Wednesday, July 27, 2022

Rebuilding Hearts Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Rebuilding Hearts

Author: Carolyn Miller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 28, 2022

Who knew a bank robbery could show a girl that good guys still exist?

Tim Franklin. Quiet, shy, almost incapable of speaking to a girl, and a budding horticulturist. Oh, and he survived a bank robbery five years ago, not to mention its resulting trauma.

Bookworm Bella Dwyer just wants to feel safe, and Tim’s actions during the robbery made her believe there might be guys who live up to her fictional heroes. Trouble is, a chance with Tim seems as remote as this year’s celebrity heartthrob.

Instead, she settled for a relationship with a guy who’s commitment-phobic.

So when Bella encounters Tim on tiny Sparrow Island, the challenges of her past and present collide, and she questions whether there really is a future with a man who can’t commit.

In a leap of faith, Bella dumps her boyfriend, even before shy-guy Tim can make a move. But in wanting to live by faith and conquer fear, has she made the right choice, or are her hopes for freedom and a future destined to fail?

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher. She loves reading, music, films, gardens, art, travel and international food, and really enjoy creating worlds where flawed people can grow in faith, hope and love.
A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives.

Her novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, Winning Miss Winthrop, Miss Serena’s Secret, The Making of Mrs. Hale, A Hero for Miss Hatherleigh, and Underestimating Miss Cecilia, all available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Koorong, etc

More from Carolyn

Who doesn’t love to read a book about a bookworm?

Many avid readers I know love the idea of working in a library – so imagine working in a library on a tiny island! And then to encounter a handsome borrower of books with arms of Thor, well, it’d be like a fictional hero come to life. Except maybe this hero isn’t so fictional…

For Rebuilding Hearts, my next book in the Independence Islands series, I loved turning the spotlight onto Tim Franklin, Greener Gardens’ strong, silent employee with secret dreams, and exploring what happens when two opposites attract over a shared love of books and movies.

Rebuilding Hearts explores some bigger questions concerning family, identity and whether God’s plans can be considered good when things go wrong. I love writing fiction that’s grounded in truth, with realistic, flawed characters who are on God journeys to find faith, freedom, and love.

I’m so thankful people are enjoying my contemporary books, where I can share my love of gardens (& my horticulturalist hubby’s expertise!) to a new audience. Please check out my website www.carolynmillerauthor.com to see what’s growing in my garden here in my corner of Australia.

If you enjoy stories of hope, heart and humor, then you’ll be sure to enjoy this novel about a librarian and a Hemsworthy hero as together they find restoration for their hearts.

Happy reading!

Carolyn

MY REVIEW

It is always a special moment for me when I read a book from this series. Like a breath of fresh air, it fills you with warmth and joy. I couldn’t wait to see who we would meet on this journey. I love the setting of this series and how all the characters are able to connect with each other in some way. It is a special talent that we are fortunate to be part of as the authors mesh their stories together to bring us a feeling of faith, hope, reconnections and new beginnings.

Bella is a sweet character who has this way of always saying sorry even when it isn’t necessary. It is like she wants to please others and never wants to let anyone down. I sure wish her boyfriend was as kind as she was. Why does he keep standing her up and making her feel so insecure? I love how her landlady has taken her under her wing. Her encouraging words to Bella about trusting God and letting him direct her path is just what she needs to hear.

Tim is well I have to say it. He is a hero. We find out at the beginning of the book that he stepped in during a bank robbery and saved someone’s life a few years ago. Not everyone is brave enough to face a gun pointed at them but he doesn’t hesitate to put himself in harms way. Tim has closed himself off from the world which causes him to rethink about where his life is heading. I loved how his heart was so tender and yearned for a deeper relationship with God.

I enjoyed learning more about gardens and how designs are made to landscape. Tim’s eyes light up every time he talks about his new position working with plants and designs. His heart is full when he thinks of all the beautiful creations God has made. Maybe he has finally found his calling and will feel more settled as he takes on new responsibilities.

Bella’s job at the library just warms my heart. I worked at a library for fifteen years and it was my dream job. Bella is very gifted in reading to the children and coming up with new ideas to bring in more books. It may be a little library but within the walls are stories to be enjoyed. It gave me such good memories as I followed Bella in the library. Someday that little library will hold previous memories for many.

Getting to discover that Bella and Tim are similar in how they treat people was nice to observe. The author reminds us of how important it is to trust God and never give up. As Tim and Bella grow closer they seem to be able to share more about themselves. I loved how this story didn’t focus so much on romance but more about finding out that God has a plan for our lives. The two main characters are easy to identify with and are genuine in their faith.

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

Blog Stops

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 23

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 24

Britt Reads Fiction, July 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 25

She Lives To Read, July 26

Library Lady’s Kid lit, July 26

Inklings and notions, July 27

Texas Book-aholic, July 28

By the Book, July 28

For Him and My Family, July 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 30

Blogging With Carol, July 30

deb’s Book Review, July 31

Blossoms and Blessings, August 1

Lis Loves Reading, August 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 2

Aryn the Libraryan, August 3

Splashes of Joy, August 4

Sylvan Musings, August 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 5

Miriam Jacob, August 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Carolyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a 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/1f7fa/rebuilding-hearts-celebration-tour-giveaway

RED LETTER SLAY BY TONYA KAPPES

Discover the southern life of Bernadette Butler, along with the eccentric and lovable citizens, along with all the fur babies, who live in Sugar Creek Gap in this southern cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes.

Wedding bells are ringing all over Sugar Creek Gap for Bernadette Butler and Mac Tabor.
Folks in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky are so excited for Bernadette Butler! She's getting married to Mac Tabor, the man of her dreams!

Wedding week is nerve-wracking enough but add to that a murder of a local radio DJ with a nasty reputation was found stabbed to death with a letter opener days before Bernadette's wedding and the DJ who Bernadette hired for the wedding is the number one suspect. Now Bernadette has not only possibly lost a big part of her dream wedding, she’ll have to solve a mystery with more layers than the five-tiered wedding cake!
'Red Letter Slay’ is a full-length cozy mystery and can be read as a standalone. Book #8 in the Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery Series.

Tonya Kappes has written more than 175 southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today and Woman's World Book Club pick twice . Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband in northern Kentucky. Now that her four boys have flown out of the nest, Tonya writes full-time in her camper!

You can find her all over social media and at Tonyakappes.com.

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.

MY REVIEW

Welcome back to Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky where we are reunited with Bernie and her adorable pets. There is always something going on in this little town that is filled with drama, gossip and mystery. I adore Bernie and how much she is loved in the town. Excitement is in the air as Bernie’s wedding day draws near. The last thing she needs on her mind is a murder but it looks like something is about to happen that will have her focus on everything but a wedding.

I loved the laughter the author brings to the story with little quips like,”Friends don’t let friends menopause alone,” That is what you call real friendship folks. Stress eating is causing Bernie to gain a few pounds but I think she has other things to worry about besides her weight. Her friend Vince is a hoot and tries to convince everyone that someone tried to kill him with a letter opener. After all how do you explain a letter opener in your head when you don’t even own one?

The adventure heats up when you guessed it, a murder happens just days before Bernie’s wedding. Along with the Front Porch Ladies, Bernie is determined to find out what happened. I would love to be part of this group of ladies that know everything that is going on in the town. Can you imagine the gossip they share? I bet no one is safe from their eagle eyes. What a mess Bernie has gotten herself into once again. I loved the different theories and suspects that came up. It was fun to read how Bernie methodically went through each idea and never gave up.

The story is full of surprises and takes readers on a thrill ride as we get closer to finding out who the killer is. I loved how the author delivers a fun story with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. It is funny what people will do for fame, revenge or money. Get ready for another exciting story from an author who spreads her southern charm throughout the book and gets a stamp of approval from this reader.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

About the Book

Book: Off the Chain

Author: Janice Thompson

Genre: Christian Fiction / Mystery

Release date: July 1, 2022

The Town of Brenham, Texas, Has Gone to the Dogs!

Curl up with your pup and sink into a delightful small-town mystery as riddles and rescues stack up in book one of a new cozy mystery series.

Marigold Evans’ first attempt at rescuing an abandoned pooch lands her in a drainage pipe in Brenham Texas. . .and almost in jail, until Parker Jenson comes to her rescue. Then a bad day only gets worse as the Lone Star Vet Clinic, where they both work, is vandalized and the list of suspects starts to climb. With the help of her fellow employees, Marigold sets out to simultaneously solve the crime, rehab the rescued dog, and help more dogs in crisis. But why would anyone continue to work against all their good efforts?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Janice Thompson, who lives in the Houston area, writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage. She is the mother of four daughters and nine feisty grandchildren. When she’s not writing books or taking care of foster dogs you’ll find her in the kitchen, baking up specialty cakes and cookies.

More from Janice

Dogs, dogs, and more dogs! My world is full of dogs. If you follow me on social media you’re probably overwhelmed with dog photos, but I simply can’t help myself. I’m in love with pooches of all shapes and sizes.

My fascination with dogs began when I was six years old and I got my first pup, Spunky. He was a mixed breed terrier. From that day until now I’ve had the pleasure of owning many, many pups—some purebreds, some street dogs that needed a safe place to stay, some elderly with chronic or acute health issues. I can’t get enough. They offer unconditional love, after all!

A few years back I was asked to foster for a local rescue, My Chi and Me. The rest, as they say, is history. For a quick glimpse at some photos, follow this link. You’ll see that I’m mostly enamored with small dogs. (Hey, I live in a tiny townhome and have limited space!) That said, I’m always willing to take on one more.

My most recent rescue ventures landed me squarely in the middle of a book idea: Why not use a dog story as the basis for a cozy mystery? My editor at Barbour Publishing wanted something dog-themed and I was happy to oblige. That’s where the idea for Off the Chain(and the whole Gone with the Dogs series) came from—a simple idea involving dogs and crime.

I took the opportunity to focus solely on rescue dogs as the idea developed. These days (especially post-Covid) the need for homes for these pups is great. I linked arms with my BFF, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and together we set our series in Brenham Texas, not far from our stomping ground in the Woodlands. I felt strongly that we should merge two separate dog worlds: rescue and veterinary. (Hey, Brenham is close to A&M and they know a thing or two about veterinary training!)

Thus, the Gone with the Dogs series was born. And writing the first book, (Off the Chain), was a blast! I hyper-focused on one primary point of view character, a vet tech. (As the owner of three dogs I feel like I’m always in the vet’s office!) My stories, which is written in first person, took me back to my writing roots. I love, love, love writing in first person because I “become” the character. Fun, right?

My editors loved the book and it got some fun endorsements, so I’m excited to see what my readers think. I can’t wait to get their feedback. I hope it’s not too “Ruff!”

But, seriously. . .I’m hyped! And I’m feeling so blessed to merge my worlds—dogs and writing!

MY REVIEW

From the moment I read the first page, I could feel the author’s personality shine. She has a gift for writing funny stories that are nothing short of pure and clean entertainment with a clever wit and characters that I want to be best friends with. I love the setting of the story since I am very familiar with it. I was thrilled about the storyline and how the author incorporated a passion she has for rescuing dogs into a book that I couldn’t put down.

Mari is everything you would want in a friend. She is kind, sweet, caring, faith filled and has a special compassion for animals. It does not go unnoticed by her friend Cassidy that Mari has this gift of cheering up others . Being friends has helped both of them come to rely on each other. Who better to take on a rescue than your best friend? After their first rescue I couldn’t stop laughing. It’s not everyday you crawl into a drain pipe and find an officer waiting on you as you exit with a sad and stinky looking dog. The more Mari tried to explain what was going on the more the officer was convinced she was homeless. The circumstances did seem a bit questionable but it only gets better as the clinic she works at has just been broken into. The author gives us a very honest look at how a veterinary clinic operates as all types of animals are seen. There are the aggressive animals that no one is thrilled to see and then there is this sweet little rescue named Beau Jangles that melted my heart.

The suspects start adding up as the break in at the clinic starts to reach a danger for some. Is it the cranky man next door who is a CPA? He is not nice and is not shy about letting people know that he is not a fan of animals. Could it be the ex boyfriend of someone who works at the clinic? My interest was piqued as more strange things started happening.

My review would not be complete without mentioning Grandma Peach. Mari has a special relationship with her grandmother and I loved when they would get together and share about their lives. Grandma Peach has this knack for saying what needs to be said and she is always encouraging Mari with her dream of opening a rescue shelter. Mari is still grieving the death of her mother and being around Grandma Peach helps her in moments of remembering the good memories of her sweet mom.

The author gives readers a look at characters who have big hearts for animals. It was easy for me to picture myself visiting the clinic and become part of Mari’s rescue group. There are some funny moments in the story and a taste of Texas that made me want to grab a Dr. Pepper and a big bowl of Blue Bell Ice cream. What I really enjoyed about the story was the group of characters that came to depend on each other and reach out to a few that needed friendship. The theme of trusting God flows throughout the story. I am thrilled to know that there is a new book coming in this series because I feel like I have found a new family to follow and grow spiritually with.

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 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 26

Texas Book-aholic, July 27

The Book Club Network, July 27

An Author’s Take, July 28

Remembrancy, July 28

deb’s Book Review, July 29

Pause for Tales, July 29

The Avid Reader, July 30

For Him and My Family, July 30

Christina’s Corner, July 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 31

Inklings and notions, August 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 2

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 3

She Lives To Read, August 3

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 4

Blogging With Carol, August 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 6

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 7 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 7

Labor Not in Vain, August 8

Books I’ve Read, August 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Janice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a paper 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/1ffe2/off-the-chain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Byway to Danger Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: Byway to Danger

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: July 19, 2022

Everyone in Richmond has secrets. Especially the spies.

Meg Brooks, widow, didn’t stop spying for the Union when her job at the Pinkerton National Detective Agency ended, especially now that she lives in the Confederate capital. Her job at the Yancey bakery provides many opportunities to discover vital information about the Confederacy to pass on to her Union contact. She prefers to work alone, yet the strong, silent baker earns her respect and tugs at her heart.

Cade Yancey knows the beautiful widow is a spy when he hires her only because his fellow Unionist spies know of her activities. Meg sure didn’t tell him. He’s glad she knows how to keep her mouth shut, for he has hidden his dangerous activities from even his closest friends. The more his feelings for the courageous woman grow, the greater his determination to protect her by guarding his secrets. Her own investigations place her in enough peril.

As danger escalates, Meg realizes her choice to work alone isn’t a wise one. Can she trust Cade with details from her past not even her family knows?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher. Connect with Sandra on her blog, https://sandramervillehart.wordpress.com/.

More from Sandra

In Byway to Danger, Book 3 of my “Spies of the Civil War” series, both Cade and Meg—our hero and heroine—are Union spies living in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. As if this isn’t dangerous enough, Meg is also a former Pinkerton spy. One Pinkerton spy was hanged in the spring and three others now sit in Richmond jails.

Meg works as an assistant in Cade’s bakery. The strong, quiet man keeps a secret from Meg to protect her, for he’s a conductor on the Underground Railroad. He provides food, clothing, and a safe place to stay until he’s able to take them on to the next stop several miles outside the city. Cade has done this for years before the Civil War and continues as the war rages, a perilous mission.

Historically, early in the war on May 23, 1861, three men escaped slavery and fled to Fort Monroe. Frank Baker, Shepard Mallory, and James Townsend had worked on Confederate fortifications before escaping on a rowboat. They sought the safety of Union soldiers at the fort. The men informed Union Major General Benjamin F. Butler that they escaped from Confederate Colonel Charles K. Mallory of the 115th Virginia Militia.

The next day, Confederate Major John B. Cary arrived at Fort Monroe under a flag of truce. Cary met with Butler and requested he return the enslaved men to Mallory as required by the Fugitive Slave Act.

Butler did some fast thinking. Since the three men had been building fortifications for war, they could be seized as “contraband of war” and didn’t have to be returned. His refusal to return the men was a pivotal decision and sparked a future law that protected fugitives who sought the protection of Union camps.

Dozens of fugitive men, women, and children had joined Baker, Mallory, and Townsend at Fort Monroe within three days. Many others fled to the fort in the following months. “Grand Contraband Camp” was established about three miles from Fort Monroe on the charred remains of Hampton to accommodate the hundreds of fugitives. It was the nation’s first self-contained black community. By 1865, thousands lived in this camp.

Part of my research for this novel involved a trip to Virginia’s Fort Monroe. (If you love history and have never visited Fort Monroe, I recommend it!) Though I wasn’t certain of my story at the time of my visit, I was so inspired by the fort’s history that I knew it had to be part of my story. And it is!

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole “Spies of the Civil War” series beginning with Book 1 Avenue of Betrayal, Book 2 Boulevard of Confusion, and Book 3 Byway to Danger!

MY REVIEW

This has been such an enjoyable series and I was very excited to read the latest addition. The author seems to have a gift for making readers feel like they are part of the story with her vivid description. The tine period focuses on the Civil War and how it affected many lives. I can’t imagine living so close to the battlefield that you could feel tremors from the ground as cannons were shot. Having to be careful of your surroundings at all times would cause me to never want to step outside.

I loved the bravery of both Meg and Cade. Their contribution to help the war effort was without a doubt very impressive. They each had assignments but kept their secret close to their hearts, The danger of their missions becomes more dangerous everyday as they continue their journey of secretly passing information or helping someone escape to a better life.

It was interesting to see how they both were a little hesitant to trust each other and made the story intriguing. Can you imagine being a spy while trying to figure out who you could trust? Just one mistake and you could be put in harm’s way. The author delivers a look at war through the eyes of those who saw it first hand. They witnessed the families torn apart as loved ones were killed and the many shortages of supplies that made them stretch their goods as long as they could.

The bond between families are strong in this story and is an example of how we all need others to lean on. In times of trouble having someone to pray for you and encourage you helps build your confidence that you can face whatever comes your way. I loved how the author brings our main characters together and witness their friendship start to develop.

We get to see into the life Meg and her her husband and how her brother-in law played a big part in his death. The author touches on some sensitive subjects that is done with grace without going into details. I loved how gentle Cade was as Meg shared her past and the encounter she had just encountered with her brother-in -law. In those moments of openness we witness the faith that they both have and how thoughtful they are toward each other. As Cade feels comfortable to share with Meg about his past there are moments of sincere peace and comfort that was a turning point in their relationship. I loved this part of the story because it felt genuine and showed how important it is to be there for others.

With historical facts scattered throughout the story the author gives us a taste of what it might have been like during the Civil War. Combined with danger and secrets the story delivers a journey with Cade and Meg as they learn to trust each other and rely on faith to keep them safe.

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