My Thoughts and More on Path to Grace by Cheri Swalwell

 

 

About the Book

Book: Path to Grace

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release Date: October 20, 2022

Everyone knows that Ariana does not get rejected.

Used to getting her own way, Ariana grew up having her daddy wrapped around her little finger—and he still is. As an adult, she goes through life expecting that all men will give into her whims. When the one man she sets her sights on won’t give her the time of day, Ariana is truly baffled.

Matt avoids Ariana whenever possible. The young woman has no way of knowing that she reminds Matt of his mother and the heartbreaking memories that he worked hard to bury. If Matt has his way, there won’t ever be a reason to discuss the issue.

But when Ariana’s life is turned upside down, and rumors about Matt could destroy everything that he’s worked so hard to achieve, it will take a heavenly amount of grace to prevent history from repeating itself. Will Matt and Ariana accept God’s plan for their lives?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, explore the Path to Grace, the fifth book in the heartwarming Redemption of Green Pines series today. Each book can be read on its own, but they’re best enjoyed when you read them as a full series!

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story of a very lost soul who strives to please her father no matter what the cost and to even use manipulation when it suits her. Ariana is used to getting what she wants, especially when her older brother and sister are not really in favor with their father. However, when Ariana makes a costly mistake that will change her life, she learns just how conditional her father's love is for her. When she defies his request the realization of what a mess her family life has always been comes very clear. What is she to do? Well thankfully her sister and brother and their church friends have her back, and she won't need to face anything alone.

Matt has had some of trouble of his own, and certainly no shortage of family trouble. As he tries to stay on the straight and narrow, he tries to avoid Ariana. He knows women like her are nothing but trouble. But one evening he finds her at her lowest and wounded, and he cannot leave her alone. Through some soul searching and a surrender to the One, Ariana and Matt are put on a path that could lead them to a happily every after, even if it all started out as a mistake.

This is a very thoughtful and hard look at a young woman who was living life for herself. She finds out who her friends are and who are not. We watch as Ariana grows from a self-centered woman to one who forgives without question and learns love is the ultimate gift. Hers was not the easiest of journeys.

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

About the Author

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, writer, podcaster, and speaker, in that order. Cheri loves to encourage people through her fiction series and many nonfiction books including devotionals, Bible studies, and compilation books. Interested in receiving encouragement 365 days a year right in your inbox? Then the JESUS in the EVERYDAY monthly membership is for you! For a full list of books visit www.cheriswalwell.com. Do you like YouTube? Head to JESUS in the EVERYDAY for 5 to 7 minutes of encouragement weekly.

 

More from Cheri

Have you ever thought about how different two siblings’ lives could turn out, even though they were raised by the same parents in the same household? Two sisters, one the middle child and one the baby of the family. One always considered “less than,” the other the golden child … until she’s not.

Book 5 in The Redemption of Green Pines series, Path to Grace, shows us what happens when one sister has been favored her whole life, until she falls off the pedestal due to one mistake. 

Join the community of Green Pines as life unravels for Ariana. Will her siblings rally around her despite how she treated them her whole life, or will she be left on her own to figure out what to do now? 

If you’d like to read the whole story, I’d suggest you start with Book 1, Adventure’s Invitation, but if you’re simply curious about the differences Wynn and Ariana face, I invite you to start with Book 4, Road to Freedom, and get introduced to Wynn and what her life is like living in the same household as Ariana, her baby sister, and Randy, her big brother. I’m pretty sure it’s nothing like you imagined it would be.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 12

Texas Book-aholic, September 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 14

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 15

The Book Club Network, September 16

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, September 17 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, September 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 19

Bizwings Book Blog, September 20

For Him and My Family, September 21

Where Crisis & Christ Collide, September 22 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, September 22

Cover Lover Book Review, September 23

Pause for Tales, September 24

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

 

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/27de0/path-to-grace-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts on The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

About:

Escape to Cape Cod--where you just might find the secret to happiness

Callie Dixon had the world by the tail . . . until it all slipped away. Fired from her dream job after making a colossal mistake, she's escaped to her aunt's home on Cape Cod for time to bounce back. Except it isn't a home, it's an ice cream shop. And time isn't going to help, because Callie's bounce has up and left. There's a reason she made that mistake at work, and she's struggling to come to terms with it.

Things go from bad to worse when Callie's cousin Dawn drags her to a community class about the secret to happiness. Happiness is the last thing Callie wants to think about right now, but instructor Bruno Bianco--a curiously gloomy fellow--is relentless. He has a way of turning Callie's thoughts upside down. Her feelings, too.

Bruno insists that hitting rock bottom is the very best place to be. But if that's true, how is it supposed to help her figure out what--or who--has been missing from her life all along?

My Thoughts:

Visiting Cape Cod in the winter, I am not sure too many people would. But as a reader it was nice to come back to the Cape Cod Creamery and meet up again with the beloved characters of Dawn and her mom Marnie and the guys, Kevin and Lincoln and even six year old Leo. However, this story adds another voice, that is Dawn's cousin Callie.

Ever exuberant Callie has been hit with too many crippling life circumstances at once. Happening to run into her Aunt Marnie at an ice cream school, she asks if she can stay with her and Dawn. After exhausting all other possibilities, Marnie agrees. Marnie is a sweet and caring woman, but the past competitiveness of Dawn and Callie and their fathers was a bit too much to handle at times.

Well, time marches on and times have changed and Callie needs healing. She is dealing with much more than what has made the news. I found this novel eye opening in the way that we don't really know what someone is going through. The best that we can do is be there for them, pray, and hope with them.

And the secret to happiness? That was a very simple recipe, per say, for all of us to take to heart and enact in our lives. What is it? Well, read this book, no spoiler here.

I was provided with 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 the award-winning, bestselling author of more than 30 books, including The Moonlight School, Anything but Plain, The Sweet Life, and The Secret to Happiness, as well as the Three Sisters Island, Nantucket Legacy, Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, The Deacon's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She is also the author of several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and Amish Proverbs. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow Suzanne on Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor and Twitter @suzannewfisher.

My Thoughts on What Happens Next by Christina Suzann Nelson

 

About:

Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy--but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. While her daughters spend the summer in Hawaii with her ex-husband and his new wife, she must manage life on her own. All of that changes when she's asked to spotlight her childhood best friend's missing person case on her podcast.

Dora Crane has never accepted that her younger daughter could be dead, keeping her home looking the same as when her daughter disappeared. But when her husband leaves her and her older daughter intervenes, she agrees to counseling and to pack up her missing daughter's belongings under one condition: Faith Byrne comes to Deep Valley and sheds light on the cold case.

As the long-abandoned investigation moves forward, old wounds and long-buried secrets are exposed. Will these two women, whose lives have never been the same, finally get the answers they need to reconcile the past and the future?

My Thoughts:

Wow, this story. First off, I will make note that this is not my usual read. I tend to stay away from stories if I can that is about missing children, unless I know how it ends. However, with that being said, I have read author Nelson before and have liked the way she tells her stories, and the synopsis intrigued me enough to pick up the book.

This was a story about loss and grief and life not turning out to be fair or the way we would like it to be. It is a story about different kinds of loss. Not just every mother's worst nightmare. Without giving anything away, the author delves into loss and grief in a hopeful manner. Now with that being said, this story did break my heart and I was crying by the end.

We are told the story in three different points of view. Dora, the grieving mother who will not give up hope of her daughter returning home, even though it has about cost her everything and everybody else in the thirty-six years Heather has been missing.

Faith was Heather's best friend the summer before Heather disappeared. Faith was not aware of Heather's disappearance as she moved away before it happened, and no one told her. So, when she finds out it comes as a complete shock. Faith actually has an interesting job. She is podcaster who delves into hope, the what happens next aspect of life after tragedy. That is also the name of her podcast.

And the third point of view is Heather herself. The ten-year-old girl having fun in the summer of 1987 with her friends in a small town in the USA. We see and view the events of that summer through her eyes and what was actually happening.

This story is not for the faint of heart. It took me a little time to get through it. I was pulled in the story, but I knew the reading would be hard. It was also not a story to skim, to skip to the end either, I needed to read it straight through, as the revelations happened to the characters in the story too.

A heartbreaking but hopeful read written with beautiful emotion about the love of family and friends and a hope that surpasses all understanding.

I was provided a copy of this novel by Bethany House Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Christina Suzann Nelson (www.christinasuzannnelson.com) is an inspirational speaker and Christy award-winning author. Her first novel, If We Make It Home, was honored as one of Library Journal's top five inspirational novels of 2017, and her 2021 novel, The Way It Should Be, won the Christy Award for general fiction.

In 2017, Christina was named the OCW Cascade's Writer of Promise and received a Cascade award for her novel Swimming in the Deep End. Her stories have been published in the Cup of Comfort for a Better World, Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Families, as well as other publications.

Christina is over-the-top about her passions, including the stories created somewhere in the twists and turns of her less-than-focused brain. When she's not writing, Christina serves on the board of Every Child Linn-Benton, a nonprofit where she has the opportunity to influence the lives of families and children in the foster care system.

On a typical day, she chases escaped farm animals, reads, hikes with her dog, and enjoys her husband and six kids.

My Thoughts and More on Unbreakable by K.J. Rowe

 

About the Book

Book: Unbreakable

Author: K.J. Rowe

Genre: Teen/YA

Release date: June, 2021

It is early summer in the beachside town of The Valley.

Lexi Slaydon flips her long auburn hair in an attempted display of confidence before she steps into her local church for the weekly Friday night social.

No matter how many times she attended youth nights, the butterflies always took flight within her stomach in the hours leading up to youth night.

So, when a normal day at work sees a handsome stranger move into Lexi’s path and an opportunity at church presents itself that could set her up to finally conquer her fears, Lexi feels a spark; a spark of that thing she sees so often in her best friend Hope: Confidence!

Just as Lexi begins to get a grasp of how her new reality feels, another new reality hits. She discovers too late that she is a naïve pawn in a game of conquests her new beau is playing. Rocked to the core, Lexi tries to break it off, only to find his determination intensify. A night that should have been a night to remember for one of her best friends, quickly becomes a night to remember for Lexi as she and her beau face off with potentially devastation results.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In this novel we meet Lexi and her friends, who are all new adults, and ready to step up and take on more responsibilities and involvement in their church's young adult ministries. Everyone seems ready for this next stage of life, but Lexi, on the inside is not sure she is up to the challenge. Not wanting to be left out she accepts anyway, and she is determined to work through her fears and insecurities.

As we watch Lexi grow more emotionally and even spiritually, she also meets Brad, who seems to be a dream come true. He says all the right things, makes her feel special, he just seems a little bit on the controlling side. Lexi really likes him, but something just seems off. Her close and loving brother tells her to break up with him, but this just leads to tension between the two of them. As time passes, Brad's true motives begin to emerge, and Lexi is not so sure she wants to be with Brad anymore. But what if he is not done with her?

This story does deal with some abuse in relationships, but it is also hopeful in the way her family and friends are there for Lexi. And amidst all this, there may be someone who is just right for Lexi waiting on the sidelines. I enjoyed this new adult story that took place in Australia and getting to 'visit' there.

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

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve be writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush…

In high school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my sister…

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing.

It wasn’t until God intervened and moved me out of the city and into a small country town to be a farmer’s wife, that he resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

It is my prayer that you enjoy the journey these stories take you on, and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

 

More from Karen

Hello! Im Karen, or Kazzy Wazzy to my husband. 😃

Since I could hold a pencil, I’ve been writing.

In primary school, I wrote stories about my pets, my own version of princess stories, a classroom crush… *grin*

In high-school, I wrote stories about horses, adventures, my Sister…remember that story sis? *smile*

However, as strong as the writing hobby was, I still pursued a career in Veterinary Nursing by day, and a professional Ballroom Dance teacher of an evening.

It wasn’t until God intervened, moved me out of the city at into a small country town to be a farmers wife, that He resurfaced the writing desire – and gave me the stories. So was born my debut series, each book holding a part of my own testimony, Casts of Silver.

Centred around five youth group leaders, the stories look at very real circumstances young people face without sugar coating consequences of individual actions. However, where is God when problems arise?

Well, He’s always closer than you think, and He’s always working for your good.

It is my prayer you enjoy the journey these stories take you on and that they challenge, encourage and inspire you.

Blog Stops

An Author’s Take, November 15

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 15

Texas Book-aholic, November 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 17

Cover Lover Book Review, November 18

deb’s Book Review, November 19

Inklings and notions, November 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 22

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 23

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 24

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 25

Rebecca Tews, November 26

Blogging With Carol, November 27

Pause for Tales, November 28

For Him and My Family, November 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, K.J. 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/228af/unbreakable-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on A Flame of Mercy by Eleanor Bertin

 

About the Book

 

Book: Flame of Mercy

Author: Eleanor Bertin

Genre: Contemporary Christian

Release date: November, 2021

Two families, worlds apart. Can they each find hope in the crucible of suffering?

All Lynnie Min ever wanted was to be a wife and mother. But when tragedy strikes her family, she’s left with nothing but her faith to begin life again. While pursuing a career she never wanted, can the precious faith she was raised on withstand betrayal by a hostile former friend, now a professor whose ideologies conflict with her own? And why do her puzzling dreams feature only one of her daughters, not both?

Out of a smoking ruin in northern Nigeria, Ihsan bin Ibrahim stumbles upon the solution to his wife’s barrenness and longing. But family ties have a long reach. Will he make the ultimate sacrifice to follow his conscience, even if it means losing the child he loves?

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Flame of Mercy is a story that delves into what it looks like to walk the Christian life in the face of adversity, sorrow, and unbelievable grief. Lynnie Min has always wanted to be a wife and mother and as she told her story, my heart went out to her. Especially when everyone looked at her as if she had grown two heads, so she decided to add missionary as well. As Lyn grows up, she eventually meets and marries her true love and becomes a wife and a mother. Not only that, but she also is a missionary too. She had her dream come true, until she didn't due to a senseless act of violence. Her grief was palpable.

This story was not just a journey for Lyn, but also for another family in Nigeria. Another woman who grieved due to loss and her husband who has a very difficult choice to make. Really there was no choice, but it was still going to be hard. 

I went into this novel not knowing what to expect and then as I read, the pages flew by, and I was in Lyn's world. This was an experience and one for each reader to unpack. It was not an easy read, there was much sadness, but there was joy unexpected as well. So, keep the tissues handy.

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

From her home in central Alberta, Canada, Eleanor Bertin writes fiction that ponders the depths of God’s love and mercy to humanity.

She is the author of The Ties That Bind series, Lifelines, Unbound, and Tethered, as well as the memoir, Pall of Silence, about her late son, Paul. She lives with her husband of more than 40 years and their youngest son, in what will someday be a beautiful century home. www.eleanorbertinauthor.com

 

More from Eleanor

If you’ve read any amount of secular fiction these days, you must be shuddering at the landscape of the family in the world today. Strife and resentment, rivalry and spite–seems there’s nothing but dysfunction as far as the eye can see. And while conflict is necessary to any novel’s plot, I wanted to write about a stable family, a loving family, one that, while imperfect, still nurtured and protected its members with acceptance and harmony.

On top of that, I wanted to depart from my previous novels where the main characters were not believers. In Flame of Mercy, Lynnie is the main character whose trust in Jesus stands firm despite going through the fires of adversity. Her family is one of the reasons for that strength.

But of course, even the best, most faithful families have their quirks. Enter the grandmothers. Grandma Hardy is stiff, stilted, and staunch in her Christian beliefs. Nanny Roundell is sugar-loving, jolly, and lets mentions of faith slide off her chubby body with a smile. Their beliefs do not align with their personae. This paradox was suggested to me by a friend as I described the contrast between two elderly relatives, sweet Christian and sour unbeliever.

“Aren’t you glad it’s not the other way around?” she asked.

Because we all know it can be. Sometimes Christians look nothing like their Lord. And non-Christians can live blissfully inconsistent with their evil master’s agenda.

And so, I had fun writing these two ladies! “The grandmothers sat next to each other, one short and round, one tall and skinny. The Ball and Bat, we used to call them when we were kids, and I’d never been able to see them differently ever since. Come to think of it, Nanny, the Ball, was like a baseball in other ways besides physical. She had always been reactionary, flung here and there with every wind of doctrine but without any viewpoint of her own. By contrast, Grandma Hardy was the Bat. She stood alone, stiff and sturdy, unwavering, and if necessary, could give you a good whack to get you moving in the right direction.

“My sister was what Grandma frowningly called ‘frivolous.’ And Lissa was mischievous enough to purposely do things that would get Grandma’s goat. I mean, deliberately cavorting through the sprinkler in a bikini directly in front of Grandma’s kitchen window was outright asking for a lecture. You couldn’t call it a scolding since Grandma never raised her voice, but it was always a one-way communication generously salted with Bible verses. Lissa told me Grandma even referred to hand-written notes a couple of times while talking to her. And Grandma’s tone carried the expectation that we would change our ways accordingly. We had been taught to respect our elders so there was no answering back. We only meekly listened.” With Grandma, there was no statute of limitations and past sins could receive present censure.

Nanny’s eyes twinkled. “I’m feeling better every day. It’s given me my life back. Why, with my dentures and glasses, a new knee, and a titanium hip, I’m eighty percent fake.” She cackled her infectious laugh and we joined in, exchanging glances. Being in Nanny’s presence infallibly lifted my spirits.

“This cheesecake is delicious, Sue,” Nanny chimed in. “I could keep on eating and eating if I weren’t already so full after an excellent meal.”

Grandma frowned at what she doubtless saw as gluttony, one of the seven deadly sins. Thankfully she restrained herself this time…She set her fork down beside her plate that still held half her slice of cheesecake and taking her napkin, dabbed at her lips. “This is certainly a rich dessert.”

I hope you enjoy reading about the Hardy family’s faith and foibles as much as I have in writing them. Look for a bit of Grandma’s back story in my story in this year’s Mosaic Christmas anthology.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 11

Rebecca Tews, November 11

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 12

Texas Book-aholic, November 13

Inklings and notions, November 14

For Him and My Family, November 14

deb’s Book Review, November 15

lakesidelivingsite, November 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 18

Mary Hake, November 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 21

Blogging With Carol, November 22

Cover Lover Book Review, November 22

Splashes of Joy, November 23

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 24 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, November 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Eleanor 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/228a3/flame-of-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer

 

About the Book

Book: The Bookshop of Secrets

Author: Mollie Rushmeyer

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction (Christian)

Release date: October 25, 2022

A collection of lost books holds the clues to her family’s legacy…and her future.

Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family’s history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope’s last ties to her late mother—and to a rumored family treasure that could help her start over.

Only, the bookshop is in shambles, and the elderly owner is in the beginning stages of dementia and can’t remember where the books lie. To find the last links to the loved ones she’s lost, Hope must stay and accept help from the townsfolk to locate the treasured volumes. Each secret she uncovers brings her closer to understanding where she came from. But the longer she stays in the quaint town, the more people find their way into the cracks in her heart. And letting them in may be the greatest risk of all…

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts: 

There is more than just a bookshop of secrets in this novel that pulls the reader into this small town and its history. The characters also have plenty of their own secrets they are keeping as well.

Hope Sparrow has been through plenty of trauma in her life and she just wants to start over with her dream and then just stick to herself. First, though she must get some valuable books her late mother left for her through a friend. Unfortunately, that friend has now passed away as well, sending Hope on a treasure hunt in her family's hometown. What she discovers is more than just the treasure and books she came for, but a rich family legacy, friendship, love of a good man, faith, and hope.

Hope has been through a lot, and I could understand why she decided to do life alone. She was orphaned at a young age, passed around in foster homes, and trusted a very evil man who did more than lie and steal from her, he imprisoned her. This story does deal with human trafficking and PTSD that certainly could come from that. The author tells a beautiful tale of how love of family and the love of God can pull someone out of the darkest places others have placed them in. There is so much in this story for a literary fan to adore.

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

Mollie writes contemporary fiction with a heart for history. What does this mean exactly? She loves to write inspirational fiction in contemporary settings with fascinating historical elements, people, objects, and stories woven throughout.

A modern girl herself– She wouldn’t want to go a day without modern plumbing and central air! But she’s always felt a special connection to the past. The legacies and lives left behind are like gifts waiting to be unwrapped, and she’s excited to share this blend of history and contemporary living with readers.

A born and bred Midwestern gal, Mollie Rushmeyer, makes her home in central Minnesota with her husband and two spunky, beautiful daughters. She is not only a bibliophile (the dustier the better, in her opinion), she’s a true anglophile at heart. Tea and coffee fuel her travels, by Google maps at least, and her passion for the written word.

 

More from Mollie

Since childhood, opening up a book unlocked a whole new world for me. Of possibilities and adventure, and made me care for people and places that didn’t exist. Like stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia, books transported me. It was like magic.

As I began dreaming up The Bookshop of Secrets in its early stages, I knew I wanted to create a character who loved books and was in awe of their transformative and transportive power as much as I am. Thus, Hope Sparrow, a human trafficking survivor and ultimate book lover, was born. I also wanted to honor my grandpa, who planted the seed—love of the written word—in my heart from the time I was very young. And so, Ulysses, the owner of Dusty Jackets Bookshop in the story, is based on my sweet grandpa who has since passed away. But I know he’d love this homage to all things literary.

Afterward, I didn’t know if I’d ever write again and I was more terrified of that than not gaining back the full strength of my left arm.

In the middle of writing this book, in 2018, I had a stroke. As with most medical emergencies, it was quite unexpected. I had a hole in my heart (that has been repaired, thankfully). Afterward, I didn’t know if I’d ever write again and I was more terrified of that than not being able to fully move my left arm again. My brain had to make new connections and it was so difficult, still is some days, to be creative. To find the right words.

But God. In the way that only He can, He brought this forgotten story, this project’s finish line that seemed to be at the summit of an insurmountable mountain within reach. I thought I had something to prove to myself. I begged God not to forget my dream to write. Like He could. But in the end, I just had to trust like my character Hope. Trust that He is good even when life hurts and is uncertain.

“Do you know what the opposite of fear is?”

“Bravery? Peace?” Dare she say her namesake, hope?

“The true counterpart of fear is faith. It takes faith to walk into the future, the unknown, with confidence. Secure in the love of the One who created you and those around you outweighs any hardship, real or imagined, that lies on the path ahead.”

I hope following Hope’s journey of healing and love in The Bookshop of Secrets truly blesses you.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 27

lakesidelivingsite, October 27

Inklings and notions, October 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 28

Simple Harvest Reads, October 28 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

An Author’s Take, October 29

The Write Escape, October 29

deb’s Book Review, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Rebecca Tews, October 30

Blogging With Carol, October 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 31

Inspired by fiction, October 31

Life of Literature, October 31

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, November 1

Cover Lover Book Review, November 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 2

Losing the Busyness, November 2

For Him and My Family, November 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, November 3

Holly’s Book Corner, November 3

Mary Hake, November 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, November 4 (Author Interview)

Paula’s Pad of Suspense and Detection, November 4

Blossoms and Blessings, November 4

Sylvan Musings, November 5

Lily’s Book Reviews, November 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, November 5

A Reader’s Brain, November 6

Book Looks by Lisa, November 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 7

Truth and Grace Homeachool Academy, November 7

Story Craft, November 7

Through the fire blogs, November 8

Pause for Tales, November 8

Labor Not in Vain, November 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, November 9

To Everything There Is A Season, November 9

Lights in a Dark World, November 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mollie is giving away the grand prize package of a eBook or signed paperback copy (paperback U.S. Only) of The Bookshop of Secrets and 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/226c7/the-bookshop-of-secrets-celebration-tour-giveaway

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

Review: To Win A Prince by Toni Shiloh

 

About:

Can she stop herself from falling before she's too far gone?

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Ọlọrọ Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a sustainable clothing line to help citizens in impoverished areas and honor the country's resources. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo--the man who betrayed her best friend--will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his fellow Ọlọrans. To pay for his actions against Ọlọrọ Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

Though they come from vastly different worlds, Iris and Ekon are both determined to reach their goals, and the only way to do that is to work together--if they can just keep their hearts from getting in the way . . .

My Thoughts:

This was a beautiful redemption story of second chances, forgiveness, and dreams come true. Even if it looks like all is lost. This was Iris's story who is the best friend of the new queen, who left her American home, and decided to make a go at a clothing business in the country of Oloro Ile.

This is also Ekon's story. He was the one-time suitor of the queen who got caught up in some political turmoil which stripped him of his title of prince. To add insult to injury, his father stripped him of everything else. I was appalled along with Iris at how far Ekon's father went in his punishment. Ekon's story touched me as he fell from a high place. He was a prince and acted so, so when he lost everything, he did not know how to even make a basic meal. Beyond the physical and monetary consequences, there were spiritual ones as well. Ekon felt worthless. What a terrible feeling to be had. He was deserted by all his friends. All he had was Iris, his boss for a time.

Iris was such an empathetic character. She tried hard to have a tough shell around Ekon. But as they got to know one another while working together, she could not keep up her guard. They became friends while both fighting the chemistry between them. There was certainly some swooning going on.

This was a beautiful love story between Ekon and Iris and Ekon's spiritual journey that led to his awareness of how much God loves him made for a satisfying read.

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:

Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel In Search of a Prince has been praised by OprahDaily.com, Popsugar, Library Journal, and Booklist, and is a Parable bestseller. Her books have been finalists for the HOLT Medallion and the Selah Award. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media.

Review: Escape from Amsterdam by Lauralee Bliss

 

About:

A University Student Smuggles Children Out of Amsterdam

Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.

 

Helen Smit believed she was called by God to become a teacher. Little does she know that her care for kids will take a drastic turn for survival when the Germans occupy Amsterdam and Jewish children and parents begin to be deported. Now all she can think of is helping all the kids escape before it’s too late.

 

Erik Misman’s newfound love for Helen is tested when he joins a plot to help move Jewish children to a safe place in the countryside. If danger can foster a closer bond with Helen and save the lives of the little ones, he will do it all. But a German patrol that stumbles upon the farm where they are hiding with three children and a soldier who takes an unexpected interest in Helen, could well destroy their plans for safety and love.

My Thoughts:

Helen and her family and countrymen are living in peace in Amsterdam and have no wish to fight in the war the German's want them too. They have decided to remain neutral like in the first World War. Unfortunately for them, that is not to be. The Germans have invaded and will have totalitarian rule over them and force them to see things their way.

Helen is on the cusp of her lifelong goal. She has been accepted to go to college and become a teacher. Not only that but she has met a young man, Erik, who seems just perfect for her. As they begin their courtship, war has come for them.

This was a story that delves into what do you do when your country has been occupied. When the weak minded are being turned and controlled by fear. There was so many great lines and lessons in this story. Really, a good mirror to look at for our culture today. Many lessons on trusting the Lord no matter what as well. The danger for Helen and Erik and those they love only intensifies, and this is where their faith is tested. This is a good story of doing right no matter what the consequences.

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

 

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: It Never Occurred to Her by Michelle Jester

 

 

About the Book

Book: It Never Occurred to Her

Author: Michelle Jester

Genre: Contemporary Religious Fiction, Women’s Religious Fiction, Contemporary Christian Fiction

Release date: November 28, 2021

For two years Gabriel has followed every lead, no matter how small, in the hope of finding his wife who has been kidnapped. He and the police always seem to be one step behind, until investigators give him information that helps him launch the plan to find her.

When Lena looks up into the eyes of her husband, who she hasn’t seen in two years, she is humiliated and wants nothing more than to run before he recognizes her. And so she does. It’s only when she faces a desperate situation that she is forced to return and ask for his help.

As fate twists its way through both of their lives, they realize it doesn’t matter how much they have prepared to face the realities of losing someone, or finding them again, redemption is in letting go of the past and finding a future just off the beaten path.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This is a story that was very difficult for me to read, yet it was also so compelling that I did not want to put it down. Right from the first page the author gives trigger warnings that does warn the reader. I knew what I was going into. This does deal with human trafficking, and I did have to skip over some of the happenings. 

Lena and Gabriel are living their happily ever after until they are put into a nightmare that neither could imagine. Lena is kidnapped. Gabriel will not give up on finding her. Two years pass. This story was told in past and present chapters. We saw what had happened to Lena during her captivity and the present when she and her husband meet again.

As I was reading, I got to thinking how so many people ask why God lets bad things happen. I have asked that exact question. This time I started thinking why does mankind let these atrocities happen to one another. Man's inhumanity to man is quite horrific at times, and I thought why won't they just stop their cruelty or someone step up and stop this. I know there is a lot of evil in this world, and humans seem to be doing it to one another a lot.

Anyway, this is not a light read. And what Lena and Gabriel must learn is that their future may look a bit different than what they ever dreamed of. There is hope, grace, forgiveness, and love that covers all in this story.

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

Michelle Jester is the bestselling author of fiction novels, as well as contributing author to the nonfiction #1 bestseller, My Labor Pains Were Worse than Yours. She also writes nonfiction and children’s books. Michelle lives in Louisiana with her husband, high school sweetheart and retired Master Sergeant. She wears a bracelet with a single yellow, rubber duckie charm on it to remind her to enjoy the fun and happy things of life!

You can follow Michelle Jester:

http://michellejester.net

facebook: /authormichellejester

Instagram: @michellejester

TikTok: @michelle_jester

Twitter: @michelle_jester

 

More from Michelle

When I first started writing this novel, it was because of a dream I had. I woke in the middle of the night crying, sweating, and praising God. I immediately got up, went to my computer and started writing about the dream. I was weeping the entire time and barely able to see through my tears.

In the dream, I was homeless, alone, and had drifted from God. I was hungry and went into a food kitchen to eat. I was dirty, smelled terrible, and missed Larry so much, only I knew I could never go home. I had done too much and had too much done to me to ever make it back to him.

After the person in the food kitchen put the food on my plate, I looked up and it was my husband, Larry. I was humiliated and desperately didn’t want him to recognize me. I was about to leave when in the dream Larry’s face turned to Jesus and He said, “I have been looking for you.”

That dream became the cornerstone of this novel.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, August 11

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, August 12 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 12

Inklings and notions, August 13

For Him and My Family, August 14

Texas Book-aholic, August 15

Spoken from the Heart, August 16

deb’s Book Review, August 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, August 18

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, August 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 20

Rebecca Tews, August 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 22

Blogging With Carol, August 23

Pause for Tales, August 24

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away a book gift box that includes: other titles from Michelle Jester, as well as several other authors from Rope Swing Publishing, bookmarks, a coffee mug, and a $20 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/20a82/it-never-occurred-to-her-celebration-tour-giveaway