Tuesday, May 30, 2023

About the Book

Book: The Keys to Gramercy Park

Author: Candice Sue Patterson

Genre:Christian / Historical / Romance

Release date: April, 2023

Secrets Sealed Within a Wall Come to Light in Lower Manhattan

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Investigative historical journalist Andrea Andrews is tired of waiting tables to make ends meet. If she could find and write the next breakout story, she could secure a promotion with Smithsonian Magazine as their writer-at-large. But not much happens in lower Manhattan out of the ordinary until she discovers post-Civil War counterfeit bills hidden in the wall of her historic district apartment.

Politics have always been Beau Davidson-Quincy’s passion, despite his family’s real estate empire. His clean image and single status make him a target in the media as he prepares to build his campaign for New York governor. He has nothing to hide until a cute waitress unravels a mystery that could destroy his family’s reputation.

Two centuries earlier, wounded Civil War veteran Franklin Davidson lost everything—his house, his wife, his standing in society. In his darkest moment, he’s awarded a position with the newly formed Secret Service to combat the spread of counterfeit U.S. currency. His life and new home in Gramercy Park are the envy of his peers, but nothing is as it seems. Secrets are meant to be kept, and Franklin will take his to his grave.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Candice Sue Patterson studied at the Institute of Children’s Literature and is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons in a restored farmhouse overtaken by books. When she’s not tending to her chickens, splitting wood, or decorating cakes, she’s working on a new story. Candice writes Modern Vintage Romance—where the past and present collide with faith. Her debut novel How to Charm a Beekeeper’s Heart was a 2012 ACFW First Impressions finalist and made INSPYs Longlist for 2016.

More from Candice

A locked secret garden in Manhattan with historical significance and the only ones privileged to step inside are the wealthy residents who purchase a key—count me in! The plot for The Keys to Gramercy Park was born at our dining room table when my husband looked up from the book he was reading and asked if I knew about Gramercy Park. I hadn’t, so we started Googling and discovered it was a real garden in Manhattan built in 1841 for the cream of society. The fact that it’s been off-limits to the public for one hundred and eight-two years instantly brought all kinds of story ideas to my mind.

Not long after, I discovered that Barbour Publishing Inc. was looking for dual-time stories to fill their Doors to the Past series. I love reading dual-time novels but I’d never written one. I love a good challenge, so I began plotting and before I knew it, I had another first—creating a villain.

I’ve only ever seen the New York City skyline from the New Jersey ferry that travels to and from the Statue of Liberty, so after the story was contracted, I spent several weeks researching Manhattan and Gramercy Park. New York is full of rich history and it was so fun to stumble across the historical details of The Player’s, Edwin Booth, and the stories behind each home along Gramercy Square.

One of my favorite things about writing this story was the juxtaposition of the timelines. We don’t have the present without the past, and what happens in the past affects the future, but the future can also determine how we view, feel, and learn about the past. That’s essentially what The Keys to Gramercy Park is about—the butterfly effect of past events reaching ahead two centuries with dire consequences. I love how in one scene the characters are sending telegraphs and in the next scene, they’re sending text messages.

What’s your favorite thing about dual-time novels? Make sure to check out the other books in the Doors to the Past series!

MY REVIEW

I love dual time line stories and this one is one of my favorites. We travel back in time when war was at the center for many. The Civil War was brutal and left many without homes or a way to support their family. The author delivers a realistic look at this time period with historical facts that heighten the story. I couldn’t wait to see what secrets would be revealed that would affect both past and present.

What immediately intrigued me was there were twins in the story from the past. One of the men was good and respected. The other was basically a criminal. Now we must decide who to believe when more trouble comes their way. Franklin has a distinctive limp but his brother Edward has has a limp as well as a deformed ear. Edward is definitely the one to watch out for, but I fear that Franklin is going to be in a lot of trouble thanks to his brother.

The hostility Edward has towards his brother is dangerous and he is seeking to harm him. Finding out that Franklin is now a Secret Service agent for the Department of Treasury makes Edward very hostile. Knowing his brother was now someone who could arrest him makes him lose his temper. The disdain he has for his father breaks my heart. With so much hatred and bitterness Edward is spiraling out of control.

As we move to the present we are introduced to Andrea was is an aspiring journalist for the Smithsonian Magazine. Stumbling on counterfeit money hidden in the wall of her apartment starts to intrigue her and perhaps will help her get a story that will get her promoted. I liked how the author had Andrea run into the dashing and maybe next governor Beau. Their encounter brings Beau to the conclusion that Andrea is someone he would like to know better. It was funny that Andrea had no clue who he was.

With a mystery surrounding counterfeit money, secrets that could destroy families and the Gramercy Park that intertwines both time lines I was mesmerized by everything going on. Greed and deceit certainly fill the pages along with a chance to repent cause characters to take a hard look at themselves. The message of redemption is prevalent in the story along with trust. The author writes in-depth which for me was a plus for this dual story. This is one that shouldn’t be missed if you love a good mystery along with a look back at history. The brilliance of how the two time periods come together is the work of a very gifted author.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 26

lakesidelivingsite, May 26

Melissa’s Bookshelf, May 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 28

Blogging With Carol, May 28

Book Looks by Lisa, May 29

Connie’s History Classroom, May 29

Texas Book-aholic, May 30

For Him and My Family, May 30

Cover Lover Book Review, May 31

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 2

Blossoms and Blessings, June 2

Remembrancy, June 3

Holly’s Book Corner, June 3

Tell Tale Book Reviews, June 4

Pause for Tales, June 4

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 5 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 6

Inklings and Notions, June 6

Simple Harvest Reads, June 7 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Labor Not in Vain, June 7

She Lives To Read, June 8

Books I’ve Read, June 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candice is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-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/2626e/the-keys-to-gramercy-park-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, May 29, 2023

About the Book

Book: Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward

Authors: Mark Henderson and Michael Snuffer

Genre: Non-fiction; Interpersonal Relations; Religion

Release date: April 13, 2023

WHY AM I SO MISUNDERSTOOD? I am only trying to do what is right! Of course, I forgive, but I can’t seem to get past the pain. God seems distant. Does he even care about me?

Do any of these questions hit close to home? It may surprise you that the underlying cause is often hidden unforgiveness. Our closest relationships, emotional health, and perhaps even our faith seem to be crumbling around us, but most of us have no idea that forgiveness is the way forward. If we are honest, we don’t even know what forgiveness is. We may have a vague idea that it has something to do with “forgetting” or “letting go” but would be hard-pressed to come up with a working definition. Worse yet, we have no idea how to practice forgiveness in a way that brings lasting relief from the hurt we carry. Most of us are not trying to hang on to the pain, but freedom is elusive.

Freedom from your pain is within reach! Forgiveness is not a vague, esoteric concept, nor is it a lofty, out-of-reach ideal. Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward digs into the biblical definition of forgiveness, tells real stories of real people who have found healing, clears up some huge misconceptions surrounding forgiveness, and teaches us how topractice forgiveness. If we do not address the wounds of our past, they will shape our future. God has provided a powerful tool to help us find freedom—forgiveness is the surprising way forward!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Authors

Mark Henderson received a Masters of Pastoral Counseling, was a licensed counselor, and served as a pastor of counseling for twenty years.

In Memory of Mark Henderson

Mark David Henderson, co-author of this book passed away from cancer as this book was being finalized. Mark was a loving husband, father, and friend. He touched lives all over the world through his counseling ministry and often said he had a front row seat to God’s miracles. He always made sure the individual knew it was God’s healing, and Mark was simply the servant. His desire was to take what he learned and share it with others, which is the reason for this book.

Michael Snuffer has ministered as a counselor for more than ten years. Mark and Mike founded Equip2CounselTM, a ministry dedicated to providing simple yet powerful counseling tools globally to ministers.

More from Michael

Challenging relationships, frustration with unfair treatment, bursts of anger, and disconnection from God are persistent problems for individuals who carry burdens from their past. Most are unaware unforgiveness is an underlying cause. Time, by itself, rarely brings healing. Instead, the wounds fester and become more painful. Many feel stuck and see no way forward to joy and peace. For most, forgiveness is the first step to healing.

Modern culture and thinking have muddled the meaning of forgiveness. Most don’t understand what forgiveness is or how to practice it. The result? Relief remains out of reach. Forgiveness is a powerful tool which brings healing and freedom.

Mark and I launched the Equip2Counsel™ ministry to provide powerful counseling tools which bring healing to hurting individuals around the world. We soon realized the limitations of in-person training and began to consider how written materials could extend the reach of these tools. We wrote Forgiveness: A Surprising Way Forward to provide a clear, step-by-step process. We wanted to share the stories of real people who found hope and healing through forgiveness. Whether you are a hurting individual or a counselor helping others, we hope many learn and apply the practice of forgiveness which brings freedom.

MY REVIEW

If there is one topic I think we all struggle with it would have to be forgiveness. I have read many books about this subject so getting to read this one was something I looked forward to. I like the way the book is structured and had illustrations from the Bible as well as stories from everyday people.

We can fall into the trap of our old lifestyle if we don’t continue to renew our minds daily with His Word. He tells us to forgive seventy times seven. It may be hard to forgive the person who has been critical to you all your life or the person who abused you. However God’s Word is very clear. We are to forgive and move on. Don’t allow the enemy to whisper in your ear that so and so did this to you or said hurtful things about you.

I think everyday is a challenge as we interact with other people. It is easy to become offended if we allow bitterness to set in. “Though we will be victims of mistreatment in our lifetime, God has given us choices in these situations.” Let God help us make wise choices instead of selfish choices that can lead to misunderstanding .

This book is very well written and has many chapters that cover topics we can all use to renew our mind. “Living at peace with everyone does not necessarily mean we need to be in relationship with everyone.” Put boundaries up so you can protect yourself from anything that is not of God. We need to love everyone but we don’t need to place ourselves in situations where we compromise our faith.

A very important chapter in the books talks about “How to Forgive .” It is a step by step tool that will help readers to forgive and not allow the enemy to remind them of that hurt again. One very important thing to remember is, “forgiveness is always your choice.” Forgiving allows us to experience freedom , but God does not force us to forgive.

I highly recommend this book to everyone and think it is an important tool for pastors to have on hand as they counsel people. It would be an asset to the church library and excellent as a Bible study.

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 22

Simple Harvest Reads, May 23 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 24

For the Love of Literature, May 25 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, May 25

An Author’s Take, May 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 27

Artistic Nobody, May 28 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 29

Guild Master, May 30 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 1

Blossoms and Blessings, June 2 (Author Interview)

Vibrant Wings by Valerie, June 2

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, June 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 4

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Michael is giving away the grand prize package of $50 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/26263/forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Title Wave

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: April 25, 2023

All he wants to do is help people, but local women want to help themselves… to him!

When Henri Tupuola returned to Suamalie to open his holistic mental health clinic, he had no idea what he was getting into. After ten years in Australia getting his degree and practical experience under his mentor, the locals had all but forgotten the quiet “boy” who had always made them feel like he could see right through them.

Not anymore! The ladies of Lafoina are eager to meet the island’s therapist and spend hours staring deeply into his eyes on their weekly dates… ahem, sessions.

Desperate for relief, he hightails it down to The Title Wave and begs Ezra to order him a couple dozen copies of his own book. Yes, author copies would be cheaper, but he needs these things fast. Maybe if he hands out his book like an old-time quack handed out pills, the ladies will get the hint and leave him alone.

But when he tells his troubles to Ezra (who’s the therapist now?), and she jokes at how much her father would love to have people flocking to his “sessions” so to speak, Henri gets an idea that could save his sanity… if only Ezra will agree.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling 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 at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

It happens with every book—probably for every author. What “it” is… that’s always different. Sometimes it’s the moment you realize that your character has morphed into someone you didn’t intend for him to. Other times it might be that you discovered a huge plot hole in your mystery and there’s no way any of it would have happened (not that I’ve ever had to deal with that or anything). It could be that your characters don’t have chemistry (and that doesn’t have to be romance—friends should have it!). Let’s face it. Lots of things can derail a book.

And if you don’t lay some new track fast (think Gromit in A Grand Day Out laying tracks as fast as he can as the toy train hurtles him after the penguin), your story could end up as the biggest trainwreck this side of… wherever they have bad train wrecks.

Or in my case, sink the book boat.

So there was blithely typing my first chapter when I realized something was wrong with my premise for The Title Wave. See, I had a plan. This would be a fake-dating romance. A local therapist needs a fake girlfriend to get the women to quit hitting on him when he was supposed to be helping them with their problems. Reasonable right?

Yeah. There’s all kinds of problems with this… starting with the fact that I don’t actually enjoy FAST romances… and I wanted them together—like totally committed—by the end of the book. OOPS! Not only that, but come on. Fake boyfriend/girlfriend? Ezra is an MK. This girl isn’t going to want to live a deception like that. She’s got a sensitive conscience, thanks to close ties with the Holy Spirit Who indwells her. She’s not going to do that.

But I needed her to.

I have this group of ladies who read everything as I write it. Most have been with me for over ten years! So, when I realized my book was in serious trouble (as in drowning before it really got out to sea!), I went to them and told them what I wanted/needed to happen and why it wasn’t going to work.

Guess what? They came through for me (as they always do—love you, Escapeables!). After just a bit of tossing out ideas and lobbing them back and forth, things fell into place.

Yes, Henri will approach Ezra with the idea.

Yes, Ezra will have a fake boyfriend.

And yes, being the romance it is… they WILL be committed by the end and without irritating myself with a bunch of insta-love.

Somehow. Since I’m writing this before it all plays out, we’ll both have to see just how that all works out. Join me for a cruise through love-tossed waters?

MY REVIEW

If you have read books from this author before you know how entertaining her stories are. This one was funny in a quirky way with characters that are very relatable. Henri is a man who is very handsome with a practice that finds him seeing all types of people. His job as a therapist finds him listening to problems for hours upon hours during the day. I laughed out loud when his problem was revealed. It seems that every single woman is rushing to make an appointment to see him. What a sad thing to deal with every woman wanting you because you are the most handsome man around. Poor Henri needs to do something fast before he, well I’m not sure what he may do. His plan is nothing short of crazy and really couldn’t he think of something better?

Ezra is trying so hard to make her floating bookstore a success that she has little time for herself. Much to her surprise her old flame shows up on her boat. Now what is he doing and why does she still have feelings for him? Just wait til she finds out what he wants. I can tell you it is not going to set well with Ezra at all.

I thought the idea was a little far fetched and couldn’t understand why Henri with all his brains would even suggest such a silly thing. I guess desperate times calls for desperate measures. Get ready for misunderstandings, laughs and adventure. There is a part in the story where danger puts characters in a situation that could turn out bad. In this moment we witness what unconditional love looks like.

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

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, May 24

Lots of Helpers, May 24

The Sacred Line, May 25

By the Book, May 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27

Aryn The Libraryan, May 28

Texas Book-aholic, May 29

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 30

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 31

For Him and My Family, June 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 4 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, June 4

Simple Harvest Reads, June 5 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

She Lives to Read, June 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona 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/26266/the-title-wave-celebration-tour-giveaway

Sunday, May 28, 2023

About the Book

Book: A Cry in the Dark

Author: Jessica R. Patch

Genre: Inspirational Psychological Thriller

Release date: February 28, 2023

Deep in the Kentucky hills, three women have been found brutalized and murdered.

But the folks in Night Holler have their own ways and their own laws.

And they’re not talking…

Led to an isolated Appalachian Mountain town by a trail of disturbing murders, FBI special agent Violet Rainwater’s determined to catch a serial killer with a twisted agenda. With locals refusing to reveal their secrets, Violet’s only ally is Detective John Orlando. But even John has an ulterior motive—he’s convinced this case is connected to his wife’s murder.

As they dig deeper, Violet uncovers a link to her own unresolved past. For years she’s worked the cold case of her mother’s abduction, which had led to her birth. The need to look into the eyes of the sinful man who fathered her consumes Violet. Until she can, she’ll never have peace. Because she’s terrified she might be exactly like him.

In this chilling novel, when the present collides with Violet’s mysterious past and John’s tragic loss, they must unravel the warped, sinuous connections before the killer strikes again. But solving the case might not be nearly as terrifying as the possibility that Violet’s finally found her roots…

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Jessica R. Patch is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author known for her dry wit, signatures twists, and complex characters. She loves reading true crime books, discussing cold cases over chips and salsa with her girlfriends, and hunting down serial killers in her romantic suspense novels and psychological thrillers.

Jessica loves to encourage and inspire people to forward living through her Forward Friday Blog posts and through her monthly email newsletter. You can join the Patched In community at her website: www.jessicarpatch.com.

She resides in the Memphis area with her husband, two young adult children, and her spoiled tri-color Shetland Sheepdog. Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

More from Jessica

A Cry in the Dark can’t be compared to Scooby Doo, but I can thank Scooby Doo for being my first introduction into the world of mystery and all matter of things that go bump in the night. But, in the end, the masks of darkness are always revealed in the light and are exposed. Justice served. This is why I write gritty crime fiction/psychological thrillers outside of my Love Inspired Suspense books.

In Luke 22:53 NLT, they come to arrest Jesus and crucify Him. “Why didn’t you arrest me in the Temple? I was there every day. But this is your moment, the time when the power of darkness reigns.”

Darkness gets one moment. Just one. When they crucify and kill Him. But we know what happens next! Light bursts out of that dark tomb and victory is ours. We’re rescued in darkness from darkness into marvelous light.

In a thriller, darkness gets its moment. I don’t shy away from those tough things. The Bible didn’t shy away from it! We read about a Levite who gave cruel men his concubine which they abused all night until she died, and then he cut her up into parts and sent her to the tribes! God never approves of darkness, nor does He edit it out or sanitize the people. We see the depravity of humans when walking apart from God all through the Bible. And honestly, I’m glad He doesn’t edit out things I’d rather not see or read about. God works in broken people’s lives and through brokenness to accomplish His redemptive purposes. I’m broken. You’re broken. He can use the righteous as well as the wicked. I need to be reminded that without Him, I could fall into those same traps (not cutting up women but… you know) and I need to know that despite my weakness and brokenness, God can and will still use me!

A Cry in the Dark has some violence and darker subject matter (though it is not graphic in real time) because darkness gets a moment…and then hope reaches in, hears the cries in the dark of broken people, and rescues them. And in the end, that’s what this book is about. A great and powerful rescue mission out of darkness and into light!

MY REVIEW

I must warn readers not to read this alone late at night unless you aren’t bothered by chill tingling thrillers that will creep you out. The author has achieved a story that is hard at times to read. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. I am reminded by a show called Criminal Minds as I read this story. Their job always involved the most horrific crimes.

Violet has a past that can only be described as sad, haunting and a cry for revenge. I liked her job and her ability to analyze scenes and read people very accurately. Her past still lingers near the surface and she seeks closure from a past that has troubled her for years. Her mother is not nurturing at all and Violet knows the reason why her mother has no feelings for her. I became invested in Violet and wanted to follow her as she tries to solve the murders that shakes a small community. The people are tight lipped and are little help n the investigation.

Teaming up with Violet is John Orlando. Maybe as they work together they can unravel secrets hidden in the darkness. John feels like this case may have something to do with his wife’s death so he is extra vigilant about details. I loved how the author takes us into the darkness where evil resides and allow us to understand that not everything is always going to be good all the time. Darkness is out there waiting to devour us, but we need to be guarded and trust God to help us find the light.

The Bible scriptures and people from the Bible are well represented in this story and I love how the author ties it all together. Judgment and hypocritical thoughts run rampant as someone has decided to be judge, juror and executioner. Through all the ugliness that surrounds Violet and John we see light and hope. Violet is reminded that she is not an accident and was made for a purpose. Violet thinks that no one loves her but John tells her that God loves her. This is a powerful moment in the story where evil is erased and we see how God’s light shines through the darkness.

The book may be hard for some to read , but I encourage you to see past the evil in the book and find hope, freedom and a way out of darkness.

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