie couldn’t help anymore dead and with him was the only lead he had to find his sister. Was the pilot a victim of pilot error or something more sinister?

With danger surrounding our two main characters the author delivers a powerful story. Carrie and Trevor start to see that there may be a connection between what they are investigating. Carrie is fierce and has no problem taking care of herself. I loved her strong character and appreciated how she was a bit skeptical of trusting Trevor. Now Trevor with his good looks and sharp mind was a little hard to like at times. He shares just enough with Carrie but still holds back a little. Will these two find a way to trust each other?

It will come at a high price as Trevor and Carrie dig deeper into his sister’s disappearance and Carrie’s friends death. I loved being in Alaska and following them on their journey. It is a breathtaking place but it can be dangerous if you are not prepared for the terrain. There are little communities that are tight lipped about anything going on in their town. As Trevor and Carrie get closer to the truth, threats start surrounding them. Don’t overlook the people who do help our two main characters. I loved how these people were willing to risk their lives and stand with Trevor and Carrie.

The ending is thrilling, dangerous and filled with deceit, revenge and trust. I loved how the author brought Trevor and Carrie together in an adventure where puzzle pieces started to fit. The relationship between the two is slow to develop and I’m glad that the focus of the story was more on the illegal activities they were investigating. What a roller coaster ride this has been. The author includes faith elements in the story and how the main characters learned to rely on God to see them through danger.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The review is my own opinion.

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Two-Cent Piece Audiobook

Author: Dennis Conrad

Genre: Christian 1800s Historical Fiction

Release Date: August 2, 2023

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she give them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces, and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first with the word ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say to the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Ann gives six of her special coins away, hoping the message on the two-cent piece will strengthen each person’s faith.

Click here to get your copy!

About Author

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Denniscombines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

He retired as a professor of Speech Communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

He became a life member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1973. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.

Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

Learn more about coin collecting. Dennis offers free resources for children on his website about coin collecting: https://dennisconradauthor.com/coincollecting4/

More from Dennis

Collecting Coins Can Change Your Life! It Did Mine…

As a child, my friends and I wanted to know everything about coins.

We learned about coins through stories: Who was on each coin? What were coins made of? How were coins made? Where were they made? Why were some more valuable than others? and How could I start collecting on my limited budget?

Coin collecting is a hobby where collectors never stop learning! For example, when I started to watch coin prices, without realizing it, I was learning basic economics.

Over the years, I kept adding to my collection. Decades passed. I attended coin conventions, read books and articles about coins, and remembered where I had found and/or acquired each coin.

One day, my wife looked at me. “Will you ever sell your coins?”

“No.”

That is when I heard God’s still small voice.

God pointed out to me that my coins had become more important than Him. Without my realizing it, my coins had become an idol.

At that time, at the top of the market, I sold my collection without regrets, and used the money to pay off my home mortgage.

Now, God has given me the privilege of writing stories about coins, and encouraging others to embrace a hobby that has given me a lifetime of joy.

Blessings to you and yours,

Dennis Conrad

MY REVIEW

I enjoyed the audio for this book. The narrator is really good and has a soothing voice. What a fun way for a child to experience this book as it is being read.

This short book is a great way for children to learn about giving and having faith. Sweet little Anne has treasured coins that she gives to her brothers and a boy she meets. They are going off to serve in the war. She wants them to know that God will protect them. N each coin it says, “In God We Trust.”

The time period in the book is during the civil war and is a good way to introduce children to history. I liked how the author had each boy that received a coin share what the coin meant to them. The book is beautifully illustrated and introduces the fun of coin collecting.

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