About the Book

Title: On the Rails

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 6, 2017

Warren, Ohio, 1910: Katherine Newman loves being a teacher, but she loves Henry Jorgensen more, which is why she’s willing to give up her job to marry him. But instead of proposing, Henry breaks up with her. Devastated, Katherine seeks to escape the probing eyes and wagging tongues of her small town. A former Harvey Girl, Katherine’s mother arranges for Katherine to be hired at the Williams, Arizona Harvey House. Can she carve out a new life in the stark desert land unlike anything she’s ever known?

Henry Jorgensen loves Katherine with all his heart, but as the eldest son of a poor farmer can he provide for her as she deserves? The family’s lien holder calls in the mortgage, and Henry must set aside his own desires in order to help his parents meet their financial obligation. But when Katherine leaves town after their break up, he realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life. Can he find her and convince her to give their love a second chance?

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 live. 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

My husband and I were fortunate to be able to take a trip to Arizona several years ago. Having been born and raised on the east coast, I was enamored with the distinctive beauty of the state, from the saguaro cacti of Phoenix and red rocks of Sedona to the volcanic landscape of Flagstaff and multi-colored bands of the Grand Canyon.

But what intrigued me just as much as the area’s beauty were the stories about the women who migrated to the state to work for the Fred Harvey Company. Upon our arrival at the Grand Canyon we came upon the El Tovar Hotel, one of the few remaining Harvey Houses. We were given a bit of literature explaining the history of Mr. Harvey and his restaurants, and the more I read, the more I wanted to know.

As it turns in the late 1800s, food was not available to travelers riding the railroad lines, so when the trains made extended stops, passengers would get off and eat at the restaurants located near the stations. From all reports, the dining experience was sketchy at best, with frequent stories of indigestion and food poisoning.

Enter English immigrant and restauranteur, Fred Harvey. Securing a contract with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, he began with two facilities. However, finding reliable employees proved to be difficult. A high percentage of the employees (all men) would use their paycheck to purchase liquor and then did not return to work for several days. At his wits end, Fred decided to hire women to act as his waitresses, but the concept was a tough sell. The only women in the hospitality industry worked in saloons and had scandalous reputations.

Fred set up dormitories overseen by a House Mothers and implemented a set of rules that included curfews, restrictions on dating, and dress codes. He ran advertisements in the large east coast newspapers. It was not long before candidates came knocking. The reasons they gave for wanting to be a Harvey Girl were as diverse as the girls. Some were looking for adventure, others needed to help fill the family coffers, while a number of them needed to get out of difficult situations ranging from domestic abuse to failed engagements.

Thanks to Fred and his restaurants, most of the 100,000 Harvey Girls found financial stability, confidence, happiness, and/or love. It is my hope that On The Rails commemorates these gals and their intrepid spirits.

The author sure knows how to write a story that keeps readers entertained. The story was fascinating and I learned so much about the Harvey Girls. I don't think I knew anything about them before but after reading this story I was very intrigued by them. It seemed like the perfect place for Katherine to get a job after her heart was broken. She wanted to get away and start a new life.

Katherine goes to Arizona to   hopefully get over the pain in her heart. The rules were very strict to be a Harvey Girl. I loved all the details and the author made me feel like I was there among the diners. Katherine takes her job serious, but she still thinks about what she left behind. I was happy to read that  Katherine was making friends because she sure was no fun to be around. Her bitterness  and pride really was prevalent especially when someone from her hometown comes to Arizona. 

At the heart of the story is Henry who broke up with Katherine. He is in the background through most of the story, but Katherine's bitterness stems from unresolved issues with him. He may have hurt her, but perhaps it was the only thing he could do in order to mature. I liked him because he was honest. 

The best part of the story is near the ending. There is a strong element of faith in this section. I did enjoy reading how several characters came to know Jesus. It was a bit over the top at times but as a new Christian I suppose you are excited about the new beginning you have. The book deals with forgiveness and pride which really go hand in hand. I wasn't surprised at the ending and I did find it a bit rushed. Overall good story but I wanted more dialogue between Katherine and Henry when they first  see each other after several years. 

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

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, January 31

Blossoms and Blessings, February 1

Mary Hake, February 1

Bibliophile Reviews, February 2

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Connie’s History Classroom, February 4

Janices book reviews, February 5

The Mimosa Blossom, February 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, February 7

A Baker’s Perspective, February 8

Moments, February 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 9

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

Through the Fire Blogs, February 11

Carpe Diem, February 11

Godly Book Reviews, February 12

margaret kazmierczak, February 12 (Interview)

Maureen’s Musings, February 13

Bigreadersite, February 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize of a $25 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/d8a4/on-the-rails-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Title: A Love to Behold

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: Christian romance, historical

Release date: January 8, 2019

Publisher: Whitaker House

Two years after the Civil War, Lydia Albright, 27, is an established teacher in Boston when she senses God’s call to leave the comfort and security of her job and go south. She accepts a position to teach in a school for former slaves in Charleston, South Carolina. A church there that’s affiliated with the American Missionary Association offers support, along with room and board at the parsonage.

The Ku Klux men are hell-bent on seeing that the new school fails. Lydia’s life is threatened, and the parsonage, church, and school are vandalized.

But they haven’t contended with a strong, determined woman like Lydia before. It also helps that she has a couple potential suitors on her side.

A Love to Behold is a tale of people who grow strong in the face of adversity and a church that learns love, compassion, and acceptance, even in the face of cruelty and hatred.

Click here to purchase your copy!

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating in 1971 with an education degree, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally with a singing ensemble for one year. In 1975, she came home, returned to her teaching job, and married her childhood sweetheart. Together, they raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying families of their own. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, “Shar” loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!
A Christian for over fifty years, and a lover of the English language, Shar always enjoyed dabbling in writing. She remembers well the short stories she wrote in high school, and watching them circulate from girl to girl during government and civics classes. “Psst,” someone would whisper from two rows over, always when the teacher’s back was turned, “pass me the next page.”
In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, and in 2006, she signed a contract for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her writing career. With eighteen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, she daily gives God all the glory. She dedicated her last novel, Their Daring Hearts, to Jesus.
Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and made several television appearances and radio interviews. She loves speaking for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their beautiful white collie, Peyton, and their ragdoll cat, Blue.
Shar loves hearing from her readers. If you wish to contact her as a potential speaker for a church function or would simply like to chat with her, please feel free to send her an e-mail at sharlenemaclaren@yahoo.com. She will do her best to answer in a timely manner. You may also find her on Facebook.

Guest Post from Sharlene

My dear readers,

It has indeed been my great privilege and pleasure to write this series set in Civil War times. What a thought-provoking, amazing, and heart-wrenching era in American history.

If you read all three books in the “Forever Freedom” series—Summer on Sunset Ridge, Their Daring Hearts, and A Love to Behold—you will have gotten some history lessons regarding the Religious Society of Friends, also known as Quakers; Abolition; the Underground Railroad, which the Quakers were instrumental in launching; life as a Union soldier in the Civil War; the Freedmen’s Bureau; and Reconstruction, that period following the war when the south had fallen into great dis-repair. Also prevalent in this third book is a bit of history regarding the origin of the Ku Klux Klan, a hate group that formed during the Reconstruction period.

Although I did not appreciate history as a young girl, as an older adult, I’m quite fascinated by it. History itself is a great teacher. Learning about it can be everything from exhilarating to depressing, challenging and yet exciting. It is my prayer that as you read my books, you’ll not only find them entertaining, but also inspiring and uplifting. I aim to encourage, not discourage. Much of history—if we dwell on it—can be disheartening, but focusing our hearts and minds on Christ gives us courage and confidence. Let us learn from history, but let us look to the future with hope in our hearts.

With love and a prayer for God’s best blessings,

Shar

Welcome to a time period  where opportunities abound and danger lurks just beneath the surface. Lydia has traveled to South Carolina to take on a job not all townspeople are happy about. She will be a schoolteacher for children of former slaves.   I'm sure she was a bit nervous but God called her to do this and her obedience is obvious.

Her arrival is met with a shootout right in the middle of town. The author makes the story realistic with details that put you right n the center of the story. I love this time period and am amazed at how hard people worked to survive. I think Lydia is in for a big adventure and she has no idea what she has gotten herself into.

Reese is a good character who is wealthy, but uses his money to help others. His father is a bit unconventional and doesn't mind speaking his mind.  Reese's brother has a huge problem with slaves being freed and supports the Klu Klux society along with his father.   It is hard to imagine how prejudice people were even back in the frontier days. Reese has experienced a great loss in his life that has left him lonely. I loved that he still trusts God and knows how important his relationship with God  is to keep him grounded in the Word.

Reese's children are delightful and full of energy. They are excited to meet Lydia and already trying to get their dad to marry her. I love their enthusiasm and how full of life they are. Their addition to the story is fun and I laughed every time they got a bit carried away with things. Reese has done a great job raising them and teaching them about God.

It is very evident that some people in town and even in other states disagree with the Freedmen's Bureau. I loved when Lydia said, " Isn't it our duty as Christians to show forth an attitude of love so that others may see Christ at work?"  Lydia is determined that the school will be a success, but others may have a different opinion. The author writes a story about a subject that even today we still are divided about. God made us in His image. Lydia is the perfect character in this story to fight for what is right. She is feisty and has a strong sense of treating everyone equal. She will be tested over and over again as danger lurks near her. The author writes a scene that was an example of how far people will go when they decide to see only the color of someone's skin. It made me shiver with fright as tears ran down my cheeks while reading what happens at school one day.

I love the way the author puts a bit of humor  in the story with sayings like, " As excited as a piglet in a puddle of mud." It is such an expressive way of saying someone is happy. The story flows easily and I loved learning  more about how slaves were treated and the struggles they had to overcome. There is a romance blossoming that is definitely something to catch readers attention. Overall the story is a wonderful example of the struggles during this time period. I am reminded that God loves us not matter what the color of our skin is. We just need to learn to see people the way Jesus does.

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

" Hatred can carry from one generation to the next. But if the current generation wishes to stop the hatred, they can do it, one step at a time, one person at a time."

Blog Stops

Reading Is My SuperPower, January 22

Maureen’s Musings, January 22

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 23

Genesis 5020, January 23

Jennifer Sienes: Where Crisis and Christ Collide, January 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 24

Splashes of Joy, January 25

Blossoms and Blessings, January 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 26

Mary Hake, January 26

Godly Book Reviews, January 27

Daysong Reflections, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

Robin is Bookish, January 28

My Devotional Thoughts, January 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 29

The Becca Files, January 30

For the Love of Literature, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

Janices book reviews, February 1

A Baker’s Perspective, February 2

Bibliophile Reviews, February 3

Carpe Diem, February 4

Bigreadersite, February 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away a grand prize of a $20 Starbucks 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/d8d2/a-love-to-behold-celebration-tour-giveaway

WELCOME TO THE REVIEW PROMO BLAST OF RECLAIMING SANITY  BY 

DR. LAUREL SHALER 

PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

With a girlfriend’s companionship and a professional counselor’s expertise, Dr. Laurel Shaler walks you through personal stories and biblical insights that shed light on daily and traumatic stress. In Reclaiming Sanity, she shows

• How to find freedom from the past
• Five myths about anger and how to overcome them
• The antidote for nagging worry and sleepless nights
• Ways to rebuild trust in others
• How Christ gives true strength 

Offering effective action steps toward reclaiming sanity, Dr. Shaler guides you through the healing process, whether you are dealing with a one-time traumatic event or years of hidden pain.

Dr. Laurel Shaler is an author, counselor, professor, social worker, and speaker. She writes and speaks on the intersection of faith, culture, and emotional well-being. She is the author of "Reclaiming Sanity: Hope and Healing for Trauma, Stress, and Overwhelming Life Events" (David C. Cook, 2016) and "Relational Reset: Unlearning the Habits that Hold You Back" (Moody, 2018).

Tweets:

Your suffering is real, but you are not going crazy. Restoration can begin now. #ReclaimingSanity @DrLaurelShaler http://amzn.to/2uqOkwy 

"Ur not alone. God is w/ u. He has promised u a hope &a future. He will not fail 2 fulfill His promises" @DrLaurelShaler #ReclaimingSanity

"There is a lot we can do about the way we react to the reminders of the past." @DrLaurelShaler #ReclaimingSanity http://amzn.to/2ptFtI3 

"It is possible to #trustGod & rest in Him even while the storm rages" @DrLaurelShaler #ReclaimingSanity http://amzn.to/2ptFtI3 

"Answers are on the way. Healing has begun. You are alive." @DrLaurelShaler #ReclaimingSanity is available wherever you get your book fix!

Social Media:

www.facebook.com/drlaurelshaler

www.twitter.com/drlaurelshaler

https://www.instagram.com/drlaurelshaler

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Buy Link:

https://amzn.to/2K9STSv






I was really surprised to read the author say, " Trauma is one of the world's leading epidemics." I know things happen to people everyday and sometimes it is very traumatic. Trauma can be having been in a car accident, losing a loved one, an illness or being in a natural disaster. The list is endless and for some people those events can cause trauma that is hard to get over. I did like the first chapter because it goes into a bit more detail about trauma and has a quiz  at the end of the chapter for you to take. After reading the first chapter, I was happy to see the author stressing that there are answers to the way we feel going through trauma.

I'm sure many of us have felt like we are losing our mind. The good news is, we aren't. We just need tools to help us cope with the trauma going on in our lives.I very much agree with the author that trust comes in to play after a traumatic event. The choice we make is important in dealing with trauma. I like that the author uses scriptures to emphasize her statements throughout the book.

I was anxious knowing that chapter four was coming next in my reading. I have PTSD and that is exactly what this chapter deals with. The author discusses that support groups may be helpful for some, speaking to a therapist and sometimes taking medication. I know what works best for me, but everyone must choose what they feel comfortable with. I never liked groups sessions because I was uncomfortable around people. It was always a trust issue for me and the thought of sharing my trauma with others scared me. I loved the scripture the author used to remind us about peace. " Peace I leave you; my peace I give to you." ( John 14:27)  I have to remind myself of this scripture daily as anxiety tries to take over.

The book has subjects that really get to the heart of trauma and how to overcome it. I like the chapters where the author has included questions for readers to answer about your family life growing up. That is a hard one for me to fill out. I still have a long way to go, but I am a work in progress. The author writes a book that has great advice and examples of how to overcome what has kept us trapped. It may not be an easy road, but God is right there to help you.  I did enjoy the book and know this one will be one I will reread many times.

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

About the Book

Title: The Essence of Humility

Author: Lynn U. Watson

Genre: Devotional

Release date: January, 2019

We live in a culture overwhelmed with disrespect, egos, entitlement, rudeness, and offense — lives focused on self, rather than God or others.

The Bible defines love in 1 Corinthians 13. Every descriptive word included in the list whispers humility.

Patience — humility Kindness — humility

Not rude — humility Not arrogant — humility

Rejoices in truth — humility No envious or boastful — humility

Not irritable — humility Keeps no record of wrong — humility

Jesus entered our world and walked among us. He placed no importance on rank or position. Jesus life reflected love because it reflected humility, and He invites us to live and love like Him.

Journey with our hostess, Cinnamah-Brosia and her friends at The Coffee Cottage. They lead us on a journey to meet real life people — our contemporaries and those on the pages of God’s word, who encountered the same real life challenges you and I face each day. Learn the blessings of a life lived like Jesus lived —- with love and humility.

About the Author

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Lynn Watson combines many years’ experience in women’s ministry, love of essential oils, and her passion for God’s word to bring her readers freshly inspired encouragement for their walk with Jesus. Her devotional, The Essence of Courage, was recognized as a ‘must read’ by regional publishing industry leaders. Married since 1973, Lynn and Steve have filled their Bartlett, Tennessee home with handmade treasures and lots of love for family, especially their five beautiful (of course) grandchildren. Aromas of freshly baked bread often fill Lynn’s kitchen. Jasmine, her tuxedo kitty, enjoys sleeping in Lynn’s lap while she writes.

Guest post from Lynn

My first lesson in humility for Volume 3 of Cinnamah-Brosia’s Inspirational Collection came from an assumption. Right. Those are never a grand idea.

When God spoke to me about writing this book, he clearly gave me the subject: Love. I immediately headed to 1 Corinthians 13 – The Love Chapter of the Bible. Of course the book’s title would be The Essence of Love. The end material of The Essence of Joy announced the new “Love” title coming in 2018.

And God laughed. I read 1 Corinthians 13 over and over again. It whispered “humility” over and over again. I called my dear friend – the one I consult with on every one of these books – and said, “You know what? Listen to this. Love is patient – humility. Love is kind – humility. Love is not arrogant – humility. You get the idea. Every single line of this beautiful passage comes down to the barest bones: humility.”

We both laughed a little, too. And we thanked God He clarified His instructions.

To live and love like Jesus requires us to humbly trust God and to humbly serve others.

In Philippians 2, the Apostle Paul presents a lengthy discourse on the humility of Christ. It begins like this:

If then there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the same feelings, focusing on one goal. Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 

~Philippians 2:1-4 (HCSB)

The title morphed to The Essence of Humility. I placed the focus on common everyday botanicals and plants – those familiar to us today – for this third volume in the collection. The fun came as I dug the plants from Scripture. I pray you enjoy the connections as much as I did uncovering them and connecting them to Jesus’ life, and to a whole list of characters who lived on the pages of the Bible, along with our contemporaries here in the 21st century.

Thank you for choosing The Essence of Humility. So very many titles out there shout to be read. I am humbled for you to spend time with me here. I have prayed for every one of you.

Copyright 2018, Lynn U. Watson

I am excited to be back with Cinnamah -Brosia and her friends.  Each chapter is a breath of fresh air as we learn about humility. I really enjoyed the story of washing Jesus' feet. Can you imagine what it would be like to wash the feet of others? We take away any unkind thoughts and do as God asked us to. I remember being at a church once when a guest speaker asked me to come up and wash the pastor's feet. I was beside myself but obeyed. The feeling of doing this for anyone was an eye opening experience. I had to dismiss my thoughts and could begin to  picture myself washing the feet of Jesus. It did make me humble that day and I will never forget how God watched me as I began to wash the feet of the man who was my pastor. 

I have recently been taken  out of my comfort zone to become a full time care giver for a family member. At first I wasn't sure I could this, but I know there is a reason for everything. I have done this with a soft heart thinking I will take great care of this person because I know I would want the same for me. It has shown me how I have overcome doing things that make me uncomfortable and given me a time to see this person as God does. I'm thankful for the time I have with my family member and I have become more caring. I look in their eyes and I see hurt, embarrassment and tears. I also see softening of the heart and allowing me to care for them in a way that makes us realize how important life is. 

I love how the author shares in each chapter a fragrance that relates to the subject. It is a nice book to soak up wisdom from and emphasizes good scriptures and stories from the bible that illustrate humility.

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

Blog Stops

Carpe Diem, January 24

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 25

Splashes of Joy, January 25

A Reader’s Brain, January 26

Bibliophile Reviews, January 27

A Baker’s Perspective, January 28

Creating Romance, January 29

Mary Hake, January 29

Aryn The Libraryan, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 31

The Becca Files, February 1

Godly Book Reviews, February 1

Pause for Tales, February 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 2

Janices book reviews, February 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 4

Through the Lens of Scripture, February 5

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Bigreadersite, February 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lynn is giving away a grand prize of a wire basket that includes a hand-stamped “Gratitude, Kindness, Humility, Love” spoon necklace, Hillhouse Naturals fresh Linen hand lotion, locally hand-crafted Lavender-Eucalyptus body and foot scrub, embroidered “Love One Another” hand towel (nice ‘n soft), cozy Chamomile herbal tea, and a paperback copy of The Essence of Humility!!

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/d93b/the-essence-of-humility-celebration-tour-giveaway