Review: Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

 

About:

Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in the books she loves. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

Perdita Sweet has called these mountains home for so long that she's nearly as rocky as the soil around her small cabin. Long ago she thought she could love, but when the object of her affection up and married someone else, she stopped giving too much of herself away to others.

As is so often the case, it's easier to see what's best for others than to see what's best for oneself. Perdita knows who Tansy should choose, but why would anyone listen to the romantic advice of an old spinster?

My Thoughts:

This cover does incredible justice to this book. I like how it pulls the reader in and shows the vastness of the mountains and shows Tansy with the great big wilderness all around her. This was a story about a mountain people with strong characters living their lives during the Great Depression. These were not people who were getting rich or were rich and lost everything. No, these were a people who were fairly poor in material wealth but were still affected by what was happening in the country.

They may have been poor, but they were certainly rich in their strong opinions and their neighborliness. I enjoyed their mountain gruffness and their strength. Especially the women. Tansy is a book girl or the more official name, a packhorse librarian. She carries the books and stories these people need to them. While doing this she can also check up on them, especially old spinster Perdie Sweet.

I really enjoyed everything about this story. The atmosphere, the characters, the time and the place. There were a few love stories to also make this story enjoyable and the way the characters reacted with one another was just a little bit different then now a days. This was a great trip to the Appalachian Mountains.

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

About the Author:

Ann H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several Shaker novels--The Refuge, The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, The Blessed, and The Gifted--as well as other historical novels, including Angel Sister, These Healing Hills, River to Redemption, and An Appalachian Summer. She and her husband live on a farm a mile from where she was born in rural Kentucky. Ann enjoys discovering the everyday wonders of nature while hiking in her farm's fields and woods with her grandchildren and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. Learn more at www.annhgabhart.com.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Bridge of Gold by Kimberley Woodhouse

 

About the Book

Book:  Bridge of Gold

Author: Kimberley Woodhouse

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June 2021

 

Repairs on the Golden Gate Bridge Uncover a Century-Old Murder

Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.

Underwater archaeologist Kayla Richardson is called to the Golden Gate Bridge where repairs to one of the towers uncovers two human remains from the late 1800s and the 1930s. The head of the bridge restoration is Steven Michaels, who dives with Kayla, and a friendship develops between them. But as the investigation heats up and gold is found that dates back to the gold rush, more complications come into play that threaten them both. Could clues leading to a Gold Rush era mystery that was first discovered during the building of the bridge still ignite an obsession worth killing for?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I have never been to San Francisco (never been to California) but after reading this story, I felt that I almost visited. The author put her notes in the beginning of this book, which makes sense as you get into the novel. San Francisco has a very interesting history especially how the shoreline was built up.

This novel takes place in two different story lines, but a third and earlier one has great impact on it. The contemporary story deals with excavating historical significant finds from a sunken ship that has quite a legend attached to it. The 1930's story line dealt with the building of The Golden Gate Bridge and the same boat.

Even though all three story lines took place in very different times, the depression era verses modern, the lust for riches and the evil attached was pretty much the same. As our heroes and heroines worked through their struggles, the evil seemed always to be stalking them. I found the resemblance and how little man and his sin has not changed to be quite eye opening when you really sit down and think about it. We really haven't 'evolved' much. Thankfully God offers grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

This was an interesting time split novel that continued to show how 1849 really shaped California.

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

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than twenty fiction and nonfiction books. A popular speaker and teacher, she’s shared her theme of “Joy Through Trials” with more than half a million people across the country at more than 2,000 events. Kim and her incredible husband of twenty-five-plus years have two adult children. She’s passionate about music and Bible study and loves the gift of story.

You can connect with Kimberley at: www.kimberleywoodhouse.com and www.facebook.com/KimberleyWoodhouseAuthor

 

More from Kimberley

BRIDGE OF GOLD was a blast for me to write. Not only do I love writing dual-timeline stories, but the present-day hero and heroine are named after my daughter and her husband. Steven and Kayla in the book are fictitious, but there are a few things in the book that do mimic their real-life namesakes.

One of them is food.

My son-in-law Steven in real life is six-foot-four and active military. The man can eat. It’s amazing to me how many calories it takes just for him to survive! Then there’s my daughter, Kayla. She was an elite swimmer for many years along with her brother. I could never keep them fed when they were at the height of their swimming careers. In fact, I joked that all I did was cook and load the dishwasher during those years.

To celebrate the release of BRIDGE OF GOLD, I’m going to give out a recipe that I created almost thirty years ago. It went through many revisions the first few months as I perfected it and now you get a special treat because I do not give this recipe out. In fact, one of my dearest friends begged for it when our kids were little. I gave in but made her promise to close her eyes while she made it (LOL) and to never, ever give it to anyone else.

Enjoy! And thanks for joining us on the tour for BRIDGE OF GOLD. I hope you love it.

Kim’s Chocolate Chunk Cookies – recipe by Kimberley Woodhouse

2 cups King Arthur all-purpose flour

½ tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. kosher salt

¾ cup melted/browned butter (this is important! Don’t skip this step)

2 Tb. Hot chocolate mix

1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar

½ cup white sugar

1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk

1 – 12 ounce package mega morsels (I use Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips)

 

Directions: combine the first three dry ingredients and mix well. In a small saucepan on the stove, melt and brown the butter. Medium heat is recommended but you’ve got to watch it so it doesn’t burn. You want a beautiful caramel color. Set aside and allow to cool to around 100 degrees F before continuing. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Once the browned butter is cool, add the hot chocolate mix to it. Transfer to a stand mixer and blend the butter mixture with the sugar. Whip it until well combined and frothy about 2 mins. Gradually add eggs and flour mixture, beating on low just until blended. Stir in chocolate chips. Using a cookie scoop, drop heaping TB scoops 2 inches apart on parchment paper lined cookie sheets. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes, watching carefully. Allow to cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes and then transfer to cooling racks. Enjoy!

For other fun tidbits about BRIDGE OF GOLD make sure you check out my blog at – kimberleywoodhouse.com

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 24

The Sacred Line, June 24

The Write Escape, June 24

lakesidelivingsite, June 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 25

HappyWhenReading, June 25

Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 25

Through the Fire Blogs, June 25

Texas Book-aholic, June 26

Bigreadersite, June 26

Pause for Tales, June 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 26 (Author Interview)

Inklings and notions, June 27

Christian Bookaholic , June 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 27

For the Love of Literature, June 28

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 28

All-of-a-kind Mom, June 28

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 28

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 29

Bliss Books and Jewels, June 29

Lis Loves Reading, June 29

For Him and My Family, June 29

deb’s Book Review, June 30

Simple Harvest Reads, June 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Livin’ Lit, June 30

Remembrancy, June 30

Older & Smarter?, July 1

Lighthouse-Academy, July 1

Tell Tale Book Reviews, July 1

Genesis 5020, July 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, July 2

Betti Mace, July 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 3

Inspiration Clothesline, July 3

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, July 3

Live.Love.Read., July 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 4

Mamma Loves Books, July 4

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 4

Mary Hake, July 4

Blossoms and Blessings, July 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 5

Blogging With Carol, July 5

Connie’s History Classroom, July 6

Life of Literature, July 6

A Baker’s Perspective, July 6

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 7

To Everything There Is A Season , July 7

KarenSueHadley, July 7

Splashes of Joy, July 7

 

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e03/bridge-of-gold-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: An Alaskan Homecoming by Beth Carpenter

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

An Alaskan Homecoming

(Northern Lights #8)

By Beth Carpenter

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

June 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

“Ever after” wasn’t the plan…
Until now!

Rowan O'Shea's intention was just to visit her family in the small Alaskan town she calls home. Now she's not sure she wants to leave, given the romantic mess she's left behind. A temporary fake marriage to gorgeous veterinarian Zack Vogel might be the perfect solution, if she can convince Zack. But Rowan's marriage of convenience has a seriously inconvenient snag—she's falling for her new fake husband!

A Northern Lights Novel
Book 1: The Alaskan Catch
Book 2: A Gift for Santa
Book 3: Alaskan Hideaway
Book 4: An Alaskan Proposal
Book 5: Sweet Home Alaska
Book 6: Alaskan Dreams
Book 7: An Alaskan Family Christmas
Book 8: An Alaskan Homecoming

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | BAM

Book Depository | Target | Walmart | IndieBound

Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play | Harlequin

My Thoughts:

A modern day marriage of convenience story, I couldn't be more pleased. Rowan has come to Alaska to help her grandmother during her surgery. It is a relative minor surgery and everyone knows that there is a deeper reason why Rowan has left Tokyo to come to Alaska.

Living in Alaska for a brief time when she was sixteen, Rowan and Zack, the town vet, had been acquaintances. Now meeting up with him again, they both could be the answer to each other's dilemmas. Especially since Zack is trying to keep his custody of his little sister, a wife would certainly go a long way with helping that.

Their reasons for marrying, if even for only a year and they both consider this a fake marriage, are plausible. But it is more than a fake marriage. It is very real by the courts and becoming very real in their hearts as well. This was a refreshing read of a marriage that starts out as something else between two friends and becomes a true love between a couple meant to be. The love and the self-sacrifice between them made for a refreshing and sweet read. Plus there was a goat farm which made me want to pet some goats.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Beth Carpenter is thankful for good books, a good dog, a good man and a dream job creating happily-ever-afters. She and her husband now split their time between Alaska and Arizona, where she occasionally encounters a moose in the yard or a scorpion in the basement. She prefers the moose.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card and Alaskan Dreams, An Alaskan Proposal and Sweet Home Alaska (paperbacks if winner is in the US, ebooks otherwise)

Ends June 30, 2021

ENTER HERE

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: The Songstress by Lori Bates Wright

 

About the Book

Book:  The Songstress

Author: Lori Bates Wright

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: April 16, 2021

Rising opera star, Juliana Chamberlain, still has nightmares of the night she witnessed the assassination of the President of the United States from her spot on stage at Ford Theater. Recruited by The Pinkerton Detective Agency, Juliana was instrumental in bringing those responsible to justice.

Now, two years later, the Pinkertons ask her once again to join forces in exposing a corrupt political organization terrorizing her home in Texas.

Texas Ranger, Cade Matlock, has a job to do. He needs no help from a meddlesome diva with big ideas. However, he is a man of his word. He’s committed to partner with the lovely songstress to smoke out the mastermind of a dangerous clan who has proven he will stop at nothing to satisfy his thirst for vengeance.

Cade and Juliana soon discover their greatest strength is in working together until shadows of the past threaten to destroy their future.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Even after the North won the war and Lincoln was assassinated, the political scene is still in turmoil in parts of Texas. Opera singer, sometimes Pinkerton agent informant Juliana has just received some devastating news from her home state of Texas. Her childhood home is no more and tragedy has touched her family. She is tasked with weeding out who the evil is and with the help of Texas Ranger Cade Matlock, they hope to stop it. Nobody wants to be in the hands of an evil government regime.

This story was really quite good at keeping the reader turning the pages as the depth of treachery is uncovered. The action adventure reminded me of an old western and I enjoyed the organic attraction that grew from Cade and Juliana working together. I liked that Cade wanted to treat her gently, but she insisted he let her do what she was best at. They made a great team with some lively banter that always had each other's backs. The side characters also made this story quite memorable.

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

Lori Bates Wright is an award winning author with a love for history.

Raised in New Mexico, Lori now lives in Texas with her husband of 38 years. She has two grown kids and four adorable grand boys (who leap tall buildings in a single bound!) When she’s not writing, she’s heading up small group ministries with her husband. She enjoys speaking and interacting with women of all ages.

 

More from Lori

Growing up, my family loved to laugh.

Some of my favorite childhood memories are centered around my grandmother’s dining room table listening in while my parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles told amazing stories. Sometimes I laughed until I’d lose my breath. Sometimes I sat quietly, taking in the bravery and perseverance shown by those who’d gone before me.

History has been a passion ever since. Couple that with an insatiable love for story and there you have the heart of what inspires me to write.

So, when it came time to brain-storm for this brand new series, I decided to take a known historical event and think about it from every angle. Beyond the recognized players, to the “what if” characters that might have played a role. And, ultimately, how such an event would have changed the course of their lives.

 

Thus, a star was born.

 

In THE SONGSTRESS, Juliana Chamberlain witnessed the assassination from her place on the stage. Because I love a little mystery and intrigue, I decided that the leading detective agency of the day would have enlisted her help in identifying the accomplices. Allen Pinkerton had been known to hire a lady detective or two, so she would be trained by the best. Her investigative skills proved helpful in bringing a quick resolution to the case.

Fast forward four years and she’s still haunted by what she saw that night. When Pinkerton again approaches her about a case involving her family in Texas, she accepts.

 

Being from Texas, I was so happy she did. I’ve wanted to write a story based in the Lone Star State for quite awhile. I loved visiting Georgia and the shores of England in my last series, but I have to say it was good to bring this one home. With all the rugged charm of the post-Civil War era, this book has a little more local flavor than my last three. Al-in-all, I believe my readers are in for a treat. A new cast of fun, quirky characters as we revisit a significant time in our nation.

 

So, here’s to new beginnings! Or as we say in Texas, “Hang on, y’all are in for a wild ride!”

Happy reading!

Lori

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 11

Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 12

Connect in Fiction, June 12

Inklings and notions, June 13

Rebecca Tews, June 13

Texas Book-aholic, June 14

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 14

lakesidelivingsite, June 15

To Everything There Is A Season, June 15

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 15

For Him and My Family, June 16

Labor Not in Vain, June 16

deb’s Book Review, June 17

Genesis 5020, June 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 18

HookMeInABook, June 18

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 19

Inside the Wong Mind, June 19

The Christian Fiction Girl, June 20

Connie’s History Classroom, June 20

A Baker’s Perspective, June 21

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 21

Blossoms and Blessings, June 22

Lis Loves Reading, June 22

Pause for Tales, June 23

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, June 23

Mary Hake, June 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 24

KarenSueHadley, June 24

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lori is giving away the grand prize package of a Texas Gift basket including a signed copy of THE SONGSTRESS and 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/10d53/the-songstress-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Ruth by Caryl Mcadoo

 

About the Book

Book:  Ruth

Author: Caryl McAdoo

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 3, 2021

 

The Lord works in mysterious ways.

Fleeing heartache, shame, and betrayal, Ruth finds all her plans are thwarted until the untimely death of a goat that gives her hope! Hired as a wet-nurse for Logan’s orphaned son, she rejects his marriage-of-convenience proposal, hoping to find true love at the trail’s end. Going West (in what was later called the Great Migration of 1842) satisfies the widower’s wanderlust, and even though she turns him down, he determines to prove his love is true. Come along on this infamous journey of love and adventure.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In hopes of escaping to the west and away from her shame, Ruth and her baby girl set off with hardly any money. Wondering and praying about what they should do, another family is in need of a wet nurse for their baby. Ruth agrees to work for Logan and along with his baby son and thirteen year-old daughter Hannah, they make off with the wagon train to Oregon.

Their hardships are many like others before them and those that come after them. Both Logan and Ruth have been unhappy in love and have made mistakes based on their poor choices. But Logan begins to woo Ruth and he wants to win her as his wife. He wants their makeshift family to become a true family. He does have his work cut out for him as his daughter is not so sure Ruth is the right one and even Ruth is not sure they would be marrying for true love.

This was a sweet adventure of a group of people who become more and a love that can grow out of past mistakes.

I was provided a copy of this novel by 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—fifty-nine 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-one grandsugars (three greats), Caryl and Ron (her high-school-sweetheart-husband of over fifty years) 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

I’ve loved the premise of RUTH for seven years now, that’s when the beginning of this story was first written, way before its time! Its title was Evelyn’s Redemption back then, but I’ve since had a favorite character named Evelyn in COVERING LOVE and MIGHTY TO SAVE (books eight and nine in the Texas Romance Family Saga series), so my heroine needed a new name.

Ruth was my maternal grandmother’s name and Mama’s middle name  (Naomi Ruth), and though Ron doesn’t like me to name characters after family members, he let me have my way . . . as my heroes usually let my heroines. 😊 So, she became Ruth.

I pulled up the ten thousand words already written back in 2014, caught up-to-date to refresh the story in my mind, then took off writing! In a month and a day, I finished this story that I just love! Never knowing where it’s going—or exactly how it will end when I start—I so enjoy the tale as I write it just as you do when you read it! God gives me the most awesome stories I’m so thankful for!

My hero’s thirteen-year-old daughter Hannah is one of my favorites in this story. Her great character created such an example of taking up an offense that is hard to put down. I think we’ve all been there, and to me, it’s especially hard to forgive and get over it when the offense is taken up on behalf of someone we love. The loved one like gets extra grace to forgive, but not so for the offended-on-their-behalf!

I love that God helps me weave scriptural lessons into my stories, lessons that I’ve learned in walking with Him for more than sixty years—and I’ve learned a lot! Besides praying my stories give Him glory, I also pray they help those who read them draw closer to Him—or learn ways to live more purely for Him.

We serve a mighty God indeed, and it’s my honor to help advance His Kingdom here on earth through writing these stories! Also, I enjoy singing the new songs He gives me! Check out ‘Caryl McAdoo’ on YouTube! I have a few songs up there and need to video more.

So, have a blessed day, y’all, and may God’s joy and peace encompass you everywhere you go!

Blessings!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 9

Just Writing, June 9

KarenSueHadley, June 10

lakesidelivingsite, June 10

Texas Book-aholic, June 11

Inklings and notions, June 12

For Him and My Family, June 13

Vicky Sluiter, June 13

deb’s Book Review, June 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 15

Blossoms and Blessings, June 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 16

Connie’s History Classroom, June 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 18

Splashes of Joy, June 18

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 20

Simple Harvest Reads, June 20 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Girls in White Dresses, June 21

Pause for Tales, June 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 22

Cats in the Cradle Blog, June 22

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/10d50/ruth-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Bob the Banana Goes Bad by Steve Petzinger and Selai Akbar-Hussain

 

 

Join us for this tour from June 14 to July 9, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  BOB THE BANANA GOES BAD by Steve Petzinger and Selai Akbar-Hussain
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:   June, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

In this heartwarming story, Bob the banana goes on an emotional journey as he worries about going bad before he can be of any use to Mr. Abbot. With the help of his friends, he learns to hold on to the hope that he will get picked by Mr. Abbott before it is too late. Through their combined support and perseverance of his refrigerated friends, Bob may be just the right item for Mr. Abbot someday.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Target
Mascot Books
author website
add to goodreads

My Thoughts:

What a unique and silly storybook this is that has an important lesson. Bob the Banana feels as though his usefulness is now gone. He is going bad. All of his refrigerator friends try to encourage him and tell him not only what he still could be used for, but also what they might become. Bob experiences sadness, anger, and hopelessness.

When the time comes for Bob the Banana to be useful, the human says he has become bad. All the other foods wait in anticipation to see what might become of Bob as they all know that food is only useful if it can be consumed.

This was a food lesson in not giving up or giving up hope. The graphics were big, bright, and simple. A nice storybook to add to a child's collection.

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.

Meet the Authors:

Steve Petzinger first created the concept for Bob the Banana when he was just twelve years old. His mother kept the original version, and over the years, his family urged him to publish it. In 2020, he decided to finally take their advice.

 Petzinger sought help from his close friend, Selia Akbar-Hussain, who has been teaching preschool for eight years. She has read hundreds of children’s books and is knowledgeable about children’s books content. After months of hard work, their dreams of publishing a children's book came true.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 

 

Tour Schedule:

June 14 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 15 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 16 – I Read Kid's Books – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 16 - A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
June 17 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
June 18 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 21 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
June 22 - Lisa Everyday Reads  - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 22 – The Bespectacled Mother – book review
June 22 - @twilight_reader – book review
June 23 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
June 24 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 25 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
June 28 – She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
June 29 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 30 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
June 30 - The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
July 1 - Locks, Hooks and Books - book review / giveaway
July 2 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
July 2 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 6 – Reading is My Passion – book review
July 6 - Because I said so- adventures in parenting - book review / guest post / giveaway
July 7 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 8 – Laura's Interests – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 9 – The Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 9 - The Book Review Crew - book review / guest post / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway:

BOB THE BANANA GOES BAD Book Tour Giveaway

 

 

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Fifty Days by Katie Vorreiter

 

About the Book

Book:  Fifty Days

Author: Katie Vorreiter

Genre: Christian Spec Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2021

Three days ago, Maggie Lehman’s beloved mentor and friend, Jarrett Adams, was murdered on live television. Grief stricken, Maggie traverses a Washington DC under curfew, but when she arrives at the morgue, the body is missing—and her presence is recorded on the security video.

As dawn breaks over the city, Maggie encounters Jarrett on the street—and he’s very much alive. Either she’s gone mad—again—or Jarrett really is back.

While the US loses its grip on democracy, government thugs eager to contain what Maggie knows hound her every step, and the good intentions of a man from her past only tighten the noose. The powerless and bewildered Maggie seeks Jarrett and the return to how things were, but finds she must give up what she wants most to gain what she can hardly imagine.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Well, this certainly was a story that I was not expecting.  At the start of this story you have a bunch of friends/family who are tragically upset about the very public death of their friend. They have all really gone through a terrible time. On top of that they are living in the United States, but more of a dystopian one, essentially where everyone is being watched and freedoms are limited.

As I was reading I was a little bit confused. It started off so dramatically that I was sure there was a first book that I had missed. No that was not it. As I read a bit more the lightbulb in my head started going off. This was basically a retelling of the third day when Jesus arose through Pentecost. Now the names were changed so I was much surprised. I am not a huge fan of stories like this. Just not my thing, but the author did an excellent job on showing what it could have been like if Jesus lived in our day and age with all the cameras, cell phones, etc. 

This is really a story of the journey that Maggie takes (Mary Magdalene) to prove to others that she saw a man who everyone saw murdered, alive again. We meet her family and some other interesting characters along the way. Even though not a fan of this genre, the author told an intriguing story.

I was provided with a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Katie Vorreiter makes her home in the diverse and beautiful San Francisco Bay Area. She works in high tech as a proofreader as well as a freelance fiction copy editor for a small press. While she admits to being a grammarian, she considers herself a fun one.

After studying and later interning in Madrid, Spain, Katie continues to use and improve her Spanish as much possible—especially when a travel opportunity arises. Aside from that, she DIYs at home with her husband in their almost empty nest, travels to Colorado where their two young-adult children study, and snuggles with her pup who promises not to grow up and go away to college.

Please see Katie’s webpage at katievorreiter.com and sign up for her newsletter for giveaways, sneak peaks, and insider info. Check out her debut novel, No Turning Back, “a propulsive action tale.”

 

More from Katie

2,000 years ago, a body disappeared from a cave. But what if it happened yesterday?

What would miracles look like in the age of Photoshop? Might our cynicism dismiss a resurrected Jesus as a David Blaine wannabe looking for his 15 minutes of YouTube fame?

Fifty Days was inspired one Easter Sunday as I sat admonishing myself to listen with new ears and to not feel that I’d been there, done that for the most amazing story ever told. But those women at the tomb: I had no concept of what their day-to-day lives were like. I wanted to identify with them, but how could I walk in their shoes when I couldn’t envision their sandals?

I said to myself, “it’s not like the events could take place in my world”… and my imagination took off as Maggie walked into my life. More precisely, she walked through the pre-dawn streets of Washington DC, driven to get to the morgue to see Jarrett’s body. But when she got there, he wasn’t there. His body was missing, and unfortunately for Maggie, she was caught on the security video.

From Easter to Pentecost (hint, that’s a period of fifty days), we see the followers of Jesus experience a huge change. We don’t know much about the weeks that intervened, and we never see Mary Magdalene again in scripture after Easter morning. So that gave me a lot of room to imagine: what would it be like to go from hiding in bewilderment and fear to the bold empowerment of Pentecost?

For Maggie it’s a matter of keeping one step ahead of the thugs pursuing her and the man from her past whose good intentions only create havoc for her, while she searches for a way to clear her name, or better yet, be reunited with Jarrett.

Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thus, whether in a robe, jeans and a tee shirt, or a spacesuit, Jesus and his truth are unfailing, unchanging. Fifty Days isn’t about “updating” those truths. But boy, imagining hanging out with his followers at Starbucks made them seem a lot more three-dimensional to me. And to be honest, I find myself a little jealous of Maggie’s relationship with Jarrett—she is completely sold out. Totally confident in his character and power. There is not only love between them, but affection. Fleshing that out has made me look at my relationship with Jesus in a new light.

Blog Stops

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 2

Blogging With Carol, June 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 3

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Inklings and notions, June 5

April Hayman, Author, June 5

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 6

deb’s Book Review, June 7

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 8

Christa DelSorbo, June 8

For Him and My Family, June 9

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 10

Pick a good book, June 10

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 12

Mary Hake, June 12

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 13

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, June 14

Spoken from the Heart, June 14

Pause for Tales, June 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Katie is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card as well as a sterling silver dove charm bracelet!!

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/10d00/fifty-days-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: The Hotel by Pamela Kelley

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Hotel

By Pamela Kelley

Women's Fiction, Romance

Paperback & ebook, 270  Pages

June 8, 2021 by Piping Plover Press

Secrets and lies...at Nantucket's most exclusive and glamorous, family-owned hotel.

The Whitley is Nantucket's most exclusive waterfront hotel--a sprawling collection of pristine white cottages and an elegant main building on a long stretch of private, white sandy beach.

It's a family owned business--brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, all work there in various capacities.

Paula is happy in her back office accounting position. But changes are in store when her grandfather promotes her and fires her cousin--who then blames Paula.

Meanwhile, a blond romantic comedy superstar is hiding out at The Hotel for a few months. She meets Paula's brother, a chef--who has no idea who she is--and she likes it that way.

Paula's grandfather also hires a consultant to help her settle into her new role. But she isn't sure what to think of David, who grew up on Nantucket but now lives in Manhattan.

He's a brilliant consultant and will be assessing Paula's suitability for the role. He's also home for another reason, a difficult family issue that makes Manhattan seem very far away.

A new family saga from the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller author of The Nantucket Inn and The Restaurant.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

My Thoughts:

The Hotel was an intimate look at the inside workings of a family run hotel and the comings and goings of some of its more famous people. The Whitley Hotel is run by Grandpa Whitley and his grandchildren. That sounds really good and they really work well together. He knows their strengths and weaknesses and the jobs he puts them in seem to suit. Until they don't and that makes for some interesting family dynamics.

We also get to meet a rich and famous actress who just needs to be alone for awhile. One of the reasons the Whitley Hotel is so popular is because they are hush hush about who is staying.

There is also some sad family news surrounding one of the characters parents. The author shows with kindness how a terrible disease is taking their loved one's memories and who they are away. That was heartbreaking.

I thought this was only going to deal with one of the grandkids mostly, but we get a peak into the lives of a few characters. I like seeing more of the behind the scenes of a family run hotel. This would be a great summer read.

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

Pamela M. Kelley is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of women's fiction, family sagas, and suspense. Readers often describe her books as feel-good reads with people you'd want as friends.

She lives in a historic seaside town near Cape Cod and just south of Boston. She has always been an avid reader of women's fiction, romance, mysteries, thrillers and cook books. There's also a good chance you might get hungry when you read her books as she is a foodie, and occasionally shares a recipe or two.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a gorgeous Kate Spade totebag with two signed paperbacks, one of The Hotel and one of The Nantucket Inn (US only)

Ends June 23, 2021

ENTER HERE

Review: Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

 

About:

The ultimate cure that could heal any disease? Crazy.

That's exactly what research scientist Marian Creighton has always believed about her father's quest, even if it does stem from a desire to save her sister Ellen from the genetic disease that stole their mother from them. But when her father falls into a coma after drinking a vial of holy water believed to contain traces of residue from the Tree of Life, Marian must question all of her assumptions. He's left behind tantalizing clues that suggest he's crossed back in time. Insane. Until Marian tests his theories and finds herself in the Middle Ages during a dangerous peasant uprising.

William Durham, a valiant knight comes to Marian's rescue and offers her protection . . . as his wife. The longer Marian stays in the past, the more she cares about William. Can she ever find her father and make it back to the present to heal her sister? And when the time comes to leave, will she want to?

Bestselling author Jody Hedlund is your guide down the twisting waters of time to a volatile era of superstition, revolts, and chivalry in this suspenseful story.

My Thoughts:

Wow. Wow. Wow. This book has all the feels. Contemporary setting, historical setting, forced marriage, race to save family, true love, swoons, time travel, and more.

I have read a few time travel books and I am always interested in how the authors bring about that feature. Author Hedlund does so in a very unique and to me a little bit of a scary way. Marian is a scientist and so is her father. They are a bit estranged as her father is searching for the cure, the cure for everything. Why? Well he has already lost his beloved wife and now through genetics his daughter Ellen is sick with the same disease. Marian understands her father's doggedness, she just wishes they could have more time together.

Then the unthinkable happens. Her father falls into a coma and she is left to piece together his clues of what he has found. With the help of his assistant they are working against time to figure out what has happened. Marian also doesn't understand why her father has gone off on this particular tangent and thinks he is quite nutty until someone else will stop at nothing to possess that knowledge.

Marian's ultimate belief in what her father has discovered is when she is thrust back in time. She finds herself in some less than desirable situations not least of all in the middle of a peasant revolt and the only way she can be saved is by marrying a noble knight by the name of Will. Now Marian has a father, sister, and  a husband whom she is quickly falling for to save. How can she give up one life in time for another?

Well, this is my favorite story of all this year. It was amazing and yes I am gushing about it. It is clean with a little bit of spice and not all of the questions are answered. There is still a lot that has been left open for the next book and I cannot wait. You don't want to miss this one.

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:

Jody Hedlund (www.jodyhedlund.com) is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. She loves to imagine that she really can visit the past, although she's yet to accomplish the feat, except via the many books she reads.