Wednesday, March 27, 2019

About the Book

Book: The White City

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Christian Historical/Suspense

Release Date: March, 2019

Mysterious Disappearances Taint the Chicago World’s Fair

Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

Click here to order your copy.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the author of three novellas in The Second Chance Brides, The Southern Belle Brides, and the Thimbles and Threads collections with Barbour Publishing. The White City is her debut novel and releases March 2019 with Barbour Publishing. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in southern Louisiana with her husband, Dakota, and son. Visit Grace online at GraceHitchcock.com.

Guest Post from Grace

True Colors—Fiction Based on Strange, But True, American Crime Stories

True, riveting stories of American criminal activity are explored through 6 unique stories of historical romantic suspense in the exciting new True Colorsseries.

In book one, The White City, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped while attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a detective, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

The Real Criminal Behind the Story

While Winnifred Wylde is a fictional character, Doctor H. H. Holmes was very real and became infamously known as America’s first serial killer. Learn more about him HERE.

I love mystery books and was very intrigued by this story. We all have heard about different notorious crimes that have been committed such as The Boston Strangler. This book is based on Dr. H.H. Holmes who was known as America's first serial killer. I had never heard of him until I started this book. It is quite an interesting read and really takes you back to the late 1890s where the infamous serial killer made history. It is hard to believe that something so horrific happened that few people may be aware of.

Winnifred is a quirky character who is determined to prove to her father that something is happening to women in the city. I was surprised that her father let her become involved in a plot to catch the killer. She has a lot of confidence and I loved her strong willed attitude to stop whatever evil was going on.

Holmes from the beginning was a shady person. He made my skin crawl and I didn't like the way he looked at women and the secretive life he had. Winnie starts working for him and that really puts her life in danger. Thank goodness her father had the good sense to hire Jude to protect her. At times, I don't think he was such a great detective and was perhaps smitten by Winnie and didn't fully concentrate on his job.

There is one chilling part in the story where Winnie noses around in the basement and almost gets caught. What is Holmes hiding down there? I could feel the darkness overtake her and the creepy feeling she got as she tried to find out answers. I loved how Winnifred took advantage of every opportunity to snoop around where she worked at. She could sense Holmes was up to no good and was willing to risk her safety to find out . I was on the edge of my seat as Winnifred encountered the person she has suspected of killing people. The details are chilling and I loved how the author brought the story to a shocking ending.

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

Blog Stops

Just the Write Escape, March 14

A Baker’s Perspective, March 14

The Lit Addict, March 14

janicesbookreviews, March 14

The Power of Words, March 15

Multifarious, March 15

Back Porch Reads, March 15

Livin’ Lit, March 16

Lis Loves Reading, March 16

Just Your Average reviews, March 16

Rev. Rebecca Writes, March 17

For the Love of Literature, March 17

Bibliophile Reviews, March 17

Reflections From My Bookshelves, March 18

Through the Fire Blogs, March 18

By The Book, March 18

A Reader’s Brain, March 18

Girls in White Dresses, March 19

Stories By Gina , March 19

EmpowerMoms, March 19

Inklings and notions, March 19

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 20

Bigreadersite, March 21

Genesis 5020, March 21

Blossoms and Blessings, March 21

The Becca Files, March 21

Emily Yager, March 22

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, March 22

Pause for Tales, March 22

Inspired by fiction, March 23

Mary Hake, March 23

Book by Book, March 23

Real World Bible Study, March 23

Blogging With Carol, March 24

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, March 24

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 24

Maureen’s Musings, March 25

amandainpa, March 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 25

Older & Smarter?, March 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 26

Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner , March 26

Godly Book Reviews, March 27

For Him and my Family, March 27

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The White City!!

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/dd7d/the-white-city-celebration-tour-giveaway

Meddlin’ Madeline: Dead Letter Mystery Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Dead Letter, A Meddlin’ Madeline Mystery

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian historical, mystery

Release Date: February 19, 2019

For the first time, Madeline has permission to meddle.

Something’s not adding up in the Wintherwood, Ohio bank, and Madeline’s there to figure out why.

Sent by the Rockland Pinkerton’s office to investigate shady banking practices, Madeline finally has the opportunity to try out all her developing detective skills. From her new disguise to an assumed persona, complete with non-existent fiancé, Madeline takes on embezzlement in Wintherwood, Ohio.

Now, to find the culprit and get back to Rockland before Amy arrives, before Mrs. Barnes gets any sicker, and before Russell writes her off as a hopeless, heartless girl.

As Madeline figures out what’s happening, even Mr. Flint begins to lose confidence in her. How will she prove who is taking the money and why–especially after her primary suspect ends up dead?

Dead Letter is the fourth book in the Meddlin’ Madeline series.

About the Author

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her on the web and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME

“This is book four, right?”

I nodded.

He looked at me with those eyes that conjure up the idea of puppy dogs begging for treats. So deceptive. “You’re going to have to up the stakes then.”

“Well, this is the one where she goes into official active detective mode and decides if she even wants that kind of life.”

“Not enough.”

He was right and I knew it. Fortunately, I’d prepared for this moment. You see, I know him well. He’s a horror writer. He likes to torment in ways that make my worst meannesses seem petty (like the time I suggested killing off Chad in Past Forward—trust me. That was kind compared to his ideas).

So, I pulled out my bigger gun and plopped it on the table. I added ammunition. And grinned.

Look, you guys are going to hate me for it, but trust me. It needs to be done. You’ll forgive me… eventually. Maybe. I hope.

Then he did it. He gave me that look. No, not the, “Yeah, baby!” look you want to see when you’ve hit a hole in one. The, “Is that all you’ve got?” look.

The work began. He suggested one thing. I toned it back. He looked like that puppy again—except this time I’d kicked him. Bless his heart, he does love his horror.

Still, he whistled his way out the door a short while later, and I grinned. Compromise is beautiful. But what does that mean for YOU?

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THE BOOK AND HATE ME

First—

Love the book: Madeline as Jane Sempleton is a hoot. She cracked me up from the beginning, and I’m still chuckling.

Hate me: Madeline’s faith and integrity are tested in this one—exponentially. Without giving away too much, her father even rebukes her!!!

Second—

Love the book: Mrs. Barnes is such a sweet mentor to Madeline

Hate me: Mrs. Barnes. That’s all I’m sayin’. Mrs. Barnes.

Third—

Love the book: Snippets of the heart get revealed.

Hate me: Russell. That’s all I’m sayin’. Russell.

So, there you have it. All the reasons you should read this book… and remember that the series isn’t over. Not by a long shot. It’s darkest before dawn. And um… a whole bunch of other clichés.

Madeline has been assigned to find out what is going on at the Wintherwood, Ohio bank. There is unexplained money missing and it's time to sniff out the culprit. I adored Madeline in her disguise. She becomes this simple woman who many would say is unattractive. It was hilarious to see how Madeline tried to stay in character during the story. The time period is one of my favorites and I loved the description the author uses to make readers feel like we have been transported back in time.

Madeline is irked by the manger of the bank who thinks women can't count money and therefore couldn't possibly be a bank teller.

I thought it was brilliant how Madeline corresponded to let the people she is working for in the investigation know what was going on. Who would suspect that her beloved Royal wasn't real? The letters are filled with important information and tidbits of silly nonsense that made me laugh. Her ability to pull off the transformation into a woman of lets say less than attractive is one of her greatest achievements. Will she be able to find out what is going on before she is found out?

Madeline has her hands full with men flirting with her and a grouchy manager. Mr. Stine is someone who seems most unhappy in life and therefore wants everyone around him miserable as well. The banter between Madeline and Mr. Stine is classic and adds humor at just the right moments in the story. The story heats up as Madeline gets closer to learning the truth of what is happening at the bank. Something may pull her away from her duties when she receives unfortunate news from home. The emotions in this part of the story are felt with quivers of tears rolling down my cheeks. Does Madeline make the right decision? This is one book you won't be able to put down as the mystery is cleverly solved. I hope the author has planned for another book in this series, because there are some unanswered questions that must be resolved.

" We pray because through prayer we understand Who God is and invite Him to make necessary changes in out lives." God does want to hear from His children and He desires to spend time with them.

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

Blog Stops

Among the Reads, March 18

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, March 19

Mary Hake, March 19

Aryn, The Libraryan, March 20

Back Porch Reads, March 21

Carpe Diem, March 22

Through the Fire Blogs, March 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 23

For Him and My Family, March 24

janicesbookreviews, March 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 26

Texas Book-aholic, March 27

Bigreadersite, March 28

Lots of Helpers, March 28

Multifarious, March 29

A Reader’s Brain, March 30

Blogging With Carol, March 30

Inklings and notions, March 31

The Becca Files, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away a grand prize of a paperback copy of Dead Letter, a Madeline-inspired book cozy, and a book-themed candle!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/dee6/meddelin-madeline-dead-letter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, March 25, 2019

CANYONS, CARAVANS, & CADAVERS by
TONYS KAPPES

I’m excited to be back with the gang in this funny series. Mae is just about the funniest character I have read. She has her hands full running the campground and keeping up with all the gossip. It is an exciting event when Mae is given the key to the city. Campers make food for all to enjoy and the atmosphere is festive as they all join in on the celebration.

As luck would have it, the festivities don’t last long when a body is discovered with an arrow pierced through his body. Now it could be said that the deceased may have had secrets or perhaps enemies but it is for sure that someone wanted him dead.

It is hard for Mae and her band of helpers not to investigate, but they just can’t help themselves. Mae better be careful or her handsome boyfriend, Hank may get a bit upset. He is not keen on her snooping around his investigations, but can he really stop her? It’s a great story with an exciting trail of evidence that leads Mae to danger once again.

I have to mention that meeting Hank’s family was hysterical. His family is right out of the pages of a dysfunctional unhappy group who thrives on tearing each other down. His sister is so full of herself that she doesn’t realize how embarrassing she is. I’m not sure that Hank will take Mae to visit his family again anytime soon. Well we all have our skeletons in the closet, don’t we?

I loved reading about Mae teaching at school for six weeks. She is mostly welcomed but a tragedy strikes there which has her rethinking her decision to be there. There is plenty of suspects in this story and the adventure is non stop. When Hank shows up at school to investigate the latest murder, there is a funny exchange between him and a teacher. Oh my, I rolled on the floor laughing. The author is an expert in humor and storytelling. This is my favorite series by the author and I hope she continues it for a long time. I feel like I am part of the community and would love to stay in one of their trailers. There is never a dull moment with Mae and her band of curious friends. Don't miss this hysterical adventure and find out who is behind the murders.

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

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Hannah Claires Wilderness FB Banner updated

About the Book

Book: Hannah Claire’s Wilderness

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Right after she marries in 1970, love carries Hannah Claire to Nigeria, following her husband David to the mission field—for only two years, she thinks. Miracle upon miracle brings five-year-old African orphan Adaolisa into the young wife’s life and she becomes a mother. Can the love for a child keep her where she doesn’t want to be? The children of wickedness threaten to make her a widow; they threaten everything, and danger abounds! Only by obedience can Hannah and her revivalist husband survive and prosper in a land torn by violence.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory which is what she lives to do. Her award-winning, best-selling novels enjoy a lion’s share of 5-Star ratings from Christian readers around the world. With forty titles, it’s obvious she loves writing almost as much as singing the new songs the Lord gives her—listen to a few at YouTube. She and high school sweetheart Ron celebrated fifty years of marriage June 22, 2018 and share four children and eighteen grandsugars. The McAdoos live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas, waiting expectantly for God to open the next door.

Guest Post from Caryl

Have you ever thought you heard from God, and acted on that in obedience—oft at great sacrifice—only to doubt that you heard Him at all when things don’t go as you’d planned? Actually, everything almost goes just the opposite, and your world is turned upside down.

Did you really hear Him?

That’s what my heroine Hannah Claire faces, when a two-year stint looks like it’s turning into a lifetime commitment. Though I’ve never been abroad to the mission field, I’ve faced much the same thing as Hannah, believing I heard Him and then nothing happening as expected!

Personally, I’ve been waiting over thirty years, but have found great peace in that waiting and trusting God—knowing that He is on the throne and in control. I will never doubt that the vision He’s given, the call He’s placed on mine and Ron’s lives WILL come to pass, just as it did for Abraham.

Hannah doesn’t have to wait that long, but her experience takes her to the depths of fear and depression before she comes to know her Heavenly Father is altogether trustworthy. The Shepherd walks her through the valley of the shadow of death and makes her to lie down in green pastures. He stills the raging waters and leads her beside them.

Book three, King David’s Tabernacle, coming sometime in 2020, will bring the reward and give you glory bumps every step of the way as God makes Himself known in a mighty way, but first . . . there’s the refining. Gold is passed through the fire seven times to be purified.

Silver as well, until the smith can see his reflection. Followers of Christ are all being made into the image of God’s Beloved Son, and we can rest in the fact that He who began that good work in us at salvation will be faithful to complete it until His coming again.

I pray you will enjoy your journey through Hannah Claire’s Wilderness.

This has been a wonderful story of a young couple who become missionaries and travel to Nigeria. I loved reading about the land and the exotic animals there. I can't imagine being young like Hannah and following her husband to a foreign place. It was a place that was hard to live at times . What a joy it was for Hannah and David to be able to save a five year old girl named Adaolisa. She was definitely a gift from God. They young girl had been through so much and now she found a new beginning with Hannah and David.

It was amazing how God provided a way for Hannah to understand the language that Adaolisa spoke and it warmed my heart to read how quickly they bonded. I remember watching a show a few weeks ago about a man in Africa that made sandals out of tires. What a surprise when it was included in this story. It is not an easy task, but the workmanship was unbelievable .

The trials that Hannah and David endure are at times hard to read. What would it be like to be in a foreign land knowing that the enemy was out there trying to destroy you? Spreading the Word of God will take lots of prayer as the couple seek to spread the Good news. I could picture men surrounding their camp ready to cause damage and then angels appear to cover them in peace and safety. Hannah wants to leave but David assures her that God will protect them. Will Hannah trust God as they do the work they have been called to? The thing that really struck me was how young they were and answered the call on their lives. I know at eighteen I would not have had the courage to do what Hannah and David did.

As David goes out into the streets to preach, Hannah is a little fearful for his safety. She is constantly saying they should return to the states, but David is not ready to go. I loved reading how Hannah was tested in her faith and how determined David was to follow God's calling. The story is well written and delivers a great idea of what it was like to be missionaries in the 1970s. The author intrigues readers with her knowledge of Africa and the cuisine. Hannah is at times discouraged but what she really needs to work through is her trust that God will keep them safe.

I loved reading how the Lord worked in Hannah and David's life and showed then that He would provide their needs. There are many lessons in the story that touched my heart. We all struggle at time with trusting God. Hannah will find herself learning that God is in control. When you have a call on your life like David you obey and trust God to keep you safe.

" I know now that being obedient is the way we can show God how much we love Him."

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