About the Book

Book: Murder of Convenience

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Mystery

Release Date: October 15, 2018

May 1942: Geneva Alexander flees Philadelphia and joins the USO to escape the engagement her parents have arranged for her, only to wind up as the number one suspect in her betrothed’s murder investigation. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, she must find the real killer before she loses her sight…or is convicted for a crime she didn’t commit.

Set in the early days of America’s entry into WWII and featuring cameo appearances from Hollywood stars, Murder of Convenience is tribute to individuals who served on the home front, especially those who did so in spite of personal difficulties, reminding us that service always comes as a result of sacrifice. Betrayal, blackmail, and a barrage of unanswered questions… Murder of Convenience is the first in Linda Shenton Matchett’s exciting new “Women of Courage” series.

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, speaker, and history geek. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry and has lived in historic places all her life. Linda is a member of ACFW, RWA, and Sisters in Crime. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Guest Post from Linda

World War II is my favorite era about which to read and write. What I find most fascinating about the time period are the stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, especially women, who until this time, had been provided for and protected.

A woman was typically insulated from difficulties or frightening things, and her husband or father took care of just about everything. When the war took millions of men away, the women had to learn how to take care of themselves in addition to filling the job vacancies.

Yes, there were Rosie the Riveters: women who worked in the factories building weapons, ships, vehicles and all kinds of war materiel, but there were also Land Army girls, many of whom didn’t know how to drive, who learned to operate all kinds of farm equipment so they could bring in crops to feed our nation as well as our Allies. Others donned uniforms to serve in the WACS, WAVES, SPARS, WASPS, Marines, Army Nurse Corp, and Navy Nurse Corp. Millions boosted morale through the USO and Red Cross or served in myriad ways with Civil Defense. Some went overseas to cover the war as journalists. A few even signed on as spies.

The driving force with most of these women was the realization that their country needed them. They put their own needs and desires aside to help win a war they didn’t ask to be part of. And many did it while single-handedly running the household because their husband was somewhere across the globe – ordinary women doing extraordinary things.

My latest release, Murder of Convenience, explores themes of service and sacrifice intertwined with the question of how to respond when God says no. It is my hope that the novel honors the women who lived during WWII in some small way.

There are some great elements to this book that I want to point out. I loved the setting of the story in 1942 and was very intrigued about the USO. I don't think I have read many books that talk about this great organization that helped those serving to keep us safe. To me it was the best part of the book. It highlighted something that has almost been forgotten. The author does a good job of explaining how valuable it was during the war.

Geneva was a good character who deals with Retinitis Pigmentosa which can hamper sight a great deal. I'm glad she didn't use this to stop her from living her life. Her parents were mean, showed very little love towards Geneva and was very domineering over her. I can't believe how low her father stoops to make money and the back lash will last for years to come. 

The story is about the murder of a young man who has been selected by Geneva's father to become her husband. Thurgood is as rotten as they come. The thought of Geneva being around him made me angry. I can't think of one good thing to say about him. The author does a good job of making Thurgood a character everyone wants dead. It didn't surprise me to learn that when Thurgood is found dead, Geneva is the main suspect. 

I liked how Geneva took matters into her own hands and found a place to get away from the hold her parents had on her life. Talk about overbearing parents would be an understatement to describe them. The story does have quite a few people who I considered to be the killer, but I did't figure it out till the end. I liked the faith element in the book and how Geneva must learn to trust again. Overall good story and a lesson in forgiveness and trust.

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

Blog Stops

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 1

Bigreadersite, December 1

Just the Write Escape, December 2

Just Your Average reviews, December 3

Carpe Diem, December 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 4

Pause for Tales, December 5

Connie’s HIstory Classroom, December 6

Multifarious, December 7

Have A Wonderful Day, December 8

Bibliophile Reviews, December 8

Blogging With Carol, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 11

The Lit Addict, December 12

Maureen’s Musings, December 13

A Baker’s Perspective, December 13

Janices book reviews, December 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize of a World War II themed gift basket!!

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/d6d3/murder-of-convenience-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Amish Midwife’s Secret

Author: Rachel J. Good

Genre: Inspirational Amish Romance

Release Date: November 27, 2018

“A beautiful story of forgiveness and second chances.” -Shelley Shepard Gray, New York Times bestselling author

They won’t see eye-to-eye until they meet heart-to-heart…

Kyle Miller never planned on becoming a country doctor. But when he’s offered a medical practice in his sleepy hometown, Kyle knows he must return… and face the painful past he left behind. Except the Amish community isn’t quite ready for Kyle. Especially the pretty midwife who refuses to compromise her herbal cures and Amish traditions with his modern medicine…

The more Leah Stoltzfus works with the handsome Englisch doctor, the more she finds herself caught between the expectations of her family and her own hopes for the future. It will take one surprising revelation and one helpless baby in need of love to show Leah and Kyle that their bond may be greater than their differences… if Leah can find the courage to follow her heart

About the Author

Inspirational author Rachel J. Good writes life-changing, heart-tugging novels of faith, hope, and forgiveness. The author of several Amish romance series, she grew up near Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the setting for many of her stories. Striving to be as authentic as possible, she spends time with her Amish friends, doing chores on their farm and attending family events.

Rachel’s Amish series include Sisters & Friends (Charisma House/Harlequin), Love & Promises (Grand Central), Hearts of Amish Country (Annie’s Book Club), and Surprised by Love as well as several anthologies—Springs of Love, Love’s Thankful Heart, Plain Everyday Heroes—and the Amish Quilts Coloring Books.

Guest Post from Rachel

The Amish and Herbal Remedies

As many of you know, my Amish novels are based on real life. I get ideas from hanging around Amish friends, hearing their stories and observing their lives. I’d never invade their privacy by telling their stories exactly as they happen, but the things I learn trigger plot ideas.

I’ve always been fascinated by the way the Amish approach healing. Once thing I’ve learned is that, although they’re usually willing to visit doctors, they don’t always take the medicines that are prescribed. Instead, they often substitute herbal remedies. That, and several visits to one of my favorite Amish natural products stores, gave me an idea for one of the conflicts in The Amish Midwife’s Secret.

Leah, an Amish midwife, prefers herbal remedies. Of course, that puts her in direct conflict with Kyle, the new Englisch doctor in town, who only believes in science and traditional medicine. Put the two together and lots of sparks fly. Of course, some of those sparks are also of a romantic nature.

Leah is not only a midwife, but her family owns a natural products store. She knows the best herbs for healing. Rather than sending a small boy to the hospital for pneumonia, Leah covers the baby’s chest with a warm mixture of onions and other herbs and spices (some Amish friends prefer raw onion for congestion), and she feds the baby fresh pineapple juice for his cough.

As a doctor, Kyle is horrified. He wants to admit the baby to a hospital at once. And he expects the old country doctor he’s replacing to back him up. Instead, Dr. Hess informs Kyle that many of the Amish go to doctors for a diagnosis, but then rely on herbal treatments rather than prescriptions.

Kyle, who’s been debating about whether to stay in Amish country or move to a big-city hospital, decides to remain in Lancaster and make it his mission to prevent the Amish midwife from harming newborns and their mothers. He certainly doesn’t expect to have his eyes opened to other ways to handle illnesses. But he has to admit, Leah’s methods do seem to work. When a crisis comes, they soon discover that it takes both of them to save a baby.

***

A extra little secret: Those of you who get my newsletter already know this, but Kyle in The Amish Midwife’s Secret appeared in two earlier books. The Midwife story stands alone, but if you want to know more about Kyle and Emma’s past, you can find it in the Sisters & Friends series, Book 1, Change of Heart, and Book 2, Buried Secrets.

I love reading books about the Amish. I always think I know everything about them, then an author will write one and I learn new things like I did in this book. The Amish very seldom go to the hospital unless it is life and death. It was interesting to learn more about midwives and how much they are depended upon.  I also was intrigued about the Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, Pennsylvania.

Leah is a very compassionate woman who loves helping the midwife in the community. She also helps run a store that has natural herbs for sale. It always interests  me when a book talks about organic herbs for healing. I wonder if we are missing out on using some of these products today that could be beneficial to patients.  That will be a subject that I will have to explore more on my own. 

When the doctor in the town decides he is ready to retire he calls on someone who used to live there to take over his practice. Kyle graciously accepts the doctor's offer to come for a few days to look over the practice. There is a deep secret that he has carried for years that may prevent him from staying as the new doctor. As Kyle and Leah work together in the clinic there seems to be  little attraction between the two. I was shocked when Leah told Kyle she couldn't continue as a midwife once she is married. Her soon to be husband will not allow her to.  

There are a lot of misunderstandings throughout the story that cause friction between characters. I didn't realize how strict the Amish were like  unmarried women and men are not allowed to be alone together at all.  It would take a lot for me to adjust to their ways. I loved getting to know Kyle and Leah and how easy they seemed to work together. Will Kyle stay and take over the practice ?  The story is quite emotional when secrets come out. I cried throughout the book as Kyle wrestled with the past. Leah has her own secret and when the two secrets are finally revealed, it brings a deeper understanding of how people struggle with forgiveness. There are a few surprises in the book that I didn't expect. The author has written a very good story about what happens when secrets are hidden and how much secrets can hurt people. It's a great lesson about forgiveness and compromise as well. I think this is the best book she has written and I won't forget how Kyle and Leah both learn what unconditional love is.

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, November 27

Christian Bookaholic, November 27

KarenSueHadley, November 27

The Avid Reader, November 28

A Baker’s Perspective, November 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 28

Genesis 5020, November 29

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 29

cherylbbookblog, November 29

Because I said so- adventures in parenting, November 30

Bigreadersite, November 30

Quiet Quilter, December 1

Blossoms and Blessings, December 1

Bibliophile Reviews, December 2

Britt Reads Fiction, December 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 3

Captive Dreams Window, December 3

Cafinated Reads, December 4

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner, December 4

Carpe Diem, December 4

Maureen’s Musings, December 5

Christian Author, J.E. Grace, December 5

Janices book reviews, December 6

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, December 7

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 7

For the Love of Literature, December 7

Inklings and notions, December 8

Jeanette’s Thoughts, December 8

Moments, December 9

Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, December 9

Texas Book-aholic, December 9

Miss Tinas Amish Book Review, December 10

The Becca Files, December 10

Vicky Sluiter, December 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize package of two faceless Amish dolls and an autographed copy of The Amish Midwife’s Secret and Plain Everyday Heroes!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d66f/the-amish-midwife-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

EMERGENCY CASE by RICHARD MABRY, M.D.

The author has once again written a story that is filled with intrigue and characters that jump off the pages. I love the story concept of this book. The author has not only incorporated what he writes best which is about medical drama but has included a bit of dangerous gun-running into the mix.   As a lawyer Jack has different clients, but this particular one will have a devastating turn of events for him. What do you do when your client confesses a crime that is going to happen? Jack must decide to do the right thing even though it puts him and his wife in danger. The tension is felt throughout the book. Is this a case of mistaken identity or a well planned plot to get guns on the street?

There is another aspect of the book I liked. It talks about when a marriage is in danger and communication shuts down. Jack tries to hide what is going on from his wife Kelly. The author does a great job of showing how easily a marriage can fall apart if we don't trust God and shallow our pride. The story is a quick read but it sure has the action that the author always delivers. I loved the little twists in the story and found it to enhance the overall story. It's a great story filled with danger, secrets, learning to trust and an ending that I loved.

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

 WOMAN of COURAGE COLLECTOR's EDITION by
WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER

The author grabbed my attention right away as Amanda gets an unexpected visit from her fiance the night before their wedding. I am not a big fan of Nathan  as he breaks Amanda's heart. What is she suppose to do now with her life? The adventure starts off with Amanda and her father s they travel with a guide to head west. I can just image the terrain they traveled on and the dangers they faced. Maybe this will be a new  beginning for Amanda.

The determination and strength of Amanda is seen throughout the story as she faces a treacherous undertaking across the wilderness. She promised her father she would share Jesus with others and along her journey, she finds several who are eager to learn more about Him. I can't imagine what it would be like to travel with little shelter and danger waiting to surprise you. Amanda is strong in her faith and hope that her message will reach many.

I loved following her as she traveled and being introduced to  unforgettable characters. I can't forget to mention Mary and Jim. They play a pivotal roll in Amanda's story. I loved the way the author gives us a glimpse of the past in Amanda and several other characters lives. The story is filled with danger, faith, and hope. As an extra bonus included in the book is a bonus story.

THE STORY OF LITTLE FAWN

This story features Amanda's daughter that she took in  and is a treat to read. Little Fawn has dreamed of being a missionary like her mother and one day she will make that a reality. Little Fawn is very feisty and I'm afraid she may go out on her own to spread the word about God. I remember when I got saved, I wanted to tell everyone. Little Fawn must have that same joyful spirit and she is getting closer to leaving her home without permission. I loved the adventure Little Fawn took and the people she encountered. She faces real danger when  she is captured and fears her fate is sealed. It will be a true test of faith and endurance for Little Fawn. Don't miss this story that captures the true heart of a woman who loves God.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

About the Book

Book: Lost Christmas Memories

Author: Dana Mentink

Genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense/Christmas

Release Date: November 1, 2018

A witness with amnesia

Can she trust this Gold Country Cowboy with her life?

Tracy Wilson witnessed a murder—but after a head injury, she can’t remember what she saw. Now someone plans to silence her for good, and only cowboy Keegan Thorn believes her. With a killer after her at Christmas, Tracy is running out of time to remember…and falling dangerously hard for the cowboy who could break her heart.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com.

Guest Post from Dana

Writing this book was bittersweet for me. It was lovely to finally be able to tell youngest Thorn brother Keegan’s story, but I sure am sorry to say goodbye to this series! It was such fun to write about these four kinsmen and the family bonds that held them together through all manner of murder and mayhem! Here at Mentink Manor, we have recently sent a bear cub away to college for the first time. It feels like I have lost a limb now that my Boo Boo is gone! Fortunately, we will enjoy having her home for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Though it won’t be a cozy country Christmas like it is for Keegan (we live in a city of 80,000 here in Northern, CA) we will be thrilled to have all our family home to celebrate together (Mama Bear, Papa Bear, two cubs, a naughty terrier, and a senior citizen box turtle!) I hope you enjoy this last installment in the Gold Country Cowboy series. I am sending along our best wishes for a blessed holiday season, from our Mentink household to yours!

The author really knows how to get your attention from the very beginning of the story. What would you do if you witnessed a murder? Tracy has come for business and stumbles upon a horrible scene. She is terrified but knows she must get away. Through a series of events, she loses her memory. I can say for sure if I was going to be rescued I wouldn't mind having the dashing Keegan by my side.. He is without question a true cowboy and doesn't mind helping a damsel in distress. 

Tracy is scared when parts of her memory start to come back. I liked how the Thorn family took her in and showed her grace and compassion. Keegan says something to Tracy that really stuck with me. He said," Dunno why they decided to love me," as he talks about the Thorns. Tracy's response was, "Maybe because you let them." I know I have a difficult time allowing anyone into my life and I realized how little I have allowed people to love me. Such a great part of the story I didn't want to not mention it. It shows how Keegan has had a difficult time with relationships and perhaps like me, doesn't feel worthy to be loved.

I loved how much knowledge the author knows about horses. It is easy to visualize how regal they are with her descriptions. Keegan and Tom do not get along at all. Tom has some vendetta against him and it plays perfectly into the story. Does Tom know more about why Tracy is is danger? Is he holding information back on what Tracy witnessed? Tracy's upbringing is full of disappointments and rejections. I could see the parallel lives her and Keegan have. Both were not wanted when they were younger and it has become difficult to trust and forgive people.


There is heart stopping action as Tracy tries to dodge attempts on her life. Keegan must stay on his toes if he is going to keep Tracy alive. I loved the fast pace action and all the suspects on my list that kept growing.  There is plenty of mystery as the story reaches an exciting ending. What a wonderful ending to an exciting 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, November 22

Christian Bookaholic, November 22

Among the Reads, November 22

Inklings and Notions, November 23

Just Your Average reviews, November 23

Blogging With Carol, November 23

Because I said so -adventures in parenting, November 24

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 24

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, November 24

Moments, November 25

Simple Harvest Reads, November 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 25

Genesis 5020, November 26

SusanLovesBooks, November 26

Remembrancy, November 26

Kat’s Corner Books, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 27

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 27

Quiet quilter, November 28

Reading Is My SuperPower, November 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 28

Book by Book, November 29

A Rup Life, November 29

To Everything A Season, November 29

Older & Smarter?, November 30

Have A Wonderful Day, November 30

Cafinated Reads, November 30

KarenSueHadley, December 1

Lighthouse Academy, December 1

Daysong Reflections, December 1

Bibliophile Reviews, December 2

A Baker’s Perspective, December 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 2

Janices book reviews, December 3

Bigreadersite, December 3

Texas Book-aholic, December 4

Carpe Diem, December 4

Godly Book Reviews, December 5

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize of a copy of Lost Christmas Memories, a $50 Amazon gift card and this cute reading charms necklace!!

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/d626/lost-christmas-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway