About:
Pause for Tales
Sunday, September 8, 2024
My Thoughts on So True a Love by Joanna Barker
My Thoughts and More on Libby's Lighthouse by Susan G. Mathis
About the Book
Book: Libby’s Lighthouse
Author: Susan G Mathis
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: July 16, 2024
When a lighthouse keeper’s daughter finds a mysterious sailor with amnesia, the secrets she uncovers may change her life forever.
Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her mother, on her deathbed, reveals a long-buried secret. Now Elizabeth’s world has been turned upside down, making her question if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing young sailor appears on her shore, wounded and disoriented, she finds purpose in helping him recover. Although the man knows nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. If only she knew his full name.
When Owen awakes on the shore of Lake Ontario with no knowledge of who he is, or where he was headed when his ship wrecked, he has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. But as Owen works to repay their kindness, and his relationship with Libby turns into something more, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past.
With each passing day, Owen inches closer to discovering the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts:
Libby is the lightkeeper's daughter and she shares her home with the family she loves so very much. Unfortunately, her mother on her death bed shared a devastating secret to Libby. One that has Libby questioning who she is and coloring her past, present, and future with plenty of unknowns. She knows one thing for sure, she loves the lighthouse and working with her Papa and brother.
Lighthouses were built to save people and on one such day Libby finds an injured man. Owen is his name. At least he can remember his first name even if he cannot remember anything else about himself. As Owen heals, he struggles with his memory and when it will come back, he is also falling in love with Libby. Is he even free to do that?
This was a sweet romance of learning who you are, not letting your past define you and embracing the future with all the hope that you can. All of this takes place against the backdrop of the lighthouse that stands strong even in the worst of storms. Symbolic I think for the familial love in this story.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, two children’s picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Northern Virginia and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to enjoy the Thousand Islands.
More from Susan
A Character Interview with Libby, the heroine in Libby’s Lighthouse.
Good day, Libby! Thank you for taking the time to sit down with me. Could you please share a little about yourself?
Good day to you as well! My real name is Elizabeth Eliza, but I’ve always gone by Libby. I’m twenty years old, born on February 2, 1874. I must say, my journey through life has been quite an interesting one so far.
I hear you’ve been raised as a proper upper-class woman. Could you elaborate on that?
Certainly! My mother was well-educated and came from an upper-class background. She passed on her knowledge to me, teaching me etiquette, manners, and all the skills expected of a lady in society. I’ve learned to sew my own clothes, play the piano, and entertain guests with grace. But I haven’t always been ladylike, and that vexed my mother something fierce.
Your desire for family and a sense of belonging is quite strong. Can you tell me more about that?
Above all else, I long for a sense of family and belonging. Before my mother died, she revealed to me a terrible secret. I’ve kept this knowledge a secret from my father, as I’m unsure of how he would react. That uncertainty, combined with my fear of always being alone, fuels my desire for a family of my own.
How has your faith has been shaken after learning about your true heritage?
The secret has shaken the foundation of what I believed to be true about myself and my identity. It made me question my place in the world and my connection to my family. It’s been a struggle to reconcile this new information with my faith, but I’m working through it, hoping to find a sense of peace and acceptance.
Can you share more about your love for poetry and playing the piano.?
Oh, how I adore poetry and music! Poetry has a way of touching my heart, making me laugh or cry, and connecting me to the deepest emotions. I’ve memorized many beautiful poems over the years, and they bring me great joy to recite and share. As for the piano, it’s as if my fingers dance across the keys, expressing emotions that words alone cannot convey. It’s a form of artistic expression that brings me immense fulfillment.
Thanks for stopping by, Libby. It was great getting to know you!
Blog Stops
Life on
Chickadee Lane, August 27
Pens
Pages & Pulses, August 27
Inspired
by Fiction, August 28
lakesidelivingsite,
August 28
Babbling Becky L’s Book
Impressions, August 29
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, August 30
Lighthouse
Academy Blog, August 31 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)
Bizwings Book
Blog, September 1
Locks, Hooks
and Books, September 2
Becca Hope: Book Obsessed,
September 2
Stories By Gina,
September 3 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic,
September 3
Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy, September 4
Devoted
To Hope, September 5
Happily
Managing a Household of Boys, September 6
Holly’s Book
Corner, September 6
For Him and My
Family, September 7
Cover
Lover Book Review, September 8
Pause for
Tales, September 8
Connie’s
History Classroom, September 9
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package 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/00adcf5425
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
My Thoughts and More on Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus
Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Hidden Secrets Between Them by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Hidden Secrets Between ThemSunday, September 1, 2024
My Thoughts on Between the Sound and Sea by Amanda Cox
About:
Amanda Cox is the Christy Award-winning author of The Edge of Belonging, The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, and He Should Have Told the Bees. She holds a bachelor's degree in Bible and theology and a master's degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. Her studies and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that connect emotionally with readers. She lives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with her husband and their three children. Learn more at AmandaCoxWrites.com.
My Thoughts and More on The Fugitive Search by Dana Mentink
About the Book
Book: Fugitive Search (Security Hounds Book 2)
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Christian Fiction
Release date: August 20, 2024
A murderer out for revenge…
who is closer than they think.
When the man who killed her father is finally arrested, Catherine Hart thinks it’s safe to come out of hiding…until he escapes and abducts her. But private investigator Garrett Wolfe and his tracking dog rescue her just in time. Now they must work together to escape the criminal on their heels, find Catherine’s kidnapped uncle and stop her sister from walking straight into the fugitive’s path. But when their search yields more questions, can Catherine and Garrett survive the terrifying truth?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts:
Catherine and her family have been haunted and stalked by the death of her father and by his murderer for ten long years. Garrett has had guilt for just as long for not believing Catherine and her sister and the suspect's escape under his watch. But now, he has been caught so maybe Catherine and her family can have a normal life. Not so fast.
Catherine is even in more danger now than she knew. Her family having already been ripped to shreds is about to be again. Can she forgive Garrett and let him and his loveable bloodhound help her stay safe and find her family? There is a lot of danger and suspense in this story, not to mention the shocking twists the author takes us down.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
About the Author
More from Dana
After dreaming up Wally, the supremely naughty bloodhound, in book one of the Security Hounds series, I didn’t think the next fictional dog could possibly compete in the personality department. Surprise! Pinkerton, the stalwart bloodhound companion to Garrett Wolfe, scrambled onto the scene and into my heart. His faithful dedication and selflessness make up for the streams of slobber he leaves everywhere. He’s also instrumental in solving the latest case complete with twists, turns, and an ending you won’t see coming. (I hope!)
Enjoy this next installment in the series and look out for more bloodhounds in the next three books!
Blog Stops
Babbling Becky L’s Book
Impressions, August 20
Lily’s Corner,
August 20
The
Avid Reader, August 21
She
Lives To Read, August 21
Life on
Chickadee Lane, August 22
Book
Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 22
Devoted
To Hope, August 23
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, August 23
Stories By Gina,
August 24
Texas Book-aholic,
August 24
Locks, Hooks
and Books, August 25
Betti Mace,
August 26
EmpowerMoms,
August 26
Happily
Managing a Household of Boys, August 27
Blogging With
Carol, August 27
Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy, August 28
Because I
said so- adventures in parenting, August 29
Simple Harvest
Reads, August 29 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My
Family, August 30
Blossoms
and Blessings, August 31
Labor Not in
Vain, August 31
Holly’s Book
Corner, September 1
Pause for
Tales, September 1
A Good
Book and Cup of Tea, September 2
Lights
in a Dark World, September 2
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a signed 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/00adcf5419
Thursday, August 29, 2024
My Thoughts and More on The Enchanting of Miss Elliot by Grace Hitchcock
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 Thoughts:
I have really been caught up in this series, and this third book focuses on Gaston Reid, once ranger and now sheriff, and the woman who has loved him since she was a girl, Lorna Elliot. Reid is still smarting that the woman he fell for in the second book, Belle, married someone else. But Belle and her husband's past and evil family have escaped and are coming for vengeance. Reid knows at once they are coming for Lorna. So, he sets himself up to be her personal guard.
Poor Lorna is trying to move on with her love life as a Harvey girl, especially since Reid has never shown any interest in her anyway. So, why is he so intent on being the one to protect her, and only him? And when Reid realizes he is in love with Lorna, hold on to your hats. This was a fun, swoony read full of danger and unrequited love and so many almost kisses that had me grinning from ear to ear. I so enjoyed the story of Lorna and Reid. This can be read as a standalone, but the whole series is really great to dive into.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
About the Author
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
Sunday, August 25, 2024
My Thoughs and More on Joann by Donna Jo Stone
About the Book
Book: Joann: Apron Strings Book FiveAuthor: Donna Jo Stone
Genre: Inspirational Historical (1960s) Romance
Release date: May 15, 2024
Twenty-four-year-old Joann Kincaid’s life ambition is to one day run the family’s general store in Pecan Grove, Louisiana. It’s 1965 and the times may be a-changing, but Joann’s father is stubbornly hanging on to old-fashioned views about what he wants for his daughter. She’s just as determined to prove she’s a capable businesswoman.
In the past, she entertained romantic dreams alongside her vision for the store but discarded those notions when her high school sweetheart, Nathan, left for college. Now he’s back to reestablish his family’s farm—and a relationship with Joann. She still loves him but isn’t sure she can trust him.
As the conflict in Vietnam escalates, there’s a real possibility Nathan could be drafted. Should Joann pursue her lifelong dream to continue her family’s legacy? Or give Nathan a chance to prove he’ll be her true and committed love before it’s too late for them?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts:
The year is 1965 and Joann has a lot of decisions to make. The country is at war, her sister is getting married, and her father still doesn't trust her business sense in running the family store. Poor Joann has run herself ragged trying to show she is capable of taking over the store one day. However, she wrestles with some self-confidence and doubt especially when things become complicated and some of life's decisions are out of her control.
Then there is Nathan, her love. He is back from college to help run his family farm, and he is back for Joann. But Joann is having trouble trusting him when he says he is back for her. After all, he didn't want anything serious while he was in college and now, he is hitting at marriage. Where does this leave Joann? Will she ever be able to live out one of her dreams? I felt for her as she struggled, like a lot of women to be her own self while still wanting to have a marriage. Or will the war decide for her? Like Joann, do we really have any control at all?
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
About the Author
More from Donna
Joann: Apron Strings Book 5 is part of the Apron Strings series, a multi-author project. When Jenny Knipfer, the organizer behind the project, approached me about joining the lineup of authors, I was immediately intrigued. An old cookbook passed down each decade to a new character? Small towns? Romance? Sign me up!
The books in this inspirational series are connected by one single cookbook, Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, as it passes from character to character. The cookbook contains more than recipes. Through time, women have penned encouraging words, quotes, and scriptures in the margins. There are eleven books in the Apron Strings series—one for every decade from 1920 to 2020. My novel, Joann, takes place in the 1960s.
One of Joann’s specialties is a popular 60s favorite, Jello with Dream Whip. No recipe needed there. Joann uses recipes from Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, but she would’ve relied on a cake mix every now and then, such as in the recipe at this link, Joann’s Easy Blueberry Pound Cake. https://donnajostone.wordpress.com/2024/04/24/from-the-apron-strings-kitchen-joanns-easy-blueberry-pound-cake/
Another name for this should be Disappearing Blueberry Pound Cake, because that’s what happens when I make it! This cake has become a family favorite. As far as how Joann’s cooking attempts using Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book come out, you’ll have to read the novel to see. In the back of my novel there’s another recipe, one that would’ve appeared in Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book. All of the Apron Strings books have a recipe or two (or more) in the back.
Parts of Joann’s story are fun and lighthearted, but she also faces serious issues during uncertain times. I hope readers enjoy reading Joann, but also hope they come away from her story with a deeper understanding of the comfort that comes from trusting God with the future.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s
Dusty Deliberations, August 14
Stories By Gina,
August 15 (Author Interview)
Mornings
at Character Cafe, August 15
Texas Book-aholic,
August 16
Simple Harvest
Reads, August 17 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks
and Books, August 18
For the
Love of Literature, August 19 (Author Interview)
Happily
Managing a Household of Boys, August 20
Tell Tale Book
Reviews, August 21 (Author Interview)
Connie’s
History Classroom, August 22
Blossoms
and Blessings, August 23 (Author Interview)
She
Lives To Read, August 24
A Modern Day Fairy
Tale, August 25 (Author Interview)
Pause for
Tales, August 25
Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy, August 26
Guild Master,
August 27 (Author Interview)
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Donna is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!
(Paperback for a US winner only. eBook if winner is international)
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/2dda6/joann-celebration-tour-giveaway
My Thoughts on So True a Love by Joanna Barker
About: Danger and passion collide when a plucky young woman becomes embroiled in a Bow Street investigation alongside a handsome officer. ...
-
Cancelled Vows Cancelled Vows by Lauren Carr is the second book of hers I have read. This is the first time I have met Mac F...
-
Join us for this tour from Feb 22 to Mar 5, 2021! Book Details: Book Title : BE A SUPERHERO IN THE KITCHEN by Donna Glass Category : C...
-
About the Book Book: Love’s True Home Author: Lori DeJong Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance Release date: June 25, 2024 She craves...