Thursday, August 29, 2024

So True a Love

About the Book:

Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer.

London, 1803

As the daughter of a renowned actress, Verity Travers is a privileged lady of high society —and the last woman one would suspect of working as a private investigator. But after one case nearly costs her everything, she makes the hard decision to hang up her hat and live the uninspiring life of a gentlewoman. However, when she and her dearest friend become victims of a harrowing armed robbery, Verity finds herself swept back into the clandestine world of mystery and crime as she seeks to bring the thief to justice. There’s just one complication: the persistent and dashingly handsome Bow Street Runner Nathaniel Denning, who always seems to cross her path.

Verity is confident she could accomplish her work quickly if only Nathaniel would stay out of her way. While she appreciates his keen mind and quick wit on a case, his interference is muddling her progress—and her heart. Focusing on the task at hand becomes more and more difficult as she constantly bumps into Nathaniel, who is determined to keep her out of danger.

When the two rival investigators learn they are both pursuing the same cunning criminal, they must figure out how to navigate the delicate dance of cooperation amid a backdrop of increasing peril and an irresistible passion that sets their hearts ablaze.

My Review:

Verity Travers is following in the footsteps of her brother Jack in being a thief-taker, or more accurately, a private investigator. She is guarded, determined, inquisitive, loyal, and fiercely independent, which make her the perfect for this type of work. I love that even when she was faced with danger she didn’t shy away because she wanted to help a friend. Nathaniel Denning is such a dear man. He is loyal, brave, honest, and will do anything for those he loves. His relationship with Verity was so fun to watch as she infuriated him and at the same time charmed him. Things you will love: Exciting first meeting Complex characters Self defense moves Forced partnership Sir Chivalry Art Humor Superstitious grandmama Bozoar pendant Colorful informant Mystery and danger Quotes: "You attract danger like flies to honey." "Like I needed air or food or shelter, I needed Nathaniel Denning." This book has characters from A Heart Worth Stealing, and while you do not need to read it, I highly suggest you do. It’s not because it affects the story, but it provides depth and was so fun to see the return of beloved characters. This is a book that readers of all ages will enjoy. I didn’t think author Joanna Barker would be able to exceed my expectations after reading A Heart Worth Stealing, but she absolutely did. I am really hoping there will be more books with these great characters. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a review.

Muldoon's Misfortunes

About the Book

Book: Muldoon’s Misfortunes

Author: EV Sparrow

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: July 16, 2024

A cursed widower forsakes his faith to ensure his hope.

On a verdant island beset by poverty and death, Mick Muldoon dares to escape his misfortunes. Is working a farm and raising a family such an impossible thing to ask? Wasn’t God supposed to answer prayers—not turn a deaf ear?

After surviving the treacherous voyage to America, Mick discovers the rumors of ample opportunity aren’t exactly true. His defective body hampers employment and keeps him dependent upon his peculiar sister. However, an unexpected invitation to move to the heartland guarantees his dreams.

Mick’s own dreadful choices hamper his hopes when he accepts work as a widow’s farmhand. Unbeknownst to him, there’s deception afoot. Mick’s inattention to love causes catastrophe as single fatherhood cruelly shatters his family. Will God miraculously hear his prayers this time?

In Book 1 of Those Resilient Muldoons series, this misguided, wayward widower encounters God’s unexpected presence.

My Review:

Mick Muldoon’s life of loss of his family and his hardships are a poignant depiction of the Irish who immigrated to the United States. Hoping for a better life, it was hard to see the things Mick Muldoon went through that included prejudice and injustice. This was based upon the author’s great grandfather’s life and I enjoyed reading her notes at the end that gave more background for the story.

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Sparrow has served on missions, worship, and prayer teams and in Divorce Care and Single’s Ministry. She’s now a published short story writer turned novelist. Sparrow offers readers encounters with God’s unexpected presence through her character’s adventures. She once bought a one-way ticket to Israel to work on a kibbutz and spent a weekend hopping a freight train. As Grammy to seven grandchildren, they ask why she always buys them books.

More from EV

Muldoon’s Misfortunes is Book 1 in Those Resilient Muldoons historical fiction series.

In Ireland’s history, there was a time when it was wild, fraught with peril, and without knowledge of God Almighty. Then came St. Patrick, a real man, determined to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to that pagan island. The transformation of that country from the spiritual darkness it worshiped was phenomenal. Yet ancient superstitions remain.

Certain aspects of my great-grandfather’s life in the 1800s inspired my Irish main character, Mick Muldoon. Mick’s faith is a traditional type and a profound piece that holds together Irish communities. He often secretly doubts God cares anything about him. He could be invisible for all the attention He pays to Mick’s prayers. But God, being who He is, won’t allow that misconception forever. Mick encounters God’s unexpected presence several times without recognizing it. God persists in pursuing him.

When we’re brokenhearted, we can easily miss the signs of His presence. We may grapple with our beliefs or more intimacy with God in the modern world as well. Do we believe our God can’t see us, or hear our prayers, or that He struggles with drawing close to us because we’re unworthy and He is holy? Do we make choices because of our misbeliefs that can unbalance the God ordained, spiritual strength triangle of faith, hope and love?

Mick’s faith weakens further with his disappointments and influences of the wild and lawless lands during the Gilded Age. He sets damaging things into motion that he could’ve avoided. He’s glad to be finally free of the religious culture of Ireland and living like his chums, and what’s wrong with that?

Because he believes God didn’t pay any attention to him, he doesn’t expect any consequences. He’s in control of his own life now. The results of his choices bring him face to face with his choices, and a holy God He thought ignored him, and the blessings He bestows despite Mick’s misbeliefs.

I hope readers will find more faith in a loving God from Mick’s story as well.

Blog Stops

Lily’s Corner, August 28

Book Looks by Lisa, August 29

Inkwell Inspirations, August 30

Stories By Gina, August 31 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 1

Artistic Nobody, September 2 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, September 2

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 4

Texas Book-aholic, September 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 6

Guild Master, September 7 (Author Interview)

Beauty in the Binding, September 8 (Author Interview)

Cover Lover Book Review, September 9

Back Porch Reads, September 10 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, September 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, E.V. is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5426

Monday, August 26, 2024

Lady Flyer

About the Book:

Based on a true story and set against the backdrop of WWII, a young woman’s love of flying becomes an epic fight for identity and equality.

In the quiet town of Houghton, Michigan, sixteen-year-old Nancy Harkness discovers a passion that ignites her heart in ways she never expected. The arrival of barnstormer pilots brings more than just the thrill of their daring stunts; it brings the promise of adventure. Nancy vows she will be a pilot someday.

Years later, as the dark clouds of World War II gather on the horizon, Nancy’s dreams take a new and daring turn. With unwavering determination, she envisions a squadron of female pilots. Yet, her path is far from clear. The male-dominated world of aviation pushes back, determined to keep women out of the skies.

But Nancy isn’t alone in her quest for equality. Jackie Cochran, a formidable aviatrix and Nancy’s rival, has her own dreams and ambitions for women in aviation. As they both navigate the turbulent skies of a nation at war, their destinies intertwine in a story of rivalry, respect, and competition.

My Review:

Nancy Harkness Love was a remarkable woman and an aviation pioneer of her day. I enjoyed reading the story of her love for piloting and her love of her country. These two things combined to help Mrs. Love create the Women’s Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron that tremendously aided combat pilots in WWII. Author Heather B. Moore’s research into the life of Nancy Love and other brave women showed me things I never knew about women in this capacity of the war and this organization.

I appreciated the determination and drive that Mrs. Love had for helping the pilots receive the planes they needed for combat. She never backed down to the men who were in charge of the troops. She also never gave up in helping and seeing women fly aircraft in a male dominated field. If you like history and learning about women in WWII this is a book you will enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own with no obligation to write a review.

Friday, August 23, 2024

The Enchanting of Miss Elliot

About the Book

Book: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot (Aprons and Veils: Book Three)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: July 29, 2024

She thought he was her forever—he had other plans.

Of all the dares Lorna Elliot had accepted, becoming a Harvey Girl waitress was by far the dumbest—and she’d pulled some pretty foolhardy antics. Her back was sore. Her feet were swollen. And she had done it to herself in a fit of pique over a Texas Ranger who was mooning over another woman. Lorna had longed for distraction at the time, but after weeks of training, she might keel over and die in the middle of the dining room floor with a plate of apple pie in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other. But, she’s an Elliot. And Elliot’s never quit. The only thing she’d ever quit was attempting to win Ranger Reid and now that he’s the new sheriff in her hometown, it’s going to be impossible for her to move on unless she takes control of her heart—for better, or for worse.

Sheriff Reid had never wanted to settle down until he had fallen hard for a runaway mail-order bride turned Harvey Girl who chose another. When news of an outlaw’s escape lands on his desk, he eagerly rides out in pursuit all the way to Topeka and overhears the outlaw’s plans that revolve around the wealthy Elliot family and their daughter, Lorna. It’s up to Reid to see his childhood friend safe . . . despite Lorna insisting that she can protect herself without him.

Click here to get your copy!

My Review:

Lorna Elliot is not one to pass up a dare, so when her brother lays down a challenge to get a job as a Harvey Girl, Lorna throws all of her energy and efforts into doing just that. She is determined to prove herself while at the same time trying to forget her longtime crush, Gaston Reid.

I love how Gaston reenters Lorna’s life when a very real and dangerous threat to her safety causes them to be with each other quite a bit. The slow development of the romance is one that I enjoy and things get flipped on their side when the two of them are together.

Things to enjoy:

danger
outlaws
Gaston’s protection
almost kisses
beach adventures
cliff walks
skunks

One of my favorite quotes:

“His heart recognized her as everything that was beautiful in his life.”

While this is the third book in the Aprons and Veils series, it can be read as a standalone. I think you, as a reader, would enjoy reading the other two books as well.

I received a complimentary copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, True Colors, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.

More from Grace

Q & A with Grace Hitchcock

Q: What is your favorite trope to read? Which of your books have that trope?

To name a few, I love stories about marriage of convenience, fake dating, mail-order brides, runaway brides, and enemies to lovers. In my books, I do have some of those tropes, but I adjust them to fit my story

My Harvey Girl books by tropes:

Runaway Bride: The Finding of Miss Fairfield

Mail-Order Bride: The Pursuit of Miss Parish

Friends to Lovers/Fake Dating: The Enchanting of Miss Elliot

I’d love to write an enemies-to-lovers trope in the future!

Q: Have you ever been asked to spice up, or down, a kissing scene? How did you do it?

For my May release, To Catch a Coronet, the editor challenged me to make the kissing scene longer and more romantic. Haha it took me my entire writing session that day to make the short scene two paragraphs longer in order to make the kissing more swoon-worthy, while still staying true to the level of affection I have in my books. With that critique in mind, I attempted to add a bit more “swoon” in The Enchanting of Miss Elliot as well.

Q: What historical novel has most impacted you? How?

Grace: I feel like every season, there is a novel that touches me. The one that stuck the longest has to be Tracie Peterson’s Westward Chronicles (a Harvey Girl series). They are moving, unique tales that inspired me to write my own Harvey Girls series! I re-read the Westward Chronicles every few years.

Q: How does your faith integrate into your writing in practical ways?

Grace: No matter how subtle my theme or short the verses, my stories will always point the reader to the Lord. Usually, whatever I am personally learning spiritually while writing impacts my heroine/hero in some way.

For The Enchanting of Miss Elliot, the heroine, a firm believer, is despairing that God will not give her the desires of her heart and sets out to find a new future and a re-directing of her heart. It’s a very realistic struggle, and the reader can see through the story the beauty of trusting God in our daily walk and with our biggest dreams.

Q: What’s your life like outside of writing?

Grace: Besides reading at least one to two books a week, I love to take long walks to the park with my family, exercise on my bike, plan the family’s next travel adventure, and try new baking challenges. As a wife and mama of three, I usually have some happy recipients for the new recipe.

Q: Will there be more Harvey Girl books from you?

Grace: Yes! I am currently working on Book Four in the Aprons & Veils series, The Vanishing of Miss Victoria. It will release mid-2025.

About The Vanishing of Miss Victoria:

Love got her into this mess—never loving again would get her out.

Corinna Victoria Roberts had never been lucky—not in her choice of husband, or her lot in life after the man she’d eloped with had promptly abandoned her, taking her gold and jewels with him. When her husband’s thieving, lawless relatives show up at her door announcing his death and demanding that her late father’s restaurant empire be signed over to them, her life is in danger. She flees to take a position no one expects of her—as a Harvey Girl waitress in New Mexico.

Tanner Sterling has hunted his last bounty. As the new foreman on his friend’s ranch, he wasn’t expecting to rescue a Harvey Girl from a raging river his first day. He is intrigued by the shy beauty and becomes friends with Corinna over many meals at the Harvey House. But, when a picture of her on a wanted poster with a massive bounty arrives in Tanner’s mail, everything he knows about Corinna shifts. If he doesn’t claim the bounty on her head, he knows far less honorable men who would love to ride off with the stunning Harvey Girl. Despite wanting to hang up his past along with his gun belt, Tanner will do anything to protect Corinna from the coming storm.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 16

Pens Pages & Pulses, August 16

Melissa’s Bookshelf, August 17

Karen Baney Reviews, August 17

Bizwings Book Blog, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 18

Texas Book-aholic, August 19

Devoted To Hope, August 19

lakesidelivingsite, August 20

Hannahbandanarama, August 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Books You Can Feel Good About, August 22

Betti Mace, August 23

Book Looks by Lisa, August 23

Simple Harvest Reads, August 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, August 24

Jeanette’s Thoughts, August 25

Mary Hake, August 25

Connie’s History Classroom, August 26

Labor Not in Vain, August 27

Cover Lover Book Review, August 28

Holly’s Book Corner, August 28

Pause for Tales, August 29

Lights in a Dark World, August 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving to two winners an autographed copy of The Pursuit of Miss Parish each!!

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/2ddaa/the-enchanting-of-miss-elliot-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Dreams on the Horizon

About the Book

Book: Dreams on the Horizon

Author:Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 25, 2024

Can love overcome all obstacles?

Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. What will become of the children who attend the school and the employees who so tirelessly commit their time and resources? Mae questions why God would allow the closing of a school that has been the lifeline for so many young pupils. And what of her dream that no child should endure being ostracized as she once was?

Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders. He’s observed and even assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he begins to fall in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. Will Landon heed his father’s strict demands or is there another way to build the spur and save the school?

When a nefarious character with vengeful intent threatens Mae, will Landon intervene before it’s too late and save the woman who has claimed his heart?

My Review:

A story set in the west with a teacher as one of the main characters is a story that always catches my attention. Ms. Zeller’s telling of the conflict of the railroad and the changes that it brings to small towns was well researched and makes an interesting story.

I enjoyed the love story of Mae and Landon as they navigate their relationship through misunderstandings and family expectations. It took great courage for Landon to talk with his parents about difficult subjects, but I am glad he respectfully stood up for what was right and what he wanted.

Things to enjoy:

danger

different socioeconomic classes

family

strong faith

shoo-fly cake

adoption

fun secondary characters

This is the second book of four in the Horizon series, but can be read as a standalone of you so choose. Readers young and mature alike will find this to be a great book to read.

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

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith, love, and humor and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. While she has had a love for writing since childhood, she began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. She is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, reading, running, and playing volleyball. Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers.

More from Penny

Enjoy this peek inside the first chapter of Dreams on the Horizon:

Sometimes the Lord answered multiple prayers all at once.

Mae Shepherdson faced her pupils and, using sign language, dismissed them from class and promised to see them early tomorrow morning.

The students signed back to her and Mae thought her heart would explode.

Her charges were learning.

And she was making a difference.

Each student had a different story. From the ones who came from a supportive and caring home; to the ones who’d been mistreated or were orphans; from those who struggled to learn to those who eagerly embraced every lesson; from the youngest to the oldest, and all those in between…all were thriving under the dedicated tutelage of Mr. and Mrs. Eddington and the Horizon School for the Deaf.

Mae’s heart warmed as she watched as the children bounded from their desks, waved, and one by one, left the classroom. All except Polly, whom Mae had asked to stay after class.

Polly remained at her desk, smiling as she drummed her fingers on the worn-out wood, causing a tap-tapping vibration.

Mae reached inside her own desk and retrieved a wrapped parcel before walking to Polly’s desk. “For you,” she signed.

Polly’s brown eyes lit and she reached for the parcel, opening it with all the enthusiasm a six-year-old could muster. Pulling out the dress, she stood and held it against herself for size.

The dress Mama made would fit perfectly.

Polly wrapped her thin arms around Mae’s neck. She then stepped back, brought her hand to just below her mouth, and signed, “Thank you.” Before allowing Mae a chance to respond, Polly scuttled from the classroom, and Mae knew the little girl would barely reach her room before trying on the dress.

God had answered Mae’s prayers in so many ways. He’d blessed her with a family who loved her; He’d led her to teach at the Horizon School for the Deaf; and He’d allowed her to do something big for the least of these.