About the Book

Book: Loving Beth

Author: Bonnie Rose Ward

Genre: Christian Historical Romance Fiction

Release Date: June 8, 2023

A courageous woman, a bitter man, and God’s plan.

Times were hard after Beth McCullough’s father died in the Civil War, but she and her mother are getting by on their little farm outside Rosewood, West Virginia. The kindly banker holding the loan lets them pay what they can. Then Beth’s mother dies suddenly, and the banker’s arrogant son gives her only thirty days to pay her full debt. Beth is left alone and lonely and fears losing the only home she’s ever known. It would be nice to have someone in her life like Jacob, the handsome man who found her mother. Then to her horror, Beth discovers two small children who’ve been abandoned. It’s one more thing for her to worry about, but Beth has to keep faith in God’s ability to work miracles.

Although he has to travel to Baltimore to care for his ailing mother, Jacob Wallace can’t stop thinking about Beth, but he’d promised his late wife he’d never love again after her tragic death. After receiving a letter with terrible rumors about Beth, Jacob returns to Rosewood, angry, bitter, and disillusioned, more determined than ever to keep his vow to never love again. He’s right to close his heart against Beth.

As Beth struggles to protect the children and keep her farm, she’s also defending against Jacob’s unfounded suspicions. The danger escalates with an attack and threats to her life. But God moves in mysterious ways. Is there room in Jacob’s heart for a new love? Will they learn to trust each other and have faith in God’s plan to find their way together?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Bonnie Rose Ward, an award-winning author celebrated for her vivid memoirs recounting life in the Alaskan wilderness, currently resides in West Virginia with her husband. Bonnie’s homestead is nestled within the serene foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The spirit of these mountains and her husband’s familial tales from the region breathe life into her compelling narratives of Appalachian resilience, strength, and the quest for love. Drawing from her fifteen-years in the wilderness, Bonnie’s present lifestyle encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Together with Samuel, she tends to a menagerie of goats, chickens, Zebu cattle, and other barnyard animals, while also cultivating their verdant gardens. When not immersed in her rural responsibilities, Bonnie transitions into her writer’s persona. At her keyboard, she masterfully weaves new tales echoing the valor of women, the fidelity of men, and the extraordinary miracles that God orchestrates in their lives. Bonnie Rose Ward is not just an author, but a storyteller—painting vivid pictures with her words that resonate with the human spirit’s trials, triumphs, and faith.

More from Bonnie

My husband, and I lived in the Alaskan wilderness for many years. We built cabins and lived off the land. While there, Sam shared stories about his ancestors—especially those of his spunky great grandmother, Easter Mullens. I was fascinated by her life. We eventually purchased my husband’s mother’s old homeplace nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, and together we built our home by hand, reminiscent of the cabins we built in Alaska. Living in the wilderness for fifteen years gave me the skills and understanding of how our forefathers and mothers’ must have lived in the 1800s. Sam often talked about his aunts foraging from the land—they knew what vegetation you could eat and what you couldn’t. I became enamored with these hardy, resilient mountain people and their stories.

I started to write Easter’s story as nonfiction, but my imagination took over and a fictional story grew from the fragments of her life and circumstances.

As you know, characters are typically a composite of people we know and characters we imagine, with a bit of ourselves sprinkled in there. Beth originally was a combination of Sam and my ancestors—at least, how I imagined them to be. As I worked with her, she took on a life of her own. Instead of simply being impressed by her courage, I realized how vulnerable she is. I also realized that being so young, she is going to make mistakes a more mature person wouldn’t. But I think her driving characteristic is her spunk. She does what she has to do to survive in a harsh world and to protect those she loves.

Jacob is a decent man whose devotion to his departed wife leaves no room for another. He has to come to terms not just with his wife’s death, but with what is expected from him as he puts the pieces of his life back together. Most importantly, he must realize his harshest expectations are those he has cast upon himself—and that his stubbornness is destroying not only his own happiness, but the happiness of those he loves.

Faith, love, and determination are the main themes of the book. Faith has been so important in my own life and got me through so much when we lived in the Alaskan wilderness. Therefore, I wanted to illustrate the role faith played in the lives of Beth and Jacob. Love comes in so many different forms, and I wanted to explore the different types of love. There’s the love between a man and a woman; the love between parents and children—even if they are not biologically related; and, of course, the love that grows from relying on good neighbors and friends. Determination is what allows us to survive the unsurvivable. Without the determination that seeds in our guts and grows to see us through the worst times of our lives, we would not succeed. Of course, determination can also work against us. When we stubbornly adhere to principles that are no longer relevant, our determination cause much more harm than good.

MY REVIEW

As I read the opening pages, I knew this would be a story filled with loss, determination, survival and faith. Beth has seen tragedy in her young life but now losing her mother was almost too much for her. All she had was her sweet mother who did her best to provide for them. Now Beth is alone and must face challenges that seem overwhelming. She has to  fight to keep her home before  the  bank forecloses on it. You can feel Beth’s desperation as she seeks God for answers. The town tries to help but there is little money in this small community. Times are hard in the town but their closeness to each other is very inspiring. Will Beth be able  to save her home? 

Life was hard for  the people in this small community but I admired how they helped each other out.  Churning  butter to sell along with fresh eggs would help Beth for now but what happens when the chickens stop laying ? How will she provide for herself? I love  how Beth is a strong young woman who is always looking for ways to help her situation. I wonder how I would have done in this time period? 

When Beth stumbles upon a young boy and his baby sister her heart is full of compassion for them. Now she understood why eggs had suddenly gone missing from her coop. She wants to help the children and knows she can’t turn her back in them. Who in the world are these people who are mean and seem to not care about their children? Their harsh language made me cringe when they turned on Beth in a rage. 

Beth is startled  awake by a loud knock on her door. Who would be here on a cold night banging so loudly? To her surprise it is the sweet little boy Tommy. He is freezing and needs Beth to go get his sister. Those mean people left them all alone at the cabin with no food or heat. Beth sure has her hands full when she takes them in. There is no way she will let those horrified people take the  children ever again. The children have been abused and my heart hurt for  what they had been through. 

Jacob has challenges of his own as he leaves  his precious children with his cousin. He has been called home because his mother is very ill. He still remembers  how strong his mother was. Now as he sits with her, he sees how frail she has become. His heart is breaking as his mother seems to be slipping away. The story is filled with a little intrigue when Jacob learns that the fire that destroyed his mothers house was arson. Who would be so heartless to burn down a home that his sweet mother lived in? 

I loved how the author illustrated how people in town came to help both Beth and Jacob when they faced trials. The townspeople were comforting and showed compassion. With a few unsavory characters in the story we witness how greed and jealousy can turn someone into doing ungodly things. The author gives us a glimpse into how faith overcomes tragedy as trust leads to a new  beginning. 

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

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 13

Bizwings Book Blog, January 14

Exploring the Written Word, January 14

Holly’s Book Corner, January 15

lakesidelivingsite, January 16

Madi’s Musings, January 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 17

Lighthouse Academy Blog, January 18 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Cover Lover Book Review, January 19

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 20 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, January 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 23

Pause for Tales, January 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24

For Him and My Family, January 25

Books I’ve Read, January 26

Connie’s History Classroom, January 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Bonnie is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & a paperback 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/2979d/loving-beth-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: No Matter What

Author: Jennifer Carr

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 14, 2022

Jess Hayley, with her exceptional skill of deciphering people’s thoughts and emotions through body language and microexpressions, encounters Bryan Carsen, a member of the U.S. Army Cyber Force, setting her on an unforeseen path that challenges her beliefs and abilities.

As Bryan becomes embroiled in a covert investigation, Jess comes to grips with the consequences of his actions, which are further complicated by the arrival of a mysterious box of evidence that endangers everything she holds dear. Caught in a perilous web of intrigue, trust becomes elusive, and Jess must navigate a world turned upside down, even questioning the trustworthiness of those closest to her.

In the midst of turmoil, Jess confronts the unsettling possibility that someone she trusted deeply may have harbored long-hidden secrets. Despite enduring numerous challenges, she must summon the strength to open her heart and rediscover the capacity to trust.

Amidst the uncertainty and concealed truths, Jess’s journey unfolds, marked by twists and turns, self-discovery, resilience, and the intricate interplay between perception and reality, showcasing the deep impact of unexpected encounters and the courage needed to move forward in the face of pain.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster, Jenniferdraws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.
Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama.
When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what’s likely her third coffee of the day.

More from Jennifer

I loved writing this book. There were days that words poured out of me as though a dam had broken. Other days I stared at the screen until my eyes felt crossed and only touched the keyboard to text my husband how absolutely uninspired I was.

The day before I clicked PUBLISH, I reread the entire book cover-to-cover, word-for word and just as I had the first time through, I smiled, I cried, my heart swelled, and it shattered into pieces. Then it was gently put back together as I was reminded of the hope that is always waiting for us, no matter what. 

One of my favorite quotes from the book:

“…if you will let God redeem your losses, you might find that he restores you, too…”

MY REVIEW

This book is something you should read slowly and take in every moment as two  people  learn about themselves. I loved how the author captures a sweet relationship between Jess and Bryan. Oh how I enjoyed seeing each layer opened as the characters started to trust each other. This story will be one I will remember forever  because it shows a realistic look at how a relationship with God is the foundation to happiness and peace.

Jess is a unique character and I was able to relate to her very easily. Her gift is being able to read others and decipher traits about them. I have this discernment that can only be described as a feeing I get. I can sense when something is going to happen and sometimes I can tell you exactly what will happen. Some people have called me weird but I know this ability is from  God. Jess uses her gift to help others but still struggles with how it can be a burden to her. As she starts to be interested in knowing God, you see her heart open and begin to hunger for God. 

Bryan is such a kind and gentle person. The attraction he feels for Jess when they first met was  very believable. Sometimes you meet someone and just hit it off instantly. The more we get to know him, the more endearing he becomes. He is one of the good guys that women try to find. His faith is steadfast and he seeks God in every situation. I enjoyed watching this couple grow together. One of the  beautiful parts of this story is witnessing Jess giving her life to Jesus. It was a touching  and pure moment that brought me to tears. 

When we get to the second half of the  story it is several years later. Much has changed for Jess and Bryan so readers will have to experience what has transpired in those two years on their own. I don’t want to spoil one moment of their journey. The story does take on a serious note as Bryan seems to be dealing with something that he hasn’t shared with Jess. When Bryan does finally open up, the compassion that Jess shows is an illustration of a strong marriage grounded on faith. 

The author totally shocked me as something so shattering happened in the story. I was not prepared for it at all and  felt my heart skip a beat. This part is hard to write about. Without giving  anything away, God will be the only one to help in this situation. How can this be happening and why?  

I like how the author transitions by moving forward a few years, stopping to give us glimpses of characters and what happens to them. We then move forward and are surprised again when we catch up with Jess. Her drive to never turn away from  her faith  keeps her grounded as she makes decisions about her future. I’m thankful that I read this beautiful story and how the  author shows brokenness and redemption through characters who experience trials. 

“No matter how hard life got, there would always be something beautiful on the other side.” 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 20

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 22 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 23

Artistic Nobody, January 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Beauty in the Binding, January 26 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 27

Guild Master, January 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, January 28

Cover Lover Book Review, January 29

A Reader’s Brain, January 30 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

For Him and My Family, February 1

Through the Fire Blogs, February 2 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, February 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jennifer is giving away the grand prize package of a Six Month Subscription to Kindle Unlimited ($60 value) and a copy of No Matter What!!

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/297d0/no-matter-what-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: Offsides

Author: Lori Z. Scott

Genre: Contemporary YA fiction

Release Date: October 19, 2023

Danielle Stephens expected her senior year to be challenging, with her final season of soccer, a strained friendship, and a new crush. But she didn’t expect to uncover a human trafficking ring in her town. When an older man seems to be grooming her young neighbor, Dani is determined to keep the girl safe. Little does she know, but there is more at stake than one life. And if Dani doesn’t watch her back, she could be the next victim.

Offsides is like a Christian version of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but set on the soccer field.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Wheaton College graduate Lori Z. Scott accidentally wrote the 10-book bestselling Meghan Rose series.  On purpose, she wrote more than 200 short stories, articles, essays, poems, and devotions for magazines like Brio and Focus on the Family. She has also contributed to 15 books, including Writing and Selling Children’s Books in the Christian Market.

As has been her practice for over 25 years, Lori is fully invested in teaching elementary students during the day. However, most nights you can find her typing away behind the keyboard. She figures that makes writing her superpower… especially since she knows how to use a delete key.

In 2022, Lori introduced an award-winning novel, Inside the Ten-Foot Line, the first installment in her new young adult series. In addition, she has led writing workshops for local ACFW and SCBWI chapters, conducted school visits, served as a guest speaker for Story Embers podcasts, and presented at virtual writing conferences. She’s never really sure if the crowd is impressed by her interactive presentations or by the fact that she can write and draw forwards and backwards with both hands at the same time.

More from Lori

Let’s start with the why behind the series in general. In the early 2000s, I published a bestselling chapter book series—sort of like the Christian version of Junie B. Jones. Then, because of some unexpected life circumstances, I stopped writing for about 7 years. After encouragement from my mom and my daughter and a phone call with an editor from Pockets Magazine, I decided to return to writing. But I wanted to try something new.

I thought about the things I love that I could write about. Sports came to the top of the list since I competed in volleyball, track, swimming, softball, and basketball and my children played soccer. I went to the library to see what was out there and found some great sports novels, many by Mike Lupica. He tackled interesting themes—characters dealing with real-life issues that readers could relate to whether or not they were part of a team.

However, the book offerings for women athletes? Very slim pickings. I mean… there were a few. But they didn’t have the depth I craved in a book. And, as my daughter always says, “Mom, you’re a writer. If you can’t find the book you want, write it yourself.”

So that’s how the series in general was born. I envisioned a story for each sport that reached beyond the court to encompass a broader audience. Stories that grappled with universal emotions, dreams, and challenges. The first book in the series, Inside the Ten-Foot Line, did well with critics. It won the Golden Scroll Award for youth fiction book of the year, an Illumination Book Award, was a semi-finalist for the Carol Awards, and a finalist for the Director’s Choice Award. I figure that’s a promising start!

Now, more specifically—the inspiration behind the story Offsides.

Okay, big breath for me here, because I felt God’s nudging to write it, and I told Him no. Just outright no. But… who tells God no? I mean, based on my writing journey, I trusted that He knew best the paths I should take. Always. So why did I say no?

Let me give you a little history. In 2022, End Game Press invited me to write Offsides, the second book in my series. However, when I submitted my detailed plot, they came back and said it was too similar to another book they planned on publishing and asked me to develop something different. I took the problem to my critique group, and one of the girls who works with her church to recover victims of human trafficking suggested that I write a story where the characters must confront this issue.

I got sick to my stomach just thinking about it.  And I dismissed the idea.  Like, immediately.

And I had good excuses to say no. No, I didn’t know enough about the problem. No, human trafficking was too horrifying to research. No, what teenager wants to read about this sick topic? And my biggest objection–No! I wrote humor.

But God kept pressing me on this idea. And pressing me. And pressing me. News reports. Conversations at work. Ads on T.V. Social media posts. The idea would bubble up in my prayers and haunt me when I went to bed.

So, I finally said yes and wrote the book. Not surprisingly, in the process, I discovered a yesfor every no I’d voiced.

I didn’t know enough about the problem, but, yes, I learned. The research was horrifying, but yes, I also found hope, especially within Christian organizations who help recover victims.

Yes… teens should read about human trafficking to make themselves aware of the danger and to take steps to protect themselves and their friends. And yes, talking about human trafficking could be done in an age-appropriate way. Best of all, as heavy as the topic was, the story still contained humor. Because high school is like that—serious, but also fun and entertaining.

I really like the relationships between the characters too. There’s something powerful about their interactions. The protagonist, Dani, is a huge introvert, and her social anxiety plays into how the plot unfolds. Her character resonated with a lot of my beta readers who also experienced struggles with feelings that they don’t quite fit in.

One teary-eyed reader asked me how I was able to tap into Dani’s emotions so deeply and accurately. I was like—hey, I’m a teacher. I see insecurities in people all the time. And at some point, we’ve all been there—even me. In the lonely. In the awkward. In the search for belonging. In the hurt. We need each other. And we need faith.

Anyway, that’s how Offsides was born. With a nudge that turned into a pressing need to tell a story. About a difficult topic, true. But even more valuable because of that. The book ended up being a little bit like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder but set on the soccer field.

If any readers want to use Offsides for a book club, I have a study guide I can email them for free. I also have a free collection of ten devotions for athletes for interested readers. To get either one or both, DM me on my Instagram account at @Stories.by.Lori

MY REVIEW

I like the book and enjoyed how we get a look at young people at high school. It is very realistic and  follows several characters as they maneuver through life. Dani is a great character who is a little unsure of herself. She tries to fit in but at times she feels uncomfortable. Watching her interact with her best friend and how encouraging they are to each other was good.

Soccer is a big part of Dani’s life which keeps her pretty busy. At the heart of the story is a topic that may be sensitive for some readers. Human trafficking is rampant in our world today. The author takes us inside that  world where danger  lurks near for Dani. I will never understand how people can do awful things to others. 

This is not an easy read at times because it does deal with a sensitive subject but it is packed with faith, encouragement and hope. I did notice that the majority of the book is about Dani and her life as a senior in high school. But towards the end, the author startles me with the underworld of human trafficking. It is an emotional rollercoaster that shatters the lives of many. Friendship and faith  is vital to this story when  taking action is needed when you think something is not right. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 17 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, January 18 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 18

Guild Master, January 19 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 20

Fiction Book Lover, January 21 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, January 22 (Author Interview)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 23

Splashes of Joy, January 24 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 27

Blossoms and Blessings, January 28 (Author Interview)

Exploring the Written Word, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 29 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and an autographed 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/29799/offsides-celebration-tour-giveaway

 SLEIGHT OF HAND BY TONYA KAPPES 

Maisie Doss knew the weight of secrets all too well. Once a troublemaker in her small Kentucky town near Cincinnati, she struck a dangerous bargain to become a confidential informant for the police. But when betrayal led her to send a family member behind bars, the lines between right and wrong blurred. Unable to bear the weight of her actions, she fled into the secluded heart of Appalachia, praying her past wouldn't catch up.

For a time, the hills kept her secrets. Determined to atone, she tried to lead a quiet life, but old habits die hard. When Maisie stumbles upon a mystery that begs her attention, she can't resist diving in. Yet, this isn't just any crime; it's tangled with threads from her concealed past. And as fate would have it, a detective from her old life discovers her hidden refuge.

Now, he presents her with a chilling ultimatum: Return to her role as a CI and face the ghosts of her past or find herself behind bars.
In a game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury Maisie can't afford, she must use every sleight of hand she knows to outwit the law, uncover the truth, and keep her freedom.

MY REVIEW

I love this new series and am excited to follow Maisie  on her adventures. Fans of the  author know her for her wonderful cozy mysteries, but this series is much different. It has a little more suspense and danger that for me was intriguing. I love how the author moved a bit away  from the usual fun and quirky characters. This series dives deep into crimes that find  Maisie in over her heads, 

At first I didn’t know why  she had been hiding  out but slowly her past is revealed. Can you imagine being a confidential informant? There is no sense of security as Maisie is always having to keep her identity a secret. It sends shivers down my spine as I think about the things she has witnessed. I’m not sure that I could do what she does. 

A puppy ring is at the core of this story where Maisie is placed to help nap the people behind it. There are more twists than expected and I cheered for the writing that has made me love this author even more. The author still has a quaint little town in this story, but there is a more serious undertone that highlights the dynamics of a talented author. I am a huge fan of the new series and am excited to read  the next book n this very promising series. 

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