About the Book

Book: Love’s Belief

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Romantic Fiction

Release date: May 15, 2019

Midwife Pia Hertz and her mother Sabine have been delivering babies long before the Nazis came to power. Now, the Third Reich has implemented mandates that require Jewish babies and other “undesirables” to be killed as part of The Final Solution. Is Pia’s new faith in Christ strong enough to defy the laws of man?

Despite the agony of the injury at the Battle of Drøbak Sound that took his arm, Dieter Fertig is relieved he’s no longer part of Hitler’s army. He returns to Berlin and discovers Jews are being deported by the thousands. When he realizes the Nuremburg Laws require his best friend’s baby girl to be killed, he must find a way to spirit the child out of Germany before the Nazis discover her existence.

Inspired by the biblical story of Shiprah and Puah, the midwives who saved Jewish babies during Pharaoh’s reign, Love’s Belief shows how one person’s actions can change the world.

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 and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a trustee for her local public library.

Read an Excerpt

Berlin, late February 1943

Chapter One

“I thought Frau Schmidt was going to die.” Pia Hertz blew out a deep breath. “We haven’t had a difficult birth like that in a long time, Mutti.”

“Ja, but you are a gifted midwife, Pia. I wasn’t too worried.”

Pia chuckled. “You always say that.”

Mutti linked her arm with Pia’s. “We must have confidence, otherwise fear will make us prone to mistakes. Now, let’s reward ourselves with strudel, if we can find it, hmm?”

“A wonderful idea. I’m starving. Hopefully, the baker has some, and the line won’t be too long at this early hour. Selections at most of the shops have been meager as the war has ground on.”

Leaning close to Pia’s ear, Mutti whispered, “Be careful what you say. You don’t want to be accused of sedition.”

Pia cast a glance over her shoulder. “You’re right. It doesn’t seem to take much to get arrested these days.” She sighed. “I don’t understand why God has allowed Herr Hitler to succeed. Why has He not stepped in to save His people, the Jews?”

Dust coated their shoes as they sauntered along the sidewalk, skirting the piles of rubble from the most recent RAF bombing raid.

“There are some things we will never have an answer to, Daughter, but we must trust in His plan. It is difficult. Despite being a believer since childhood, I still struggle with doubts. It’s understandable that you do, too.” She stroked Pia’s cheek. “When we get home, let’s pray together and see what He would have us do.”

Pia stifled a gasp. “What are you suggesting?”

Her lips pressed in a thin line, Mutti frowned. She jerked her head toward the SS officer standing about ten meters away, then tugged on Pia’s arm. Continuing down the sidewalk, they arrived at the bakery. Unlit windows and lack of women waiting indicated there were no more treats to be had for the day.

“Ach, we’ll have to assuage our penchant for a sweet another time.” Muttirubbed her belly. “Let’s take a shortcut down Rosenstrasse then head for the river. It would be nice to look at something other than damaged buildings and debris.”

“Good idea. It is warmer today than yesterday, and there is a market at the end of the street. Perhaps they have some bread or cheese we can nibble on.”

A chill swept over Pia as they walked past a police officer, their eyes averted to avoid any interaction. An elderly couple tottered along in front of them, holding hands and speaking softly. Pia’s heart tugged. Would she ever find someone to spend her life with: someone to look at her like the wrinkled, gray-haired man gazed at the petite woman by his side? At twenty-eight, it seemed unlikely. Der Führer’s desire to rule the world was destroying an entire generation of young men, and she certainly had no interest in a black-coated member of the SS.

The book is a look at how Jews were treated by Hitler. It is an eye opening account of the horrors they encountered trying to stay alive. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be taken from your home and separated from your family. Pia has a hard time understanding why God would allow such destruction to happen. Her heart is heavy as she sees everything around her slipping away. I loved that she had a big heart and wanted to help in any way she could. Being a midwife had it's dangers, put Pia was willing to risk her life to help bring a precious baby into the world. She faced danger at every turn but never gave up. I wonder how many times we have given up when things became difficult for us?

Dieter is a young man who has seen war up close which cost him a devastating injury. He feels helpless to do anything but an opportunity will soon come. Will he risk his life to help people get to safety before the Hitler and his army  take them away?  I enjoyed his friendship with Pia and how they came together to help others.  There is a part in the story where Pia is trying to get to Dieter's shop and gets caught outside when bombs start going off. This scene is the best I have read about bombings . The author does a very impressive job of making readers feel like they are right there as the bombs explode around Pia. I was praying so hard for her to hurry and get to safety.

I love that the characters pray when they face danger or just to thank Him for keeping them safe. The attack on the Jews is so hard to read. How can a person have such hatred for people that they will do anything to erase  them from the world? it is evident that Hitler was an evil man and his anger was spread to harm innocent people including children. The author depicts this era in an honest way and lets us see what happens when someone is consumed with power. I liked when Pia asked Dieter , " Why do men resort to killing and maiming each other to solve their differences?" 

The story really held my attention and I loved the dedication Pia and Dieter had to help others escape Hitler. There are some really great messages throughout the book and I thought the author does a good job of giving God all the glory for protecting His people. The ending was perfect and I won't forget Pia and Dieter as they follow God's direction.

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

Blog Stops

Christian Bookaholic , July 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 21

Genesis 5020, July 22

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 23

For Him and My Family, July 24

Becka Jimenez’s FB, July 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 25

Mary Hake, July 26

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, July 27

Artistic Nobody, July 27 (Spotlight)

Texas Book-aholic, July 28

janicesbookreviews, July 29

A Reader’s Brain, July 30

Blossoms and Blessings, July 31

Inklings and notions, August 1

Simple Harvest Reads, August 2 (Spotlight)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away a grand prize package with a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of each book in the series!!

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/e5aa/love-s-belief-celebration-tour-giveaway

WELCOME TO KNIGHTS IN SHINING APRON by CAROLE BROWN

PRESENTED BY CELEBRATE LIT

Starli Cameron gave up her career plans to be a concert pianist to marry the man of her dreams. He turned out to be a nightmare. When he dies in a car accident, Starli takes the insurance money and builds a successful and upscale restaurant: Apple Blossoms in rural West Virginia. Threats from someone determined to ruin her life and the suspicious romantic advances from her new chef force Starli to search her heart and finally turn to God for real healing. Sir Joel Peterman-Blair, top notch chef from England, is roped by his uncle, into filling in as head Chef at Apple Blossoms. Joel, with his sanguine-personality, has always laughed and flirted his way through life. But now, confronted with and attracted to the most beautiful woman he’s ever met, Joel has to prove his sincerity and depth of character to his icy-cold employer. Can his love for God and for this woman reach out far enough to rescue her from her own mistrust and bitterness? Will he learn that life is not all play? And can they both work together to find the source of threats that seem to be coming from Starli’s past?

Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of ten books, she loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?

Purchase link:

https://amzn.to/2IfBV5Y

Social Media:

Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Carole-Brown/e/B00EZV4RFY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1427898838&sr=8-1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/carole-brown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncarole212/?hl=en

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-brown-79b6951a/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts

Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

I really enjoyed this clean romance/mystery book. The author has become a favorite of mine because she writes stories that are easy to relate to  and has wonderful biblical truths scattered throughout. Her characters are always charismatic and fun to get to know.

The title is so perfect for this charming story. Starli is very driven and is determined to make her restaurant a success. I loved the name of the restaurant which is called Apple Blossoms. It is a charming place that has become very popular. The atmosphere is trendy and overall the food has been good.  Starli suddenly finds herself in need of a top notch chef. I wonder who will walk in the door to become the chef that everybody raves about?

The bright star in this story is the dashing Sir Joel Peterman-Blair. He has come all the way from England to become Starli's chef and save the day. The banter between them is hysterical. Starli instantly is all business like around him which he finds charming. The man is a breath of fresh air and easy on the eyes. I loved how Starli kept trying to hide her true feelings about Joel. The main reason she doesn't want to get involved with him or any man is because she doesn't trust them.  She had a horrible marriage that was both physically and emotionally abusive. People wonder why she never turned her husband in, but who would believe her? Her husband was a police officer and well liked. When he is killed in an accident, she can finally breathe a little. It doesn't take long for her ex- brother-in-law to start stalking her. He is a bully and blames Starli for his brothers death. It can't be fun having to look over your shoulder constantly.

The mystery in the story is good and kept me guessing who was behind sabotaging the restaurant. The obvious choice would be the ex-brother-in-law, but maybe he has someone else doing his dirty work? Joel is all about keeping Starli safe while trying to find out who is trying to destroy her livelihood. Reading hoe their relationship develops is the icing on the cake.  It is a great book that really focuses on trust and letting go of past hurts. I can't wait for the author's next book.

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

About the Book

Book: No Greater Love

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: April 30, 2019

He said he’d never risk leaving a widow.

She said she’d never love a man in uniform.

Paige McDonald collects antique literature and works at the largest bookstore in Portland, Oregon. When her grandfather, a firefighter, was killed, she vowed never to fall in love with a first responder. An old Bible leads to an unexpected discovery and disrupts everything she knows about herself, her family, and God. Her desire to know the truth sends her to the town of Whitman directly into the radar of Patrol Officer Hamilton Bryant.

After the loss of his best friend and fellow officer, Hamilton vowed never to marry. He won’t risk leaving a widow. Instead, he reserves his passion for serving his family and the town he’s sworn to protect. When a series of robberies and threats against the mayor correspond with Paige’s sudden appearance in Whitman, their paths intersect.

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Author

Gina Holder completed the Long Ridge Writer’s Group “Breaking into Print” course and graduated from Faith Bible Institute. In August 2017, she published her first novel, Whither Shall I Go. She is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads. Her Website and Blog is found at http://storiesbygina.wordpress.com.

She lives in Colorado with her husband and daughter. When she’s not working on her next novel, she enjoys reading, watching movies, singing, and playing the piano and organ.

More from Gina

Fun Facts about No Greater Love (Don’t worry, spoilers weren’t invited to this party.)

1. I love the smell of coffee, but I don’t like the taste. I asked my coffee-loving friends on social media for their favorite coffee drinks to use in the story.
2. Tyler, Tony, and Timothy Thorne were modeled after three brothers I saw playing on a beach in Hurgadah, Egypt.
3. R. Electronics was based on an actual store my husband and I saw in a mall.
4. When Paige and Hamilton meet, he is looking for a runaway goat. This happened to my husband and me. We were out admiring large mansions, when a police officer pulled up behind us. We thought we were in trouble for loitering. Instead, he asked if we’d seen a goat running around the neighborhood.
5. Hamilton’s deceased best friend is named after my childhood friend, William Donnelly. Will was a U.S. Marine killed in battle in Afghanistan. Like the character in the story, he got married only two months before his death and was killed on Thanksgiving Day. No Greater Love is dedicated in his memory.
6. The character Jessie Faye is named after an elderly woman my husband knew while living in Fossil, Oregon.
7. The diners in the food court scene were written from personal observations at a food court in Colorado Springs.
8. While Whitman is a fictional town, it is modeled after the real town of Enterprise, Oregon, at the foot of the Wallowa Mountains.
9. Several locations in the book are real establishments in Enterprise, including Heavenly’s Restaurant, the Espresso and Car Wash, El Bajios, and the Bowlby stone courthouse.
10. There are several beloved pets in No Greater Love, including a parrot named Gerald, a Persian cat named Delilah, and a labradoodle named Bruce. All the pets have names except for Aunt Hattie’s Dalmatians.
11. Paige McDonald works at Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon when the story opens. Powell’s lays claim to the status of the “largest independent used and new bookstore in the world.”
12. Portland is the fifth city in America with the most coffee shops per capita.
13. The statistics for the Whitman school—100% graduation rate and a 1:13 student-teacher ratio is not fictional. They are the actual statistics of the Enterprise High School.
14. Behind the cash registers at Powell’s, there is a fake dictionary definition—“Smell bound: held as if under the spell by the scent of books.” This is the inspiration behind the opening scene of No Greater Love. The word, Bibliosmia, means the smell of old books.

This is a new author to me and I'm glad I got to read her book. She has a knack for making her characters come alive with emotions that can be felt as you read  the story. It was easy to relate to Paige and I loved how we see her wrestle with faith throughout the story. Paige goes to a little town in Oregon where she believes her birth mother is. I felt her anxiety and knew she wanted to have a happy ending. 

Hamilton is the type of man that is easy to like. He works as a police officer and is more than curious about Paige as she is new to his town. There is much suspense in the story as things are stolen, shootouts happen,  and strange people are lurking in the darkness. Not everyone is happy for Paige to be in town and she doesn't get the warmest greeting from everyone. I loved that she finds the perfect job in a bookstore and the lady that runs it is so sweet. 

I can't say much more without giving away the story but there are several people who touch Paige's life and help her in her struggle to belong somewhere. Hamilton and Paige may be perfect for each other, but there is a big obstacle stopping them. This was a nice part of the book where two characters each face hard decisions.  The ending was a surprise and opens the door for a new book in the series. I can't wait to read it. The theme of the book is knowing that God loves you no matter what. It doesn't matter about your past; He has already forgiven you. He wants you to pursue your future with Him guiding the way. 

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, July 16

The Becca Files, July 17

Just Your Average reviews, July 18

For Him and My Family, July 19

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 19

The Christian Fiction Girl, July 20

Godly Book Reviews, July 20

Library Lady Kid’s Lit, July 21

Moments, July 22

Books, Life, and Christ, July 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 23

Retrospective Spines, July 23

Vicky Sluiter, July 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 25

Pause for Tales, July 25

Texas Book-aholic, July 26

janicesbookreviews, July 27

Inklings and notions, July 28

Mary Hake, July 28

A Reader’s Brain, July 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away a grand prize of a signed paperback copy of No Greater Love and Whither Shall I Go plus a $50 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/e54f/no-greater-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

 About the Book

Book: Pulse

Author: Linore Burkard

Genre: Christian YA/Apocalyptic Suspense

Release date: August 24, 2015

What do you do when the whole world stops?

Andrea, Lexie and Sarah are just ordinary teens until a mysterious event shuts down all technology. In the dead of winter, there’s no heat, no internet, no cell phones–not even a working car.
In this chilling Christian YA tale, most of the population doesn’t survive. Pitting faith and grit against a world without power, the girls and their families must beat the odds. But can they find the strength to survive when society collapses and technology fails?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Linore Rose Burkard wrote a trilogy of genuine regency romances for the Christian market before there were any regencies for the Christian market. Published with Harvest House, her books opened the genre for the CBA. She also writes YA Suspense/Apocalyptic fiction as L.R. Burkard.Married with five children, Linore home-schools her youngest daughter, teaches workshops for writers, and is the Vice President of the Dayton Christian Scribes.  Her latest  PULSE EFFEX SERIES, takes readers into a “chilling possible future for America, while affirming the power of faith in the darkest of times.”

More from Linore

When my sweet historical romance series was published, I never dreamed my next would be YA/dystopian. What a switch in genres! So, how did I go from one end of the writing spectrum to another? Blame it on an idea that refused to die. I read a headline about how close the earth came to suffering a catastrophic electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, in 2012. We missed the worst effects of a solar flare by a hair (in space terms); but the “what if” factor had been set in motion. What if that flare hadn’t missed us? What if I was a teen raised on electronics–or an adult medically dependent on them–and it all went dead in a matter of seconds? What if the next flare doesn’t miss? PULSE, the first book in my PULSE EFFEX Series, was born.

The books shows life in the aftermath of such an event for three teens and their families. With the world plunged into a new dark age, can they keep hope alive?

Would you be prepared if am EMP happened? I know I'm not and I guess like most people I just don't think about it. When we have hurricane season the news is always giving us directions to get prepared if one was to come our way. I have done that since I have been through several hurricanes. But an EMP just doesn't seem as worrisome to me. That is my silly way of thinking that it could never happen. But in reality it could happen at anytime.

The book takes us on a journey with three different young girls and their families as they face the aftermath of an EMP. Everything is shut down including electricity, phones, stores and even basic needs like water. Each family deals with the crisis in different ways. One family who are very prepared have been stock piling food and essentials knowing that one day a disaster could happen. It was  interesting to read how desperate people became and were willing to kill for food.

There is one part in the book I had a very hard time with. The family is out of food and an offer comes their way to have shelter and all the food they need for a price. I won't spoil the story and tell you what the offer was, but I will say how disgusted I was reading it. Other parts of the story are a bit one sided and almost political to the point of becoming offensive to some people who disagree with statements made.

I did enjoy the book and getting to know the three girls and how they each found ways to survive. There is a faith element in the story but not too much that it is preachy.There is a lot of violence in the book which was a bit graphic at times.   I have to say it fit with the story because people will do anything to survive. I can't tell you what I would do if faced with this crisis but I know I would be doing a lot praying. 

The author does not sugar coat anything and it made it realistic and almost scary at times. No one wants to think about the end coming, but as we see in the story, if you aren't prepared you could be scrambling for necessities that we take for granted. I may not agree with everything in the book but I will say that I thought it was interesting and made me want to get the next book in the series.

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

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, July 13

Through the Fire Blogs, July 14

amandainpa, July 14

Genesis 5020, July 15

Real World Bible Study, July 15

Retrospective Spines, July 16

Blogging With Carol, July 17

Artistic Nobody, July 17 (Spotlight)

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 18

All-of-a-kind Mom, July 18

Inspired by fiction, July 19

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, July 19

Mary Hake, July 20

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 20

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, July 21

Pause for Tales, July 21

Inklings and notions, July 22

janicesbookreviews, July 23

Emily Yager, July 23

Ashley’s Bookshelf, July 24

Texas Book-aholic, July 25

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae, July 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 25

A Reader’s Brain, July 26

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linore is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of her book and a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway!

https://promosimple.com/ps/e683/pulse-celebration-tour-giveaway

THE RELUCTANT BELLE by BETH WHITE

I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but in this case I absolutely did. The cover grabbed my attention and without reading the back cover I was already sold on the book.

Joelle and her sisters are taking on a big endeavor by opening their home as a hotel. Just after the war has ended may not be the best time, but Joelle is a  determined woman. She is one fierce woman who doesn’t back down from anything.  There are no quitters in the family so it has to be prosperous.

What I found  intriguing was her articles that she was writing about the KKK. Does she know how dangerous this is? What if someone finds out? I love how Joelle wants the sane treatment for everyone and will step on toes as she moves forward with her articles that can cause hatred and danger. I admire her for sticking up for what she believe in.

The post Civil War era was at times confusing to me but the author has done her homework. She helps readers understand what is going on and brings her characters to life. I’m on the fence with Schuyler as he has seen both sides of freeing slaves. Has his heart changed? The author does a great job of showing how each character is struggling with their faith and learning to trust each other and Him.

I learned a lot of historical facts while reading this book. There were a few things I didn’t know about which helped me understand the struggle of slaves being truly free. There is a very shocking murder that takes place in story  that will affect several characters. Will hearts be soften to the plight of the people who want to be treated as equals? Can Joelle and Schuyler begin to trust each other? Be sure to catch their banter and have a few laughs as they try to keep their pride in check. The story is a wonderful display of treating others as you would like to be treated. There is danger along the way, but their faith will help them make the right choices,

I received a copy of this book from Librarything’s Early Readers Review group. The review is my own opinion.

A CHARMING MISFORTUNE by TONYA KAPPES

Welcome back to the charming town where magic, happiness and mystery awaits. The town has been overtaken by a group of bird watchers. They seem to think that a rare bird is there and they are determined to find it.

It was so nice to have the charming characters back in this fun and exciting book. I would love to visit a town like this and experience all it has to offer. It made me laugh so hard to read the extinct bird fly out of Petunia’s hair. Can you imagine the excitement that stirred up?

Jane and her friends will have their hands full when a murder takes place right there in their charming town. The race is on to find the killer before someone else becomes a victim. The author sure knows how to keep her readers entertained with characters that jump off the pages and team up to solve the mystery. I tried so hard to figure out who the killer was, but the talented author took me by surprise. Don’t miss this wonderful journey to Whispering Falls and follow along as Jane and her friends try to keep the town safe from danger.

I received an arc copy from the author. The review is my own opinion.