Monday, October 31, 2022

My Thoughts and More on After our Castle by Kellyn Roth

About the Book

Book: After Our Castle

Author: Kellyn Roth

Genre: Historical Women’s Fiction

Release date: October, 2022

A year into a blissfully happy marriage, Violet Angel admits to a dose of skepticism. She’s not married, granted—but as the closest friend of the bride and groom, she feels she has a perspective no one but the people directly involved could have. There’s no such thing as a happy ending, and it’s only a matter of time before the castle in the sky plummets to earth.

If only Violet were always wrong instead of just mostly wrong. Ivy McAllen doesn’t believe she and her new husband are out of the honeymoon period—if they are, she isn’t going to admit it to herself—but there are certainly areas of adjustment that she hadn’t expected.

Changes at the village of Keefmore and in Ivy’s life lead to complications, and Violet spirals further and further from reality. When a castle in the sky turns to be more cloud than stronghold, finding a foothold proves to be more than a little difficult.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

After Our Castle continues the family saga of sisters Alice and Ivy this story focusing on Ivy and her husband Jordy. They have been married for a year and still getting used to one another, when Ivy begins to feel a bit out of sorts. She is a new wife, with not a lot to do and she desperately wants to have a baby. Jordy is quite happy with the way things are. He wants to make life easier for Ivy treating her well, and he is not interested in children, for many reasons as we go through the story.

I have not had a chance to read this whole series, I wish that I had, but the character I have read about the most is Ivy. She is a lot of times in her head and the fact she had such a hard time talking to Jordy about this problem made me just want to hug her. She begins to really rely on the Lord on this and asking that He intercede for her.

We get some of this story through Jordy's perspective and though I tried to understand him, it was a bit harder. I felt the author did a great job on getting inside the head of a male, his fears and his reasoning for his choices that so obviously hurt his wife, yet he was oblivious to.

Then there was Violet. She loves Ivy so much, but she also loves Jordy and wants him. Her head was a bit of a mess. I am really hoping that she gets a happily ever after. I want someone to sweep her off of her feet and make her forget her unhappiness and to know her. She needs her own story.

I look forward to reading the back stories of this family drama and the future ones. This is a series that is quite riveting.

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

Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women’s fiction author who writes about the empty places where hope has the most room to grow. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century.

Kellyn is a student of the Author Conservatory and a writing coach. When not building her author career, she is likely getting lost somewhere in the Pacific Northwest with her friends, watching period dramas and facetious comedies, or spending time with her husband.

More from Kellyn

After Our Castle was a book I didn’t think I would ever write. Oh, I considered writing a short story or two about the early years of Ivy and Jordy’s marriage, yes, but it wasn’t until last year that I decided that I would write a full-length novel.

Why did I hesitate? I’m writing a family saga, after all, and I plan on covering every stage of my characters’ lives in the 10+ books I’m planning (this being book 6). Well, I didn’t think there was anything to be discussed about Ivy and Jordy’s early married days, as there was with my other book couple, Alice and Peter. Nothing interesting, I thought, happens until 1890, eight years into their union. So why write about anything before then?

Then I realized just how much backstory I was packing into that book. And I realized that, for my writing style, there are so many little things that can add up into a book. And that became the story that is After Our Castle.

The novel wasn’t an easy one to write. It required a lot of subtlety and doesn’t precisely have the most perfect ending. But I knew, if I wanted to set up book 8, I would have to write the novel this way.

So here we go. Another book I wasn’t sure about–but that careful writing and even more careful editing, along with a lot of prayer, have turned into a story I’m actually rather proud of.

I hope you enjoy After Our Castle!

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 18

lakesidelivingsite, October 19

Losing the Busyness, October 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 20

Texas Book-aholic, October 21

Inklings and notions, October 22

For Him and My Family, October 22

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 24

deb’s Book Review, October 25

Cover Lover Book Review, October 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 26

Connie’s History Classroom, October 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 28

Holly’s Book Corner, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 29

Splashes of Joy, October 30

Pause for Tales, October 31

Spoken from the Heart, October 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kellyn is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 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/2200c/after-our-castle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, October 24, 2022

My Thoughts on Falling for the Cowgirl by Jody Hedlund

About:

Years ago, he shattered her heart. Now she must trust him with her life.

As the only girl in her family, and with four older brothers, Ivy McQuaid can rope and ride with the roughest of ranchers. She's ready to have what she's always longed for--a home of her own. She's set her heart on a parcel of land south of Fairplay and is saving for it with her winnings from the cowhand competitions she sneaks into--but her dream is put in jeopardy when the man she once loved reappears in her life.

After two years away, Jericho Bliss is back in South Park as an undercover Pinkerton agent searching for a war criminal. He has no intention of involving a woman in the dangerous life he leads, but one look at Ivy is all it takes for him to question the path he's set out for himself.

Even though Jericho tries to resist his longtime attraction to the beautiful and vivacious Ivy, he finds himself falling hard and fast for her. In the process, his worst fear comes true--he puts her smack-dab in the middle of danger. With Ivy's life in the balance, will Jericho give her up once again, or will he find a way back to her, this time forever?

My Thoughts:

Jericho Bliss and Ivy McQuaid could not be more perfect for one another. Yet they keep fighting one another on their attraction. Even blaming each other for said attraction.

Ivy is the youngest of the McQuaid siblings and the only girl. Her four older brothers are very protective of her, so much so that she has to sneak out and get in character of a cowboy to win enough money to buy her own ranch. They would surely lock her up and throw away the key if they only knew what she was up to.

Jericho has come back into Ivy's life after breaking her heart. She is also not the only one who has a secret. And his chosen profession may put Ivy in danger, so the only way he can protect her is to stay away from her. And certainly not marry her.

Well, Ivy manages quite well to continue to get in trouble and in dangerous situations all her own. Can Jericho leave her and possibly lose her forever, or can he take a chance on a future with her?

Their relationship was quite comical at times. Their push and pull with one another could be quite maddening. Everyone knew what they should have known, and her overprotective brothers did not always help the situation. This story was full of romance, family, mystery, and danger and I recommend the whole series about a family who have gone through tragedy and start over in Colorado as cowboys and cowgirls.

I have enjoyed my visit again with the McQuaid family and I am looking forward to Dylan, the prodigal brother's story.

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.

Saturday, October 22, 2022

My Thoughts and More about Jeanette's Gift by Blossom Turner

About the Book

Book: Jeanette’s Gift

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 11, 2022

This life wasn’t the one she dreamed of, but happily ever afters don’t always come when and how we expect.

At twenty-nine, Jeanette Williams has watched each one of her four sisters marry and start families of their own. It’s hard not to believe God has forgotten the desires of her heart, especially when most people refer to her as Spinster Williams. Without the beautiful children she teaches, life would be unbearably lonely.

When the handsome widower, Theo Wallace, and his six children move into the Shenandoah Valley, every available woman is atwitter—except for Jeanette. She has no such aspirations that someone as plain as her could draw even a smattering of interest.

As life throws this unlikely couple together, Jeanette can’t help but fall in love with Theo’s children and their soul-wrenching plight. Before she knows it, her heart is far more invested than she could’ve ever imagined. And not just with the children, but with their handsome father as well. Is she headed for another heartbreak, or is it possible God had a beautiful plan in the works all along?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Jeanette is a young woman who has no confidence in herself. She lives life on the sidelines only hoping she could look and be like her married sisters. She does not see the beauty in herself or the kindness she offers others or her heart for service. This is her story.

Jeanette is twenty-nine and thought she would be married and have her own children. That has so far not worked out, so she does the next best thing. She teaches school and she has a heart for children. There is a certain family she feels especially drawn too, the Wallace family. They are a family of six children and their widower father and just moved in.

Jeanette sees their need and decides to spend her free time helping them. Theo Wallace, the father, does not want her help, after his late first wife he is very leery of women. But somehow though, unlike any other woman, Jeanette burrows into his heart. He also does not feel deserving of her, so both settle as friends, fighting their attraction all the way.

I always enjoy author Turner's stories and this courtship between Jeanette and Theo and the others that step in and complicate things, was a courtship of realizing your value and worth. And that you can be loved for who God created you to be. Their story was romantic with a bit of drama, and I enjoyed it very much. I look forward to more stories from author Turner's pen.

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

Blossom Turner is a freelance writer published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, former newspaper columnist on health and fitness, an avid blogger and published novelist of the Word Guild semi-finalist Anna’s Secret. However, she has found her home in the writing of historical fiction. The power of love and romance is authentically woven into the Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Read more at blossomturner.com.

More from Blossom

Do You Enjoy Romance That Keeps You Thinking Days Later?

Long before I knew I could write, I loved to read. Being a hopeless romantic I gravitated to all romance stories either contemporary or historical. I soon realized that finding clean fiction but still written with the passion God created us to experience, was hard to find. (Song of Solomon is a good example of the expression of passion and love between a man and woman without being explicit.)

Given the gift of a writing career later in life one thing was for sure…I wanted to write what I like to read. Clean romance does not need to be boring. As each story pours out, I realize that writing historical fiction is my passion. I finally know what I was born to do. The Shenandoah Brides is a series of five sisters and their five love stories. Oct. 11, 2022 is launch day for the final book in the series called Jeanette’s Gift.

Each book has a redeeming theme. Katherine’s Arrangement, set in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, post-civil war, speaks on how to love the way 1 Corinthians encourages, even when marriage (Katherine’s is an arranged marriage) has proven to be very disappointing. The second book Amelia’s Heartsong, situated in Richmond, Virginia illustrates how love transcends the pomp and circumstance of class and money and encourages us to view others the way God does. The third book, Lucinda’s Defender unfolds back in the valley, and speaks of how our greatest mistake does not have to define our future. A message on second chances encourages the soul. The fourth book, Gracie’s Surrender once again set in Richmond, speaks of a life dedicated to the ministry of God helping the underprivileged orphans. Gracie learns that God can upset even our best intentions with a better plan.

However, the message for this fifth book, Jeanette’s Gift, is a subject so near and dear to my heart. Growing up in an environment that tore me down instead of build me up, proved to be invaluable in writing on this subject. The theme of this book—healing from low self-worth—is a topic that many will relate to.

Jeanette suffers from low self-worth and believes God has forgotten her. A very valuable process unfolds with truth and techniques that work today. Jeanette learns to accept that how life unfolds is up to the sovereignty of God, and He can be trusted. She also breathes in the truth of how she is, indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made.

My prayer is that as Jeanette grows toward healing in the story, that any reader suffering in this same way will embrace the steps on how to break this vicious cycle. I know from first-hand experience healing is possible, and I long to get that message out there.

Although this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, enjoying the whole series as the family saga unfolds will deepen the experience.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the read as much as I enjoyed the write. I love to hear from my readers. Contact me at http://blossomturner.com

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 11

Vicky Sluiter, October 11

Texas Book-aholic, October 12

Inklings and notions, October 13

deb’s Book Review, October 14

Blogging With Carol, October 14

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 15

lakesidelivingsite, October 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 17

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

Connie’s History Classroom, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

Mary Hake, October 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 20

Splashes of Joy, October 21

Pause for Tales, October 22

Holly’s Book Corner, October 22

Christina’s Corner, October 23

“To Every” BOOK “There is a Season”, October 23

Bizwings Blog, October 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Blossom 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/21e09/jeanette-s-gift-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

My Thoughts and More on Anything but Plain by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the Book

Book: Anything But Plain

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Amish fiction

Release date: October 4, 2022

It’s not easy being the bishop’s daughter, especially for Lydie Stoltzfus. She’s not like other Amish girls, as much as she wishes she were. The only thing she does well is disappoint others. Leaving her family and church seems unbearable, but staying might be worse.

Knowing Lydie is “between” jobs, the local doctor asks her to fill in at the front desk for a few months. To Lydie, this is a boon. It gives her time to figure out how she’s going to say goodbye to her neighbor, Nathan Yoder–the main reason she needs to leave Stoney Ridge. Nathan claims he’s in love with her, but she knows she’s not good enough for him. If in doubt, Nathan’s father reminds her frequently.

As Dok spends time with Lydie, she recognizes symptoms of an uncommon disorder among the Amish. She offers treatment for Lydie. But will it be enough to make her stay? Or has help come too late?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

It has been a while since I have visited Stoney Ridge and I was pleasantly surprised when this story was about Lydie Stoltzfus, Bishop David's daughter. Lydie is a woman who is easily distracted, so much so that it causes humorous situations in her life and others. Unfortunately, nobody finds at the time the situations remotely funny. I did while reading her story and yet I felt for her too as she obviously had something else going on. It took her aunt, Dok, to everyone to realize that she had ADHD and showed her exercises and ways to deal with it. In the meantime, her family life is exploding too.

Bishop David is about to get a surprise he does not want nor appreciates. Actually, none of his family does either. His mother, Tillie, is going to stay with him and help him get his life, store, and community back on track. At least where she thinks they should be, and never mind that he has a wife who is his help mate. Tillie is an overbearing, overopinionated, and oftentimes rude woman. Scaring and making life uncomfortable for her children, grandchildren, and even the neighbors. She scares them all. David needs to figure out something.

While all of this family drama is going on in the Stoltzfus home, their neighbors, the Yoder's are having quite a time as well. Nathan Yoder is very smart, and he wants to bring their family farm back into a profitable healthy farm again. His two biggest opponents are his father and brother. Not only that, but he is in love with Lydie.

This book was enjoyable even with all the family drama going around, and many times I laughed out loud. I also liked reading Nathan's very intelligent work on why organic farming was best for the plants, the soil, and the good bugs. Very interesting farming techniques. Dok's tips on helping Lydie cope and live with her ADHD were encouraging and educational as well. An Amish story yes, but full of practical life tips.

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

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a Christy finalist, a Carol Award winner, a two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, and the Publishers Weekly, ECPA, CBA, bestselling author of more than thirty books. Her genres include contemporary and historical romances, Amish romance, and women’s fiction. She and her husband live in a small town in California, where everyone knows everyone else, knows what they are doing and why. Most folks act a little nervous around Suzanne because they usually wind up in one of her novels. She has four grown children and enough grandchildren to keep her young. Visit Suzanne at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com

More from Suzanne

Easily Distracted? 8 Strategies to Help Stay Focused

Anything but Plain is a story about a young Amish woman with undiagnosed ADHD. Lydie Stoltzfus feels like a square peg in a round hole. She just doesn’t fit in and, to make matters worse, she’s the bishop’s daughter. At this point, the only path forward she can see is to leave Stoney Ridge. Leave her church, her friends, her family, her neighbor Nathan Yoder. It’s better to leave, Lydie decides, than to keep disappointing everyone she cares about. I won’t say anymore so that I don’t spoil the story for you.

ADHD is not a common diagnosis among the Amish and many might assume it’s not a real thing. Of course, they’re mistaken. ADHD is a real thing. While I don’t have ADHD, I do have many friends and family members who have been diagnosed. It’s challenging! And something we should all take seriously. Here’s why:

Evidence is mounting that a growing dependence on digital devices could be giving all of us some ADHD-like symptoms. Have you wondered if distractibility is becoming a problem for you? Or has a spouse or child or friend remarked on how often you pick up your phone to check a text message or scroll Instagram? You might remain physically present but your mind has wandered away. For me, the answer is, regrettably, yes.

There’s a recurring phrase in Anything but Plain that comes from an old-fashioned farming term: Walking the beans. Literally, it means weeding by hand. Figuratively, it means paying attention to our priorities. To pull the weeds before they take root.

One of the takeaway lessons of this book is to “walk the beans” of technology’s role in my life. So…I’ve been working on a few strategies. When I practice, I see a difference. Life is calmer. More manageable.

So…I wanted to pass these tips along to you. (If you have little children, these might not work for you. Not when your little ones are awake, anyway.) Hopefully, you’ll find them to be useful, and maybe spark some strategies of your own.

Make a plan. I start the day with an index card and write down the day’s priorities. And I check off tasks as I finish them!
Go off-line. Create an environment that helps you stay focused. Turn your cell phone to silent. If working on the computer, close your email app. Put yourself in distraction-free mode until you’re accomplished what you need to do
Finish one task before moving on to the next. Even little tasks.
Distractibility is at its peak during transitions. Build in margin. For example, arrive a few minutes early instead of rushing in a few minutes late.
When distractions are high, make tasks smaller and break down your large projects into smaller tasks to help you concentrate and give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
When I’m facing a big task, I’ll break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
Set a deadline for a task. Beat the clock! Use a timer.
Rewards! When I beat the clock, I’ll take a break from computer work and pop up to the garden, text a friend, walk the dog. Something that feels good.

Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, October 7

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 7

She Lives To Read, October 8

The Write Escape, October 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 9

Vicky Sluiter, October 9

lakesidelivingsite, October 10

Texas Book-aholic, October 10

Lighthouse-Academy, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 11

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 12

Inklings and notions, October 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, October 12

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 13

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 14

Blogging With Carol, October 14

Elly Gilbert, October 14

deb’s Book Review, October 15

For Him and My Family, October 15

Holly’s Book Corner, October 15

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 16

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 16

Splashes of Joy, October 16

Empowermoms, October 17

SusanLovesBooks, October 17

Mary Hake, October 17

Bigreadersite, October 18

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 18

Blossoms and Blessings, October 18

Cats in the Cradle Blog, October 19

Pause for Tales, October 19

Spoken from the Heart, October 19

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, October 20

Cover Lover Book Review, October 20

The Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 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/21e05/anything-but-plain-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

My Thoughts and More on The Matchmakers of Holly Circle by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: The Matchmakers of Holly Circle

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian / Romance / Christmas

Release date: November 21, 2014

They’ve been in love for ten years, but it takes an interfering neighbor with a penchant for poker to unravel the mystery of their persistent platonic relationship.

Flirtation can be an art, or so they say. Well, if so, Ruth and Richard are “the old masters” of the flirting game. Despite their strictly platonic relationship, there’s “something there,” as so many of their friends and families say. Neighbors and friends for ten years, neither seems willing to change the course of their relationship.

Three doors down, at the end of the cul-de-sac, Mason Dickenson has watched his favorite neighbors with an interested eye, but he’s finally had it with the dance. So, with a pack of cards and a few tricks up his sleeve, he’s determined to get them out of the “friend rut” and into romance.

Thanks to Mason’s unique matchmaking scheme, Ruth and Richard concoct one of their own—a deeper, stronger, eternal love and relationship that nothing on earth can match.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

These two characters were some of the most frustrating lovebirds I have read about. Richard and Ruth have been friends and have secret crushes turned to love for one another for ten years. Ten years. Everybody sees how much they care for one another and how great they would be together. Everyone. But these two just don't seem to have a clue. Yes, every once and a while they have a feeling, but due to fear of losing what they do have, they are stuck in a perpetual friendship zone.

Others offer help but Richard and Ruth know best, and they must do this their own way. Until one smart neighbor, Mr. Mason Dickenson gets tired of their ridiculousness and decides to step in with an offer that neither can refuse. He was one smart older gentleman, and the craftiness of his plan was genius.

Richard and Ruth's story is the main story, but there is also a bit of a mystery going around as well. Well, actually two. One is connected to Richard and Ruth and the other surrounds a mystery Gift giver who has an unusual gift giving technique. This was a fun story to read even if a couple of characters were so frustrating most of the time. In my head the song lyric 'just kiss the girl' kept playing.

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

USA Today Bestselling author of Aggie and Past Forward series, 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

Download a free short story that happens 10 years before the book begins? https://chautona.com/wait-10-years/

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, October 14

She Lives To Read, October 15

Holly’s Book Corner, October 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 16

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

deb’s Book Review, October 18

Pause for Tales, October 18

Lots of Helpers, October 19

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 20

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

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 23

Cover Lover Book Review, October 23

Blogging With Carol, October 24

Simple Harvest Reads, October 25 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, October 26

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 26

Splashes of Joy, October 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback 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/2200a/the-matchmakers-of-holly-circle-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, October 17, 2022

My Thoughts on Dog Days of Summer by Kathleen Y'Barbo

About:

Mishaps Abound as Second Chance Ranch Struggles to Get Its Start

Grab a kitty to cuddle and relax into a fun small-town mystery as a new animal rescue project turns into a three-ring-circus of calamities in book 2 of the Gone to the Dogs series. Trina Potter, Nashville country music star, buys a ranch near her hometown in Brenham, Texas, to help her niece open an animal rescue facility. Her presence in town stirs up some old high school rivalries and romance. Finding property to buy is a challenge, convincing her mother to move there with her is daunting, and navigating a string of strange accidents is perplexing. Sometimes Trina feels like she's purchased her own three-ring-circus instead of a beautiful piece of land. But her first priority will be figuring out who wants Second Chance Ranch shut down before they even have the grand opening.

My Thoughts:

What a nice trip back to Brenham, Texas this second in the series proved to be. Getting to know Mari in the first book, this time we get to know her Aunt Trina better. Trina Potter is a country music star living far away in Nashville. However, after a visit home she is really wanting to stay in her hometown for good. Can she do that with her contracts? Well, she is going to certainly find out. There is a lot she has been missing out on.

Trina wants to live privately in her hometown, nothing fancy, moving her mom in with her all the while helping Mari set up her animal rescue facility. But there are some ominous things surrounding Mari and her team when they go out at night for a rescue. Can the police get to the bottom of some of the troubling ones? And her Mama needs to be independent, but still have tabs kept on her. Especially after an accident that brings Trina home once again. Then there is Wyatt, her once upon a time prom date. He is not so nerdy anymore and he seems to keep showing up when she needs him.

I really liked the camaraderie all of these characters have with one another. The family dynamics were heartwarming, and I am glad these three women have one another to lean and depend on. As for the romance or more, I was pleasantly surprised.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Barbour Publishing. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Saturday, October 15, 2022

My Thoughts and More Fun on Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller

About the Book

Book: Forgotten Memories

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: August 30, 2022

Some memories are best forgotten…

The Wyoming Territory is rife with lawlessness and disorder, something Annie Ledbetter and her parents discover when their wagon train is robbed. Seven years later, Annie settles into her lifelong dream as a teacher in the small town of Willow Falls. When she meets handsome rancher Caleb Eliason through a humorous misunderstanding, she is quickly drawn to his kind heart and charming smile.

Former outlaw Caleb Eliason embraces his chance at a fresh start. Gone are the days of robbing stagecoaches and wagon trains. When he falls in love with the new Willow Falls teacher, he doesn’t realize they’ve met before—under much different circumstances. When his past comes to light, will it put the growing love between them at risk?

Can forgiveness and redemption heal two broken hearts or will the past keep them from sharing a future?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Forgotten Memories major theme is forgiveness. How do you forgive and ultimately let go of hard feelings from the past when abuse has been suffered and oftentimes have resulted in nightmares and stress many years thereafter? Well, that is exactly the question these characters must answer and live with and whether they will choose to forgive.

Caleb has come from a bad background. We see that from the beginning pages as he is forced to rob others at the hand of his older brother and another man. None of them having very good role models.

Annie is just a young girl when her family has set off for a new start in the Wyoming territory and the unthinkable happens. The entire wagon train is robbed and terrorized by three men who seem to have no remorse for what they are doing or for the lives they are ruining and ultimately changing. Annie confronts one that looks to be around her age. How could such a young person choose this life of crime? Well, that confrontation memory is one that stands out clearly to her.

Some years later Annie is the new schoolteacher where Caleb and his adopted family live. Romance begins to develop between the two until she learns who Caleb is. How could she ever forgive him for the pain and suffering he brought to her family?

Theirs is just the beginning of the story and the looking back at the past and forgiving those who have wronged them. It begs the question, is their anyone too far gone to deserve forgiveness? Is there any crime too great that nullifies that said forgiveness? This was a journey for several people to find the answers to those questions and to look deep within themselves and see what they truly believe and could they live it.

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

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

Today Penny is the author of over a dozen books. She is also a homeschool mom and a group fitness instructor. Her desire is to assist and nurture women into a closer relationship with Christ.

When Penny is not dreaming up new characters, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, and camping, hiking, canoeing, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

Penny is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website, www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks.

More from Penny

The Inspiration Behind Forgotten Memories

I am often asked how I come up with ideas for my books.

Many different things inspire my plots. One inspiration comes from real-life stories. For instance, today our local librarian told me how her family homesteaded in our town in 1881. Of course, I had a million questions. I am also inspired by photographs, people-watching, and sometimes I will hear from readers about a story they’d like to read. I have often joked that I will need to be at least 102 to write down all the stories percolating in my mind.

The idea for Forgotten Memories came from reading about a mail-order bride named Eleanor. Eleanor answered an advertisement from a man named Louis, and after a time of written correspondence, they eventually made plans to marry. During the journey to meet her soon-to-be husband, Eleanor’s stagecoach was robbed. After obeying her request to hand Eleanor her trousseau, the robbers blew up the stagecoach and rode away with their loot.

When the time to be wed arrived, Louis recognized Eleanor immediately. Only later, when Eleanor and Louis were preparing to sign the marriage license, did Eleanor recognize him as the robber due to his voice and a discernable scar. Louis fled and rode off without a word, leaving Eleanor with a broken heart.

After reading Eleanor’s story, my imagination wandered and what-ifs filled my mind. What if something similar happened to a character who, years later, fell in love with a man who robbed her? What would happen when the truth was discovered? Was there any hope for a happily-ever-after?

Thus, Annie and Caleb’s story was born.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 3

Texas Book-aholic, October 4

“To Every” BOOK “There is a Season”, October 4

lakesidelivingsite, October 5

Inklings and notions, October 6

deb’s Book Review, October 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 8

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 10

Connie’s History Classroom, October 11

Holly’s Book Corner, October 11

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 13

Splashes of Joy, October 14

Pause for Tales, October 15

For Him and My Family, October 16

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/21c38/forgotten-memories-celebration-tour-giveaway

Friday, October 14, 2022

My Thoughts on Honor Bound by Hallee Bridgeman

About:

You can't override the heart

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.

As part of the Army Special Forces A-Team on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia doesn't want to like anything about Rick and his team--but an unexpected attraction is taking hold.

With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think that, despite their differences, they just may be able to make a life together.

My Thoughts:

Wow. This story was exciting and heart pounding and really brought me into the character's world. Soldier stories are not, most of the time, my favorite. But this one blew that opinion out of the water. I was invested from the start, and I am really looking forward to this whole series.

Dr. Cynthia Myers has gone to a poor country in Africa that is overrun with fear of a vicious warlord, to escape her personal problems. No matter, her life's goal is being satisfied and she feels this is where she is meant to be. She is doing good and has made lasting relationships. Until violence walks into her camp.

Captain Rick Norton and his team are tasked with getting Cynthia out of harm's way as she is now the vice president of the United States daughter due to unforeseen circumstances. She is now looked at as a favorable pawn.

Rick and Cynthia clash almost immediately. He is a soldier, she is a doctor, and they have very different views on life. Now they are both in danger and two of his men are severely injured. Getting to the US embassy is just the beginning of their adventure together. And what a ride it was, especially as their chosen careers clash with their budding romance.

I really look forward to more of this series and this team of soldiers and I just found out there is a prequel book as well. I look forward to all of these adventures.

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:

Hallee Bridgeman is the USA Today bestselling author of several action-packed romantic suspense books and series. An Army brat turned Floridian, Hallee and her husband finally settled in central Kentucky, where they have raised their three children. When she's not writing, Hallee pursues her passion for cooking, coffee, campy action movies, and regular date nights with her husband. An accomplished speaker and active member of several writing organizations, Hallee can be found online at www.halleebridgeman.com.

Thursday, October 13, 2022

My Thoughts and More Fun: Pursued in the Wilderness by Loretta Eidson

About the Book

Book: Pursued in the Wilderness

Author: Loretta Eidson

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Release date: September 27, 2022

Her baby’s life…depends on one man and his K-9

The murder of her ex-husband at a remote cabin and the discovery that the killers want to take her about-to-be-born baby sends Brooke Chandler running into the Tennessee mountains. She stumbles into the campsite of K-9 handler Trent Williston and his search-and-rescue dog, Rex. Trent vows to get Brooke and her baby to safety. But with the killers on their heels, the impending birth of Brooke’s baby and the threats of the wilderness, they must first survive…

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Wow, what a hike in the mountains this was. I got to know Trent and Brooke fairly well and their biggest and scariest fears. They also got the opportunity to face those fears, much to their unwillingness, and those were not even their biggest problems.

Brooke is about to have a baby boy and there are some evil men hunting her down for that baby. They are pretty sick and determined in their intentions, and she knows how serious they are after killing her estranged husband. Her only option is to run from them into the mountains that surround the secluded cabin. Not at all what she is comfortable with.

Thankfully she runs into K-9 handler officer Trent Williston and his faithful and trustworthy German Shepherd, Rex. She has nowhere else or anyone else to go to at the moment, so Trent steps in to protect her and get her and her unborn baby to safety. This is a situation that is highly stressful to him since he is recovering from a bit of his own trauma.

However, they have no choice. They are strangers that really need to depend on one another to get out of this alive and maybe, just maybe get over their fears that have been suffocating them for so long. And begin life fresh and anew.

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

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson lives by the motto ‘never a dull moment,’ especially with her husband, four children, and thirteen grandchildren. Her love of reading began in middle school, where she devoured Phyllis Whitney’s mystery novels. Loretta’s heart is writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and loves putting her hero and heroine in realistic predicaments where they must trust God to pull them through.

Connect with Loretta on social media or through her website at www.lorettaeidson.com. Be sure to sign up for her quarterly newsletter www.lorettaeidson.com/newsletter-signup/

More from Loretta

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been mesmerized by the majesty of the mountains. I love log cabin vacations on the mountain top, sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch, and enjoying my early morning coffee. Low-lying clouds hang over them like a soft blanket and slowly dissipate while birds sing their wake-up songs. The perfect place to reminisce about life and dream about the future. Serene and beautiful.

One would think with my admiration of the mountain range I would accept all the mountains have to offer. Not so. Even though there are many hiking trails, I have ventured out on very few. Animals of the wild frighten me, but none near as much as a bear. I am certain every bear in the forest hides in the tops of trees, waiting for my arrival so they can pounce on me. I know it’s silly, but my apprehension is real.

What could be more suspenseful than to write a novel about Brooke Chandler, thirty-eight weeks pregnant, running for her and her baby’s life through the mountains? She must face her fears of the wild, including bears, if she wants to save her baby from the killers that murdered her husband. To make it worse, she’s in the forest alone in the inky darkness.

Handler Trent Williston and his K-9, Rex, escape the city, away from all pregnant women. He refuses to deliver another baby after a mishap with an emergency delivery while on the job. A camping trip to the mountains with Rex is his go-to for relaxation – until Brooke falls into his camp with three killers on her trail.

I hope you enjoy Trent and Brooke’s story as they face their challenges together.