A Lesson in Propriety

About the Book:

With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather’s privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she’s inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family’s safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.

My Review: 

When Drusilla is dumped by her fiancé and has to move to Chicago in order to take care of her family, she is probably at her lowest. But, she is a courageous and resourceful young woman who has a brilliant idea to convert the house that her aunt left her into a school for young ladies. Little does she realize the mishaps she will find herself encountering, but also being rescued and helped countless times by the handsome Rhenick Wittenbecker who helps her to see the remarkable young she truly is.

Author Jen Turano uses humorous situations to keep you turning the pages. A Lesson in Propriety is a prime example of hilarity with attack ferrets, eccentric friends, and a “haunted castle” that is filled with rampaging goats, a goose, and aggressive suits of armor that swings weaponry at Drusilla and her family.

This is the first book in the Merriweather Academy for Young Ladies, and you will want to read the next book since the school is getting ready to open. I look forward to reading what antics the students will be involved in throughout the series.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Lady Maybe

Book Description:
One final cry of terror, and suddenly her world shifted violently, until a blinding collision scattered her mind and shook her bones. Then, the pain. The freezing water. And as all sensation drifted away, a hand reached for hers before all faded into darkness. . . .

In the midst of a fierce storm, a carriage carrying Sir John Mayfield, Lady Marianna Mayfield, and her lady's companion careens off a narrow cliff road, changing their fates forever. When the wreckage is found, Sir John is gravely injured, and a woman is discovered unconscious wearing a valuable ring. As the woman regains consciousness in a strange house, she grapples with fragmented memories of the accident, unsettling dreams of a child in peril, and a deep mystery tied to the ring on her finger. Surrounded by unfamiliar faces and haunted by a sense of foreboding, the survivor realizes she cannot trust anyone and must uncover the truth of what happened that stormy night, even as danger mounts and enemies conspire against her.

In this revised and updated 10th anniversary edition of Julie Klassen's acclaimed novel, a woman's startling secrets lead her into unexpected danger and romance in Regency England.

Lady Maybe is a clean Regency romance full of mystery, adventure, and a search for identity. This novel will delight fans of the amnesia trope, Julia Quinn, Jane Austen, and Mimi Matthews.

 My Review: 

Lady Maybe is not your typical Regency romance. There are no ballroom dances, no chaperones, and scandal is a large part of the story. But, I enjoyed it because of its unique differences. There was mystery and plot twists which kept the story interesting. Marianna was quite an awful woman and was so vindictive that I really was wondering how things were going to work out for Sir John.

The message of forgiveness from God and also forgiving yourself was one that is good to be reminded of. It was a great to see that no matter what Hannah or we have done, we can still change.

I thought the ending was quickly wrapped up and a bit rushed. I also would like to have had an epilogue to see what happened in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging

 

About the Book

Book: A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health

Author: Andrea Jo Rodgers

Genre: Nonfiction

Release date: November 16, 2024

Embark on a journey to healthy aging!

Would you like to improve your vascular health by lowering your blood pressure, avoiding weight gain, and increasing your aerobic activity level? How about saying goodbye to urinary incontinence and overactive bladder while improving your bowel health? Have you thought about building a healthy framework of muscles, joints, and bones as you sail into middle-age and beyond? Could you benefit from a home exercise program to build bone density and manage osteopenia and osteoporosis? Would you like to keep your youthful appearance, understand your immune system, and learn strategies to improve balance and prevent falls? In A Practical Guide to Healthy Aging: Strategies to Achieve Physical and Mental Health, veteran Doctor of Physical Therapy Andrea Rodgers, who is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, emergency medical technician, and a low pressure fitness instructor, expounds upon all these topics and more. Join Andrea as she shares valuable information in this one-of-a-kind book that will aid in your quest towards healthy aging.

My Review: 

All of us want to live long, healthy lives. This book, written by a physical therapist, had lots of great information about things you can do to help you achieve this idea. With interesting articles, diet guidelines, and exercises that include detailed pictures, this is a book that you will be glad to own and, and you will refer to it often in the coming years. 

I received a copy of the book by Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review. 

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Andrea Jo Rodgers holds a clinical doctorate in physical therapy and has worked as a physical therapist for 30 years. She is CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and a low pressure fitness instructor. She also specializes in orthopedics, osteoporosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Writing is one of her passions, and she is the award-winning author of numerous inspirational books. She has served as a volunteer emergency medical technician on her town’s rescue squad for 38 years and has responded to 10,000 first aid and fire calls. She enjoys reading, day trips, and savoring a cup of green tea. She lives with her family on the east coast.

 

More from Andrea Jo

Aging can be defined as the process of growing old. The key to graceful aging is to stay in good health as the years slip by. One of the best ways to do this is to be proactive. What you do today can help ensure better health tomorrow.

People often start to think about aging when something goes amiss. Perhaps they develop an ache or pain that lingers: a stiff neck, an achy back, or painful hips and knees. They may receive a diagnosis that forces them to confront their health head-on, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, obesity, or perhaps even cancer.

I’ve worked as a clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy in both the hospital and outpatient setting for thirty years. During this time, I’ve helped people with wellness initiatives as well as various health problems. I’m CAPP-certified in pelvic health by the American Physical Therapy Association, a nationally certified lymphedema therapist, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, and a certified low pressure fitness instructor. During my 38 years as a volunteer emergency medical technician (EMT) with my local rescue squad, I’ve assisted countless people in times of medical crisis. The goal of this book is to share pearls of wisdom that I’ve learned from my experiences as a physical therapist and EMT.

Some may be reading this book to stay healthy as you get older. Others may be looking for ideas to improve your current condition. Perhaps you are looking to build muscle and bone strength, improve flexibility, or choose a healthier lifestyle with respect to diet and exercise. Or maybe you wish to stop leaking urine or say goodbye to constipation and countless hours in the bathroom.

Do you think wellness simply means freedom from disease? Well, it includes much more than that. Wellness can be defined as the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal. Wellness serves as a cornerstone towards the vision of healthy aging. Wellness constitutes a dynamic process of change and growth in which individuals actively become aware of healthy choices and consciously make a decision to choose them. It’s a balanced lifestyle which encourages physical and mental health and well-being. Wellness emphasizes the mind, body, and spirit. Wellness means being proactive about staying healthy as you get older. It involves using available knowledge and tools to achieve optimal health. Many of the chapters in this book focus on different areas of wellness as a means to strive towards healthy aging. My goal is that each of you stay active, embark on a journey of wellness, and enjoy your middle age and golden years in good mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 7

It’s Mama Safe, May 8

Simple Harvest Reads, May 9 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 9

Texas Book-aholic, May 10

Book Looks by Lisa, May 11

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 12

Artistic Nobody, May 13 (Author Interview)

Girls in White Dresses, May 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 15

Guild Master, May 16 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 17

Fiction Book Lover, May 18 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 19

A Reader’s Brain, May 20 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Andrea Jo is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54214

Embers of Truth

 

About the Book

Book: Embers of Truth

Author: Avrie Swan

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 15, 2025

A fiery heroine teams up with a gruff detective to catch a thief, but the real danger may be trusting each other.

With her family nearing destitution and her home on the brink of foreclosure, Carina Clarke has little left to lose. Yet in one fateful evening, the 1871 Peshtigo Fire destroys the last of all she holds dear and separates her from her sister and friend. Carina vows to find them—even if it means moving to a different city and taking up work at a textile mill while she searches.

Oliver Ramhurst is determined to make his father proud of his work as a Pinkerton detective. His assignment to capture a thief at a textile mill in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, could be the opportunity he needs—if the feisty Miss Clarke will stay out of his way. When the clever woman offers to help him ferret out the culprit, Oliver reluctantly agrees. But does she want more from him than she’s saying?

As the danger grows and they draw closer to discovering the true identity of the thief, Carina and Oliver realize that nobody is who they seem. Carina must decide who can be trusted and who may be a villain in disguise—for when the hour grows dark, trust may be the only thing that can save her.

 My Review: 

Carina Clarke finds herself embroiled in mystery and danger when the textile mill where she works has a series of payroll thefts and arson. When she finds out that Oliver, a fellow co-worker, has been hired to catch the perpetrator, Carina jumps in to help. In fact, I don’t think there would have been a way to stop her! 

I didn’t know anything about this fire and the devastation that it created. For a history enthusiast, I thought it interesting to learn more about it. I appreciated what the author shared about the event. 

With a budding romance, a mystery to solve, and a sister to locate, readers will enjoy the story and getting to know the characters. This is the first book in the Peshtigo Fire Chronicles. There are several unanswered questions that I would not consider this to be a standalone book. 

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and Celebrate Lit Tours. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Avrie Swan is a Christian author and avid reader with a love for all things historical. Having grown up exploring antique stores and museums, she eventually decided to combine her interest in history with her love for writing and began working on her first full-length novel at the age of fourteen. She especially enjoys writing stories that focus on themes of family, faith, and growth through difficult times.

When Avrie is not writing, she is watching old movies, collecting antique books, and hunting for agates. A native Wisconsinite, she enjoys spending the cold winters indoors with her cat on her lap and a good book in her hand.

 

 More from Avrie

Hello, folks!

What do you do when you run out of your favorite type of book at the local library? Well, in the case of sixteen-year-old me, you sit down and try to write one yourself. Thus was born the first iteration of Embers of Truth, followed shortly thereafter by the second and third. After countless revisions and many cups of coffee, I finally achieved what I wanted—a book filled with mystery and action, with a main character tenacious enough to weather the storms I tossed her way. Carina’s story was a joy to write, and I know sixteen-year-old me would be happy to read it if she could.

In this first book of The Peshtigo Fire Chronicles, I decided to explore the theme of trust and learning to accept help. Carina has difficulty trusting others, an issue born out of past experiences. However, as she comes to learn, we cannot let bad experiences affect the way we see others. Have you ever unjustly judged someone because of something that happened to you, even if it was unintentional? I have. It’s easy to do!

In addition to exploring themes of trust, Embers of Truth also examines what it means to put our goals before helping others. Oliver is determined to impress his father, and while he takes the mill case to help the workers there, he also secretly hopes it will finally make his father approve of his occupation. Putting our needs above others is a part of human nature, but that doesn’t mean we can’t change. Watching Oliver realize this is one of my favorite parts of the story.

Much like Oliver, I also realized several things while writing Embers of Truth. The first was that I would never handwrite a novel again, a decision my right wrist thanked me for. The second was that God is incredibly, incredibly gracious. The third and final thing I realized was that I would have made a terrible Pinkerton detective. I’m much more suited to sitting bundled up under warm blankets with a book than going undercover to find a criminal!

I encourage you, dear reader, to follow along with Oliver and Carina as they traverse snowy Milwaukee and decide whether you could be a detective. Make sure to curl up with a nice cup of coffee or tea and a blanket as you enjoy this intriguing, romance-filled story. God bless you!

Sincerely,

Avrie Swan

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2

Texas Book-aholic, May 3

Blogging With Carol, May 4

Simple Harvest Reads, May 5 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 6

Blossoms and Blessings, May 6

Book Looks by Lisa, May 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 8

Betti Mace, May 9

Stories By Gina, May 10 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, May 10

Cover Lover Book Review, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

Devoted To Hope, May 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 13

For Him and My Family, May 14

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Avrie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54210

Relinquishing the Agent

 

About the Book

Book: Relinquishing the Agent

Author: Lorri Dudley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 8, 2025

Can love bloom between a woman living a lie and a man sworn to uncover the truth?

Bluestocking Rebecca Leah Prestcote would prefer to hide in a library, searching for a cure to her sister’s ailment, over participating in London’s Season. But when her wealthy cousin demands Rebecca attend a house party as her, Rebecca cannot refuse. Her cousin intends to win the affection of the Marquis of Wolston and Rebecca is, after all, a charity case. When the Marquis unexpectedly arrives at the wrong party, Rebecca must uphold the ruse, or be caught in her cousin’s lie.

Daniel Elmsley, Marquis of Wolston, cannot let another target escape, not if he plans to catch the band of body snatchers and prove his worth as a spy. But when people at Lady Coburn’s house party go missing, his mission escalates to stopping a murderer. When he intercepts a letter meant to blackmail Lady Prestcote, he begins to wonder if the beguiling beauty may be involved in the conspiracy.

Singled out for Lord Wolston’s affections, Rebecca must maintain her web of deception and evade the investigation of the captivating marquis even while he ensnares her heart.

 My Review:

Daniel Elmsley, Marquis of Wolston, has secrets and a precarious role to play. On the one hand, he is part of the nobility, while on the other hand, he is a spy for the Crown. Rebecca Prescott also has secrets as she must impersonate her cousin at a house party. Rebecca was such a sweet young lady, always quick and willing to help those in need. Her sister, Madeline, is in desperate need of answers as she is suffering from a weak heart. Rebecca is looking for a cure for her, researching tirelessly for articles and information about the heart. I love how she inserts herself into conversations about medical topics, trying to get answers from the professors who are knowledgeable about cardiac issues.

When Daniel and Rebecca end up at the same house party, things get very interesting with people disappearing and rumors of body snatching. I like how Daniel and Rebecca’s experiences put them together to find the ring leader. There are several suspects, so you will enjoy trying to figure out who is the villain.

Things to love:
meet cute
eclectic house guests
nasty cousin
“Blue”
danger
faith element
found family

This is the fourth book in the Agents of Espionage. However, you can read it as a standalone. I recommend reading this if you enjoy historical romance with a mystery to solve.

I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own with no obligation to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Lorri Dudley has been a finalist in numerous writing contests and has a master’s degree in Psychology. She lives in Ashland, Massachusetts with her husband and three teenage sons, where writing romance allows her an escape from her testosterone filled household.

 

 

 

 

More from Lorri

Listed among the Regency underworld of housebreakers, Thames pirates, sneaks (pickpockets), Covent Garden nuns (prostitutes), vagrants, and ruffians are another class of evil-doers called resurrection men, also known as sack-‘em-up men or body snatchers. The dark industry of grave robbing blossomed in the early 1800s and was thrust into the public’s eye by the notorious Burke and Hare murders in 1831. While my story takes place earlier, in 1817, the laws and practices were already in place before Burke and his accomplice were arrested.

In the early 1800s, the academic field of anatomy and physiology started to break new ground with the invention of the stethoscope and the first open heart surgeries (not all successful). Many of these breakthroughs developed as a result of the dissection of human cadavers. Fresh bodies became a hot commodity, but by law, the only bodies legally designated for dissection were those of hung criminals. Demand outweighed the supply, and an underground market for grave robbing grew as academics handsomely paid resurrection men to dig up specimens. The fresher the body, the higher the earnings, which ultimately led to the ugly intent of murder.

Why would a Christian author want to write about a horrific topic like body snatching?

While my story doesn’t go into any gory details (I get woozy at the sight of blood), Rebecca and Daniel’s story allowed me to dive into the concept that we all have intrinsic worth. The victims of Burke and Hare were people society had forgotten—people who were expected to go unnoticed if they disappeared. But those victims were image bearers of God. Jesus proved their value by dying for them on the cross. They are not forgotten because God knit them together in their mother’s womb, knows every hair on their heads, and has carved their names into the palms of His hands.

Rebecca and Daniel’s love story, with mystery, espionage, and romance mixed in, demonstrates how God’s power is made perfect in weakness. While Lady Coburn’s excentric party guests and the victims of the villainous resurrection men exemplify that worth isn’t based on works, popularity, or lineage but on the sacrifice Jesus made for them.

Enjoy!

Click to watch Relinquishing the Agent’s book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4BwfvZiNLM

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 22

Pens Pages & Pulses, April 22

Melissa’s Bookshelf, April 23

Betti Mace, April 23

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 24

She Lives To Read, April 25

lakesidelivingsite, April 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 26

Texas Book-aholic, April 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 28

For Him and My Family, April 28

Devoted To Hope, April 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 30

Book Looks by Lisa, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Cover Lover Book Review, May 3

Bizwings Book Blog, May 4

Pause for Tales, May 4

Stories By Gina, May 5 (Author Interview)

Roads to Everywhere, May 5

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lorri is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54202

Home Baked Bribery

 

About the Book

Book: Home Baked Bribery (Addie Masters Mysteries Book 2)

Author: Gina Holder

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release date: March 4, 2025

The annual Rockport bake sale and competition is underway. The stakes are higher than ever for the coveted Golden Whisk Award when a high-profile celebrity chef is brought in as a surprise guest judge.

The competition takes a deadly turn when the celebrity suffers an allergic reaction. When Addie’s nemesis, Kennedy Graves is banned from the competition for using almond extract, Addie volunteers to prove Kennedy innocent. As Addie investigates the death, she learns each of the local bakers had a motive to dislike the celebrity. But did one of them kill him?

Meanwhile, hundred-year-old twins, Poppy and Marigold, keep Addie hopping, looking for their missing dogs.

Will Addie be able to uncover the truth behind the celebrity judge’s death, or will she become the next victim of the mysterious shenanigans going on in Rockport?

My Review:  

When the Golden Whisk Award and an appearance on a TV network show is on the line, how far will someone go to have a shot at winning? Addie is an inquisitive person and doesn’t believe that one of the celebrity judges died from eating a piece of cake with ingredients that he was highly allergic to. With several suspects, the plot takes twists that I didn’t expect and made this story interesting all the way to its conclusion.

Addie has a love interest in police officer Noah Daniels, but he seems to be a bit detached. So, you are left wondering what will become of their relationship throughout the story. You can look forward to a happy scene as they work things out. I loved the name of Addie’s dogs with a nod to famous detectives. It was also fun to see the little rascally pug that Addie keeps having to find and return to the elderly sisters of the community.

I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery, Addie, and the townspeople. This is the second book in the series. I look forward to reading the first one and any other books that will follow.

I received a complimentary copy of the book through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

Click here to get your copy!

 About the Author

Gina Holder is an indie author and stay-at-home mom. She’s had an infatuation with books for as long as she can remember. She loves sharing uplifting messages from God’s Word and introducing readers to new and new-to-them authors on her blog. When she’s not writing, Gina enjoys playing the piano, cooking, reading, watching Hallmark mysteries, and solving “escape room” puzzles. She loves growing in her craft as an author. She published her debut novel in 2017. Gina lives in Wyoming with her husband and daughter.

 

 

 

More from Gina

Choco-Banana Bliss Bars

-Mac Gordon

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed (light or dark) brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (all-purpose) flour
• 1 cup mashed overripe banana (about 2 large bananas)
• ¾ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Allow bananas to ripen until outside is mostly black.
2. Allow butter and egg to reach room temperature.
3. Preheat oven to 350°F.
4. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.
5. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup unsalted butter and 1 cup brown sugar. Mix at a medium-high speed for 2 minutes.
6. Add in 1 large egg, 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract, and ½ tsp salt. Mix at a medium-low speed until combined.
7. Mix in 1 cup of flour. Mix on low until just combined.
8. Fold 1 cup of mashed banana into the batter until they’re fully incorporated.
9. Fold in ¾ cup chocolate chips. Save a few chocolate chips.
10. Pour the batter into the glass dish. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top.
11. Bake for 33-37 minutes, until the edges are golden brown, and the center is baked through.
12. Place on a wire rack to fully cool. Gently remove the bars from the pan. Cut into squares.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 25

By the Book, April 25

Vicky Sluiter, April 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Looks by Lisa, April 27

She Lives To Read, April 28

Leslie’s Library Escape, April 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 30

Madi’s Musings, May 1

Hannahbandanarama, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 4

Holly’s Book Corner, May 4

Lily’s Corner, May 5

DevotedToHope, May 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 7

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, May 8

For Him and My Family, May 8

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Gina is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of books 1 and 2 of the series, Handmade Mayhem and Home Baked Bribery!!