Friday, November 22, 2024

About the Book

Book: To Choose the Longshot

Author: Lisa M. Prysock

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 5, 2024

In a world where wealth and status reign, can true love prevail?

Miss Delia Lyndon, a young woman born into the prestigious Spencer-Lyndon family, is initially enamored with Thaddeus, the son of a prominent local stable owner, when he begins vying for her hand in marriage. She is keenly aware of how a union between the two families would seal their status as one of the most beloved couples from Lexington. However, when Jake, a handsome and charming newcomer, arrives on the scene, he catches her attention, casting doubts and fears in Delia’s heart. Torn between two suitors, Delia must navigate societal expectations, family pressure, and her own desires. Will she choose the man who seemingly has it all – wealth, charm, and a shared background in Kentucky’s elite circles – or will she follow her heart to the humble yet captivating Jake?

Jake Williams is determined to prove his worth in the competitive world of horse racing. Despite his humble beginnings as a farmer, he refuses to be intimidated by his rival’s malicious attempts to sabotage his chances, both on the racetrack and in winning Delia’s affections. With his trusted steed, Horizon, by his side, Jake faces each challenge head-on, guided by his unwavering faith.

When mysterious events begin occurring leading up to the annual Phoenix Stakes horse race, Delia must look beyond appearances and uncover the truth that lies beneath.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Lisa M. Prysock is a USA Today Bestselling Author who writes both Christian Historical Romance and Contemporary Christian Romance books—”Romance with a Dash of Food, Fashion, Faith, & Fun.” She writes both traditionally and indie published novels.

Kentucky inspires her writing and is home. Happily married to her husband of more than 24 years, she homeschooled two of their five children, now grown. When she isn’t writing, she likes to cross stitch, crochet, sew, scrapbook, read, swim, dance, take walks, travel, explore historical homes, garden, cook for her family, learn to play the piano and violin, and read great books.

More from Lisa

Hello Celebrate Lit Friends and Readers! I’m back to share a looksie at Book 2 from Kentucky Debutantes of the Gilded Age. I’ve really enjoyed my deep dive into all things Kentucky Derby and the world of horseracing in To Choose the Longshot.

Most of us have heard of Churchill Downs and Lexington’s Keeneland. But before Keeneland was the Lexington Association Racetrack. The annual spring race generally opened each year on that course with a featured race known as the Phoenix Stakes. It dates as far back in history as 1831! You can take a peek at the fascinating horse names of all the winners from 1831 to 2012, here. Of course, I’ve fictionalized names of winners and many events around the races in my series, but it’s fun to peek at real-life history when crafting our stories.

Leading up to and through the Gilded Age, the time period and setting of this series, the Phoenix race was generally sponsored by the Phoenix Hotel in Lexington. And more than Kentucky horseracing history, in Book 2, readers will get to come along for a glimpse at another course located in Baltimore, Maryland when the story takes our main characters to Pimlico. They referred to this track as the Old Hilltop in the early days of American horseracing history.

And atop Pimlico sits the famed weathervane. Did you know that painting the Preakness Stakes weathervane is a grand Pimlico tradition dating to 1909? The vane style is unique, commissioned by the Maryland Jockey Club, bearing the shape of a thoroughbred and jockey ever since the original arrow-shaped one was struck down by lightning. The new vane was christened by the colors of the silks carried by that year’s winner, Effendi.

I had a great deal of fun writing To Choose the Longshot starting with the very first page. The novel opens with a runaway bride! It’s always a wonder what makes a bride runaway, and my imagination went to work at once creating the situation that causes this bride so much consternation.

Readers get to learn more about Veronica’s sister in Book 2, Miss Delaney Lyndon. Everyone calls the shy and demure middle sister, Delia. And all of Lexington expects one of the Lyndon sisters to marry into the Sullivan family, since these two families are “Kentucky horseracing royalty.” But who will Delia choose to marry? Will she marry her handsome, wealthy, and daring beau, Thaddeus Sullivan, or will a rugged newcomer and underdog in their midst from the Adirondacks, Jake Williams, turn her head?

I cannot fail to mention that the beloved character of Aunt Mae from Book 1 makes an appearance in Book 2. She certainly has her hands full attempting to help Delia reach a decision about who she should marry, knowing it will impact the future of Velvet Brooks Farm for generations to come. But if anyone can help steer Delia to a decision, it’s Aunt Mae. As our heroine grapples with perceptions and tries to balance expectations with what’s in her heart, find out what happens next with a deeper look at the world of horseracing, sure to give horse enthusiasts plenty to cheer about.

Happy reading!

Blessings!

Lisa

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 19

lakesdielivingsite, November 20

Holly’s Book Corner, November 20

For Him and My Family, November 21

Texas Book-aholic, November 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 24

Labor Not in Vain, November 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 27

Stories By Gina, November 28 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 29

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 30

Simple Harvest Reads, December 1 (Guest Review from Donna)

Pause for Tales, December 2

Leslie’s Library Escape, December 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54102

Thursday, November 21, 2024

About the Book

Book: Falling for a Smart Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 4)

Author: Karen Baney

Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance

Release date: June 25, 2024

She’s on a mission to bring orphaned children hope. He wants off his family’s ranch for good. Will they survive his shocking family secrets?

Devon Vargas longs to be more than just a cowboy. After finishing his teaching degree, he plans to leave his family’s guest ranch for good. Between his growing affection for the new children’s program director and a huge family secret revealed, he second guesses everything about his life.

Raina Crawford lost her parents at a young age. Through the grace of God, she survived life in the foster system. She desperately wants to bring children the life-changing faith that gave her hope. The job at Vargas Ranch was supposed to be a steppingstone. Except she’s losing her heart to the smart, ambitious cowboy bent on leaving his family’s ranch—and her—behind.

Will Raina finally find the family she’s always wanted? Will family secrets unravel his new dreams? Will those same secrets tear them apart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.

Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.

More from Karen

Big Family Drama

I love writing big family drama in my novels! It provides such great material for the relationship between characters.

Part of this comes from my family’s drama. My mom was the youngest of eight kids, making my extended family huge. I remember going to the Independence Day family reunions as a kid. It was both fun and a little intimidating. Most of my cousins were adults by the time I was a tweener. So, my siblings and I tended to hangout with my “oops!” cousin since we were only a few years apart.

And boy, did we have drama! There was the aunt who seemed to be offended and left early year. Someone always ended up injured, but only once do I remember an ambulance showing up. There were cliques and turf wars and so much more.

As an adult, though I’ve rarely been able to fly clear across the country to see my extended family, the drama of my husband’s big family serves as inspiration too. He is the oldest of five kids. My first introduction to his large family was at his sister’s wedding. I had no idea what I was getting into. We’d only been dating for about six weeks. Everyone kept pushing me to join the family photos, and I kept trying to gracefully get out of the pictures. I didn’t want him to regret having me in the pictures if we broke up. In the end, my hubby and I outlasted that marriage.

In Falling for a Smart Cowboy, I introduce a new character to the series, Raina Crawford. She was orphaned as a young girl and has longed for a forever family, even into adulthood. Devon Vargas, the fourth out of five sons, learns a family secret that makes him want to avoid his large family. I loved writing this juxtaposition between Raina and Devon over family relationships. It helps each of them see a new perspective. It was also fun writing new friendships for Raina—even if all the friendships tied to Devon’s family. My experience with both my family and being a newbie to my husband’s family provided inspiration for both Raina’s and Devon’s characters.

If you like big family drama, the Vargas Ranch Series provides it in spades. Enjoy!

MY REVIEW

I have read several books in this series and I have grown to love this family. They are rooted in faith that shows in each of their children. I adored the parents because God is first in their lives. Their love for their children is evident in everything they say or do. When a secret is exposed will it tear the family apart?

Raina had my heart right away. She has never felt loved in her entire life and this hurt carries on into relationships. She is making a fresh start as she accepts the position that will have her overseeing the children’s programs at a ranch. She is excited to teach them about God and show them unconditional love. Her strong desire to help these precious children may help her get over her past.

Devon is happy to be back at his family’s ranch helping out. He has plans to go overseas on a missions trip and then come back home to teach at a school. Hiring Raina to take his position seems like a good fit. I kept wondering why his mother kept putting off giving him his passport. He desperately needs it since he leaves in a few weeks.

The relationship between Raina and Devon is a slow build. I like how the author doesn’t rush them into anything but allows them to get to know each other as friends first. As they start to have feelings for each other Raina finds herself a little jealous of how close Devon and his family are. She has never felt that and prays that someday she will have a family of her own.

Devon prepares to leave on his mission trip and finds a copy of his birth certificate . What he discovers makes him angry and lost at the same time. Why was this secret never told to him? Who is he really? This part broke my heart as I felt his pain.

The story illustrates how important family is and that secrets can hurt others. Raina must find a way to forgive her parents for leaving her and allow God to heal that little girl who grieves for parents. Beautiful story that made me emotional several times.

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

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, November 20 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 21

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 22

Guild Master, November 23 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, November 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 24

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25

Denise L. Barela, November 26 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, November 27

Artistic Nobody, November 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Simple Harvest Reads, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Fiction Book Lover, December 1 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 1

Labor Not in Vain, December 2

Back Porch Reads, December 3 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54103

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

About the Book

Book: A Calculated Betrothal

Author: Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: November 12, 2024

A Patriot scout, a Loyalist widow, and a desperate fight to save what matters most.

The death of her titled husband means that not only is Tabitha Gage no longer a lady—but she’s also abandoned on an isolated Southern Georgia plantation on the eve of revolution. With the fine house and fields sold to a neighbor, she’s left with a log cabin on unsettled timber land. Rather than marry the neighbor’s son, Tabitha determines to make her own way—and never again be shackled to a man she doesn’t love.

Sergeant Edmond Lassiter is one assignment away from promotion when he comes to the aid of a red-haired beauty fending off cattle rustlers. Thrown together during an attack at a nearby fort, the Patriot scout and Loyalist widow are surprised by the values they share—including honesty, loyalty, and equality. When Edmond learns the same man who ruined his family is after what little Tabitha has left, he convinces her they should work together to make her land profitable—all while fighting off the British from East Florida and her greedy neighbor, who sabotages their every effort to succeed. Their work together will be a business arrangement…nothing more. But as a British invasion threatens, the truth soon becomes clear—continuing the connection between them will risk far more than their hearts.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Weimer has authored around twenty traditionally published novels and novellas–historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. The mother of two wonderful young adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

There were only going to be four books in my Scouts of the Georgia Frontier Series. But have you ever had a character take over a story? That’s what happened for books four and five.

Temperance Scott, the shy but principled heroine of A Conflicted Betrothal who started her own Daughter of Liberty group during Savannah’s 1765 Stamp Act Protests, had a feisty twin sister named Tabitha. Tabitha kept marching all over the page in her bright silk gowns, making Temperance feel pale by comparison, jockeying to maintain her position as Daddy’s favorite, and plotting to steal Temperance’s beau. When that failed, she stole the end of the novel instead, saving her sister from authorities tracking down the spy who wrote the Townsman Letters that accused prominent Loyalists of supporting the Stamp Act. Then she wed her father’s choice for her, the much older Henry Gage, Lord Riley, and sailed away on his sloop to avoid punishment. As the book closed, Temperance got to marry her Royal Ranger-turned-Patriot, Ansel Adams, while Tabitha was left to an unknown fate in swampy South Georgia. I kept wondering whatever became of the Savannah belle down there with the snakes and gators.

When I learned that Fort Barrington on the Altamaha River changed hands several times during the American Revolution, becoming Fort Howe while under Patriot control, I had to write book five, A Calculated Betrothal. Fast forward ten years, and Tabitha is newly a widow. The intervening years have not been kind, as her husband marginalized her when it became clear she would not provide him with the heir he desired. Their finances have dwindled as he continually sent money to his wastrel brother-in-law in England. Upon his death, she discovers the fine rice plantation has been sold to their greedy neighbors, Loyalist father and son Hugh and Julian Jackson.

Julian has an alternate plan in mind, but Tabitha has no intention of yoking herself to another man she doesn’t love—particularly a cruel slave owner and womanizer. She takes her maid-slash-best-friend Dulcie and flees to the cabin Dulcie’s husband occupies on the south side of the river. This land, at least, is still hers…even though it offers only undeveloped timberland and swampland, free range for the Spanish cattle Dulcie’s husband herds.

But there’s an enemy more dangerous than the snakes and gators, and maybe even than the Jacksons…the British-allied East Florida Rangers that raid into South Georgia—burning, stealing, and rustling cattle. A confrontation with their vengeful colonel puts Tabitha at the top of their list. With enemies all around, how will Tabitha establish her independence? Enter Fort Howe’s Sergeant Edmond Lassiter, a man determined to settle his own score with the Jacksons. He offers the help Tabitha needs, but with their hidden wounds and differing backgrounds, can they learn to trust each other enough to defeat their common enemies?

MY REVIEW

What an amazing story that places you right in the middle of a war that changed many lives. I loved how the author incorporates historical facts to enhance the story in a way that helps readers grasp the storyline better. I was intrigued by how characters were fragile at times but determined to win their battle emotionally as well as physically.

When I met Tabitha I instantly liked her. She is strong , humble and determined. It was sad to read how her world was turned upside down by a piece of paper. It makes me wonder why some people can be cruel even in death. Following Tabitha on her journey was one of sacrifice and blessings.

Edmond is a very likeable character. His ability to see past what others believe, he gives grace to others. I liked that he was able to relate to Tabitha and trust her when others didn’t. As they join forces they face danger and an enemy that will do anything to seek power. Get ready for an adventure that captures faith, hope and a better future.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 16

Pause for Tales, November 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17

lakesidelivingsite, November 18

Allyson Jamison, November 18

Books You Can Feel Good About, November 19

Texas Book-aholic, November 20

Connie’s History Classroom, November 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 22

Simple Harvest Reads, November 23 (Guest Review from Donna)

Cover Lover Book Review, November 24

Book Looks by Lisa, November 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 26

For Him and My Family, November 27

Holly’s Book Corner, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Giveaway

celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5498

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

About the Book

Book: Maybe Now, Maybe Never

Author: Chris Posti

Genre: Women’s Fiction with Elements of Faith & Later-in-Life Romance

Release date: October, 2024

At 57, Suzanne is marrying the man of her dreams, confident he won’t disappoint her like every other man from her past, but a phone call during the ceremony makes her wonder if she’s made yet another mistake. Widowed Rachel attends the wedding on what would have been her fortieth anniversary, wearing a wig on her head and emotions on her sleeve, when her neighbor blurts out a proposal for a wedding of their own. Uber-rich Marla captures the attention of everyone in the pews as she sings a surprise solo, yet her efforts to impress have little effect on the one person who matters the most.

While navigating relationships with each other, their grown children, their aging mothers, and most of all, the men in their lives, the women unite to rescue their hometown and their own businesses from a spate of malicious online reviews that are suddenly jeopardizing everyone’s future.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Chris Posti writes award-winning fiction about real-life women experiencing the joys and challenges of their friendships, families, careers, and later-in-life romances. Before pivoting to novels, she was a self-employed career & executive coach and wrote three nonfiction books. For 20+ years, she also penned a Sunday newspaper column.

More from Chris

In all the contemporary women’s fiction you’ve ever read, can you think of a single novel that features three women over 55 as the main characters?

Hmm.

Still thinking?

Until I wrote my series, I hadn’t come across any, either.

Being over 55 myself, I decided to fill that void by writing about older women who still have a lot of juice left in them—women who stick by their friends, overcome challenges, care for aging parents, grow in their faith, champion their hometown, and have second chances at love.

In other words, Maybe Now, Maybe Never is all about characters I relate to, and if you’re a woman of a certain age, I believe you will too.

This is the second book in the Next Act trilogy. The first, Falling Apart, Falling for You, was released in 2022, and the third, ’Tis the Time, ’Tis the Season was just released in October. It will also be on a blog tour starting November 22.

Come alongside these women. I think you’ll enjoy their journeys.

MY REVIEW

The story follows several women on their journey thru life. I enjoyed getting to know each one and seeing how they navigate their struggles and triumphs. I love stories where the author features older men and women.

As we get to know each woman better we see the changes they face such as relationships, jobs, marriages and trials where they need to lean on friends. The story is emotional at times where the characters find their life turning upside down.

I did like the mystery in the story about someone who is sabotaging stores and restaurants in the town.Their reviews are harsh and give the businesses a bad name. Why would someone want to hurt these businesses? I couldn’t wait to see who the guilty party was. Also in the book we see each character defining their faith. Some may have stepped away from God but as they deal with challenges it might help them draw near to Him again.

I liked the story but at times I was let down by the back and forth of characters. I wanted the author to tell the story by incorporating them into each chapter rather than dedicating a chapter that ping ponged between each character. It was hard for me to keep interested in the story at times .

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 12

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 13

Inspired by Fiction, November 14

Stories By Gina, November 15 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, November 15

Simple Harvest Reads, November 16 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, November 17 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 17

Guild Master, November 18 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, November 19

Fiction Book Lover, November 20 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21

Back Porch Reads, November 22 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23

For the Love of Literature, November 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card, a copy of book, and bookmarks!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5495

Sunday, November 17, 2024

About the Book

Book: Lethal Kings (The Fae Dynasty Book Two)

Author: Victoria McCombs

Genre: YA Fae Fantasy

Release date: November 12, 2024

You’ve been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . . The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.

Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller Series, The Royal Rose Chronicles, and The Fae Dynasty duology, with hopefully many more to come. She survives on hazelnut coffee, 20-minute naps, and a healthy fear of her deadlines, all while raising four wildlings with her husband in Omaha, Nebraska.

More from Victoria

This book came differently to me than my other ones.

It was less plot and structure, and more—what kind of book do I want to write?

I wanted riddles for them to solve, which created the Gamemaster character. I wanted a healthy family aspect, which began the process of repairing the relationships I’d burned in book one. And I wanted a character who knew exactly what she wanted and never waivered from that. Other scenes came from these wishes, like the chess game where the players are the chess pieces, and the War of Hearts played in the labyrinth.

Together, I think it blended nicely, and I can’t wait for readers to get ahold of it!

MY REVIEW

The opening pages drew me in with darkness surrounding the kingdom that Althea and Eliza have come to. Will they accept Eliza as their new queen? Tensions are felt as they enter the kingdom with uncertainty. Eliza wants to go home but Althea must ask her to wait. Power is the upmost thing to have and without it they are doomed.

The author takes on an incredible journey with vivid descriptions and action that seems to be nonstop. Emotions are high as twists change things in an instant. I enjoyed the story and would highly recommend reading the others in this series in order. The characters are fun to follow and I liked how one particular character showed how strong they are emotionally. With a quest that needs to happen this story gives readers a great fantasy story.

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