Review: An Engagement of Sorts by Alene Wecker

 

About:

Much to her mother's dismay, spirited Anne Fletcher spent her youth seeking her father's approval by hunting and riding. More comfortable in breeches than ball gowns, Anne sees the freedoms she once enjoyed slowly taken from her in the name of fashioning her into an eligible young lady. When her parents try to force her into marriage, Anne makes a desperate attempt to salvage her last vestige of independence. If she is to marry, she will do so on her own terms.

Anne strikes a deal: if she cannot secure a man for herself, she will agree to marry the husband her parents approved. She soon finds herself in the last place she would ever choose―that stifling parade of etiquette, the London Season. Anne's plan is in motion. Now all she needs is a man willing to masquerade as her fiancé.

My Thoughts:

This was a uniquely different, surprising, and very romantic regency tale of a young woman, Anne, who is trying to survive her family and society. Feeling out of place and out of step with everyone else, including her family, Anne just wants to live out her life as a spinster and an adoring Aunt. However, her mother, who seemed very harsh to me, wants her married quickly and out of her hair. Suddenly she is faced with the reality that the vicar, her friend, asks her parents to marry her. As much as Anne cares for Will, she does not love him in that way. 

She comes up with another plan. She is plans to find her own gentleman while she is away in London. Anne does not have much time just a few weeks at the most.

There is an aggravating and handsome man who seems to like to provoke her.  She does enjoy their camaraderie and in a time of need he concocts a plan to help her. Especially to save her from a snake parading around as a gentleman. The more he threatens the more she and Thomas must stop his machinations. All the while masquerading as though they are engaged and in love.

I really enjoyed this romance and Thomas and Anne's back and forth quips were so fun to read. Anne was constantly surprising Thomas with her genuineness and Thomas could not help but fall in love. But theirs's is a road filled with many people getting in their way, even themselves.

I received 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:

Alene Wecker writes because her favorite authors—Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer—haven’t published anything new in ages! Alene graduated from Brigham Young University with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, though she rarely uses her degree. She likes to tell herself her education comes in handy as she describes debutantes who, like herself, are frequently forced to display their mediocre skills at the piano-forte. When she’s not writing or mothering her six children, she is usually reading, or can sometimes be found singing with Utah Symphony/Utah Opera. She also enjoys traveling and learning new languages. Some of her favorite haunts include: Berlin, Brașov, Bucharest, Budapest, London, Maui, New York City, Oahu, Paris, Rome, San Diego, Vancouver, and Venice.

Website: AleneWecker.com

Facebook: @authoralene

Instagram: @authoralene

Amazon kindle: getbook.at/EngagementofSorts

signup for Alene's newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com...

Review: Love and the Silver Lining by Tammy L. Gray

 

About:

This disaster may be just what she needed.

Darcy Malone's dreams of mission work are dashed on the eve of fulfilling them: The Guatemalan school she was going to teach at has closed, and she's already quit her job and given up her apartment. Stuck in her worst-case scenario, Darcy accepts an unexpected offer to move in with Bryson Katsaros's little sister, despite the years of distrust between her and Bryson, the lead singer in her best friend Cameron's band. But as she meets those close to Bryson, Darcy quickly discovers there is more to him than just his bad-boy persona.

Needing to find a purpose for all her sudden free time, Darcy jumps at the chance to care for and train a group of unruly dogs, with the aim of finding each a home before their bereaved owner returns them to animal control. But it's Darcy herself who will encounter a surprising rescue in the form of love, forgiveness, and learning to let go.

My Thoughts:

This was a beautiful story of when dreams and plans don't work out, because there is something much better and I mean so much better for you. To quote the song "when all else is sinking sand" and your world shifts underneath you, it may be the end of a dream. But hold on because most likely something else so unbelievable is going to happen.

That is how I felt with this whole story. And rather fitting as well considering the past year and a half. Darcy is hurting as her dreams of being a missionary have collapsed along with Darcy still trying to come to terms with her parent's divorce. Everything she believed in and put faith in on this earth for 29 years was turned upside down with just a few words. I understood how she felt. How much of her life was a lie? And the One she should have been turning to, the One who never changes or breaks a promise, well she stayed as far away from that relationship as she could.

Enter a surprising friendship and whirlwind romance that completely catches Darcy off guard. But she has some tough decisions to make and more changes probably in store for her to keep from losing the love of her life. Is she brave enough to do it and face the unforgiveness and anger she harbors as well? 

I also enjoyed Darcy's job of helping five abused dogs regain their lives back and be adopted into forever homes with people who understood them and would finally care for them.

This is my new favorite story by author Gray. I could not sleep, eat, or do much of anything till I could finish this story that pulled me in and would not let go. More please.

I received 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:

Tammy L. Gray (www.tammylgray.com) lives in the Dallas area with her family, and they love all things Texas. Her nine modern and true-to-life contemporary romances include the 2017 RITA Award-winning My Hope Next Door. When not taxiing her three kids to various events, Tammy can be spotted crunching numbers as the financial administrator at her hometown church.

Review and Two Giveaways: Husband Auditions by Angela Ruth Strong

 

About:

How far would you go to find the perfect husband? All the way back to the 1950s?

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she's handed a strange present at the latest wedding--a 1950s magazine article of "ways to get a husband"--she decides there's nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can't get any more single, can she?

Her brother's roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love--Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it's an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she's looking for . . .

With droll comic timing, unbeatable chemistry, and a zany but relatable cast of characters, Angela Ruth Strong has created a heartfelt look at the reality of modern Christian dating that readers will both resonate with and fall for.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely enjoyed this story. I haven't read a book in a long time that has had me laughing out loud like this one. And I am not sure I have ever read a book that had me laughing this much while reading.

Meri is the last of her friends who is single. At thirty-one and a bridesmaid once again, she is feeling pretty down. Also she has to move in with her brother and his roommates for awhile. While her brother goes on an adventure, she will be living with Kai and Gemma. Gemma is absolutely gorgeous and the girl every guy wants and Kai lives like he is a perpetual college student. Actually he is a cameraman and he is looking for an idea for his demo video to be a hit on social media and get noticed by some big film makers.

Kai gets an idea from Meri when she is bemoaning the gift the bride bestowed upon her. It is a 1950's list from a magazine on how to snag a husband. He decides to film Meri doing the things on the list. After he finally convinces her, the hilarity ensues. Not only that but both Meri and Kai's feeling towards each other ever so subtlety change. But are they right for one another?

This was a delightful rom-com of silly shenanigan's and the truth of true love and what it just might take to have a happily ever after. We get both Kai's and Meri's viewpoints and I thought they would absolutely be perfect for one another. Swoony and fun, I can't recommend this read enough.

I received 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:

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there's nothing else she'd rather write about.

She is the author of the Resort to Love series and the CafFUNated mysteries. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. Finding Love in Big Sky was recently filmed on location in Montana and will air soon. Her latest release is Husband Auditions.

Strong also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho and teaches as an expert online at Write That Book.

Learn more at www.angelaruthstrong.com, and follow her on Facebook (Angela Ruth Strong Fan Page), Twitter (@AngelaRStrong), and Instagram (@ang_strong). 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Giveaway #2:

Husband Auditions Book Launch (mailchi.mp)

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Trail to Forgiveness by Cheri Swalwell

 

About the Book

 

Book:  Trail to Forgiveness

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Women’s Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: March 9, 2021

Even though he knew most of the pictures and accusations were planted, and false, people’s perceptions of what happened is what would decide Jace’s fate, not the facts themselves.

When it comes to dating, Holly has never settled…and she’s not going to start now with something as important as marriage. Jace lives with the weight of failing his wife, Simone, and refuses to repeat history. So, when Holly and Jace tentatively move toward a dating relationship, they know it won’t be as easy the second time around.

Rumors and lies about an affair spread in the church which could jeopardize Jace’s career and their reputations. In the midst of their own problems, they discover an even bigger threat trying to destroy the youth group.

What happens when evil is allowed to spread unchecked? It takes the skills of an undercover cop to reveal the sinister plot seeking to gain control of the entire church.

Will Holly and Jace find God’s trail to forgiveness…or are some actions deemed unforgiveable?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, step out with Trail to Forgiveness, Book 3 of The Redemption of Green Pines series today…to find out if Jace’s career and their love can survive.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

After reading the second in this series, Journey Back Home, I had very mixed feelings on the story as a whole and continuing the series. I wanted to see where this journey would lead and see if my feelings would change. 

There is a lot of emotion packed into this book. Jace has begun dating Holly less than year after his wife's death. No one is really happy with their decision, except for maybe his four kids. But his church family and his family and his late wife Simone's family is not happy at all. And that is probably an understatement. While the church is going down a road of judgmental righteousness and holier than thou attitudes, there is something sinister, lurking and happening among the youth in the youth group. 

When Jace and Holly marry everything comes to a head. There is a lot of good lessons to pull from this story. Author Swalwell is a gifted writer and certainly knows how to put her characters and reader through an emotional experience with redemption in the end.

My thoughts and feelings are still pretty much the same. I am glad that Jace has grown and is learning from his mistakes. The tragic loss of his wife Simone is still affecting him and I think the way he treated her in her last weeks of life will continue to serve as a reminder to treat Holly and his children more carefully. It is certainly not a shadow I would want or wish on anyone. I still feel for Simone being the momma that felt all alone.

There is a bonus little story at the end that is the first Christmas Holly and Jace celebrate as husband and wife. 

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

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. If you want to sign up to her newsletter to stay updated on all the latest news, you will also receive a free gift as her way of saying thanks for joining! To read one of her many articles on life from a Christian perspective, visit her blog at www.cheriswalwell.com. She loves to interact with her readers, so send her an email at clSwalwell99@gmail.com. You can “like” her on Facebook as well here or join Heart Speaks with Cheri Swalwell, a private Facebook group where we encourage each other and share life together.

 

More from Cheri

Journey Back Home, Book 2 in The Redemption of Green Pines, was supposed to be a stand alone book. When I finished writing it, I realized there was so much more to the community of Green Pines, and also so much more to Holly. Who was Holly? Why was she able to help Jace through his grief? What brought her to Green Pines?

As a result, I wrote a prequel to Journey Back Home, sharing with readers Holly’s story which became Book 1, Adventure’s Invitation. That book shares the backstory of Holly and her family and I highly recommend reading it. It will make Trail to Forgiveness, Book 3 in The Redemption of Green Pines, that much more meaningful when you get to spend more time with Holly’s family!

Trail to Forgiveness picks up literally two hours after Journey Back Home ends. God unfolded the storyline as I was writing it. While Jace and Holly are busy dealing with false rumors and a church that wants to fire him, Noah and his friends are dealing with members of the youth group who are out to get them too. Thankfully, though, Officer Dave, now a new believer, sticks around and helps Jace and Paul uncover what’s happening. It’s not what you think … but worse!

Also in Trail to Forgiveness, we get to discover more about the foursome who works for Holly, former youth group members of Jace: Addie, her best friend Wynn, Zane and his sidekick Owen. Not only are there secrets circulating in the youth group, but Wynn has some strong secrets of her own.

Pre-order Book 4, Road to Freedom, to discover what secrets Wynn’s been hiding from Holly, her mentor, as well as her friends. Is Zane hiding something from Wynn also?

There is so much more to discover about the community of Green Pines. I hope you enjoy getting to know them as much as I do!

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, August 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 18

For Him and My Family, August 19

deb’s Book Review, August 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 21

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 22

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 23

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 24

Susan K. Beatty, Author, August 25 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 25

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 26

Pause for Tales, August 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $20 Amazon gift card!!

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/112e2/trail-to-forgiveness-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Lethal Cover-Up by Darlene L. Turner

 

About the Book

Book:  Lethal Cover-Up

Author: Darlene L. Turner

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: July 27, 2021

 

Some secrets are dangerous…

But uncovering the truth could be deadly.

Border patrol officer Madison Steele knows her sister Leah’s fatal car crash was no accident. Someone’s willing to kill to cover up a pharmaceutical company’s deadly crime of distributing tainted drugs. Now they are after Madison to tie off loose ends. But with her high school sweetheart, Canadian police constable Tucker Reed, at her side, can Madison expose the company’s deadly plan before she becomes the next victim?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Wow! Some evil people will stop at nothing to keep their money flow going and their secrets hidden. No matter if innocents are dying. They will threaten anyone to keep the truth of their evil from coming into the light.

This is where Madison Steele, a border patrol officer finds herself. Her sister had a secret that she was going to expose on the pharmaceutical company she worked for. And it cost her her life. Madison is bound and determined to find out what that was and continue her sister's mission. Expose them. Even if it means working with her once upon a time sweetheart, police officer Tucker Reed.

However, now they have a bull's eye on them as they try to get to the bottom of this medicine and root out the ones that are behind pushing it on an unsuspecting populace.

This was an eye-opening story of medicine and money and those who make a profit no matter how many people are hurt. It certainly is an edge of your seat read.

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

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders.

 

More from Darlene

The Hidden Staircase, The Secret of the Old Clock, The Sign of the Twisted Candles—these were just some of my favorite Nancy Drew books. I couldn’t get enough of them growing up! My family often saw me with my nose stuck in one of Nancy’s many tales. When I was finished with those, I’d sneak my brother’s Hardy Boy books and devour them too. This is where my love of writing and of a good mystery/suspense began.

Creating stories in the romantic suspense genre was a natural journey for me. I had always wanted to be a policewoman after watching Charlie’s Angels (they even kicked butt while wearing high heels…what could be better than that?!), Cagney and Lacey, Police woman, Murder She Wrote, etc. My love for all-things-mystery carried into my adult life. Who doesn’t love Sydney Bristow and Kate Beckett?

I enjoy creating strong female characters in a law enforcement role. Madison Steele fits the bill head on as she works to bring down a ruthless pharmaceutical company. While she has nerves of steel, I also wanted to make her vulnerable. In the beginning Madison loses her long-lost sister in a heart-wrenching crash. One she knows was not an accident. This thrusts her into a deadly pursuit of the perpetrators with her estranged high school sweetheart, Tucker Reed, by her side.

I wrote this book during the tough year our world faced living in the unknown. Madison and Tucker are stuck in their own fears but eventually find hope. Hope in the unknown and hope in knowing God is in control and with us—no matter the circumstances. We just need to know where to look.

I hope you enjoy reading Madison and Tucker’s story as much as I loved crafting it. I’d love to hear from you. You can contact me through my website www.darlenelturner.com and also sign up for Darlene’s Diary newsletter to receive exclusive subscriber giveaways.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 18

Lighthouse-Academy, August 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 19

Genesis 5020, August 19

Simply Susan, August 19

Texas Book-aholic, August 20

Bizwings Blog, August 20

She Lives To Read, August 21

HookMeInABook, August 21

Inklings and notions, August 22

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Betti Mace, August 23

Daysong Reflections, August 23

For the Love of Literature, August 24

deb’s Book Review, August 24

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 25

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 26

Pause for Tales, August 26

Blogging With Carol, August 26

For Him and My Family, August 27

Simple Harvest Reads, August 27 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

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

Batya’s Bits, August 28

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 29

Kayem Reads, August 29

Little Homeschool on the Prairie , August 30

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 30

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, August 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 31

Labor Not in Vain, August 31

Giveaway

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/1141b/lethal-cover-up-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Lawson's Bluff by Jeff S. Barganier

 

About the Book

Book:  Lawson’s Bluff

Author: Jeff Barganier

Genre: Contemporary action and adventure, contemporary romance

Release date: March 13, 20201

Terrorists attempt a multi-million-dollar art heist while America’s media distracts the world with stories of Alabama hunters slaughtering hogs with dogs and knives. As fearless Jack Lawson is about to catch his thousandth boar, journalist Carla Frederick arrives to cover the hunt for the LA World News. Shocked by the uncivilized Alabamians with their bulldogs and razor-sharp knives, Frederick writes a grotesque, biased story about Jack that goes viral. Belatedly, she discovers the deeper story—deeper and darker than she could have ever known. Barganier has written an unlikely love story wrapped in twisting suspense.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

If you are looking for an action thriller with lots of twists and turns, international intrigue, family drama, and a touch of romance, then this may be a book you will want to pick up.

The prologue starts in 1945, then in 2001, then jumps to 2021. I found that very interesting and I did go back and reread them during the story. Everything starts off innocently enough, sort of, when Carla Fredrick goes to write a story about Jack Lawson a hunter in Alabama who kills wild hogs with his knife. The hunt was intense and not something I would want to see in real life. Carla is biased and sends the scathing story back to LA with a not so nice caricature of Jack.

My how things change. Jack and Carla could not anticipate the attention and the danger that that story brings about. Things from the past long thought buried come to light and the real action and suspense begins. There are more dangerous creatures out in this world than wild hogs, even the one hog named Satan.

I also enjoyed big tough guy Jack and city girl Carla falling for each other.

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

A former securities broker turned writer/designer, Barganier travels far and wide upon the slightest excuse for something interesting to write about. He’s published four books and his articles on a wide variety of subjects have appeared in newspapers, magazines and on blogs. He’s travel editor for BOOM! Magazine.

 

More from Jeff

I didn’t “come up” with the idea for Lawson’s Bluff. The idea found me after I published a piece about a hunter in Georgia who hunts wild boars with dogs and a knife. Like character Jack Lawson, he never carries a gun, preferring, instead, to tackle the hog and slay it the old-fashioned way. So, as with previous novels, I didn’t write this one either. The story wrote me. I had no clue where the story was going until informed … by the story. This approach is what makes life interesting, I think. And what makes novels interesting, too—twisting action and romance in unpredictable settings.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Inklings and notions, August 16

For Him and My Family, August 17

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 18 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, August 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 20

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 21

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 22

Mary Hake, August 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 24

Blogging With Carol, August 25

Pause for Tales, August 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Jeff is giving away the grand prize package of a $100 Amazon gift card and a 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/112e0/lawson-s-bluff-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Punk's Plight by Hope A. Walter Ilustrated by Susi B. Davis

 

 

Join us for this tour from Aug 23 to Sep 10, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Triumphant Tails of Rescue Dogs: Punk's Plight by Dr. Hope A. Walter, EdD
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 5-12),  38 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book 
Publisher:  Mascot 
Release date:  Aug, 2021
Content Rating:  G.

Book Description:

This is not just another book about a dog! Meet Punk, an eight-year-old petite English Bulldog. Her life appears great right now, but it wasn't always that way. Join Punk as she recounts her story of neglect, her rescue and recovery, and her journey of learning to trust and heal again. Punk's Plight is meant to help educators, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and allies of children teach children about the difficult topic of neglect. Punk teaches that neglect may change you forever, but it does not have to stop you from living your best life.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N 
Mascot Books

My Thoughts:

Punk's Plight is a heartbreaking and a heartwarming story of an English Bulldog who finds the love of a family he always wanted.

I must admit, this story can bring on a tear or two. I can only imagine that Punk's story is a story like so many other dogs. They are very cute when they are a puppy but what some forget is that dogs do need care even when they grow up.  We see Punk's story through his eyes of his first family's love, then their neglect, his time in a rescue shelter, and then his journey to his forever home.

This would be a great story to read to kids who really want a puppy to explain to them the responsibilities of owning a dog. The art is beautiful. It is done in a watercolor style. This is also a story with a deeper meaning. To help children who have also been neglected or who have gone through a bad experience that may possibly scar them. As Punk learns, not everyone is the same and some people can be trusted and will love you for you.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Meet the Author:

Hope A. Walter, Ed. D grew up in East Greenville, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Upper Perkiomen High School, Hope received her B.S. in Elementary Education at Kutztown University in 1996, her M.S. in Educational Psychology in 2002 from the University of Las Vegas in Nevada, and her Ed.D in Educational Leadership in 2018. Currently, Hope resides in McMinnville, Oregon with her husband of 25 years, her 3 boys, and her 2 dogs and 2 cats. She works as an adjunct professor at Linfield University and Oregon State University teaching mathematics education and educational psychology to future teachers.

Punk’s Plight was conceptualized after teaching future teachers about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Hope saw the connection between ACES and the journey of her own bulldog, Pumpkin, who was neglected, rescued, and spent the rest of her life learning how to trust and love again. Sadly, Pumpkin passed away peacefully in November 2020 after a long life with the Walter family. Hope wants Punk’s story to help children suffering from neglect by showing children they can recover, heal, and prosper despite experiencing neglect.

connect with the author: website ~facebook ~ instragram

Tour Schedule:

Aug 23 - Splashes of Joy  - book review / author interview / giveaway
Aug 23 - Cover Lover Book Review - book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 23 - Rockin' Book Reviews - book review / guest post / giveaway
Aug 24 - A Mama's Corner of the World - book review / giveaway
Aug 25 - Lisa Everyday Reads  - book spotlight / author interview 
Aug 26 - Pause for Tales - book review / giveaway
Aug 27 - Kam’s Place - book review 
Aug 30 - Literary Flits - book spotlight / giveaway
Aug 31 - The Momma Spot - book review / giveaway
Aug 31 - Cheryl's Book Nook - book review / giveaway
Sep 1 - icefairy's Treasure Chest - book review / giveaway
Sep 1 - Pick a Good Book - book review / author interview / giveaway
Sep 2 - I'd Rather Be At The Beach - book review / giveaway
Sep 2 - Bound 4 Escape - book review / giveaway
Sep 3 - Gina Rae Mitchell - book review / author interview / giveaway
Sep 6 - Westveil Publishing - book review / giveaway
Sep 6 - Sefina Hawke's Books - book review 
Sep 7 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review / giveaway
Sep 7 - Lisa's Reading - book review / giveaway
Sep 8 - The Adventures of a Traveler's Wife - book review / giveaway
Sep 8 - The Phantom Paragrapher - book review / giveaway
Sep 9 - Jazzy Book Reviews - book review / guest post / giveaway
Sep 9 - She Just Loves Books - book review / giveaway
Sep 10 - The Bespectacled Mother - book review / guest post / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

TRIUMPHANT TAILS OF RESCUE DOGS: Punk's Plight Book Tour Giveaway

Review: Song of Salzburg by Jen Geigle Johnson

 

About:

When talented violinist Freya Winter is chosen to take part in a musical celebration alongside some of the best instrumentalists in the world, she is thrilled. Performing in front of royalty is a breathtaking opportunity, but her true motivation for traveling to Salzburg is to fulfill an unlikely dream: to meet and train under the renowned Salzburg Maestro, a master musician shrouded in mystery.

Freya travels aboard the Orient Express to practice with the newly formed orchestra in Salzburg, and nothing can distract her―not her mother's illness, nor her father's domineering ways; however, when a handsome passenger becomes a regular fixture on her journeys, Freya feels her focus blurring. Conversation with Erich is easy, and their shared love of music draws them undeniably closer. But even as they open their hearts to each other, the harsh realities of her family life intrude on the future she’s envisioned, and Freya feels her dreams slipping through her fingers, threatening to rob her of everything she cherishes most.

My Thoughts:

What a beautiful and unique story of a young woman who is quite proficient in the violin trying to prove herself to her father and make her way in the world doing something she loves. This is Freya's last chance before her father makes her marry someone that can take over his business that he has poured himself into. Her mother is ill and needs to move and time is not on Freya's side.

Given this last chance to play in the Salzburg orchestra and be critiqued and be a possible famous Maestro, Freya puts her all into it. While on the Orient Express she meets a man by the name of Erich who is from Salzburg and knows something of the violin himself. As she travels back and forth on her time off to visit her grandmother, she and Erich become closer companions and Freya is falling in love with him.

This story was filled with music and friendship, courtship and a bit of mystery as well. Erich does not reveal all of himself to Freya and she can only guess why. But the ending is worth the journey in this very romantic story. It certainly kept me turning the pages to see Freya's love fulfilled.

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.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Fremont's Promise by Kathryn Spurgeon

 

About the Book

Book:  Fremont’s Promise

Author: Kathryn Spurgeon

Genre: Historical

Release date: March 16, 2021

 

Every time Sibyl visits her mother, she’s criticized, shamed, and leaves in tears. The only thing that can calm her is Fremont’s assurance to move them to a place they can share their faith more freely. While her emotions bounce from frustration to despair, she holds on to the belief that God can help her family.

Fremont, a former hobo, promises to find  a better paying job and spirit his wife away from this unstable family. But only God can work that miracle.

If you love family sagas and drama based on true stories, you will love this book. The 1930s and 40s were a time of difficulty but hope carried them through.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Sybil and Freemont's story continues in Freemont's Promise, and this one is rife with heartbreak and family drama. They have just lost their baby boy to illness and Sybil has a serious case of depression. She is also hurt as her fractured family- mother, father, and sisters are still their old selves and all of them are pretty much self-centered. Sybil's mom especially was a hard one and I do understand somewhat. After her divorce she hated Sybil's father and his cheating ways, but the love that she seems to withhold from Sybil and her family is unacceptable.

Freemont just wants to get his wife and children away from the toxic relationships. He wants his wife back and his children to be healthy and happy. Sybil agrees that they need to move away, she just has a hard time thinking about moving away from her family. Even though they are not really good for her, she does hope for a change.

We walk with Sybil and Freemont as they navigate the late 30's and early 40's as the entire world is also bracing for the the Second World War. Theirs was a struggle of a life held together with their faith in God, their love for one another, and their precious children.

I received 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

Kathryn Spurgeon writes FAITH STORIES FROM THE PAST or Christian historical novels with a focus on 1930s America using true events and actual locations. Award winning author, she won Illumination Award, She studied creative writing at the University of Central Oklahoma and has spoken at many women’s conferences around the world. She grew up on a farm in Oklahoma before moving to South Korea and adopting two daughters. Kathryn and her husband, Bill, have six children and thirteen grandchildren.

 

More from Kathryn

The tumultuous times of the 1930s and 40s are amazingly similar to the difficulties we face today. Read how God guided this prominent family toward greater strength and dependence on him. Based on a true story, this compelling novel is taken from handwritten biographies, personal interviews, and family research.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 9

lakesidelivingsite, August 10

Reviewingbooksplusmore, August 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 11

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 12

Connie’s History Classroom, August 13

Lighthouse Academy, August 13 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 14

Inklings and notions, August 15

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 16

Texas Book-aholic, August 17

Life of Literature, August 17

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 18

For Him and My Family, August 19

deb’s Book Review, August 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 21

Pause for Tales, August 22

Giveaway

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

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/11209/fremont-s-promise-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: The Wrangler's Ready-Made Family by Lacy Williams

 

About the Book

Book:  The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family

Author: Lacy Williams

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 10, 2021

Susie is a desperate young mother with another baby on the way. Her late husband left her nothing but his bad reputation. She has no money and is too ashamed to return home to her family. When she is trapped alone during a snowstorm with a stranger and the baby coming, her only choice is to rely on him.

Boone came west to find healing for his tuberculosis. He never expected to find himself trapped with a lost young widow. Or how fast he could fall for her and her two little ones. But it doesn’t take long for his secrets to come to light.

After everything she’s suffered in the past, can Susie ever trust another gambler?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

My Thoughts:

This was such a good old west story about troubles that a marriage of convenience could fix that turns into a true love romance. This story was about a woman who was very hurt from her late husband and left alone pregnant with a small child, estranged from her family that she really has no place to go but up hoping to start afresh in a new town. Well, life keeps throwing hurdles for Susie to jump through and she has just about reached her limit.

On the same stagecoach sits one Gil Hart who is a gambler by profession and dying from consumption. After surviving a snow storm stranded in a cave with Susie and her children, Gil comes up with a perfect plan where he doesn't have to be alone in his sickness and Susie and her babies will be provided for. He just has to convince her this is a great plan. And then both need to try very hard not to fall in love in this loveless and hopeless situation.

This was a delightful romance and I enjoyed seeing these two do just the opposite of what they had planned.

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

Lacy Williams wishes her writing career was more like what you see on Hallmark movies: dreamy brainstorming from a French chateau or a few minutes at the computer in a million-dollar New York City penthouse. In reality, she’s up before the sun, putting words on the page before her kids wake up for the day. Those early-morning and late-night writing sessions add up, and Lacy has published fifty books in almost a decade, first with a big five publisher and then as an indie author. When she needs to refill the well, you can find Lacy birdwatching, gardening, biking with the kiddos, or walking the dog. Find tons of bonus scenes and reader extras by becoming a VIP reader at www.lacywilliams.net/vip .

 

More from Lacy

The Kindness of a Stranger

I don’t know about you, but I love watching videos where something is going wrong and a stranger steps in to save the day. Dog caught in the Thames and can’t get out? Stranger wades into the water to save him. Someone in line at the grocery store and doesn’t quite have enough money for their needed groceries? Stranger steps in and pays the difference.

I have a story like that of my own. My children like to play at our neighborhood park after school pick-up. Everything seemed normal until it was just about time to go and my eight-year-old daughter walks up with a nosebleed. I haven’t carried a diaper bag in two years and I have no tissues in my purse. I’m trying to keep tabs on my four-year-old because she’s running around, oblivious to anything else going on. My two older kids are off with friends and I can’t see them but I can hear their voices nearby.

And several moms who were also watching their kids play at the park rushed over to help me. One mom had gauze in her daughter’s backpack because her daughter sometimes gets nosebleeds at school. Another mom had baby wipes so I could wipe off my daughter’s hands. Another mom rounded up my four-year-old so I didn’t have to worry about her while I was taking care of the older one. I left the park *not* in a complete panic because these moms that I don’t know took care of me. They didn’t have to. But they stepped in simply because I needed help.

That’s what happens in The Wrangler’s Ready-Made Family. After experiencing a stagecoach crash and being snowed in and stranded together, hero Gil Hart shows his true colors by helping Susie, a young mother with a baby on the way. Susie’s been burned before and this is maybe the *only* situation that would’ve allowed her to open up and see Gil for who he really is. Of course, that’s only the beginning of the story. If you’d like to give it a try, you can use Amazon’s Look Inside feature to sample the book.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, August 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 11

Books and Everyday Life, August 11

Inklings and notions, August 12

Texas Book-aholic, August 13

deb’s Book Review, August 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 14

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, August 15

For Him and My Family, August 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 17

Simple Harvest Reads, August 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, August 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 19

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, August 20

Pause for Tales, August 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 21

Labor Not in Vain, August 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 23

Giveaway

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

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/111b8/the-wrangler-s-ready-made-family-celebration-tour-giveaway