BLOGWORDS – Monday 30 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – STORIES AND SONGS OF FAITH by ALEXIS A. GORING

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – STORIES AND SONGS OF FAITH by ALEXIS A. GORING

THE BLURB

Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God is a 52-week devotional that will bless your heart, soothe your soul, encourage your mind, and strengthen your God-given spirit.

Join author Alexis A. Goring on an inspirational journey. Each devotional builds from real-life experiences that impart many faith lessons learned along the way.

Each day is built on the foundation of a Bible verse or edifying quote, followed by Goring’s personal story and reflection questions for a personalized experience.

All of the devotionals are tied to a song in order to go a little deeper into the heart of the message. A song directory at the end of the book connects the reader with music online to further enhance the study experience and glorify God.

Spend a year on a journey growing closer to the Lord through Stories and Songs of Faith, and discover personal transformation as time with Jesus Christ changes your heart to look a little more like His.

THE AUTHOR

Alexis A. Goring is a passionate writer with a degree in Print Journalism and an MFA in Creative Writing. She loves the art of storytelling and hopes that her stories will connect readers with the enduring, forever love of Jesus Christ.

MY REVIEW

We all want to belong. The quintessential human longing.

Ms. Goring pours her heart into this devotional, sharing the most tender and poignant depths of her spiritual journey, and inviting the reader to the same journey. She speaks to the reader as if over a cuppa coffee, and invites discussion with Reflection Questions at the end of each chapter. Questions that nudge the reader to truly consider the author’s words and to look in his or her own experience.

The pages are filled with personal revelations, meaningful quotes, and songs that touch the soul.

I think my favorite (if I had to choose) would be Week 9, Silver Platter Faith. Ms. Goring shares of her longing for unshakable faith, something this reader longed for also. “… I asked God for unshakable faith… He wasn’t going to hand it to me on a silver platter.” Boy-O-boy-O-boy is that ever the truth!!! (ask me how I know!) She then goes on to share Romans 5:3, “… suffering produces perseverance.” * Perseverance is akin to unshakable faith.

It’s not easy sharing such personal stories, and I appreciate Ms. Goring for being willing to be so transparent. I appreciate her heart to share what she has learned, and to draw others to the love of our heavenly Father.

She ends with Jesus’ invitation to drink the living water, water that becomes a spring welling up to eternal life. (John 4:13-14) Jesus’ invitation to walk with Him, to live in Him. To love and be love by Him.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | 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.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Stories and Songs of Faith, Alexis A. Goring

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 24 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WHAT YOU SAID TO ME by OLIVIA NEWPORT

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – WHAT YOU SAID TO ME by OLIVIA NEWPORT

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: What You Said to Me

Author: Olivia Newport

Genre: Christian Fiction

Release Date: November 2020

Book 4 in the Tree of Life Series: A Father-Daughter Genealogy Team Link Faith Journeys on Family Trees

THE BLURB

When 15-year-old Tisha Crowder gets caught shoplifting, attorney Nolan Duffy tries to protect her from consequences that could rattle her already troubled life. His daughter, Jillian, feels like she’s the one being punished instead—by having Tisha assigned to work with her on a backlog of genealogy files. Tisha doesn’t seem interested in taking the job seriously, and Jillian’s patience wears thin. Besides, everyone in Canyon Mines knows the Crowder family has experienced generations of brokenness. Then a sliver of hope turns up in long-ago words in plain sight, challenging shrouded assumptions about Tisha’s family. Now Jillian is the one who can walk with Tisha back to 1893 and uncover where everything went wrong in the first place—and save her from the past.

What You Said to Me is the fourth book in the Tree of Life series by Olivia Newport. You’ll want to return to the lovely Colorado mountain town of Canyon Mines again and again to explore and celebrate unforgettable family stories that will inspire you to connect with your own family histories and unique faith journeys.

Click here to get your copy!

THE AUTHOR

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to find where faith and passions meet. Her husband and twentysomething children provide welcome distraction from the people stomping through her head on their way into her books. She chases joy in stunning Colorado at the foot of Pikes Peak.

MORE FROM OLIVIA

Careful Words

 “You didn’t just say that.” Or, “I can’t believe you said that.”

Have you ever said that in retort to someone whose comment offended or wounded? I know I have. But what cuts me even more deeply is when I say to myself, “I can’t believe I just said that.”

The words of a parent at wit’s end, a spouse harboring hurt, a friend saddened by misunderstanding, an employee feeling undercut—they have all been my words. And they came out too fast to swallow back before they did their damage.

I hope I have also had the words of a parent who set aside busyness to listen, a spouse offering loving encouragement, a friend checking in with someone going through a tough patch, a coworker curious to see how I could help rather than compete. Those are the kinds of words I’ve never regretted, never had to repent of, never had to do rebuild from.

I certainly didn’t write What You Said to Me because I think I get it right all the time or even most of the time. Far from it! In our culture of rushing and achieving and—let’s face it, sometimes just getting through the demands of the day—sometimes our words are the last thing we are careful with. Yet they have the longest lasting consequence in our relationships and families—sometimes for generations. The dual-timeline story traces how words that injure became a pattern in one family line until one girl finally fought back to find healing for her future.

My challenge for myself, and all who read What You Said to Me, is to be the person who speaks healing words of hope so that “I can’t believe you said that” becomes “Thank you for saying that.”

If you have a particularly poignant experience of how another’s words impacted you, I’d love to hear from you.

Olivia Newport

MY REVIEW

How fascinating to be a professional genealogist! Combining two of the things I love the most—history and family! Ms. Newport has not only crafted a story with those two favored elements, she has leapt into the league of my favorite authors!

With characters who draw the reader into their own struggles and dialogue that invites the reader to speak up AND a double timeline, this story almost turned the pages for me!

This reviewer may or may not have OCD tendencies (I do) and I could totally feel Jillian’s distress—and protectiveness—at someone else’s hands on her project. Especially a fifteen-year-old with attitude. But that fifteen-year-old comes by that attitude honestly; verbal abuse leaves wounds deeper than any broken bone.

All it takes is one file to snag Tisha’s attention and spark her interest. And shift Jillian’s preconceived notion about her. Ms. Newport builds the relationship just as tenuously as a child’s set of wooden building blocks; slowly, steadily, until a friendship begins to form. The tie between Jillian’s work and Tisha’s quest is no coincidence but rather, one of God’s arrangements behind the scenes.

And may I just say that I did not like Georgina. OY! What a sad heritage she left behind!

Now, of course, I’ll have to go back and read the first three stories in this series!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | 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, Olivia 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/103f1/what-you-said-to-me-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

Through the Fire Blogs, November 21

deb’s Book Review, November 21

Remembrancy, November 22

Connect in Fiction, November 22

lakesidelivingsite, November 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 23

Splashes of Joy, November 24

Robin’s Nest, November 24

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 24

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 25

Mamma Loves Books, November 25

Pause for Tales, November 25

Godly Book Reviews, November 26

Lis Loves Reading, November 26

Hallie Reads, November 26

Older & Smarter?, November 27

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

Inklings and notions, November 28

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 28

The Write Escape, November 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 29

Blogging With Carol, November 29

Mary Hake, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Artistic Nobody, November 30 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Betti Mace, December 1

Worthy2Read, December 1

All-of-a-kind Mom, December 1

Lots of Helpers, December 2

Bigreadersite, December 2

Tell Tale Book Reviews, December 2

Amanda Tero, blog, December 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 3

For the Love of Literature, December 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 4

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, What You Said to Me, Olivia NewPort, Celebrate Lit Publicity

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 18 November 2020 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– TO STEAL A HEART by JEN TURANO

WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK – TO STEAL A HEART by JEN TURANO

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: To Steal A Heart

Author: Jen Turano

Genre: Comedic Historical Romance

Release Date: November, 2020

THE BLURB

After spending her childhood as a street thief, Gabriella Goodhue thought she’d put her past behind her until a fellow resident at her boardinghouse is unjustly accused of theft. Using her old skills to prove her friend’s innocence, Gabriella unexpectedly encounters Nicholas Quinn, the man she once considered her best friend–until he abandoned her.

After being taken under the wing of a professor who introduced him into society and named him as heir, Nicholas is living far removed from his childhood life of crime. As a favor to a friend, Nicholas agrees to help clear the name of an innocent woman, never imagining he’d be reunited with the girl he thought lost to him forever.

As Gabriella and Nicholas are thrown together into one intrigue after another, their childhood affection grows into more, but their newfound feelings are tested when truths about their past are revealed and danger follows their every step.

Click here to get your copy!

THE AUTHOR

Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado.

MORE FROM JEN

“To Steal a Heart” is the first book in a new series. How did you come up with the idea for this series?

Oddly enough, this series was inspired by a lot of different things. I keep this idea box, and whenever I stumble on something interesting, I throw the idea into the box. When I was getting ready to assemble a proposal for a new series, I took out the box and began rifling through it. Unfortunately, nothing struck my fancy. What did strike my fancy though, was the movie “My Fair Lady.” I’d recently watched it for the millionth time, and I thought…hmmm…what could I do with that? Well, I didn’t want to do a recreation of “My Fair Lady” and that’s when it hit me – what if I used a gentleman instead of a lady and improved his circumstances in life with the help of a professor? That wasn’t really enough, though, for me to formulate an entire series, but then I went to New York City for a research trip. While there, I roamed around Bleecker Street for hours. It was the perfect place to set a series, and then I saw this older building that my tour guide thought might have once been a boardinghouse. That was what really started me thinking, and before I knew it, I’d created an inquiry agency run by women that came about when a resident of a boardinghouse was unjustly accused of theft. When the police would not investigate further, believing they had the true culprit behind bars, the ladies who lived in the boardinghouse felt compelled to step up and clear their fellow boardinghouse resident of the charges brought against her. The series took off from there, the first book centering around one of the lady inquiry agents, Miss Gabriella Goodhue, who used to live on the mean streets of the Lower East Side and, at one point in her life, was best friends with Nicholas Quinn, the man who has now found his circumstances vastly improved from the time he knew Gabriella. Throwing the two of them back together made for an interesting storyline, especially since Gabriella believes Nicholas abandoned her all those years ago, which makes it next to impossible for her to trust him.

Are there other interesting characters in this series?

Of course. All of the lady inquiry agents come with their own secrets. Miss Daphne Beekman is a reclusive author who lives in the attic of the boardinghouse. She has the propensity to faint at the drop of a hat, which makes for a few amusing scenes in the first book. She’ll get her own story in “To Write a Wrong,” coming out later in 2021. Then there’s Eunice Holbrooke. She’s the owner of the boardinghouse, and she only wears full mourning garb, covering her face with numerous veils and refusing to speak to anyone about her past. Clearly, there’s a mystery just waiting to be solved there, one that will be solved in book three, which I’m just now beginning to work on. The other residents of the boardinghouse provide a lot of color to the story, from the two sisters who work as paid companions by day to gossip collectors and carriage drivers by night, to the resident artist, Miss Judith, who has recently decided to dip her toe into the portrait market even though she’s really not proficient with painting people. There’s also a one-eyed, patch-wearing dog by the name of Winston, a parrot that likes to nick sparkly items named Pretty Girl, and a neurotic poodle that falls for Winston that goes by the name of Precious.

Did the pandemic affect the writing process at all for “To Steal a Heart?”

Luckily, I had already turned in the book before the pandemic hit. With that said, though, I then had to do some of the edits during the first few months of the pandemic. That was interesting. I have very specific conditions I need in order to write and edit and having Al (the husband person) working from home isn’t one of those conditions. It took me far longer than it normally does to complete the editing process, which threw off my schedule for the next book in the series, “To Write a Wrong.” Drastic measures were needed. That’s why I’m now the proud owner of a she-shed. Al thought I was joking when I first broached the subject of a she-shed, but after I had my millionth meltdown, he decided that might be a really good idea. Turns out sheds are in high demand at the moment, so getting a shed in a timely fashion wasn’t possible. It took 6 weeks for us to get a shed delivered and then we had to frame the inside and put up a ceiling and walls. I was not actually very involved with that process because I’m a danger to everyone surrounding me when nail guns are being used. 🙂 I did paint the outside of the shed, then painted the inside. Of course the air conditioning unit I had to order was delayed, so I painted in 100 degree heat. Lost about five pounds doing that, so…unexpected bonus there. I just recently finished decorating the inside, and I’m typing this interview from my new space. I’m thinking I’m going to call it “Jen’s Novel Nook” but that might change, so don’t quote me on that.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just that I hope everyone is surviving these crazy days. I know there are many people out there who are suffering from many different problems this pandemic has caused. Know that you’re not alone, and that brighter days will show up again. Until that time, try to remember to smile and, perhaps, read a few books.

Wishing all of you the very best!

Jen

MY REVIEW

* My review coming in December.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away the grand prize package of copy of To Steal a Heart, plus all three books in the American Heiresses series and a 30 second mystery kit

https://amzn.to/3nqrIpC

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/103a4/to-steal-a-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 17

Soulfully Romantic, November 17

Hebrews 12 Endurance, November 17

Blessed & Bookish, November 17

Through the Fire Blogs, November 18

The Avid Reader, November 18

Losing the Busyness, November 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 18

She Lives To Read, November 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 19

Wishful Endings, November 19

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 19

Artistic Nobody, November 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

lakesidelivingsite, November 20

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 20

Reviewingbooksplusmore, November 20

The Write Escape, November 20

Older & Smarter?, November 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, November 21

Christian Bookaholic, November 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 21

The Christian Fiction Girl, November 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 22

Mia Reads, November 22

Writing from the Heart Land, November 22

Betti Mace, November 23

Inklings and notions, November 23

Blogging With Carol, November 23

Life of Literature, November 23

Texas Book-aholic, November 24

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 24

Southern Gal Loves to Read, November 24

Batya’s Bits, November 24

Joanne Markey’s blog, November 24

For Him and My Family, November 25

Inside the Wong Mind, November 25

Mary Hake, November 25

Godly Book Reviews, November 25

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, November 26

EmpowerMoms, November 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 26

Novels Corner, November 26

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 27

Connie’s History Classroom, November 27

Captive Dreams Window, November 27

Book of Ruth Ann, November 27

deb’s Book Review, November 28

Blossoms and Blessings, November 28

Daysong Reflections, November 28

Bigreadersite, November 28

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, November 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 29

Splashes of Joy, November 29

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, November 29

Simple Harvest Reads, November 29 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Vicky Sluiter, November 30

Pause for Tales, November 30

Spoken from the Heart, November 30

Hallie Reads, November 30

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, To Steal a Heart, Jen Turano, Celebrate Lit Publicity

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Saturday 14 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE WAY HOME by MELANIE CAMPBELL

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – ONE WAY HOME by MELANIE CAMPBELL

 

THE BLURB

She’s hanging by a string—with only one chance left.

A recovering alcoholic and longtime widow, Sharon has struggled to build a new life. She’s made amends with her only daughter, Cassie, who’s been through a treacherous divorce. Cassie’s daughter, Renee, too young to understand her grandmother’s earlier mistakes, has become the light of Sharon’s life.

But Sharon can’t seem to escape from her past. Her mother’s deathbed confession haunts her. Convinced the answer to truly overcoming her addiction lies with her biological father, Sharon sends off a DNA test in the hope of finding him. When the results of the test aren’t as revealing as Sharon anticipates, she and Cassie team up to find the truth.

Meanwhile an old flame shows up. Sharon doesn’t think she can ever love again, but what Johnny offers seems like a dream come true. His charm and kindness shine so bright, Sharon can almost believe he’s changed.

As the search for her father continues to frustrate and tensions escalate with Cassie, Sharon wonders if leaving it all behind for a life with Johnny will save her crumbling heart.

Will the truth set Sharon free? Or it will it be the final blow to her sobriety?

THE AUTHOR

Melanie Campbell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and ACFW. She wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her husband, their three children, and several spoiled pets.

When not writing, she does the bookkeeping and other office work for her husband’s painting business, obsesses over the well-being of their three daughters, and cooks healthy meals. In the spring, you may find her hitting the trails to one of Oregon’s magnificent waterfall.

MY REVIEW

I said it before (One Woman Falling, 11 March 2020) and I’ll say it again,

“OH MY HOLY HECK!!! THIS STORY YA’LL!!!

Ms. Campbell grabs the reader, jerks you into the story, and doesn’t let go.”

I don’t fight the battle Sharon does—alcoholism—but I know (and love) some who do. I also know what it is to struggle with invisible “difficulties.”

Once again, Ms. Campbell goes deep into the anguish and the constant battle Sharon faces. Daily. Moment by moment. The smallest things—or nothing—that can trigger the cravings. When she passed by the liquor store, when her friend asked her to go to the club, when she was in the convenience store—I could feel her heart pounding, and I could almost taste the longing, the need to quench the fire. To satisfy the addiction.

I silently applauded and praised her every time she conquered the demon voices. Every time she chose life.

Like all of us, Sharon seeks to know who she truly is, and like a person drowning, she longs to walk on dry land, to live a life without the constant undertow tugging at her. Though not for the same reasons, I, too, have fought to gain the most cherished mother-daughter friendship, and my heart swelled as Sharon and Cassie hammered out their new relationship.

I said it before (One Woman Falling) and I say it again, “My heart breaks to know there are women who live—and die—in such circumstances, and I applaud Ms. Campbell for telling this story and bringing awareness to” the depth of battle an alcoholic must embrace to know true healing and recovery.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | 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.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, One Way Home, Melanie Campbell, Whispers of Grace, JustRead Publicity

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 12 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – WATERCOLORS by LORNA SEILSTAD

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – WATERCOLORS by LORNA SEILSTAD

 

THE BLURB

Strong-willed watercolor artist Amelia York thought she could paint the scenes of her own life – that is until she finds herself responsible for getting her brother, a paralyzed war veteran, home to Iowa and must deal with the moody Army captain God has painted into her life.
Captain Braedon McCrae is ruled by honor and a strong sense of duty. Still, the deaths of two people close to him have left him angry at God and vowing to never love again.
After a steamboat incident forces Amelia and Braedon to marry, Amelia must decide if she will accept Braedon’s offer of an annulment or keep the sacred vows she made before God.
The more Amelia attempts to control her future, the more she muddies the picture, like watercolors in the hand of a child. Can she learn to love, respect, and trust a man she barely knows?

THE AUTHOR

For as long as I can remember, I loved writing. I even dreamed in plots. I also grew up attendign antique auctions near4ly every weekend, so history was as much a part of my life as chores on the farm, reading books, and playing with Barbies.

So, writing historical romances fit perfectly. Times may change, the style of clothes may take on a different look, but the common threads that unit us remain the same. Couples fall in love. Injustices happen. We fight for what we believe in. We struggle. We endure. We grow.

After graduating from York College in York, Nebraska, with a A.A. degree, I transferred to Lubbock Christian University in Lubbock, Texas and graduated with a B.S. Ed.

When I returned to Iowa, I met and married the Love of my life, David. God had written our love story, and I know from the moment we met that he was the one.It wasn’t love at first sight by any means, but I was sure he was the man I would marry–and it scared me to death.

I didn’t tell a soul, but I did write about it in my journal. Two and half years later, we pledged our hearts and lives to one another.

I taught high school English until my oldest child was born. After that, I began my career as a professional wiper. I wiped noses, counter tops, tiny tushes, tears, and  the scraped knees of my own kids and the ones others allowed me to care for.

Once my children were older and less in need of my constant supervision, I started pursuing my first love again–writing.

David and I have three adult children, but no grandchildren yet. He’s an elder in our church, and we both teach Bible classes and are involved in 4-H.

MY REVIEW

Amelia York is the kind of stubborn, and obstinate, and colorful—and annoying—character that makes a story authentic and realistic. I can’t say I don’t relate to her though, as an artist and shall we say, colorful. She’s faithful, too, and deeply devoted to her brother, both admirable traits.

Kind and compassionate, Braedon McCrae harbors wounds that keep him prisoner.

The two of them grate each other in a dance of anger and affection.

I love a good accent, and Celtic is one of my favorites. (I read his bits in accent.) The bits of the Scottish language were fun, but in places it broke the dialogue because the meaning was unclear to me. Dialogue in general is a critical element to this reader, and it didn’t seem to fully fit the era.

The story, though, was beautiful and tender. A vibrant canvas in the midst of garish war. The twists in this story were as rolling as the waters beneath the steamboat, and kept me turning pages to see where it might go. And that final twist! What a great surprise!

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.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Wednesday, #TRD, Book Review, Watercolors, Lorna Seilstad, The Mosaic Collection, JustRead Publicity

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 10 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – FAIR TRADE by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – FAIR TRADE by HEATHER DAY GILBERT

THE BLURB

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.
With the one-year anniversary of the now-successful Barks & Beans Cafe approaching, siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield set up an iced coffee booth at the state fair. Taking a break from brewing, Macy bumps into Carolina, a long-lost childhood friend who’s now sitting pretty as a country superstar. Macy tries not to fangirl too hard when her old friend extends an invitation to meet the rest of the Carolina Crush band before their opening show.
But when Carolina falls victim to not one, but two near-death experiences, Macy takes it upon herself to find out who has it in for her old friend. Fortified with plenty of roasted corn, cinnamon rolls, and her brother’s signature iced maple latte, Macy takes to the Ferris wheel to get the lay of the land from the air. She discovers too late that this year’s fair isn’t all fun and games…but she’s already locked in for the ride.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

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

Well that was a different plot twist!

A visit with Macy Hatfield is a visit filled with antics and escapades and unexpected turns. I love her quirky personality, and her inquisitive mind—the one that lands her smack in the middle of trouble.

Ms. Gilbert has created characters who leap off the page and tug the reader right into the story. I could smell the coffee (and sometimes the dogs!) I could hear the yipping and yapping and barking. My heart raced when Macy ran into her old friend-turned-country-music-star, and my heart pounded when Carolina was struck with [SPOILER!]

The more Macy discovers about the attacks on her friend, the more confusing it becomes. But for all her quirky qualities, Macy has staying power and she is determined to help her friend.

Macy could well be a detective but for her whimsical and offbeat methods, which aren’t really methods at all. But she is as clever and diligent as, well, a hound, and her mind is always clicking, piecing together the bits like jigsaw puzzle pieces in a scavenger hunt.

Bo, strong and silent and stoic, is on perpetual stand-by to rescue his sister from the freak situations she has a habit of stumbling into. Their bond is deep, borne of tragedy and secured by love.

And Coal! Well, who wouldn’t love a dog as big as horse! He may be big but he’s a gentle giant, and oh! so protective of Macy.

Ms. Gilbert’s writing is brilliant, her characters real and fun, her stories a delight to read, and I look forward to the next book in this series, Spilled Milk.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | 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.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Fair Trade, Heather Day Gilbert, Barks & Beans Café Cozy Mystery

Read Full Post »

BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 3 November 2020 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE RED RIBBON by PEPPER BASHAM

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE RED RIBBON by PEPPER BASHAM

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: The Red Ribbon

Author: Pepper Basham

Genre: Christian historical/suspense

Release Date: October, 2020

An Appalachian Feud Blows Up in 1912

Book 8 in the True Colors series—Fiction Based on Strange-But True History

THE BLURB

In Carroll County, a corn shucking is the social event of the season, until a mischievous kiss leads to one of the biggest tragedies in Virginia history. Ava Burcham isn’t your typical Blue Ridge Mountain girl. She has a bad habit of courtin’ trouble, and her curiosity has opened a rift in the middle of a feud between politicians and would-be outlaws, the Allen family. Ava’s tenacious desire to find a story worth reporting may land her and her best friend, Jeremiah Sutphin, into more trouble than either of them planned. The end result? The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre of 1912.

Click here to get your copy!

THE AUTHOR

Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance peppered with grace and humor. She’s a native of the Blue Ridge Mountains where her family have lived for generations. She’s the mom of five kids, speech-pathologist to about fifty more, lover of chocolate, jazz, and Jesus, and proud AlleyCat over at the award winning Writer’s Alley blog. Her debut historical romance novel, The Thorn Bearer, released in April 2015, and the second in February 2016. Her first contemporary romance debuted in April 2016.

MORE FROM PEPPER

Feuds, Moonshine, and Family Loyalties by Pepper Basham

My upcoming release for Barbour’s True Colors series is really close to my heart…and pretty close to my house.

The Red Ribbon, my first foray into a historical suspense novel, takes place in the county where I grew up. Carroll County, Virginia, is a county on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, not too far from Mt. Airy (Mayberry).  Nestled in the foothills and mountains of the Blue Ridge, it is a part of the Appalachian Mountains, and with that comes similar histories as other backwoods Appalachian communities: feuds, moonshine, and family loyalties.

One thing I love most about my Appalachian upbringing is the intense closeness of family – and when I say ‘family’ I mean, of course, my mom, dad, and brother, but also my aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents…the whole “gang”, as my granny used to say.

The closeness of family, and the protection of the family name, is a big deal in Appalachia. There’s a lot of pride in the way your ‘name’ is thought of throughout the community, so when someone insults your name, there’s a good chance the repercussions aren’t going to be pleasant. Especially back in the early 1900s, when The Red Ribbon takes place. In fact, insulting someone by “stealing a kiss” is one of the events that leads to The Hillsville Courthouse Massacre/Tragedy.

A long-time feud between the Allen family and the “Courthouse Clan” came to a head inside the Hillsville Courthouse in March 1912 and this event resulted in the largest shootout within a courthouse in Virginia history. The story followed with a nationwide manhunt and made national news until the sinking of the Titanic the following month.

Growing up in Carroll County, I knew a few things about this story. Rumors and whispers, really. Most folks didn’t talk about it because it still caused a stir among those who were descendants (because another thing about Appalachia is that families tend to stay on or around family land for generations). People still took “sides”. So, when I decided to write this book, I knew I was stepping into precarious territory. Not that anyone would start up a shootout nowadays because of a book, but because people still have some deep feelings about how their ancestors are portrayed in history, and since many of my family members still live in Carroll County, I wanted to tread carefully into the events of “The Allen Tragedy”.

What I discovered was a story that still held a whole lot of mystery even one hundred years later. Bullet holes still mark the courthouse steps from that fateful day, rumors still circulate about who was to blame, and no one knows who fired the first gunshot that began the tragic shooting.

I’m not a “scary” book writer or reader, but I love a good adventure, so this book takes the reader on an adventure into Appalachia to my neck of the woods, and follows the journey of Ava Burcham and Jeremiah Sutphin as they live among the illegal moonshiners, dirty cops, and mountain gunslingers of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

(To learn more about the true events of the Courthouse Tragedy, you can read about it here: https://roanoke.com/news/virginia/the-courthouse-tragedy-gunfight-in-hillsville-in-1912/article_45d0d7f3-6e1f-57c4-83be-fceb3d98dafd.html)

Have you ever read a book set in Appalachia? If so, what was the title and what did you learn about the Appalachian culture? Have you ever visited the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Let’s chat mountain people, mountain ways, and mountain books 😊

MY REVIEW

I’ve loved every Pepper Basham book I’ve read and I’ve read all but one—but this book, The Red Ribbon, is the best one she’s written yet! The way Ms. Basham pulls the reader into the story, the way her characters are alive—the colorful mountain sayings, the history, the authenticity! A story by Ms. Basham is a visit to Appalachia.

But more than bringing history to life, Ms. Basham exposes the damage and brokenness of abuse: Ava Burcham. Scarred not only by her mother’s unpredictable behavior, but by witnessing [SPOILER,] Ava has closed herself off to love, courtin’ trouble instead (as Ms. Basham says) and pursuing a man’s profession—journalism. But behind her bold front, Ava has a heart of gold.

I adored Jeremiah and his utter and absolute faith and love for Ava. His persistence, his tenderness, his devotion.

I forgot at times that I was reading a fictional tale with history woven in, so honest the telling. I could see the vistas, cloaked in fog. I read with great apprehension when the courthouse scene unfolded, and sped through the pages in the aftermath.

Though I only visited a handful of times as a girl, I, too, have some family roots in Appalachia, and doubly appreciate Ms. Basham’s stories that bring that history to life.

“God ain’t sittin’ up in heaven watchin’ a show down here on earth. He don’t mind getting’ His hands dirty. Else, He’d never sent the Savior.”       – Granny Burcham

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

ALL | THE | 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, Pepper 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/1032d/the-red-ribbon-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Fiction Aficionado, October 29

deb’s Book Review, October 29

Blossoms and Blessings, October 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 30

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Blogging With Carol, October 30

Inklings and notions, October 31

Emily Yager, October 31

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 31

Hallie Reads, October 31

For Him and My Family, November 1

reviewingbooksplusmore, November 1

Christian Bookaholic, November 1

Betti Mace, November 2

Genesis 5020, November 2

For the Love of Literature, November 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess , November 2

Rebecca Tews, November 3

Robin’s Nest, November 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 3

Connect in Fiction, November 4

Older & Smarter?, November 4

To Everything There Is A Season, November 4

Artistic Nobody, November 4 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

21st Century Keeper at Home, November 5

By The Book, November 5

Remembrancy, November 5

Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 6

Britt Reads Fiction, November 6

Life of Literature, November 6

Connie’s History Classroom, November 7

Splashes of Joy, November 7

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, November 7

A Reader’s Brain, November 8

Sara Jane Jacobs, November 8

Through the Fire Blogs, November 8

Godly Book Reviews, November 8

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, November 9

Bigreadersite, November 9

Where Faith and books Meet, November 9

Books I’ve Read, November 10

Just the Write Escape, November 10

Adventures of a Travelers Life, November 10

Amanda Tero, blog, November 11

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 11

Pause for Tales, November 11

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Red Ribbon, Pepper Basham, Celebrate Lit Publicity tours

Read Full Post »