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BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 18 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ANNA’S SECRET by BLOSSOM TURNER

February 18, 2020 by Robin E. Mason

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 18 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ANNA’S SECRET by BLOSSOM TURNER

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ANNA’S SECRET by BLOSSOM TURNER

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Anna’s Secret

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Release Date: May 1, 2019

THE BLURB

Anna Clarke has faced loneliness for years, caring for a sick and distant husband. Recently widowed, with all that brought meaning to her life gone, the consummate good girl falls from grace in a moment of weakness and passion.

Horrified to find she is pregnant, she is surprised when those closest to her assume the baby is her late husband’s. Guilt and pride allow the lie to live until her deceit hits a wall when the biological father Dr. Matthew Carmichael comes calling.

Shocked at how one lie bled so easily into another, Anna realizes her reputation of devout Christian living is about to disappear like a leaf caught in a windstorm. She hears the whisper of her loving Heavenly Father, who longs to restore her soul, but does she have the courage to face the scandal and the truth of her feelings toward the handsome Dr. Carmichael?

Click here to get your copy!

THE AUTHOR

Blossom Turner is a free-lance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, an avid blogger, and published novelist. Her authentic understanding of the power of forgiveness through life experience has inspired this compelling novel, Anna’s Secret, where failure, God’s love, and romance collide. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Read more at blossomturner.com.

MORE FROM BLOSSOM

MORE ABOUT WHY I WROTE ANNA’S SECRET

I am a hopeless romantic, it has been at the core of my being from a child up. I dreamed of a love that would whisk me far from the pain of my childhood upbringing.

When I first started to write Anna’s Secret, I had not yet learned all I needed to know about forgiveness. I was half-way through the book when sorrow and betrayal hit my marriage. (See “About Me” at https://blossomturner.com) I stopped writing for years.

However, as God healed the broken and restored my soul, words of love once again danced within my being. God directed that I finish this book weaving in all I learned from the crucible of suffering in my own life. Through understanding the restorative power of God’s forgiveness when humanity fails, I wrote Anna’s Secret with a strong thread of hope woven into its fabric.

Readers have expressed to me that the authenticity of this book has brought them to tears and given them a love story that entertained. However, the part I love the most … Anna’s Secret has inspired some readers to ask God for the help to forgive themselves, or for the power to offer the gift of forgiveness to another.

My prayer is that you will find Anna’s Secret an entertaining romance, inspiration to your soul, and that you will enjoy the happy ending … always a happy ending. After all, God is the God of happily ever after, and heaven is the home in which all His children will find the greatest love of all.

MY REVIEW

I suppose as Christians we think we’re above the “biggie” sins. But honestly, gossip and unforgiveness can do more harm than anything physical. Ask me how I know…

Ms. Turner’s story is riddled with otherwise “good” and devoted Christian characters coming face to face with their sin and their humanity. And it ain’t pretty.

I so wanted to smack a few of these people around! But I also know—and have seen—what Holy Spirit can and will do when we leave Him to it.

While I cannot relate to Anna’s predicament, I can relate to her loneliness, and sadly to her “solution.” I mourned with her, and ached with her, wept with her.

Ms. Turner drew her unbeliever characters to a life of faith as it should be done—gently and with kindness. This story has both sides of the “believer coin,” with believers living—or trying to live—by God’s Word, and those who know utterly nothing of faith or the Christian life. I appreciated the tension between the two, the different levels, and the reality represented.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Blossom is giving away the grand prize package of a signed copy of Anna’s Secret and a $25 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/f5c8/anna-s-secret-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 17

Robin’s Nest, February 18

Rebecca Tews, February 19

Maureen’s Musings, February 20

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

Blogging With Carol, February 22

deb’s Book Review, February 22

Pause for Tales, February 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 24

janicesbookreviews, February 25

Inklings and notions, February 26

Quiet Quilter, February 27

For Him and My Family, February 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 29

Life love writing, March 1

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Anna’s Secret, Blossom Turner, Celebrate Lit

Posted in blog posts, blogwords, book review | Tagged #Blogwords, #TRD, Anna’s Secret, Blossom Turner, book review, Celebrate Lit, Tuesday Reviews-Day | 4 Comments »

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 15 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE FIFTH AVENUE BOOK SOCIETY by RACHEL HAUCK

February 15, 2020 by Robin E. Mason

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 15 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE FIFTH AVENUE BOOK SOCIETY by RACHEL HAUCK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE FIFTH AVENUE BOOK SOCIETY by RACHEL HAUCK

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: The Fifth Avenue Story Society

Author: Rachel Hauck

Genre: Contemporary Romance/ Women’s Fiction

Release Date: February 4, 2020

THE BLURB

An invitation to join The Fifth Avenue Story Society gives five New York strangers a chance to rewrite their own stories.

Executive assistant Lexa is eager for a much-deserved promotion, but her boss is determined to keep her underemployed.

Literature professor Jett is dealing with a broken heart, as well as a nagging suspicion his literary idol, Gordon Phipps Roth, might be a fraud.

Uber driver Chuck just wants a second chance with his kids.

Aging widower Ed is eager to write the true story of his incredible marriage.

Coral, queen of the cosmetics industry, has broken her engagement and is on the verge of losing her great grandmother’s multimillion-dollar empire.

When all five New Yorkers receive an anonymous, mysterious invitation to the Fifth Avenue Story Society, they suspect they’re victims of a practical joke. No one knows who sent the invitations or why. No one has heard of the literary society. And no one is prepared to bear their deepest secrets to a roomful of strangers.

Yet curiosity and loneliness bring them back week after week to the old library. And it’s there they discover the stories of their hearts, and the kind of friendship and love that heals their souls.

Get your copy of the book here.

THE AUTHOR

Rachel Hauck is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY bestselling author of The Wedding Dress, which was also named Inspirational Novel of the Year by Romantic Times and was a RITA finalist. Rachel lives in central Florida with her husband and pet and writes from her ivory tower. Visit her online at RachelHauck.com; Facebook: RachelHauck; Twitter: @RachelHauck; Instagram: @rachelhauck.

READ AN EXCERPT

Read an excerpt here.

MY REVIEW

Ms. Hauck’s new story is reminiscent of Dame Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians minus the ominous tone, and set in a private room in a library rather than an isolated island. Five characters drawn together by no more than a curious invitation.

Like a well-crafted time-slip story, The Fifth Avenue Story Society weaves the lives of its otherwise disparate members into a single thread, criss-crossing until a colorful and beautiful tapestry emerges. Ms. Hauck takes each of her characters on a journey of self-discovery, forcing them to dig deep—and anointing them with healing.

So many things in this story that resonate deeply with this reader—the bond between friends, the individual histories of the characters, the courage to face their pasts and embrace their future, and the books! Of course the books.

Though seemingly a random selection of random people, they soon discover that each has something the others need—so true in life; the most random people sometimes have the very thing we need.

Of the books I’ve read by this author, this story far outshines them all. Perhaps it’s more reminiscent of an invitation written two thousand years ago…

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

BLOG STOPS

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 10

The Avid Reader, February 10

Livin’ Lit, February 10

Genesis 5020, February 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10

The Power of Words, February 11

A Baker’s Perspective, February 11

Rebecca Tews, February 11

All-of-a-kind Mom, February 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Older & Smarter?, February 12

Seasons of Opportunities, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Inklings and notions, February 12

deb’s Book Review, February 12

My Devotional Thoughts, February 13

Just the Write Escape, February 13

For Him and My Family, February 13

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 13

CarpeDiem, February 13

Remembrancy, February 14

Christian Bookaholic, February 14

Connect in Fiction, February 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

April Hayman, Author, February 14

Robin’s Nest, February 15

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 15

Britt Reads Fiction, February 15

Just Your Average reviews, February 15

Blogging With Carol, February 15

Batya’s Bits, February 16

Bigreadersite, February 16

A Reader’s Brain, February 16

Worthy2Read, February 16

Stories By Gina, February 16

Back Porch Reads, February 17

janicesbookreviews, February 17

Literary Reflections Book Blog, February 17

Inside the Wong Mind, February 17

Mary Hake, February 17

Through the fire blogs, February 18

Mia Reads, February 18

Baker Kella, February 18

EmpowerMoms, February 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 18

Maureen’s Musings, February 19

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 19

Coast and Anchor, February 19

Spoken from the Heart, February 19

SPLASHES of Joy, February 19

She Lives to Read, February 20

By The Book, February 20

Wishful Endings, February 20

Moments, February 20

Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Andrea Christenson, February 21

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 21

Pause for Tales, February 21

For The Love of Books, February 21

Lis Loves Reading, February 21

Reader’s Cozy Corner, February 22

Hallie Reads, February 22

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 22

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 22

To Everything There Is A Season, February 22

Godly Book Reviews, February 23

Daysong Reflections, February 23

SusanLovesBooks, February 23

Lights in a Dark World, February 23

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, The Fifth Avenue Story Society, Rachel Hauck, Celebrate Lit

Posted in blog posts, blogwords, book review | Tagged #Blogwords, #TRD, book review, Celebrate Lit, Rachel Hauck, The Fifth Avenue Story Society, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday | Leave a Comment »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 11 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WALTZ IN THE WILDERNESS by KATHLEEN DENLY

February 11, 2020 by Robin E. Mason

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 11 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WALTZ IN THE WILDERNESS by KATHLEEN DENLY

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WALTZ IN THE WILDERNESS by KATHLEEN DENLY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Waltz in the Wilderness

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: February 4, 2020

THE BLURB

She’s desperate to find her missing father. His conscience demands he risk all to help.

Eliza Brooks is haunted by her role in her mother’s death, so she’ll do anything to find her missing pa—even if it means sneaking aboard a southbound ship. When those meant to protect her abandon and betray her instead, a family friend’s unexpected assistance is a blessing she can’t refuse.

Daniel Clarke came to California to make his fortune, and a stable job as a San Francisco carpenter has earned him more than most have scraped from the local goldfields. But it’s been four years since he left Massachusetts and his fiancé is impatient for his return. Bound for home at last, Daniel Clarke finds his heart and plans challenged by a tenacious young woman with haunted eyes. Though every word he utters seems to offend her, he is determined to see her safely returned to her father. Even if that means risking his fragile engagement.

When disaster befalls them in the remote wilderness of the Southern California mountains, true feelings are revealed, and both must face heart-rending decisions. But how to decide when every choice before them leads to someone getting hurt?

Click here for your copy!

THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

MORE FROM KATHLEEN

As Valentine’s Day nears, stories of how couples met seem to be everywhere. Many of those stories share a common element: “The second I saw him/her, I just knew I would marry him/her.”

Every time I read or hear these stories, I chuckle. Not because I don’t believe them but because it reminds me of my own meet-cute.

“Not my type.”

These were the first words to enter my mind when I met the man who would later become my husband. In hindsight, they are hilarious because I know that God worked things out for our good. After more than eighteen years of marriage, I can honestly say that I am more in love with my husband than ever.

However, just a few months prior to meeting my husband, I’d suffered a terrible breakup with another man whom I thought had been considering proposing to me. I had no idea the breakup was coming and that left me devastated and confused. The truths we learn in hindsight don’t help much when we’re in the midst of such circumstances. When we think we know the future before us and something happens to upend those plans it can feel as though our world has turned upside down.

This is what happens to Eliza Brooks in the first chapter of my novel, Waltz in the Wilderness. Though not romantic in nature, a major shift occurs in her world that leaves her feeling betrayed and disoriented. She’s still struggling to right her world when Daniel Clarke enters her life in the worst way possible. Misunderstanding leads to a humiliating confrontation that sets these two at odds with one another before they have a chance to truly get to know each other. Fortunately for Eliza and Daniel, God works their foolishness for good just as He did in my own true love story.

This Valentine’s Day, whatever your romantic relationship status, remember that you are not alone. You are loved. And the God of all the universe loves you and has a plan for you—plans to prosper you and bring you hope.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

MY REVIEW

Acting in grief can drive an otherwise sensible person to do and act in uncharacteristic ways.

But, oh, how disagreeable and contentious Eliza was!!! I couldn’t relate to her at all and it made it difficult to get into this story. I sympathized with losing her mother, and I can’t fathom how difficult life must have been in the “Wild West.”

Eliza’s mission was noble enough, and I did admire her tenacity. Ms. Denly sure took her on a rugged journey and threw a plethora of obstacles in her way. The story was woven with lovely descriptions and vivid scenes, and I eagerly followed Eliza’s quest. I appreciated Daniel’s sense of honor, both to his fiancée and to Eliza. BONUS: I kinda giggled with glee at [SPOILER] come-uppance twist.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

THREE FEATHERS

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a NEW Kindle Fire HD8, Proverbs 3:5 Paperback Lined Journal, Romans 8:28 Leather Bookmark, Proverbs 3:5 mug, and an Antique Silverplated Spoon made by 1847 Rogers Bros!!

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/f5b6/waltz-in-the-wilderness-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

A Baker’s Perspective, February 5

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 5

Pause for Tales, February 5

Texas Book-aholic, February 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 6

Older & Smarter?, February 7

deb’s Book Review, February 7

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 9

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 9

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 9

Betti Mace, February 10

Through the Fire Blogs, February 10

Inklings and notions, February 11

Robin’s Nest, February 11

Remembrancy, February 12

For Him and My Family, February 12

My Devotional Thoughts, February 12

Maureen’s Musings, February 13

For the Love of Literature, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 15

Blossoms and Blessings, February 15

Bigreadersite, February 15

Emily Yager, February 16

Blogging With Carol, February 16

Mia Reads, February 16

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impression, February 17

Janicesbookreviews, February 17

SPLASHES of Joy, February 18

Hallie Reads, February 18

Connie’s History Classroom, February 18

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Waltz in the Wilderness, Kathleen Denly, Celebrate Lit

Posted in blog posts, blogwords, book review | Tagged #Blogwords, #TRD, book review, Celebrate Lit, Kathleen Denly, Tuesday Reviews-Day, Waltz in the Wilderness | 1 Comment »

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 8 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BELINDA BLAKE AND THE BIRDS OF A FEATHER by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

February 8, 2020 by Robin E. Mason

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 8 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BELINDA BLAKE AND THE BIRDS OF A FEATHER by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – BELINDA BLAKE AND THE BIRDS OF A FEATHER by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

THE BLURB

When exotic pet–sitter Belinda Blake starts pecking at the details of a suspicious accident in her sleepy hometown, she inadvertently digs up a murder case that won’t be solved without ruffling a few feathers . . .
The moment Belinda arrives in Larches Corner, her Upstate New York hometown, she’s immediately recruited to care for a deceased friend’s flock of homing pigeons. But Belinda’s plans for a swift visit scatter after a local college student is mowed down in a malicious hit-and-run that has the whole town reeling.
At first, the gruesome demise of Jackson Hait appears to be a random tragedy. But Belinda quickly uncovers connections to a tight-knit group of friends and a similar death three years earlier . . . one that wasn’t as accidental as it seemed. Now, Belinda must pluck the truth from a tangled nest of lies before a cruel killer takes wing.

THE AUTHOR

Heather Day Gilbert, an ECPA Christy award finalist and Grace award winner, writes contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. Her novels feature small towns, family relationships, and women who aren’t afraid to protect those they love. Publisher’s Weekly gave Heather’s Viking historical Forest Child a starred review, saying it is “an engaging story depicting timeless human struggles with faith, love, loyalty, and leadership.”

Find Heather on Pinterest (heatherdgilbert), Instagram (@heatherdaygilbert), Twitter (@heatherdgilbert), and Facebook (heatherdaygilbert). You can find all her books at heatherdaygilbert.com

MY REVIEW

I do love me some Belinda Blake! Intrepid, inquisitive, discerning. Bold and sometimes foolhardy.

Ms. Gilbert maintains the pace with this third in her Exotic Pets Sitter series. And I gotta say, she threw a giant—and unsettling—curve ball in this one!! Not only did I not see it coming, I didn’t like it one bit!

With her knack for stirring things up, feathers fly as Belinda pecks around asking questions. One death is a tragedy, two is suspicious. But a third is no coincidence.

Between her pigeon care duties and quasi-assistant reporter snooping, Belinda has taken a devastated and hurting teen under her wing, AND she’s weighing her heart in a balance of love.

Ms. Gilbert so deftly weaves this story, subtle details turning to pivotal plot points. Belinda is so real, so down to earth, so flawed and human. And so downright loveable!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Belinda Blake and Birds of a Feather, Heather Day Gilbert, Exotic Pet Sitter Series

Posted in blog posts, blogwords, book review | Tagged #Blogwords, #TRD, Belinda Blake and Birds of a Feather, book review, Exotic Pet Sitter Series, Heather Day Gilbert, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday | 2 Comments »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 4 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A GIRL’S GUIDE TO THE OUTBACK by JESSICA KATE

February 4, 2020 by Robin E. Mason

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 4 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A GIRL’S GUIDE TO THE OUTBACK by JESSICA KATE

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – A GIRL’S GUIDE TO THE OUTBACK by JESSICA KATE

THE BLURB

Book: A Girl’s Guide to the Outback

Author: Jessica Kate

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: January 28, 2020

THE BLURB

How far will a girl go to win back a guy she can’t stand? This funny, sweet, and romantic story proves that opposites do attract—and that God has a sense of humor.

Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but below the surface, he’s still recovering from the blow of a failed business and insecurities he can’t shake. His coworker, start-up expert Kimberly Foster, is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but years of personal rejection have left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks sure do fly.

When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and heads home to Australia to help his sister, Jules, save her struggling farm. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. Together they strike up a deal: If Kimberly comes to work on Jules’s dairy farm and lends her business brains to their endeavor, then maybe—just maybe—Sam will reconsider his future with the church.

As Kimberly tries her hand at Australian farm life, she learns more about herself than she could’ve ever expected. Meanwhile Sam is forced to re-evaluate this spunky woman he thought he already knew. As foes slowly morph into friends, they wonder if they might be something even more. But when disaster strikes the farm, will Sam find it within himself to take a risk that could lead to love? And will Kimberly trust God with her future?

Click here to get your copy.

THE AUTHOR

Australian author Jessica Kate writes inspirational romances with wit, sass, and grit. Jessica is a screenwriting groupie, cohost of the StoryNerds vlog and podcasts, and her favorite place to be—apart from Mum and Dad’s back deck—is a theme park. She has traveled North America and Australia, and samples her favorite pasta wherever she goes—but the best (so far) is still the place around the corner from her corporate day job as a training developer. She loves watching sitcoms with her housemates and being a leader in a new church plant. Visit her online at jessicakatewriting.com; Instagram: jessicakatewriting; Facebook: jessicakatewriting; Twitter: @JessicaKate05

EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

Click here to read an exclusive excerpt of the book!

MY REVIEW

HOLY OY!! What a fabulous story!!! Ms. Kate has knocked it out of the park in her debut novel! She’s absolutely an author to watch for in the future!

Right from the start, Kimberly and Samuel are oil and water, fire and ice. But opposites attract, right?

Both with their own issues, each thinks the other unbearable. With the slight complication of their mutual attraction. But as iron sharpens iron, so too do Kimberly and Samuel sharpen and complement one another, grating nerves and tear and all.

The mix of family, of personal issues, heartbreak and first kisses, the reality of life makes this a believable story; I felt as though I was among friends, rooting for both Kimberly and Sam, as well as Jules and Mick.

The setting was a particular favorite for this reader; I’ve an affinity for Australia—something to do with the accent. That Ms. Kate included colloquialisms (and their meanings) was a delight! That she threw her characters into one tail spin after another was a roller coaster gone wild! And her plethora of clever turns of phrase was entertaining. The “…prickliness of a porcupine with PMS” was priceless!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

BLOG STOPS

Among the Reads, February 3

Just the Write Escape, February 3

Through the Fire Blogs, February 3

Robin’s Nest, February 4

Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 4

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 5

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 5

Genesis 5020, February 6

Wishful Endings, February 6

Texas Book-aholic, February 7

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 7

Batya’s Bits, February 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 8

For Him and My Family, February 9

deb’s Book Review, February 9

Inklings and notions, February 10

Inside the Wong Mind, February 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 11

Kat’s Corner Books, February 11

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 12

Hallie Reads, February 12

Reflections From My Bookshelves, February 13

Mary Hake, February 13

Moments, February 14

Stories By Gina, February 14

Christian Chick’s Thoughts, February 15

Britt Reads Fiction, February 15

Pause for Tales, February 16

With a Joyful Noise, February 16

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, A Girl’s Guide to the Outback, Jessica Kate, Celebrate Lit

Posted in blog posts, blogwords, book review | Tagged #Blogwords, #TRD, A Girl’s Guide to the Outback, book review, Celebrate Lit, Jessica Kate, Tuesday Reviews-Day | Leave a Comment »

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 1 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE CRACKING OF MONDAY EGG by B.T. HIGGINS

February 1, 2020 by Robin E. Mason

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 1 February 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE CRACKING OF MONDAY EGG by B.T. HIGGINS

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE CRACKING OF MONDAY EGG by B.T. HIGGINS

THE BLURB

The Maker created Monday Egg for a very important reason. Monday just doesn’t understand it yet. Being an egg with arms and legs has its advantages. Monday can run like the wind and climb trees easily, but he is an egg. What happens when he cracks?

The Cracking of Monday Egg is the story of a cranky crow, a sick little girl, a kind squirrel and Monday’s struggle to deal with his own crackability.

THE AUTHOR

B.T. Higgins lives in the wild urban jungles of Alaska with his wife and four children. As you might expect, he is an avid fan of long naps and noise-canceling headphones. He has been a garbage man, a propane technician, a teacher, a tutor, a musician and an exotic-bird-cage scrubber, but writing stories is, by far, his favorite job.

MY REVIEW

Mr. Higgins brings an egg to life in this clever, delightful allegorical story. The slow realization of Monday awakening to his consciousness, meeting and making friends with the squirrel, his consideration for the girl, but mostly the understanding of the Maker’s presence and purpose.

We follow Monday’s journey through delightful and vivid adventures, immersing the reader fully in the story.

Deep and profound Truths hidden in the fabric of this tale, Monday Egg discovery of his true self and purpose easily translates into life lessons for young readers.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

FOUR FEATHERS

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, The Cracking of Monday Egg, B.T. Higgins, JustRead Publicity

Posted in blog posts, blogwords, book review | Tagged #Blogwords, #TRD, B.T. Higgins, book review, JustRead Publicity, The Cracking of Monday Egg, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday | Leave a Comment »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 28 January 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE GRAY CHAMBER by GRACE HITCHCOCK

January 28, 2020 by Robin E. Mason

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 28 January 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE GRAY CHAMBER by GRACE HITCHCOCK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE GRAY CHAMBER by GRACE HITCHCOCK

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: The Gray Chamber

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Christian Historical / Suspense

Release Date: January, 2020

THE BLURB

Will Edyth prove her sanity before it is too late?
Step into True Colors—a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime.

On Blackwell’s Island, New York, a hospital was built to keep its patients from ever leaving.

With her late parents’ fortune under her uncle’s care until her twenty-fifth birthday in the year 1887, Edyth Foster does not feel pressured to marry or to bow to society’s demands. She freely indulges in eccentric hobbies like fencing and riding her velocipede in her cycling costume about the city for all to see. Finding a loophole in the will, though, her uncle whisks Edyth off to the women’s lunatic asylum just weeks before her birthday. And Edyth fears she will never be found.

At the asylum she meets another inmate, who upon discovering Edyth’s plight, confesses that she is Nellie Bly, an undercover journalist for The World. Will either woman find a way to leave the terrifying island and reclaim her true self?

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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

MORE FROM GRACE

I am thrilled to share with you my second novel in the True Colors series, The Gray Chamber, which is set in New York City in 1887. I loved writing about Edyth Foster, our cat-rescuing, spunky heroine who spends her days painting, fencing with her dreamy instructor, and avoiding society at all costs, which as you can imagine, comes back to haunt her before the end. I’ve never written about a character who despised reading, so that was a new one for me. Edyth just doesn’t like to sit still long enough to finish a book, but you’ll find out why later.

I am pretty certain the librarians at my local branch are wondering what in the world my hobbies are, judging from the stacks of fencing books for beginners, histories of New York crime in the 19^th century, and Nellie Bly’s Ten Days in a Mad-House, and more that I have continuously checked out since moving back to Louisiana.

The inspiration for this book came from Nellie Bly’s scandalous exposé for Joseph Pulitzer’s newspaper, The World. In reading Nellie’s articles, I was shocked at the grounds by which the asylum would commit women and that’s when I discovered a tiny mention about an heiress with family members who had her tucked away so they could have her fortune. . .and Edyth Foster was born.

I hope you will enjoy reading about our eccentric leading lady and her fencing master hero, Raoul “Bane” Banebridge. If you are interested in seeing pictures of the asylum and to see what I pictured the characters looking like, check out my Pinterest board here.

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“With beautiful description and shiver-worthy scenes, Grace Hitchcock has penned an incredible fiction story based on true history. The Gray Chamber was a fascinating and chilling read. Edyth’s story had me glued to the pages. But as I journeyed with the heiress and her eccentricities, the greed of her family which saw her locked up in an asylum against her will made me grateful for the freedoms I have today. And made me pray that my voice would never be silenced. The nightmare was brought to life so vividly that I found myself holding my breath and then cheering on Bane as he never gave up on Edyth. This is a story that will stick with me for a long time…” ~Kimberley Woodhouse – Carol-Award winning and Best-Selling Author of more than twenty books, including: MissTaken Identity, The Express Bride, The Golden Bride, The Patriot Bride, and The Mayflower Bride.

MY REVIEW

A fantastic and horrifying story! What I love best about historical fiction is a story wrapped around true events. And The Gray Chamber delivers.

“Nellie Bly took an undercover assignment for which she agreed to feign insanity to investigate reports of brutality and neglect at the Women’s Lunatic asylum on Blackwell’s Island.” [taken from Wikipedia]

Ms. Hitchcock’s Edyth was subjected to false accusations of insanity and subjected to confinement at Blackwell’s Island. The betrayal of a loved one was unthinkable—and yet it happened to countless women.

Much of the dialogue felt stilted and awkward, and I questioned some of Edyth’s actions and choices. Then again, she was clearly more headstrong than I.

The duel of the heart between Edyth and Bane was well-parried, a true to life romance. The characters were authentic, the circumstances sadly realistic.

I loved Edyth’s quirky nature, and her socially unacceptable (for the era) skill at fencing.