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Protecting Tanner Hollow

11/29/2019

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"Protecting Tanner Hollow"
by Lynette Eason
Four nail-biting novellas in one!

Lethal Homecoming

Nolan Tanner never got over Kallie Ainsworth's sudden, unexplained departure. Now when he comes to her rescue after an attempt on her life, all the old feelings come rushing back.

Lethal Conspiracy
When professional fundraiser Lillian Maloney sees her father's campaign manager commit murder, she goes on the run from the men he hires to kill her. A close call brings firefighter Jason Tanner to the rescue, but the killer is closing in . . .

Lethal Secrets
Someone wants Honor McBride dead. When Eli Murphy helps her change a flat tire and discovers the danger Honor is in, he longs to help--but Eli has secrets of his own that could get them all killed.

Lethal Agenda
When Detective Derek St. John rescues a woman he's met only once before--and has never been able to forget--he finds himself falling for her. But he'll have to keep Claire Montgomery alive if they're to have a future together.
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I love a good suspense book, and “Protecting Tanner Hollow” definitely fits that description. This book is filled with four action packed novellas that will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages well into the night. You will not want to put this book down. Each story can stand-alone, but since all the stories take place in Tanner Hollow you will run into some of the same characters in each story...which is always nice. If you are looking for a fast paced suspense book, then I highly recommend you grab a copy. I received a complementary copy of this book from Revell. All opinions are my own.
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Yours Truly, Thomas

7/22/2019

1 Comment

 
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"Yours Truly, Thomas"
by Rachel Fordham
A young woman working at the Dead Letter Office in 1883 opens a series of heartbreaking love letters. She's determined to find their rightful owner and make things right. But a trip to Azure Springs, Iowa, may provide love and healing for more than just the letter writer.
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This book reminded me of one of my favorite television shows, Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Now I am not saying that the author copied anything from the show at all because I didn't get that feeling at all, but the Dead Letter Office connection between the two definitely drew me to want to read this book. I am so glad that I did because I was not disappointed in any way. The characters were lovable, the plot was interesting, and the romance was sweet. From the very beginning of the book, I was drawn into the lovable story. If you enjoy historical fiction, then you will like this book.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Revell. All opinions are my own.
1 Comment

The Medallion

6/29/2019

3 Comments

 
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Click here to purchase your copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK

​Book: The Medallion
Author: Cathy Gohlke
Genre: Historical Fiction (World War II)
Release date: June 4, 2019

For fans of bestselling World War II fiction like Sarah’s Key and The Nightingale comes an illuminating tale of courage, sacrifice, and survival, about two couples whose lives are ravaged by Hitler’s mad war yet eventually redeemed through the fate of one little girl.
Seemingly overnight, the German blitzkrieg of Warsaw in 1939 turns its streets to a war zone and shatters the life of each citizen—Polish, Jewish, or otherwise. Sophie Kumiega, a British bride working in the city’s library, awaits news of her husband, Janek, recently deployed with the Polish Air Force. Though Sophie is determined that she and the baby in her womb will stay safe, the days ahead will draw her into the plight of those around her, compelling her to help, whatever the danger.
Rosa and Itzhak Dunovich never imagined they would welcome their longed-for first child in the Jewish ghetto, or that they would let anything tear their family apart. But as daily atrocities intensify, Rosa soon faces a terrifying reality: to save their daughter’s life, she must send her into hiding. Her only hope of finding her after the war—if any of them survive—is a medallion she cuts in half and places around her neck.
Inspired by true events of Poland’s darkest days and brightest heroes, The Medallion paints a stunning portrait of war and its aftermath, daring us to believe that when all seems lost, God can make a way forward.
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I love reading historical fiction books especially those set during World War II. So when I received the opportunity to read this book, I jumped at the chance and could not wait to read the book. I am very happy to say that I was not disappointed in any way. The story is very well written and the characters will pull you into their lives from the very beginning. The historical detail is amazing. I learned so many things by reading this book. The story will definitely pull at your heartstrings...I was even in tears at some points during the book. If you are looking for a gripping story, then I would definitely recommend you read this book.

I received a complementary copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

​Three-time Christy and two-time Carol and INSPY Award–winning and bestselling author Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children’s and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their grown children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks.

FROM THE AUTHOR

​Every story begins with a journey. Sharing that journey is twice the joy.
The Medallion was inspired by two true stories—the first was the WWII account of Itzhak Dugin and his Jewish family, persecuted in Lithuania. Their heart-wrenching story made world news when the tunnel from which Itzhak escaped the Nazis was discovered using modern technology.
The second was the story of Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker within Żegota (an underground Polish Council to Aid Jews), who developed a network to rescue children. Despite terrible risks, they smuggled 2500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto and certain death at the hands of the Nazis, then hid them in Polish homes, convents, churches and hospitals until the end of the war. Approximately 2,000 of those children were found after the war. Theories abound regarding the whereabouts of those missing. I couldn’t help but wonder, and imagine: What became of those 400 to 500 missing children? What became of one?
Set in WWII Poland and post-war England, The Medallion is a story of courage, sacrifice, love, forgiveness and redemption.



BLOG STOPS

​Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, June 22
Christian Bookaholic, June 22
Carla Loves To Read, June 22
The Power of Words, June 23
Where Crisis & Christ Collide, June 23
Mary Hake, June 23
janicesbookreviews, June 23
Where Faith and Books Meet, June 24
By The Book, June 24
For Him and My Family, June 24
A Reader’s Brain, June 24
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 25
Through the Fire Blogs, June 25
Retrospective Spines, June 25
Inklings and notions, June 25
Remembrancy, June 26
Lis Loves Reading , June 26
The Becca Files, June 26
Genesis 5020, June 27
Reader’s Cozy Corner, June 27
Connect in Fiction, June 27
Bigreadersite, June 28
Maureen’s Musings, June 28
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 28
Blossoms and Blessings, June 29
For the Love of Literature, June 29
Spoken from the Heart, June 29
Inspired by fiction, June 30
Have A Wonderful Day, June 30
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30
Inspiration Clothesline, July 1
Connie’s History Classroom, July 1
Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Guest Post from Mindy Houng)
Just the Write Escape, July 2
Seasons of Opportunities, July 2
Pause for Tales, July 2
As He Leads is Joy, July 3
To Everything A Season, July 3
Hallie Reads, July 3
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, July 4
For The Love of Books, July 4
Emily Yager, July 5
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 5
Texas Book-aholic, July 5

GIVEAWAY

​To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/e50c/the-medallion-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Murder in the City of Liberty

6/15/2019

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Click here to purchase your copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: Murder in the City of Liberty
Author: Rachel McMillan
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical
Release Date: May 21, 2019


Hamish DeLuca and Regina “Reggie” Van Buren have a new case—and this one brings the war in Europe dangerously close to home.
Determined to make a life for herself, Regina “Reggie” Van Buren bid goodbye to fine china and the man her parents expected her to marry and escaped to Boston. What she never expected to discover was that an unknown talent for sleuthing would develop into a business partnership with the handsome, yet shy, Hamish DeLuca.
Their latest case arrives when Errol Parker, the leading base stealer in the Boston farm leagues, hires Hamish and Reggie to investigate what the Boston police shove off as a series of harmless pranks. Errol believes these are hate crimes linked to the outbreak of war in Europe, and he’s afraid for his life. Hamish and Reggie quickly find themselves in the midst of an escalating series of crimes that seem to link Boston to Hamish’s hometown of Toronto.
When an act of violence hits too close to home, Hamish is driven to a decision that may sever him from Reggie forever . . . even more than her engagement to wealthy architect Vaughan Vanderlaan.
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This is book 2 in the Van Buren and DeLuca Mystery Series 

Set in the 1940's in the city of Boston this book gives us insight into the turbulent times when prejudice towards the Jews, ethnics and different races prevailed.  The two main characters in the book: Hamish Deluca and Regina (Reggie) Van Buren; are a team of private investigators. 

Their latest case concerns Errol Parker, the leading base stealer in the Boston farm leagues.  He hires Hamish and Reggie to investigate what the Boston police have shrugged off a series of harmless pranks.  Errol believes this are hate crimes linked to the outbreak of war in Europe and he is afraid for his life.  Hamish and Reggie's growing attraction for each other is threatened by his past and her engagement to a wealthy architect . 

A good book for avid baseball fans and also those who enjoy historical fiction.  Will true love win out over money?


I received a complementary copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel McMillan is a keen history enthusiast and a lifelong bibliophile. When not writing or reading, she can most often be found drinking tea and watching British miniseries. Rachel lives in bustling Toronto, where she works in educational publishing and pursues her passion for art, literature, music, and theater.

READ AN EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK
Boston
April 19 40
There really never was a good time to drown. But this particular April had been unseasonably cold and promised spring long in coming. The slosh of the Charles River warmed by ribbons of June sun would have been preferable to the crusted sludge of leftover ice rimming the harbor, or so thought Reggie Van Buren as she bobbed up and down like a buoy.
A New Haven Van Buren ought to have perished an old, wealthy woman, tendrils of snow-white
hair falling around a satin pillow, comforted in the knowledge that she would be interred in
the family plot, her soul destined for paradise—not with water up to her nose, choking as it lapped in and out like a tide over her chattering teeth. But a New Haven Van Buren also might have had the propriety to insist upon the use of her given name and not the “Reggie” she so preferred. The Reggie she was just hearing now in a rather frantic yet familiar voice.
“Reggie!” Hamish DeLuca’s panicked voice reached into the hollow dome of her cement cave. “Reggie!”
“I was st-stupid. I s-slipped.”
She treaded poorly, her arms feeling like gelatin, her form rather lacking the swimming skills
she had learned informally alongside her family’s schooner on Regatta Day. Reggie strained to rise above the lapping water. She took turns treading and raising herself as high up on her toes as she could. Rotating and wondering why she failed to complete the ballet classes her parents enrolled her in as a child. Standing on tiptoe might have added inches to her height and allowed her to clear her mouth of the water. As it was, her calf muscles strained. She said something that came out in a series of bubbles before glugging, rising upward, and noticing for the first time how the fog from her icy breath rippled over the water. If she couldn’t understand herself,
how would he?
“S-slipped,” she said again, trying to make him out in shadow. “H-Hamish.” She tried again. Funny, usually he was the one with the stutter. Hamish DeLuca with the stutter and the bit of a handshake and that one pesky dimple and those big blue eyes. Her own eyes fluttered. Maybe she would never see him again. She would just slip under the water and rest her heavy eyelids. She blinked until a stream of torchlight buttered the dark walls, crystallizing the percolating water drips around her, and then the figure of her rescuer, whose blue eyes looked even more brilliant than usual in the eerie glow of the flashlight.
Hamish dropped to his knees. “Take my hand.”
“This didn’t turn out as I expected,” she chattered.
“Reggie, we don’t have much time.” His voice rippled as he looked frantically at her and then over to the grille she had stared at since she got into the mess, watching the water level rise and fall and rise and fall until it made her dizzy. She clung to his hand a moment.
“We should have gone with plan B.”
Hamish growled. “We didn’t even have a plan A.”
“You’re my hero, Hamish.” She patted his hand with her icy one. “It was so nice of you to come.”
“Reggie, just take my hand.”
“I’m stuck!”
“What?”
“M-my shoe.”
Hamish said something she was altogether certain she had imagined in her half-frozen and very soggy state. And then, of course, he recklessly jumped in to get her.




BLOG STOPS
Just the Write Escape, June 11
Simple Harvest Reads, June 11
The Power of Words, June 12
amandainpa, June 12
As He Leads is Joy, June 13
Fiction Aficionado, June 13
Through the Fire Blogs, June 14
Carpe Diem, June 14
Moments, June 15
The Christian Fiction Girl, June 16
Have A Wonderful Day, June 16
Cordially Barbara, June 17
Rebekah’s Quill, June 17
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 18
Hallie Reads, June 18
Bigreadersite, June 19
Connect in Fiction, June 19
Blogging With Carol, June 20
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 20
For Him and My Family, June 21
Remembrancy, June 21
Pause for Tales, June 22
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 22
Godly Book Reviews, June 23
Texas Book-aholic, June 23
janicesbookreviews, June 24
A Reader’s Brain, June 24
Inklings and notions, June 24


GIVEAWAY
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To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away a grand prize of both book in the series!!
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/e513/murder-in-the-city-of-liberty-celebration-tour-giveaway

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Living Lies

6/15/2019

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"Living Lies"
by Natalie Walters
In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.
*************************************************************************************
Lane Kent has returned to the little town of Walton, Georgia where everyone knows your name but  no one knows your secret.  Or that's what Lane is hoping when she returns to her hometown with her 5 year old son.  She is dangerously depressed after the death of her husband and looking for hope, but finds instead a dead body.  Lane must work closely with Charlie Lynch, Walton's newest deputy.  But when the truth hits close to home, she must decide if saving the life of another is worth revealing her darkest secret. 

The author addresses and brings awareness to mental illness and the stigma attached to it.  This is a story of second chances, forgiveness and love.  An excellent book.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Revell. All opinions are my own.
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The Number of Love

6/15/2019

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The Toughest Puzzle She'll Have to Solve

Might Be the Wishes of Her Own Heart

Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack German telegrams for hints of the enemy's plans. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, she discovers for the first time in her life that numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the quick and brainy Margot, but soon the dangers of the war draw ever closer. Margot and Drake will have to team up to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.
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Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages.  But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, she learns that numbers aren't enough.  Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up.  He's quickly smitten by the intelligent Margot.  But how can he convince a girl who lives by the intelligence of her mind that she needs to listen to her heart? 

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy others they love, Margot and Drake must work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

I received a complementary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

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Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. She and her family make their home in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Author Links:
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter | Website

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseannaMWhite/
Blog: https://roseannamwhite.blogspot.com/
Website: https://roseannamwhite.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseannaMWhite
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseannamwhite/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/roseannamwhite/

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christian Book | More

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42075376-the-number-of-love?from_search=true
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Number-Love-Codebreakers-Roseanna-White/dp/0764231812/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+number+of+love&qid=1557899486&s=gateway&sr=8-2
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-number-of-love-roseanna-m-white/1129716514?ean=9780764231810#/
Christian Book: https://www.christianbook.com/the-number-of-love-1/roseanna-white/9780764231810/pd/231812?event=ESRCG
More: http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-number-of-love/391570/affiliates
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Summer by the Tides

6/15/2019

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Click here to purchase your copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: Summer by The Tides
Author: Denise Hunter
Genre: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Release Date: May 21, 2019



"Summer by the Tides"
by Denise Hunter
A Summer of Low Tides Could Expose Years of Family Secrets
When her grandmother goes missing from the family beach house, Maddy and her estranged sisters converge in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma in the home where their family broke apart is a struggle Maddy is not in the mood to face, especially since she's recovering from her ex-boyfriend's betrayal.
As the sisters wait for word of their grandmother, they begin to pack up the family belongings--and unpack memories of the idyllic summers of their childhood. But with those memories come long-buried secrets, and Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven. Meanwhile, Gram's neighbor, Connor Sullivan, seems overly interested in Gram's whereabouts. Maddy is drawn in by his quick smile and steady gaze in spite of herself.
Undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the family under again, maybe for good this time. As tensions rise, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they've become--and Maddy must decide if falling in love again is worth the potential heartbreak.
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Denise Hunter writes a book that is hard to put down.  Her characters are not perfect than neither are we.  Maddy has been betrayed by her boyfriend who not only was cheating on her, but also stole the promotion he knew she wanted.  On top of that, she receives a phone call from her grandmother's neighbor, telling her that her grandmother is missing. 

Maddy and her estranged sisters, converge on Sea Haven, North Carolina to try and determine what has happened to their grandmother.  While waiting they begin boxing up the family belongings and unpacking their childhood memories. But with those memories come long-buried secrets.  They discovered that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven. 

Undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the family under again, maybe this time for good.  Maddy is drawn to her grandmother's neighbor who seems overly interested in Gram's whereabouts-and she must decide if falling in love again is worth the potential heartbreak. 

Summer by the Tides is a dramatic story of second chances as sisters unravel secrets that have torn them apart for years.  This is a read that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Hunter is the internationally published bestselling author of more than 25 books, including A December Bride and The Convenient Groom, which have been adapted into original Hallmark Channel movies. She has won The Holt Medallion Award, The Reader’s Choice Award, The Carol Award, The Foreword Book of the Year Award, and is a RITA finalist. When Denise isn’t orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling with her family, drinking green tea, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband are rapidly approaching an empty nest. To learn more about Denise, visit her website DeniseHunterBooks.com; Facebook: AuthorDeniseHunter; Twitter: @DeniseAHunter; Instagram: deniseahunter.

READ AN EXCERPT FROM SUMMER BY THE TIDES
MADDY MONROE WAS COWERING behind a ficus tree near the hostess station when her cell phone rang. Her hands shook as she silenced the phone before it drew the attention of the staff.
She jabbed the elevator button for the third time. “Come on, come on.” A star could be born in interstellar space, a polar valley carved by a glacier in the time it took the elevator to reach this floor. Stairs were not an option, as she was on the twentieth floor of the Waterford building and sporting heels.
She sniffled. Drat. She seemed to be crying. She swiped a hand under her eyes, heedless of her makeup.
She heard voices, Nick’s boisterous laugh. Maddy shrank deeper into the ficus and finally, finally, the elevator dinged its arrival.
“Maddy?” Noelle’s concerned voice tunneled down the hall. “Maddy, wait.”
“Oh, come on,” she muttered, tapping her fingers against her leg until the gold doors crept open. As soon as she could fit, she squeezed inside and punched the ground-floor button.
She didn’t draw a breath until the doors sealed and the elevator began to drop. She placed a palm over a heart that was threatening to beat its way out of her chest. Her white blouse clung to her back, and her skin prickled beneath her arms.
She closed her eyes, the scene that had just transpired playing out in fast-forward in her mind. And then, as if that montage weren’t painful enough, the image of Nick’s face appeared. The look on his face just before he’d kissed her good-bye last night.
Nick. She clamped her teeth together until her jaw ached.
There had been signs. Many of them, really, she was realizing now. They ranged from whisper-subtle to neon-sign obvious. But like so many other walking clichés before her, she was only seeing them in retrospect.
Maddy opened her eyes to the buttery sunlight streaming through her blinds. She scrambled for her iPhone to check the time. But as she did so, the events of yesterday washed over her like a tsunami. She didn’t have to get up at all, because she didn’t have a job anymore.
Her cell buzzed with an incoming call, and she squinted bleary-eyed at the unfamiliar number on the screen before declining it.
She drooped against her pillow, only now aware of how fat and swollen her eyes felt. Of the persistent achy lump pushing at the back of her throat. Her heartbeat made the bed quake. Her eyes burned with tears. Yesterday’s anger had faded, and something worse had filled its spot.
Yesterday she’d come home, changed into yoga pants, and worked in her little garden until she was too exhausted to do anything but flop on the sofa. She hadn’t fallen asleep until after three o’clock in the morning.
She didn’t want to talk to anyone, didn’t want to see anyone. She didn’t even want to be awake today. She pulled the covers over her head and prayed for oblivion.


Required text: Taken from “Summer by the Tides” by Denise Hunter. Copyright © 2019 by Denise Hunter. Used by permission of http://www.thomasnelson.com/.




BLOG STOPS
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 4
The Power of Words, June 4
Back Porch Reads, June 4
The Morning Chapter, June 5
A Baker’s Perspective, June 5
Worthy2Read, June 5
Carla Loves To Read, June 6
Genesis 5020, June 6
Through the Fire Blogs, June 6
Among the Reads, June 7
Quiet Quilter, June 7
For Him and My Family, June 7
The Christian Fiction Girl, June 8
cultivating us, June 8
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 8
Girls Living For God’s Glory, June 9
Moments, June 9
Inklings and notions, June 9
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 10
Coast and anchor, June 10
amandainpa, June 10
Lighthouse Academy, June 11
EmpowerMoms, June 11
Pause for Tales, June 11
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 12
For The Love of Books, June 12
Just the Write Escape, June 12
All-of-a-kind Mom, June 13
Texas Book-aholic, June 13
Hallie Reads, June 13
2014 and Beyond, June 14
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 14
Simple Harvest Reads, June 14
Living Life Free In Christ, June 15
janicesbookreviews, June 15
Vicky Sluiter, June 15
Have A Wonderful Day, June 16
A Reader’s Brain, June 16
To Everything A Season, June 16
Lukewarm Tea, June 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 17
Daysong Reflections, June 17


GIVEAWAY
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To celebrate her tour, Denise is giving away a finished copy of Summer by the Tides!!
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/e541/summer-by-the-tides-celebration-tour-giveaway

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On a Summer Tide

6/3/2019

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Click here to purchase your copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: On a Summer Tide
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Christian Fiction Romance
Release Date: April 30, 2019


Sometimes love hurts—and sometimes it can heal in the most unexpected way.Camden Grayson loves her challenging career, but the rest of her life could use some improvement. “Moving on” is Cam’s mantra. But there’s a difference, her two sisters insist, between one who moves on . . . and one who keeps moving.
Cam’s full-throttle life skids to a stop when her father buys a remote island off the coast of Maine. Paul Grayson has a dream to breathe new life into the island—a dream that includes reuniting his estranged daughters. Certain Dad has lost his mind, the three sisters rush to the island. To Cam’s surprise, the slow pace of island life appeals to her, along with the locals—and one in particular. Seth Walker, the scruffy island schoolteacher harbors more than a few surprises.
With On a Summer Tide, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher begins a brand-new contemporary romance series that is sure to delight her fans and draw new ones.
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This is not Suzanne's usual Amish read or historic fiction but a contemporary romance, with a little bit of suspense thrown in for good measure.  
Paul Grayson is following the dream he and his late wife had to purchase the summer camp they worked at as young adults.  He also purchases the island on which it is located .  His three daughters think he has lost his mind by selling his home to live in the middle of nowhere.  They all come rushing to "save" dad.  Cam-,a focused, driven, competitive businesswoman with a 7-year old adopted son, Cooper.  Maddie, a champion worrier who lets fear and anxiety rule while she attempts to become a counselor and 19-year Blaine who can't make up her mind about a college major. 

They try to help their father and fix up the camp.  But face all kinds of obstacles.  Their mother always told them "One thing I know for sure, you either get bitter or better by what life throws at you."  Or through your trials you can grow closer to God.
This book pushes the reader to question whether prayer can make a difference, and whether we trust that God will work in our lives.  It reminds us of Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 

An enjoyable book that you can't put down until the last page.  Can't wait for book number two.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than thirty books, including Mending Fences, as well as the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series, among other novels. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.
GUEST POST FROM THE AUTHOR
Oh-So-Maine Blueberry Buckle
 
Summer in Maine means plump, tart blueberries are everywhere. Here’s a family recipe that is nearly fool-proof….and so delicious! Especially with a scoop or two with vanilla ice cream.
 
Ever wonder how it got the name Blueberry Buckle?  While the batter rises as it bakes, but the blueberries and crumb topping weigh it down. This causes the surface of the cake to buckle…hence the name.
 


Batter:
¾ cup sugar
¼ cup soft butter
1 egg
½ cup milk
2 cups sifted flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups drained blueberries


Crumb Topping:
½ cup sugar
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup softened butter




Preheat oven to 375 degrees.


Mix sugar and butter with egg. Stir in milk Sift together and stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Carefully blend in blueberries. Put on topping before baking. Pour in a greased and floured 9” square pan.


Bake 45-50 minutes.


BLOG STOPS
Just the Write Escape, May 23
The Avid Reader, May 23
The Power of Words, May 23
Blessed & Bookish, May 23
The Morning Chapter, May 24
Blogging With Carol, May 24
Carpe Diem, May 24
Cultivating Us, May 24
Godly Book Reviews, May 25
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 25
Mary Hake, May 25
For Him and my Family, May 25
C Jane Read, May 26
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 26
Blossoms and Blessings, May 26
Daysong Reflections, May 26
Lighthouse Academy, May 27
Reader’s Cozy Corner, May 27
Empower Moms, May 27
Remembrancy, May 27
Wishful Endings, May 28
Simple Harvest Reads, May 28
Spoken from the Heart, May 28
SusanLovesBooks, May 28
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 29
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 29
Chas Ray’ Book Nerd Corner, May 29
Hallie Reads, May 29
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 30
Maureen’s Musings, May 30
Library Lady’s Kit Lit, May 30
Inspiration Clothesline, May 30
Living Life Free in Christ, May 31
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 31
Pause for Tales, May 31
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 1
A Reader’s Brain, June 1
Through the Fire Blogs, June 2
Have A Wonderful Day, June 2
Southern Gal Loves to Read, June 2
Quiet Quilter, June 3
2014 and Beyond, June 3
By The Book, June 3
She Lives to Read, June 4
Texas Book-aholic, June 4
janicesbookreviews, June 4
Jeanette’s Thoughts, June 4
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, June 5
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, June 5
Inklings and notions, June 5


0 Comments

Isaac's Ice Cream Tree & When God Made Color

5/11/2019

1 Comment

 
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Click here to purchase your copy of Isaac's Ice Cream Tree
Click here to purchase your copy of When God Made Color
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ISSWhiteSpark Publishing is thrilled to bring readers young and old two delightful stories all about color!Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree
Isaac loves the sugar maple in his yard, and he can’t help but feel bad for it when its branches are winter-bare. He decides to give it a gift…and is surprised when the tree returns the favor in the new morning snow, presenting him with balls of…ice cream!
But how long can this magic last with spring on the horizon? A magical exploration through the colors of the rainbow, the days of the week, and some of our favorite fruits that is sure to delight.
When God Made Color
The wonders of creation spread out before us in all the glories of the rainbow…the deep purples and blues of night, the bright yellows of day, the pinks and oranges of flowers. And of course, the colors of all the creatures…including us! These sumptuous fine art illustrations will thrill parent and child alike!
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ISAAC'S ICE CREAM TREE - Children and adults alike will enjoy reading this book. Not only is this a fun and whimsical story, but it also teaches us about colors, seasons, and fruits. The illustrations are phenomenal and cheery and the writing is outstanding. I will enjoy reading this book over and over to my students.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

WHEN GOD MADE COLOR - This book is a clever way to teach the Creation story to children. The illustrations are bright and inviting and the author did an amazing job of drawing me into the story. This too will be a book that I will enjoy reading to my students.

I received a complementary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Angela Henderson resides in Dallas, Texas, where she teaches middle school English Language Arts & Reading and is a mother of three. Exploring children’s books for twelve years with her own children during numerous “story times” at the local library and reading hundreds of books to her children, her passion for quality children’s literature led her to write her own work. After creating her blog and Facebook page, Kidsbook Friends, and her Instagram, Instabooks, she’s been able to share her love of literature with over a thousand followers by featuring authors and books. She’s thrilled to introduce her own creative story where magical moments lead to positive perspectives.


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Sheri Carmon seeks to incorporate the beauty of the Lord’s heart, His ways and His love in her writing for children. As an author, her goal is to shine His light through stories. In the past she has published poetry and inspirational compositions with both Blue Mountain Arts and The Group Publishing. Sheri has always cared for the individual needs of families and spent fifteen marvelous, fast-paced years in real estate, specializing in family friendly homes. She and her husband have helped facilitate whole church Bible-reading programs in Colorado, Nebraska and South Dakota. They make their home in Colorado, on the front range of the Rocky Mountains, where they’re surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation every day.

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHORS
Why children’s books? After all, I teach young teens. Well, my reasons:
  1. I love art, and reading children’s books is like looking at an artist’s showcase of creativity!
    * Shout out to my amazing illustrator, Rachael Koppendrayer!
  2. I love to dream up the impossible, and you can make anything happen in a children’s book!
  3. I love togetherness and nothing brings a family together like a good book.
As I read picture books with my kiddos, the teacher in me wanted to instruct too. I created a blog (www.kidsbookfriends.com) so teachers, librarians and parents could have little lessons to help them “make friends” with the characters in the stories I featured. Surrounded by such inspiration from these books and my kiddos, I started writing my own manuscripts when my kids were all under age five, mainly sketches of thoughts until I had segments of time where I could construct stories.
After several years of attending SCBWI conferences; connecting with writers; creating manuscripts & editing and revising, editing and revising (you see a pattern?!); and submitting them to publishers, Isaac’s Ice Cream Tree was accepted for publication and was released January 15, 2019, by Whitefire Publishing! (It’s a process!!!)
The message embedded in this colorful, magical story expresses a very real part of my heart as it’s our family motto: “Always remember to look for the rainbow.” My kids and I both literally and figuratively practice this principle, rushing out after every rain to see if the sky is painted with a bow as well as trying to find the good that comes through the storms of life.
Through my journey, I’ve experienced much loss through moving many times, caring for my mother during her dying days, and losing my husband through divorce. Yet in it all, God redeems and uses each pain and joy like brush strokes on a canvass, reminding us of His unfailing promises while creating a masterpiece.
Creativity, imagination, inspiration . . . make magical moments.
Gather together. Dream the impossible. Embrace the colors. . . as I introduce you to a new friend, Isaac! Excited to share this story with you. . . and my next one . . . and the one after that. . . until we have many new kindred spirits . . .together.
Click here for a fee printable coloring page.
Click here to learn the story behind the story.

More from SheriA child asks, “Who am I?”
Creation Vs. Evolution – The big battle. Many public schools are presenting Evolution as fact and not theory. They leave no room for the concept of Creation. Our little ones are not creatures descended from animals, they are Children of God, created in His image. This is our identity and our children’s Identity and it makes all the difference in how we see ourselves, how we see others and how we engage in the world. Our identity is made clear in Genesis, the first book of the Bible. As Christian parents and grandparents, we are charged with teaching, encouraging and bringing forth our family line for the LORD. The new picture book When God Made Color, with its awe inspiring illustrations, is about our true identity and about the joyful, loving God who created us and the whole universe – a universe that is still expanding – Isn’t He just amazing?
Click here to view a special video




BLOG STOPS

A Baker’s Perspective, May 2
By The Book, May 2
Among the Reads, May 3
cultivating us, May 3
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 4
Reflections From My Bookshelves, May 4
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5
Mary Hake, May 5
For Him and My Family, May 6
Stephanie’s Life of Determination, May 6
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 7
Blogging With Carol, May 7
Lighthouse Academy, May 8
God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae, May 8
Pause for Tales, May 9
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, May 9
Inspiration Clothesline, May 10
Reading Themes, May 10
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11
Texas Book-aholic, May 11
Have A Wonderful Day, May 12
janicesbookreviews, May 12
A Reader’s Brain, May 13
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13
Older & Smarter?, May 14
Creating Romance, May 14
Inklings and notions, May 14
Aryn, the Libraryan, May 15
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 15
The Becca Files, May 15



GIVEAWAY
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To celebrate their tour, Angela and Sheri is giving away a grand prize of The Great Color Giveaway Package that includes a$25 gift card from Amazon, Rainbow ice-cream cups with colored spoons, a paperback copy of Issacs’s Ice Cream Tree, a $25 gift card from Barnes and Noble,
Crayola Washable Kids’ Paint – 12 count original and glitter paint (see attached image), and a paperback copy of When God Made Color!!
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/e2a9/the-great-color-celebration-tour-giveaway

1 Comment

Mending Fences

3/16/2019

1 Comment

 
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Click here to purchase your copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK
Book: Mending Fences
Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher
Genre: Christian fiction, Amish, Mennonite
Release Date: February 5, 2019


"Mending Fences"
by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Every saint has a past. Every sinner has a future.
Luke Schrock is a new and improved man after a stint in rehab, though everyone in Stoney Ridge only remembers the old Luke. They might have forgiven him, but nobody trusts him. He has been allowed to live at Windmill Farm under two conditions. First, he must make a sincere apology to each person he’s hurt. Second, he must ask each victim of mischief to describe the damage he caused.
Simple, Luke thinks. Offering apologies is easy. But discovering the lasting effects his careless actions have caused isn’t so simple. It’s gut-wrenching.
And his list keeps growing. Izzy Miller, beautiful and frustratingly aloof, also boards at Windmill Farm, and Luke’s clumsy efforts to befriend her only insult and annoy her. Eager to impress, Luke sets out to prove himself to her by locating her mother. When he does, her identity sends shock waves through Stoney Ridge.
“A funny, heartwarming story of friendship, love, and the possibility of happily ever after.”--Amy Clipston, bestselling author of Seat by the Hearth
“Suzanne Woods Fisher has written a sweet and poignant story you won’t want put down. Definitely a must read!”--Kathleen Fuller, bestselling author of the Amish of Birch Creek series
***************************************************************************************
This is a novel of faith, grace and recovery. Luke Schrock was raised Amish but has strayed from his Amish teachings and has been in rehab many times. Not yet having joined the Amish faith, he is being told by his counselor to return to Stoney Ridge where people don't remember him in the best circumstances. He is to apologize to the people he has wronged and ask them how his "pranks" have affected them.

Also in Stoney Ridge is a girl named Izzy whom Luke knows from his rehab sessions. She is planning on becoming Amish, she is also trying to find her birth mother, who made her a ward of the state when she was very young. Izzy and Luke have struggled with the same issues of abandonment, forgiveness and redemption. Both turned to alcohol to solve their problems. Both must learn to accept God's unconditional love for them. As they accept God's love can they find love for each other?

I received a complementary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including the Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop’s Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

A Friend in Need


“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” –Walter Winchell
Luke Schrock was nearly friendless. He returned to Stoney Ridge in Mending Fences after a stint in rehab only because his bishop, David Stoltzfus, strongly encouraged him. And everybody knows you didn’t say no to your bishop.
But nobody else in town wanted anything to do with Luke. They forgave him for the trouble he’d caused in his last downward spiral, the one that went too far. The one that even scared Luke. Forgiving him was the easy part. The Amish of Stoney Ridge were intentional forgivers. It was their trust—that’s what he would have to earn. Trust was a fragile thing. Once broken, it wasn’t easily mended.
Somehow, David was still able to look past the behavior to see the best of Luke Schrock. He didn’t stop there. He found a family who was willing to take Luke in, and he spent hours with him—at times as a mentor, at times as a father figure, but mostly as a friend.
A loyal friend can have a powerful impact. Consider those friends in the town of Capernaum, who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing—so determined to get to Him that they dragged his stretcher up onto a roof, broke through the roof tiles, and lowered him down. Can you imagine being in the crowd, listening to Jesus, as straw and tile pieces and branches and bugs started to drop down from the ceiling? A shocking display…of devoted friendship. And what a miraculous outcome for that paralyzed man!*
I won’t tell you how Luke’s story ends—only that he works hard to find ways to make amends to those he hurt, to regain trust. Especially the hard-to-earn trust of a brown-eyed beauty named Izzy.
Do you have a real friend like David Stoltzfus, who walks in when the rest of the world has walked out? Or maybe the better question, for you, for me, is to ask ourselves if we are friends to others like David Stoltzfus was to Luke Schrock. I know I want to be.
*This miracle is reported in three gospels: Mark 2:1-12, Matthew 9:1-8, Luke 5:17-26.


BLOG STOPS
The Power of Words, March 4
The Avid Reader, March 4
Quiet Quilter, March 5
CarpeDiem, March 5
Among the Reads, March 6
Girls in White Dresses, March 6
A Reader’s Brain, March 6
Blossoms and Blessings, March 7
Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 7
Southern Gal Loves to Read, March 7
Bigreadersite, March 8
Blogging With Carol, March 8
Eat, Read, Teach, Blog, March 8
God’s Little Bookworm, March 9
Just the Write Escape, March 9
Splashes of Joy, March 10
EmpowerMoms, March 10
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 10
Christian Chick’s Thoughts, March 11
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 11
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 12
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 12
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 12
Vicky Sluiter, March 13
Random Thoughts From a Bookworm, March 13
Caffeinated Christian Raves – N – Reviews, March 14
Lighthouse Academy, March 14
Texas Book-aholic, March 14
For Him and My Family, March 15
Mary Hake, March 15
janicesbookreviews, March 15
Literary Reflections Book Blog, March 16
Pause for Tales, March 16
Inspiration Clothesline, March 16
Have A Wonderful Day, March 17
Hallie Reads, March 17
Inklings and notions, March 17
Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 18
For The Love of Books, March 18
The Becca Files, March 18


GIVEAWAY


To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away a grand prize of an Amazon Kindle!!
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/de7d/mending-fences-celebration-tour-giveaway


1 Comment
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