BLOGWORDS – Saturday 30 January 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – OF INK AND SEA by CLARISSA KAE

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – OF INK AND SEA by CLARISSA KAE

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  Of Ink and Sea

Author: Clarissa Kae

Genre: Romance with historical and paranormal elements

THE BLURB

The Bristol Sea divides Cornwall and Wales—and sings an enticing tale to Sienna Rothesay, an English born, American raised photographer.  Since childhood, she’s fought the temptation to listen to its siren song.

When Ioan Waif, an enigmatic neighbor from her Welsh days calls her home to care for her ailing grandfather, Sienna is faced with an old myth that hints at a nefarious secret, linking her ancestors with Ioan’s.

To uncover the truth, she must walk the blurry path between legend and reality but with more questions than answers, she fears giving into her heart will cost Sienna her head.

Click here to get your copy!

THE AUTHOR

Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She’s the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.

Since her first novel, she’s explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller.

Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success.

She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty.

MORE FROM CLARISSA

I was supposed to go to Wales for my 40th birthday which is this month January 2021. But COVID happened. Instead, I delved into Wales for a setting and never looked back.

MY REVIEW

Though written with vivid imagery and sweet prose, this story was not a good fit for this reader. I loved – j’adore – the setting #allthingsgreatbritain and the tragic connection between the two families.

But I couldn’t get past the mystic elements, seeing an image of someone long dead. I, too, love nature, and fully believe Father God speaks to us in dreams and visions and song. This story excluded God in this equation – at least I saw no connection.

The dialogue (this reviewer’s pet peeve) was sharp and bold, and authentic. True conversation, not scripted words.

For as much adventure as this story held, the current day story felt stalled to me. There were numerous typos and grammatical errors, and a handful of malapropisms.

All that said, I felt deeply Sienna’s unrest. Her sense of isolation, even – especially – within her own family. I longed to see her embrace her home and heritage – and happiness. I envisioned Ioan as rugged and dashing, and utterly handsome, and couldn’t wait for the two of them to calm the storm and embrace each other.

ROBIN’S FEATHERS

TWO 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, Clarissa is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon, $50 Barnes And Noble and $50 Target gift cards!!

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/105a9/of-ink-and-sea-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

Rebecca Tews, January 18

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 18

Texas Book-aholic, January 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 20

Inklings and notions, January 21

Wishful Endings, January 21

For Him and My Family, January 22

deb’s Book Review, January 23

Blogging With Carol, January 23

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 25

Heidi and Books, January 25

Artistic Nobody, January 26 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Connie’s History Classroom, January 27

Holly Jo Morris, January 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28

The Write Escape, January 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 29

Godly Book Reviews, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, Of Ink and Sea, Clarissa Kae, Celebrate Lit Publicity

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BLOGWORDS – Tuesday 26 January 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LETHAL INTENT by CARA PUTMAN

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY – BOOK REVIEW – LETHAL INTENT by CARA PUTMAN

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book:  Lethal Intent

Author: Cara Putman

Genre: Romantic Suspense

THE BLURB

If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman.

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?

This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.

Click here to get your copy!

THE AUTHOR

As a preteen Cara Putman watched lawyers change legislative opinions at an important legislative hearing in Nebraska. At that time, she wondered if she became an attorney if people would give her words the same weight. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska Lincoln, George Mason University School of Law and Krannert School of Management at Purdue University, Cara has turned her passion for words into award-winning stories that capture readers. Her legal experience makes its way into her stories where strong women confront real challenges.

An award-winning author of more than 30 books, Cara writes legal thrillers, WWII romances, and romantic suspense because she believes that no matter what happens hope is there, waiting for us to reach for it.

When she’s not writing, Cara is an over-educated attorney who lectures in law and communications at the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and homeschools her children. She and her family live in Indiana, the land of seasons. You can read chapters for most of her books and connect with Cara at her website: http://caraputman.com.

MORE FROM CARA

Each novel has a unique genesis story. The spark that launches it into a journey of 90,000 words. For Lethal Intent, that journey began with a friend’s journey of childhood leukemia with her oldest. From watching their family wind through years of treatment including cutting edge therapy trials. Then it developed with the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack and the thought what would someone be willing to do if they believed they’d found the next strain of immortal cells. The lead characters made appearances in other books, but now would have their opportunity to step to center stage. The story morphed and changed, dictated by the vagaries of the law and changes.

Each story has a spark. For Caroline it was a brainstorming session with my writing buddies Rachel Hauck, Colleen Coble, and Denise Hunter. That was when her backstory developed, all the things that happened to her to form her into the adult she is on the pages. One who cares deeply about others but who is fundamentally scared, longing for a place she can relax and take a deep breath.

Each story has a spark. For Brandon, it was brainstorming with another writing friend Tricia Goyer that lead to a creative job for a hero that wasn’t the typical law enforcement. His role with the group foster home was set and the backstory filled in quickly. What would it be like to be separated from and lose a brother in the foster care system? Would that generate this need to keep sibling groups together? And then the law changes and the fabric of your professional identity and something so much deeper is threatened.

Each story has a spark. The pharmaceutical start-up where ethics collides with the desire to save children. The push to do whatever it takes overshadowing the guardrails of the law. If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman. But does Caroline really have the strength to battle and does she need to?

Lethal Intent grew from each of these sparks and many more to develop into a story I can’t wait for you to read. In the process I learned immense amounts about CAR-T cell therapies and foster care law. Most of all, I hope you’ll fall into the pages and be engrossed in a story you can’t bring yourself to put down until the final page.

MY REVIEW

What historical fiction does to illustrate history, Ms. Putman has done with medical and legalese.  The author’s level of research is intense, providing authenticity in the story.

What courage Caroline possessed! To stand for what’s right in the face of such opposition speaks of character and integrity. Personable and compassionate.

Brandon has a heart as big and generous as his former NFL stature. Ms. Putman’s knowledge of the foster care system is as thorough as her knowledge of corporate law and medical research. He approached the legal challenges his foster care group home with persistence and aplomb, even grace. His devotion and attention to Bethany.

Ms. Putman tells a chilling story, medical researchers [SPOILER.] A page turner, I read with anticipation, trying to discover who was behind the hidden—and malevolent agenda.

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, Cara is giving away  the grand prize package of a “Just one more chapter” pillow cover, a copy of the book, an Erin Condren journal, and a hand-stamped bracelet!!

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/10627/lethal-intent-celebration-tour-giveaway

BLOG STOPS

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 21

lakesidelivingsite, January 21

Texas Book-aholic, January 21

Through the Fire Blogs, January 22

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 22

A Novel Pursuit, January 22

CarpeDiem, January 23

Betti Mace, January 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 23

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

HookMeInABook, January 24

For the Love of Literature, January 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25

Fiction Book Lover, January 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

For Him and My Family, January 26

EmpowerMoms, January 26

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 26

Artistic Nobody, January 27 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 27

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 27

By The Book, January 28

Older & Smarter?, January 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 28

Inklings and notions, January 29

Simple Harvest Reads, January 29

Blossoms and Blessings, January 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Splashes of Joy, January 30

Pause for Tales, January 30

Spoken from the Heart, January 31

Just Your Average reviews, January 31

deb’s Book Review, January 31

Hallie Reads, February 1

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 1

Genesis 5020, February 1

To Everything There Is A Season, February 2

Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 3

Daysong Reflections, February 3

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Lethal Intent, Cara Putman, Celebrate Lit Publicity

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BLOGWORDS – Saturday 23 January 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FOR THE LOVE OF JOY by JANET W. FERGUSON

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – FOR THE LOVE OF JOY by JANET W. FERGUSON

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for For the Love of Joy by Janet W. Ferguson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: For the Love of Joy

Series: Coastal Hearts

Author: Janet W. Ferguson

Release Date: January 1, 2021

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance / Southern rom-com

THE BLURB

Years ago, a Dear John letter and then an IED explosion overseas rocked Davis Donnelly’s world and left him unclear about his marital status. He’d signed divorce papers, but broken mentally and physically, he’d never bothered to find out if his marriage actually ended. Now that he’s about to start a new position as an outreach minister, it’s time to settle things once and for all. At the moment he tracks down his wife—or former wife?—she takes a tumble while chasing a little boy. Her son. And that’s when life flips upside down.

Joy Jennings Donnelly made her share of mistakes. But one thing she never considered a mistake was her child, and she’ll do anything to protect him. Even keep his paternity a secret.

When she’s suddenly injured with not a soul to help her or her son, Joy is forced to rely on the man who has the most reasons to hate her.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | BookBub

 

BOOKS IN THE SERIES

THE AUTHOR

Janet W. Ferguson is a Grace Award winner, FHL Readers Choice Winner, and a Christy Award finalist. She grew up in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really smart dog, and a cat that allows them to share the space.

CONNECT WITH JANET:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

MY REVIEW

Forgiving others is hard enough. Forgiving yourself is harder. (Ask me how I know… )

I was a bit overwhelmed with all the colloquialisms, but For the Love of Joy is a true Janet Ferguson story through and through.

Endearing characters, Joy and Davis both bring a pack of issues to the relationship. Or what would be a relationship. Or what was their relationship.

A new twist on enemies-to-lovers, Ms. Ferguson weaves an interesting tale. Sometimes God uses otherwise random circumstances to teach or bless us. And Joy’s injury became one of those times. Forced into spending time together, both fighting the need for the other, well, iron does sharpen iron.

The camaraderie of Davis’ friends, their honest love and concern for Joy, their openness of their purpose—living the Gospel—all tended to wounds Joy fought hard to keep hidden.

A page-turner, for sure, I can always count on a heartfelt and adventurous story from Ms. Ferguson!

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

(1) winner will receive a wetcat Hug Yourself Turkish beach towel, beach bookmark, Meyers lavender soy candle, signed book, note, and shell from the author! Dream beach 2021!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 19, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 26, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, For the Love of Joy, Janet W. Ferguson, Coastal Hearts, JustRead Publicity

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BLOGWORDS – Monday 18 January 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – EYE OF THE STORM by JANICE L. DICK

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-MONDAY – BOOK REVIEW – EYE OF THE STORM by JANICE L. DICK

 

THE BLURB

As their lives are torn apart by world war, the Russian Revolution, and church and family conflicts, Katarina Hildebrandt and Johann Sudermann strive to maintain their faith in the God they have come to know.
Meanwhile, Paul Gregorovich Tekanin’s hope for Utopia has become a way of darkness and death. Will he remember the warnings of his childhood friend, Johann, or will the violence of revolution destroy him?
History unfolds as these young people look desperately for a source of balance and safety within the eye of the storm and ask: where is God when life betrays?

THE AUTHOR

Janice L. Dick has been writing since 1989. Her first two historical novels, Calm Before the Storm and Eye of the Storm, won first place in the historical fiction category of The Word Guild’s Canadian Writing Awards. The third novel in the series, Out of the Storm, was short-listed for the same award.
Besides historical fiction, Janice also writes long and short contemporary fiction, book reviews, blogs and non-fiction articles. Her first contemporary cozy is title The Road to Happenstance, which released February 2020.
Janice is the first winner of the Janette Oke Award, presented by InScribe Christian Writer’s Fellowship in 2016.
Janice writes from her farm home on the Saskatchewan prairies of Canada. She and her husband love farm life and enjoy their family of three married children and their spouses, and eleven grandchildren.
See more about Janice and her writing on her website at http://www.janicedick.com

MY REVIEW

“Oh, Lord God. How am I to forgive this man?”

“How are you not?”

I’ve long been fascinated with Russia and her history, but haven’t ventured to study about it. Ms. Dick has fed my fascination, prompting me to continue to learn more.

The assault of war, not only on military troops fighting at the front, but on friends and neighbors, and family, is brutal, and Ms. Dick portrays this in agonizing clarity. I felt the ache of the breach between friends, [SPOILER], and waited, page after page, to see if their reconciliation would ever happen.

I have to confess that I got lost at times, keeping some of the names straight, and the roles played by the Bolsheviks, the Cossacks, the Soviet, the White Army. I hadn’t realized, though, the role of the German army in the Russian Revolution.

I did connect with some of the characters, however—and love the names—Agnetha’s circumstances and her connection with Wilhelm, Katarina and Johann’s love story. And a particular fondness, the extended family and neighbors coming together.

As with the best of historical fiction, Ms. Dick has inserted vibrant fictional characters into the chronicles of the past, giving a better picture of history.

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-Monday, #TRD, Book Review, Eye of the Storm, Janice L. Dick, Mosaic Collection, JustRead Publicity

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BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 12 January 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – A PROMISE IN PROVENCE by KYLE HUNTER

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-WEDNESDAY – BOOK REVIEW – A PROMISE IN PROVENCE by KYLE HUNTER

 

THE BLURB

Lauren is at a turning point. If only she knew where to turn. Her long-term relationship with Mark is fading fast. Instead, she feels drawn to Jean-Pierre, an attractive Frenchman she’d met the previous summer. When she’s laid off from her job as a chef, she decides to go see him in Provence, France.
Mark can’t get Lauren out of his heart, even though it’s been close to a year since she asked him to give her space. When she goes to France, he’s afraid he’ll lose her for good. That is, until he decides to go there, too, as a last-ditch effort to win her back.
At first, Lauren is angry that Mark follows her to France. But a joint desire to help a young refugee boy leads them to work together. Lauren finds herself torn between the two men. Worse, she’s confronted with obstacles in helping the boy and even greater obstacles within herself.

THE AUTHOR

I love to read and write stories about strong women who still have flaws, but are ready to pursue their dreams, even if it takes them out of their comfort zone . . . or their country.
I write inspirational romance novels and women’s fiction with a twist: My characters sometimes go places. This led me to create the Love on the Move collection of novels. Readers can take a trip with them and experience their journeys. They can see how the characters’ lives unfold as they make decisions to trust God (or not) in their next steps, learning about themselves and their faith, and finding love along the way!
I currently live in North Carolina but spent over a decade in France (where some of my books take place.) I also write non-fiction and teach French. In my free time, I enjoy doing pottery and salsa dancing.

MY REVIEW

We all have something, some event, in our past that propels and defines our future.

For Lauren, it’s [SPOILER.] Paralyzed emotions. I see it in her doubts, her unsettled state of mind. Her perpetual searching. And her rejection of a good thing. Mark.

Kudos and a huge shout out to Mark, though, for his assurance and confidence. Initiative. I mean flying to France is no little thing.

Tarek was an unexpected twist, one that tugged at heartstrings—the reader, and Lauren and Mark.

The story seemed to drag some, but I cared about Lauren, and had to find out how she resolved her conflict, and overcame her past. A tender story of healing and discovery. And love.

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, A Promise in Provence, Kyle Hunter, Prodigals in Provence, JustRead Publicity

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BLOGWORDS – Monday 11 January 2021 – WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-MONDAY – FEATURED BOOK – COVER REVEAL – HARMONY ON THE HORIZON by KATHLEEN DENLY

WREADING WEDNESDAY-on-MONDAY – FEATURED BOOK – COVER REVEAL – HARMONY ON THE HORIZON by KATHLEEN DENLY

Welcome to the cover reveal tour for Harmony on the Horizon, book three in the Chaparral Hearts series! Collect all the passwords and enter for a chance to win the grand prize!!!

Harmony on the Horizon

Chaparral Hearts series book 3

 

BLURB

Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.

On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.

After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.

As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.

Now available for preorder! CLICK to grab your copy!

Releases January 2022!

MORE FROM THE AUTHOR

The Barbary Coast

The Barbary Coast. What does that name bring to mind for you? For some it’s the historical name for a coastal region in Northern Africa. For others it brings to mind the notorious red-light neighborhoods of San Francisco’s early years. For Katie Mizedale (a featured secondary character in Harmony on the Horizon) San Francisco’s Barbary Coast was her childhood home. Filled with drunks, drugs, and danger around every corner, growing up in the belly of the underworld left its mark on Katie. Only by the faith of her mother, has Katie resisted the neighborhood’s attempts to define and own her. Still, there are those who thrive in the shadows, eagerly trying to pull her down. And the Coast waits patiently for the day Katie loses the strength to pick herself up. Again.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen Denly writes stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. She enjoys finding the lesser known pockets of history and bringing them to life through the joys and struggles of her characters.

Sunny southern California, a favorite setting in her stories, is also her home. She lives there 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, she spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

Kathleen is also a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the San Diego Christian Writers’ Guild.

Always happy to hear from her readers, you can email Kathleen and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

 

THE COVER

Click HERE to view a sneak peek of the cover and collect the password for this stop!

Remember to write your passwords down so you can enter the giveaway on the final cover reveal page!!!

GIVEAWAY

SCAVENGER HUNT

To find the next stop on the tour, visit the Scavenger Hunt Home Page!

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday-on-Monday, Featured Book, Cover Reveal, Puzzle Scavenger Hunt, Harmony on the Horizon, Kathleen Denly, Waltz in the Wilderness

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BLOGWORDS – Saturday 9 January 2021 – TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE MULBERRY LEAF WHISPERS by LINDA THOMPSON

TUESDAY REVIEWS-DAY-on-SATURDAY – BOOK REVIEW – THE MULBERRY LEAF WHISPERS by LINDA THOMPSON

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Mulberry Leaf Whispers by Linda Thompson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Mulberry Leaf Whispers

Series: Brands from the Burning #2

Author: Linda Thompson

Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink

Release Date: December 15, 2020

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

 

THE BLURB

A WWII Japanese naval officer. The teenage daughter of a legendary Christian samurai. Three centuries separate them, but a crucial question binds their destinies together.

Which lives have value?

In the highly anticipated sequel to her award-winning debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, Linda Thompson provides a riveting story inspired by true events.

“Splendid story!… Rivals Shogun with its sweeping story of passion and faith, of survival and hope…. Be prepared to be enriched, moved and deeply satisfied.” – Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of Something Worth Doing

“Gorgeous… not-to-be-missed…” – Sarah Sundin, bestselling and Carol Award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series

1587. Bartered off in a peace agreement to the ancient enemies of her illustrious house, is Sono a war prize, a hostage, or a bride? One hope sustains her. If she can provide an heir to the dashing husband she just met, she’ll ensure decades of peace for the beloved family she was forced to leave behind. But when a dark secret threatens her desperate bid to purchase their security, she must rise to a battle she never dreamed she’d fight.
1588. Akira Matsuura’s naval vessel explodes under enemy fire. Everything he has lived for disappears in flames with it. His command, his crew, his future—all lost. Worse, his honor is eternally decimated. A prisoner’s life is of value to no one. Least of all to himself. But a stunning twist reveals his family’s secret shame. Can a long-buried truth provide the vital spark that reignites his will to live?

Thrill to two poignant journeys of courage, duty, and sacrifice, deftly woven through the centuries to inspire with dynamic faith that conquers despair.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound | BookBub

 

THE AUTHOR

Linda Thompson stepped back from a corporate career that spanned continents to write what she loves—stories of unstoppable faith. Her debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, was a Cascade Award winner and a Christy- and Carol-Award finalist. Linda writes from the sun-drenched Arizona desert, where she lives with her husband, a third-generation airline pilot who is also her Chief Military Research Officer, one mostly-grown-up kid, and a small platoon of housecats. When Linda isn’t writing you’ll find her rollerblading—yes, that makes her a throwback—taking in a dramatic desert moonrise, or enjoying their first grandbaby.

CONNECT WITH LINDA:  Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

MY REVIEW

A magnificent, sweeping story, The Mulberry Leaf Whispers is everything I love about historical fiction—cultural accuracy, fictional people entwined with historical figures, history coming alive. Just enough Japanese words sprinkled in to secure the essence.

I wasn’t sure who my heart hurt for most, Sono or Akira. Culture can be cruel, and both of them were trapped in the dictates of society. And of religion. I cannot fathom the position Sono was in, the heart-wrenching choice she had to make. I do, however, recognize the opposition to her faith. To be a Kirishitan (Christian) in a Buddhist climate was not only daring but, for Sono, isolating. Not so unlike the Apostles after Christ’s death.

Embracing the religion and culture of his ancestors—who included Sono—Akira lived to serve his country. Including his death rather than being taken prisoner—violation of his honor—something this reader knew but never considered until reading Akira’s plight. The turmoil with his family [SPOILER] was a bit too close to home for this reviewer (for very different reasons) and so very painful.

Ms. Thompson casts a spell on the page, holding the reader captive, spilling faith and story on every page, twists that beg answers, angst that begs peace. Written with such passion, this is a compelling story, and I will look for more from this author—and I’ll be sure to read The Plum Blooms in Winter, too!

 

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

(1) winner will receive a copy of the soon-to-be-released audiobook for Linda’s award-winning debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, her latest release, The Mulberry Leaf Whispers, in winner’s choice of Kindle or paperback format, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight January 4, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 11, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

 

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

 

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day-on-Saturday, #TRD, Book Review, The Mulberry Leaf Whispers, Linda Thompson, Brands from the Burning Series, The Plum Blooms in Winter, JustRead Publicity

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BLOGWORDS – Wednesday 6 January 2021 – WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK– BEING WEST IS BEST by MONIQUE BUCHEGER

WREADING WEDNESDAY – FEATURED BOOK – BEING WEST IS BEST by MONIQUE BUCHEGER

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Being West is Best

Series: Ginnie West Adventure #4

Author: Monique Bucheger

Publisher: True West Publishing

Re-release Date: 2020

Genre: Middle-Grade Contemporary Fiction

THE BLURB

Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses.

Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six-year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”

If that’s not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West’s farmhouse “home.” When the bully’s abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it’s time to change her family’s motto from “When you’re here, you’re family” to “There’s no more room at the West’s.”

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon

THE AUTHOR

When Monique isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events.

Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children and 3 in-law kids, eleven granddarlings, 5 cats, and many real and imaginary friends.

She is the author of five published books (and several unpublished ones) and is in two anthologies. You can find more about Monique and her works at: www.moniquebucheger.blogspot.com 

FIND MY REVIEWS HERE

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2020/10/13/blogwords-tuesday-13-october-2020-tuesday-reviews-day-triple-book-review-the-secret-sisters-club-by-monique-bucheger/

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2020/10/13/9923/

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2020/10/13/blogwords-tuesday-13-october-2020-tuesday-reviews-day-triple-book-review-simply-west-of-heaven-by-monique-bucheger/

https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2020/12/05/blogwords-saturday-5-december-2020-tuesday-reviews-day-on-saturday-book-review-being-west-is-best-by-monique-bucheger/

#Blogwords, Wreading Wednesday, Featured Book, Being West is Best, Monique Bucheger, A Ginnie West Adventure, JustRead Publicity

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