Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Review: A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel

About:

All her life, Boston-born Moira Doherty has relished her mother's descriptions of the Emerald Isle. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira is compelled to fulfill her dying wish--that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the beloved village in Donegal, Ireland, she's heard so much about.

After an arduous voyage, Moira begins a challenging new job in an unfamiliar and ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion. Rumors about Moira's mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she's journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends--and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced--as she seeks to navigate a life she'd never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.

My Thoughts:

I have never had the chance to go to Ireland but this beautiful book made me feel that I did have a little bit of a visit in 1920, without even leaving my own house. Moira has just suddenly lost her mother and her mother's dream for her was for Moira to go back to Ireland to the land her mother loved. The chance comes along with the job of the local schoolteacher.

Deciding to take this chance of a lifetime Moira steps onto the green hills of Ireland with adventure in her heart and the memories of her dear mother's blessings. Little does she know that this land has a way of hiding secrets and those secrets can be most deadly. And the people can be most stubborn.

This was a most enchanting read and the author did a great job immersing the reader in the culture, superstitions, and even the lyrical language. There was a slow burn romance and quite a few surprises along the way that absorbed this reader. There was a very strong spiritual thread throughout as well, and not at all in a preachy way.

This was my first Author Deibel story and I look forward to reading more of what she pens.

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:

Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Bookers on the Rocks by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: Bookers on the Rocks

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

If it ain’t broke, why’s she so intent on fixing it?

Tessa Booker hates romance.

For twenty-five years, Tessa Booker has insisted that romance is something Hollywood cooked up to sell books and movies. Yes, she knows the word existed before movies. She doesn’t care. That’s her story, and she’s sticking to it.

So when Ross gets a gentle nudge from Mallory Barrows to look into what Tessa’s doing every day while he’s at work, he discovers a romance in the works–one that sounds a little too “ripped from the pages” of his life!

Who is this woman, and what has she done with his wife?

Armed with advice from 101 Ways to Romance Your Wife and a copy of the manuscript he printed while she was napping, he’s determined to figure out what’s up with his wife… and if maybe a little romance wouldn’t be a good thing after all.

In a twist of the “on the rocks trope,” this book introduces the next island in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I really appreciated the subtle reminders within this story. This is a story about a married couple of some 20 plus years. They are very set in their routines so much that when something is a little bit changed they notice. They do love each other, and very much. This is not a story about straying or temptation, but what if the romance is just disappearing.

Tessa Booker is a woman who cannot stand reading romance novels of any kind. She thinks that they just set women up for some major let downs in life. I really could not connect with her and her reading preferences. I personally need romance in a book so I though she was being a little stubborn and if not childish in her thoughts of the stories.

Enter her husband Ross who seems to not be able to function when Tessa is around. What I mean is that he lets her take care of everything in the home and he doesn't know where anything is. I could definitely see why Tessa may tire of this and other deeper issues that were underlying things. But the story really gets going when Tessa decides to write her own romance and Ross doesn't know this.

He makes some pretty big blundering assumptions and a really big twist happens that throws all of them for a loop- for awhile.

The best way I can describe this book is it is about a heavy subject (one that many marriages go through) but told in a lighthearted way. At first I didn't get Tessa, then I realized Tessa could be me. This message really has made me look at my marriage just a little bit differently. It is not what romance novels always show, nor does it end once the wedding happens and the kids come and go. It is much more than those. Marriage is a covenant promise between a husband and a wife that needs to be tended and nurtured and taken care of for as long as they both shall live. It is very important. A bedrock.

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

Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

Who Needs Romance? My Marriage Is Great as It Is!

Writing a book about a couple who are in love, devoted to each other, and don’t have marriage problems is… challenging. Let’s face it. Most books about married couples, especially ones “on the rocks,” are going to have fights, an affair (at least of the emotional variety), or some big thing threatening to send them straight to divorce court.

Mine doesn’t.

In fact, Bookers on the Rocks shows what happens when couples become too comfortable in their routines—so comfortable, in fact, that they become blind to each other’s needs. If you asked Tessa Booker if anything is wrong in her marriage, she’d say no. If you asked her if she wanted anything different, she’d say no. The age old, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality.

Still, if you look at stories in Scripture, you see deep love and even romance in some places. Elkanah, who loved his wife enough to say, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” Jacob who worked fourteen years to marry the woman he loved. Solomon and his love for the Shulamite woman. While the first two do not make me squirm, Solomon does. That book… oh, that book.

What I think Song of Solomon does is remind us of the Lord’s wooing of His people and how invested the Shulamite woman was in being delighted in her beloved—in all of him. If that isn’t a picture of how we should devote ourselves to our Lord, I don’t know what is.

In Bookers on the Rocks, I explore the possibility that those of us who aren’t naturally romantic might just be missing a vital ingredient in our marriages. A body can look and feel perfectly healthy for years—even decades. But if some essential nutrient is missing in a person’s diet, eventually that body will show it in some way. A lack of calcium can create brittle bones. No one sees the problem until a slight stumble turns into a nasty break.

Did it change how I view my marriage? No… not yet. Then again, yes it did, too. I’m more… aware of what is going on in my marriage these days. I doubt candlelight and roses will ever become a thing in our relationship, but translating what romance might mean and look like to my husband has become something I do think about from time to time. That probably means more Wienerschnitzel and less broccoli, but hey. He did a lot of dishes, dinner, and diapers (my perfect three Ds of romance) when our kids were small. I can endure a hot dog or three thousand, right?

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 10

Livin’ Lit, February 10

lakesidelivingsite, February 11

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 11

She Lives to Read, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 12

Book of Ruth Ann, February 12

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 13

Rebekah Reads, February 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 14

Batya’s Bits , February 14

Inklings and notions, February 15

Simple Harvest Reads, February 15 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 16

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 16

Robin’s Nest, February 16

Lots of Helpers, February 17

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 17

Splashes of Joy, February 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 18

Artistic Nobody, February 19 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 19

For Him and My Family, February 20

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, February 20

CarpeDiem, February 20

deb’s Book Review, February 21

Connect in Fiction, February 21

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 22

Blogging With Carol, February 22

Blossoms and Blessings, February 23

Godly Book Reviews, February 23

Pause for Tales, February 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10740/bookers-on-the-rocks-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Duplicity at the Lowell House by Caryl McAdoo

About the Book

Book: Duplicity at the Lowell House

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery

Release date: January 20, 2021

There’s nothing covered that won’t be revealed.

Greed weaves a tangled web at the Lowell House in downtown Dallas, 1866, but a murderer must get up pretty early in the morning to outfox the hotel’s proprietor. With the help of his friend and former sergeant, Morgan Lowell sees through the duplicity . . . but can he prove it? And will Charity, the love of his life, ever give up her matchmaking web? Enjoy an exciting mystery.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Morgan and Charity Lowell certainly have a full life with their children, family, friends, and running their hotel. Unfortunately a murder has now happened at the Lowell House and for everyone's comfort and peace of mind they need to get to the bottom of this.

I thought this was just going to be a cozy murder mystery, another way that Charity Lowell gets into mischief, but no, and I was pleasantly surprised. Not only is Morgan's wife a gutsy want to be detective but she still finds time to be a matchmaker to the town's deputy and a dear widowed friend.

Everything flowed smoothly in the story and mystery kept me guessing. I enjoyed another seasoned romance and I do really think Charity has a gift in that direction. And the fun banter and competitive nature of her and Morgan was sweet as well.

The Lowell's certainly have a busy life and adding a murder mystery didn't slow them 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

Award-winning author Caryl McAdoo prays her story brings God glory, and her best-selling stories—over fifty published—delight Christian readers around the world. The prolific writer also enjoys singing the new songs the Lord gives her; you may listen at YouTube. Sharing four children and twenty-to-be grandsugars with Ron, high-school-sweetheart-husband of over fifty years, Caryl and Ron live in the woods south of Clarksville, seat of Red River County in far Northeast Texas. The McAdoos wait expectantly for God to open the next door.

More from Caryl

Something new for this author! I call it a historical, romantic mystery! If you’ve read QUINCY & PRISCILLA At The Lowell House, then you know a favorite couple–Morgan and Charity Lowell (book four, LEAVING TEXAS) own the hotel.

In the twelve years since they opened the Dallas hotel, there had never been a murder until—of all people—a Mister John Smith is found dead in room three-thirteen, and his clandestine demise needs to be solved posthaste.

The chief deputy sheriff in town, Tatum McCarthy, served as sergeant alongside Captain Lowell under General Henry Buckmeyer during the war, and the men remain good friends. So guess who comes to Dallas as a character witness . . . Henry! Along with his beautiful wife May Meriwether (book three HOPE REBORN) Buckmeyer!

That’s right! The patriarch of my Texas Romance Family Saga series!

What fun to discover the wonderful connection of these Texas heroes! I’ve never enjoyed anything more in my writing career than to link these two series! Cross Timbers and Texas Romances make DUPLICUITY At The Lowell House a rip-roaring good time as Charity pulls out all the stops entertaining her favorite author—other than Morgan, that is!

This first mystery will be followed by others that Morgan and Charity will work on together. I’ll promise you now, there’s no telling who might pop up when there’s a murder to be unraveled! I pray you will all enjoy the fun and seeing these characters, natural friends in early Texas, come together for new stories!

Blog Stops

Connie’s History Classroom, February 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 11

Splashes of Joy, February 12

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 12

Texas Book-aholic, February 13

Inklings and notions, February 14

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 15 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 15

For Him and My Family, February 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 17

deb’s Book Review, February 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 19

Artistic Nobody, February 20 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 22

Pause for Tales, February 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Caryl is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/10743/duplicity-at-the-lowell-house-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, February 22, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Lady Wynwood's Spies 1: Archer by Camille Elliot

About the Book

Book: Lady Wynwood’s Spies 1: Archer

Author: Camille Elliot

Genre: Christian Historical Romantic Suspense

Release date: December 8, 2020

A Christian Regency Romantic Adventure serial novel with a supernatural twist

Lady Wynwood’s Spies volume 1

She met him again by shooting him.

Part one in a Christian Regency Romantic Adventure epic serial novel with a supernatural twist. After four seasons and unmarried because she is taller than most of her dance partners, Miss Phoebe Sauber receives the shocking news that she is being callously banished from her father’s estate because he is remarrying. Feeling betrayed by her father and by God, and wanting to escape her family’s presence, she attends an archery tournament with her friends.

But her perfect aim fails her, and her arrow hits a piece of paper held by Mr. Michael Coulton-Jones, whom she hasn’t seen much in society in several years. But strangely, her arrow tears a section of the paper with a partial symbol that looks eerily familiar to her.

He met her again while searching for a killer.

Michael had quit his work as a spy for the Foreign Office when his brother was poisoned. His search for the murderer leads him to Apothecary Jack, a criminal underworld leader with a penchant for poisons, who is gathering a powerful army through an alchemical potion that can give men supernatural strength.

But his path unexpectedly crosses again with Miss Sauber, who saves him from a trap laid by Jack. She and her Aunt Laura, Lady Wynwood, have found a vital connection to Apothecary Jack and the mysterious group he works for.

Now Michael, who had vowed to never again allow civilians to come to harm, must work with a nobleman keeping dangerous secrets, a human lie detector, a chemist, a fellow former spy, and the one woman he’s never allowed himself to get close to.

And it is only this ragtag group that stands against a traitorous organization that could enable Napoleon to conquer the world.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Archer was a complex and unique story that had me from the very first when the author said this was like a regency with a Mission Impossible vibe. The regency seemed very spot on and I really enjoyed the out of the box Laura Wynwood and our archer Phoebe Sauber.

Lady Wynwood is her own woman and as I began reading the story I knew she had an interesting background. Especially since she sincerely liked throwing knives at the portrait of her late husband, who seems to not have been a very nice man. She is also "friends" with an interesting character by the name of Sol, who is a gentleman and a spy as he works for the home office.

Phoebe, our archer, is a young woman who has been scorned by her father now that he is to marry again. That part of her story had more of a Cinderella feel to it. Phoebe is devastated, not so much because she lost her father's love, she just always tried to earn the love he did not have for her. Her emotions and feelings were will written, she tried very hard to not show how her father's treatment of her affected her, but she is a woman.

Enter Mr. Michael Coulton-Jones who is the one man that has caught Phoebe's eyes. He is working undercover to locate a very unsavory villain who is using alchemy to make a super army. Very intriguing and unique storyline.

There is a lot to uncover in this story from spies, tangled relationships, a romance, secret symbols, alchemy and witty banter. This is a story that is unlike any I have read before including it being a serial. All stories really must be read to get a complete picture. I am eagerly looking forward to Berserker, book two. The name gives me all kinds of chills. I did go looking for any earlier books, and there were a couple that tie in. I just felt at the beginning I was missing some information, but those stories do not seem to have to be read to enjoy this serial.

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

Camy writes Christian contemporary romance and romantic suspense as Camy Tang and Regency romance as USA Today bestselling author Camille Elliot. She lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog. She was a staff worker for her church youth group for over 20 years and she currently plays on one of the Sunday worship teams. Visit her websites at http://www.camytang.com/ and http://www.camilleelliot.com/ to read free short stories and subscribe to her quarterly newsletter.

More from Camy

I love Regency romances! I started reading them when I was 13 years old and haven’t stopped since.

There’s something about the Regency time period and culture that’s glamorous and decadent and the epitome of elegance. The resplendent dresses! The brooding, romantic Lord Byron and the distinguished Beau Brummell! Dashing naval captains and army lieutenants, glittering ballrooms and winsome debutantes!

The flip side of my personality loves romantic suspense and action adventure. I love seeing strong women face danger with courage and smarts, and strong men willing to do anything to protect their loved ones and fight for justice.

So, basically, the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series grew out of my desire to see Mission: Impossible in the Regency era!

My Regency “IMF” team is brought together when my spinster heroine, a botanist and a skilled archer, discovers that her late uncle had ties to a mysterious group. She goes to her aunt’s best friend, a gentleman who has secretly been a spy for decades, and he forms his team of ex-agents and uniquely gifted civilians to battle this group of alchemists who want to ensure that Napoleon wins the war with England. (Cue the Mission: Impossible theme music!)

I’ve also structured the series a little differently. It’s a very long serial novel, similar to a Japanese manga or light novel series, with 12 volumes that each have a completed story arc, but the main plot isn’t resolved until the end.

I hope you’ll join me on this epic Regency romantic adventure!

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15

CarpeDiem, February 15

Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16

Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inside the Wong Mind, February 17

Through the Fire Blogs, February 18

Mia Reads, February 18

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19

HookMeInABook, February 19

Betti Mace, February 20

Inklings and notions, February 20

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 21

Texas Book-aholic, February 21

Connie’s History Classroom, February 22

The Artist Librarian, February 22

Pause for Tales, February 22

For Him and My Family, February 23

Labor Not in Vain, February 23

deb’s Book Review, February 24

Fiction Book Lover, February 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 25

Just Your Average reviews, February 25

Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 26

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 26

Blossoms and Blessings, February 27

Britt Reads Fiction, February 27

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 28

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 28

Blogging With Carol, February 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Camy is giving away the grand prize of a 1-year subscription to Kindle Unlimited!!

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/1074a/lady-wynwood-s-spies-1-archer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, February 20, 2021

Review: Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

About:

They're both too busy for love . . . but love is not too busy for them

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in Virginia Colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family's shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

My Thoughts:

Another author Frantz read that is rich in historical detail, concerning Jamestown in 1634. At this time the men outnumber the women and England has been sending over what has been dubbed as tobacco brides. Kind of like modern day speed dating, but where these women have especially been sent over to marry.

Selah Hopewell is probably the only single woman that is allowed to stay single, and she keeps herself fairly busy. The man that she secretly loves appears to be keeping to himself and he is very busy as well.

Xander Renick has been married before and lost his wife. He really didn't seem to be too much in a hurry to wed again. These two were so perfect for each other and their slow burn romance burned hotter and brighter every time they saw each other or spoke to one another. I could not wait until these two finally figured out how perfect they were for each other.

I watched the first season of a show about Jamestown and the brides that came and it ended up more or less being a soap opera. This story, I think really captured the ambience of the time and place, the dangers of attack from the Native Americans, or the attacks some unscrupulous men may have been plotting on the Native Americans. These were perilous times as life and land were at stake and these women willingly ventured to the New World to begin new lives with strangers. This was a very good historical with a few surprises of the life and times and the danger that the Jamestown folks face.

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:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including An Uncommon Woman, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. She is a proud mom to an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

Thursday, February 11, 2021

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Vanished in the Mountains by Tanya Stowe

About the Book

Book: Vanished in the Mountains

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 3, 2021

A search for missing women leads to a deadly pursuit.

When domestic violence counselor Dulcie Parker uncovers evidence of a human trafficking ring in the Four Corners area, she’s determined to stop it or die trying. With corruption all around her and killers on her trail, Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner’s the only one she can trust. But can they work together to expose the crime ring before she becomes the next victim?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I was quickly drawn into this story about a domestic violence counselor gaining unwanted attention and threats as she gets a little to close to the truth and makes some powerful people squirm.

Dulcie Parker is a woman on a mission to help other women and especially children to escape out of violent homes and have a better life. Dulcie knows all about escaping a violent home. She is working on a case of a young Native American girl who was found murdered. Even though they have arrested the girl's step-father for the crime, something doesn't sit right with Dulcie. Why are so many Native American women and girls going missing and nobody is taking this seriously?

Well as soon as Dulcie begins asking questions, she begins getting threats. Now understandably, Dulcie has a hard time trusting people. But she does turn to Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner for help. Reluctantly and a bit gruffly he agrees to help her, until he is told to back off. Why? What is really going on and what is trying to be covered up? Now that sets the stage for this story of a race against time to find out how far up this apparent trafficking of women and girls goes.

This eerily sounds like a story that could be happening today. And I so wanted to see these two take down this very real evil threat. But two against the powerful and the scared is quite a job. The suspense thread was very strong and I had a hard time putting this one down. Partly because it mirrors real life and I really wanted to see justice done. A good reminder to be aware of our surroundings at all times.

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

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

More from Tanya

When my children were very young, my husband and I took a trip to Colorado for a family reunion. After the reunion we traveled through Colorado to see the sights. We stopped in Silverton and my sister and I took my young son and daughter down the narrow-gauge railroad to Durango. Riding the swaying train down slopes covered in pine trees with the rushing white water of the Animas River below, I knew I’d write about the area someday. Many years later my husband and I took our first “kid-less” vacation in our motorhome. We stayed in a campground on the Navajo Nation next to Canyon de Chelly. We had no running water or electricity and that night, a storm blew in from the west. We watched the sky change to hues of purple and pink and then sat mesmerized as lightning strikes crossed the magnificent valley. Once again, I planted the scenes in my mind, determined to write about them one day. Little did I know both vacations would combine into one story. I hope you find my memories of the Four Corners area as unforgettable as I did! Blessings!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 8

Through the fire Blogs, February 8

Lighthouse Academy, February 9

Among the Reads, February 9

Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10

Betti Mace, February 10

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 11 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 11

KarenSueHadley, February 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 13

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Because I Said So – and Other Adventures in Parenting, February 14

Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 14

Hallie Reads, February 14

Older & Smarter?, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Artistic Nobody, February 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Blogging With Carol, February 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Genesis 5020, February 18

Bigreadersite, February 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 19

Labor Not in Vain, February 19

Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

HookMeInABook, February 20

Daysong Reflections, February 20

For Him and My Family, February 21

Fiction Book Lover, February 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tanya is giving away the grand prize of a $25 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/10712/vanished-in-the-mountains-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book

Book: The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a very interesting look at how illiteracy can hold people back and even keep them confined to their homes and outdated beliefs even passing it on to the next generations.

Starting off with a bit of a tragedy, Lucy Wilson is a woman who tends to keep to herself and follow her father's leading. Her second cousin Cora Wilson has asked for Lucy's help in the hills of Kentucky. Cora is the superintendent of schools and she is trying her best to set up reform.

At first Lucy is reluctant to go and help. Her cousin gets her to come for a period of six months under some shady prospects. But as Lucy, a city girl, comes to these hill folk, she realizes a whole different culture exists. At first she is shocked and appalled by the poverty she sees but then she begins to see them as her cousin does. These people with their own way of life cut off from the rest of the world, are a treasure of their own.

I found the history quite fascinating. At the beginning the author talks about their speech and how and why they speak the way they do and what many would deem improper English. I actually enjoyed reading their speaking throughout the book and I must admit I was chuckling at Lucy as she was learning and growing accustomed to their speech and mannerisms.

This story was quite eye opening on how much illiteracy can affect a person and a whole people group. I was also surprised at a few of the twists this story took as well. Overall this was an enjoyable read as we the reader walked the trails with Lucy and had our eyes opened as well.

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

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?