Review, Guest Post, and Giveawy: A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

 

About the Book

Book:  A Lady in Attendance

Author: Rachel Fordham

Genre: Christian Historical

Release date: June 1, 2021

Will the Past Destroy Her Future? 

Ada, Mi.—Rachel Fordham’s historical novels have received high praise for their warm and engaging story lines filled with romance, adventure, and happy endings. In A Lady in Attendance, Fordham beautifully blends these same great features in a novel about overcoming obstacles in the past to make room for a better future.

After spending the last five years in a New York state reformatory, Hazel is desperate to begin life anew, but she knows that a tarnished name could ruin her chances. She accepts a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts’ lady in attendance but does so under an alias so she can hide her shameful past.

Dr. Watts has come to enjoy the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, but he senses her sadness and wonders if there is more to her story than she’s shared with him. As their friendship deepens, Hazel must grapple with her desire to trust him.

Can Dr. Watts and Hazel’s friends help expunge her record? And can Hazel possibly find hope and love along the way?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I have not ever read a story about a dentist and his attendant. And not one in the year 1898. This was a sweet, and slow building romance between two people who decided a long time ago that they would remain alone. Gilbert due to his shyness and Hazel due to her past. What happens is a friendship that develops between two people who see past the others' flaws and begin to love.

The romance was really good as I watched Gilbert change and even though he is shy he has a lot of passion built up along with his sense of humor that always made Hazel smile.

Hazel is a woman who has learned from her past mistakes, yet she still carries them around like a heavy burden. She is like the prodigal who has come to herself and so wants to reconcile with her family. She also would like to have a future with Gilbert. But as what a lot of times happens, we have a hard time forgiving ourselves, even when others are willing to help. Not only that, sometimes the culture will define a person by their past. Thank the good Lord that he is so much more forgiving then our fellow man.

Many secrets come to light as Hazel and Gilbert strive to make a future for themselves.

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

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Hope of Azure Springs, Yours Truly, Thomas, and A Life Once Dreamed. Fans expect stories with heart, and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

 

More from Rachel

Ten behind the scenes extras from A Lady in Attendance:

1. This book takes place in Amherst and Buffalo New York, places I lived for four years. Buffalo has had some rough years but if you ever visit the area you will see gorgeous old buildings, beautiful parks and cemeteries and understand why it was once a booming and prosperous city (and why I love it still). Gilbert and Hazel both grew up in the area (though, they did not know each other until the story begins). Two of my children were born in Buffalo and though they aren’t being raised there, I tell them stories.
2. Hazel spent five years in a New York State reformatory. Reformatories were basically the first juvenile delinquent facilities (the ages of who could be sentenced there was different from today). Reformatories were a new idea. There were still a lot of people who believed in “bad blood” and that a criminal could never be anything but a criminal. There were some heroes who fought hard to convince the public, that people could change. Because of this book’s storyline, I could not go too deeply into this subject, but it is fascinating!
3. Gilbert Watts is this book’s leading man. I gave up on being able to use the name Gilbert on one of my own kids and instead gave it to a character. I adore the name Gilbert and everything about this character, hope you do too!
4. There is a joke at the end of the book about a graveyard (don’t worry, it’s not scary) and it’s a nod to my mom who used to use this joke on us every time we passed a cemetery. I really love sneaking in things into my stories that will make my kids, family and friends smile when they read it. I often think of my books as love letters from me to others and the best kind of love letters are personal.
5. My husband is a dentist and as a result, we tend to notice dentist in media. They are often portrayed as villains or comic relief. I decided it would be my goal to write a romantic dentist that would change the image in readers minds.
6. Gilbert tells Hazel that being a dentist is really being an artist. When my husband was first trying to decide on a career path, he shadowed a dentist. He didn’t really think it would be for him, but he was open to exploring options. He came home and told me that the cool thing about dentistry was that you were essentially making art that was functional, every day. Little sculptures that helped people eat and smile better. Gilbert from the book is very different from my husband, but it was fun sneaking in little pieces of him in there.
7. One of my favorite scenes from this book take place at a corn husking. There is a tradition that says, if a red ear of corn is found, the finder gets a kiss. Sigh, I love that scene!
8. Without always meaning to, my books end up having messages woven into them. I believe one of the messages in A Lady in Attendance is forgiveness. In this case, it’s forgiving of one’s self. I believe this message is one that we all need at some point in our lives (or many points!).
9. My books are coming out in a different order than they were written in. I actually wrote this book before Yours Truly, Thomas and after A Life Once Dreamed. This story has been waiting a long time to be in print! During that time, it has been reshaped in little ways. It gained a prologue and lost an epilogue, it was tamed down in places and intensified in others, but the heart of it has always been the same!
10. One last piece of A Lady in Attendance trivia—several of my books have had their titles changed. It’s part of the writing process. The books get a working title and later a title that the rest of the world knows it by. The Hope of Azure Springs was originally just Azure Springs. Yours Truly, Thomas was originally Dear, Azure Springs. A Life Once Dreamed was originally The Belle of Penance. A Lady in Attendance began as A Lady in Attendance and stayed A Lady in Attendance. Not only is this title fitting because dental assistants were knowns by this or as an attending lady, but also because Hazel wrestles with her worth. In a society that believes a mistake made once can leave a mark forever, it takes the right eyes and open heart to realize that there truly is a lady in attendance.

Blog Stops

Girls in White Dresses, June 30

The Sacred Line, June 30

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 30

lakesidelivingsite, July 1

Inklings and notions, July 1

For Him and My Family, July 2

Reflections From My Bookshelves, July 2

Mary Hake, July 2

deb’s Book Review, July 3

Remembrancy, July 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 4

Reviewingbooksplusmore, July 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 5

Breny and Books, July 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, July 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, July 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 7

The Christian Fiction Girl, July 7

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 8

Simple Harvest Reads, July 8 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 8

Older & Smarter?, July 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 9

Connie’s History Classroom, July 10

For the Love of Literature, July 10

Pause for Tales, July 10

Splashes of Joy, July 11

Life of Literature, July 11

Daysong Reflections, July 12

Bliss, Books & Jewels, July 12

Labor Not in Vain, July 12

Through the fire blogs, July 13

Texas Book-aholic, July 13

Blossoms and Blessings, July 13

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rachel is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Lady in Attendance as well as A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham, a signed bookplate, book swag, and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble!!

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/10e71/a-lady-in-attendance-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Finding Family in a Far-Away Land by Amanda Wall

 

Join us for this tour from June 21 to July 16, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Finding Family in a Far-Away Land: An Adoption Story by Amanda Wall
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 4-10),  44 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book, Adoption
Publisher:  BookBaby
Release date:   March 29, 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Every adoption experience is uniquely different but the yearning to have unconditional family love is universal. Two Indian sisters, Priya and Ari, experience what it's like to be adopted into a multi-cultural, interracial family. Walk alongside these two charming, dynamic girls as they journey through the adoption transition to a new country full of new experiences!

"Finding Family in a Far-Away Land" is a pensive and sometimes comical book that demonstrates how children can experience the same journey quite differently. A glossary of cultural terms is included so that all can learn and enjoy what Ari and Priya cherish about their Indian roots. This story is meant to be a resource to those hoping to learn about one family's adoption experience― and may even help a child process their own adoption story. The intended audience for this book is children ages 4-10.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ IndieBound
add to goodreads

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this story the author wrote about bringing her two adopted daughters home from India to Colorado. The melding of this family was a very inspirational tale. Written from Priya's point of view (the older sister), we get their story before they lost their family, their time in the orphanage, to finally the adoption to their forever family.

Written in a very relatable way, we get to see how our customs were just a bit different than what Priya and her sister are used to. But that is ok as they learn to try different things, taste different food, they also tell their stories as to their customs and their life experiences. And their struggles are written in such an encouraging and overcoming way that I wanted to stand up and cheer for this family.

The art was whimsical, bright, and colorful, this really was a lovely story of an adoption and how love can make a family whether born into it or chosen.

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.

 

Meet the Author:

Amanda is a mother of four with a heart towards adoption. She lives in Colorado with her family but loves to travel and connect with others through their culture. Educating families on adoption is a passion for Amanda because the adoptees' voice is often unheard.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~ goodreads

 

Tour Schedule:

June 21 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 21 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 22 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
June 23 – The Adventures of a Travelers Wife – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
June 24 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
June 25 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
June 28 –Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
June 29 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
June 30 – The Phantom Paragrapher – book review
July 1 – @twilight_teader – book review
July 1 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
July 2 – Reading is My Passion -book review
July 6 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 6 - Sandra's Book Club - book review
July 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 9 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
July 9 - Pause for Tales - book revew / giveaway
July 12 – Reading Authors Network – book review / giveaway
July 13 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 14 – The Bespectacled Mother – book review
July 14 - I Read What You Write - book review / guest post / giveaway
July 15 – Sahar's Blog – book review / giveaway
July 16 – Books for Books – book review
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 

FINDING FAMILY IN A FAR-AWAY LAND Book Tour Giveaway

 

 

Review and Giveaway: Bentley and the Magic Sticks by Claire Eckard

 

Join us for this tour from June 21 to July 16, 2021!

Book Details:

Book Title:  Bentley and the Magic Sticks by Claire Eckard
Category:  Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7),  38 pages
Genre:  Children's Picture Book
Publisher:  Mill City Press, Inc
Release date:   April 2021
Content Rating:  G for everyone.

Book Description:

Bentley and the Magic Sticks follows this extra-large canine as he finds out that his favorite sticks have magical powers, thanks to a wonderful Fairy Dogmother called Tia! Because other dogs are afraid of his large size Bentley has no one to play with. However, with his magic sticks he manages to make new friends and he also discovers the special secret of why he is so big.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ IndieBound
add to goodreads
add to bookbub

My Thoughts:

What a cute and entertaining tale about a puppy dog by the name of Bentley who is a little bit different than other dogs and so this makes it a little harder for him to make friends.

This story turned out quite surprising for me. I don't know why as the title says it all. This fairy tale like story about a dog and his sticks was rather engaging. The art was bold and colorful and beautiful. I enjoy finding new children's books and ones that deal with dogs and fairy tales are certainly my favorite. Great lessons about kindness and friendship are also woven in this happy puppy tale.

Bentley was a sweet dog and I really liked how even though his life was not perfect, he was very grateful and content with his blessings. A great lesson for all of us, both young and old alike. I highly recommend this one.

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

Meet the Author:

Claire Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community, especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, weaving their way into the stories that she writes, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy that animals bring to our lives! Claire is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother and grandmother! She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Claire has three dogs, eight horses, and a miniature mule!

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~instagram ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

 

Tour Schedule:

June 21 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
June 22 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 23 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 23 - @twilight_reader – book review
June 24 – A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
June 25 – Writer with Wanderlust – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 28 – The Bespectacled Mother – book spotlight
June 29 – Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / guest post
June 30 – Laura's Interests – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 30 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
July 1 – icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
July 2 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
July 6 – Pick a Good Book – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 7 – Reading is My Passion – book review
July 8 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
July 8 - Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 9 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / author interview
July 12 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
July 13 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 14 – Sandra's Book Club – book review
July 15 – Splashes of Joy – book review / author interview / giveaway
July 16 – Kam's Place – book review
 

Enter the Giveaway: 
 

Bentley and the Magic Sticks Book Tour Giveaway

 

 

Review: The Weight of Memory by Shawn Smucker

 

About:

Memories are never truly forgotten.

They are simply waiting to be remembered.

When Paul Elias receives a terminal diagnosis, only one thing is clear to him: if he is going to die, he must find someone to watch over his granddaughter, Pearl, who has been in his charge since her drug-addicted father disappeared. Paul decides to take her to Nysa--both the place where he grew up and the place where he lost his beloved wife under strange circumstances forty years earlier.

Paul reconnects with an old friend but is not prepared for the onslaught of memory. And when Pearl starts vanishing at night and returning with increasingly bizarre tales, Paul begins to question her sanity, his own views on death, and the nature of reality itself.

In this mesmerizing story from award-winning author Shawn Smucker, past and present mingle like opposing breezes, teasing out the truth about life, death, and sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

This story really pulled me in with its lyrical style and the secrets being uncovered from the past to the present. This was a little bit creepy and very much a fantastical story.

It was very hard to put down as I felt like I was running out of time with Paul due to his illness. He is looking for someone to care for his granddaughter, Pearl, and he needs them soon. So he decides that he and she will go back to his hometown, where he had forty years ago ran away from. But things are not quite the same, and everything is eerie and the people he meets are a bit off putting and those he knew have changed. There are many secrets and I like how as he reminisces about the past his memories are a little bit more focused and he sees things he had not before.

This is not a horror story by any means, but I did not want to read it at night, as I said there is a layer of creepiness woven in. This story reminds of the George Macdonald book At the Back of the North Wind and the past ambience and friendships I found in the show Stranger Things. This really was a unique story that kept me riveted and I can't wait for more from author Smucker's pen.

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

About the Author:

Shawn Smucker is the award-winning author of Light from Distant Stars and These Nameless Things, the young adult novels The Day the Angels Fell and The Edge of Over There, and the memoir Once We Were Strangers. He lives with his wife and six children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. You can find him online at www.shawnsmucker.com.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Blood Moon Redemption by Judy Ducharme

 

About the Book

Book:  Blood Moon Redemption

Author: Judy DuCharme

Genre: Christian suspense

Release date: October, 2018

An ancient relic, a puzzling prophecy, and a young woman tied together through the ages . . .

It was just a relic, and hers, just a name. Who knew what time it really was?

The blood moons were always surrounded by great persecution and great provision, great trial and great triumph.

When the Jews were expelled from Spain and traveled with Columbus, only a tassel from a prayer shawl remained with them to signify their faith. That tassel, handed down, stolen, and hidden, became a marker of God’s protection and now is the focus of a terrorist scheme and a young woman’s destiny.

Blood Moon Redemption is an end-times thriller that will keep you riveted until the very last moonrise.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Blood Moon Redemption was an interesting end times thriller that tied the past and the present together. Pretty much what happened in the past had definite consequences for the future.

Tassie, an unusual name and one she really hated, wanted nothing to do with her family's superstitious belief in a tassel that was saved when a young girl hid it in her hand as she and her family were kicked out of Spain. The author did a really good job of telling some of the atrocities that were used against the Jews during the inquisition and how abhorred and hated they were. 

The year was 1492 and these Jewish refugees escaped on one of Columbus's ships. In the story, Christopher Columbus was part Jewish. I of course had to look that up and the historical rumors are quite intriguing. I always like a story that makes me think out of the box and I hear something new.

This was an adventure story of countries moving their chess pieces figuratively speaking. Of oil and money being involved and the quest of the Jews to keep fighting for their right to live in their land all centered around blood moons and their occurrences happening on the Jewish holy days. Another interesting tidbit of information to look up.

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

Judy DuCharme grew up with Lake Huron next to her back yard and has always loved the water. She, her husband, daughter, and son moved to Door County in 1984. After teaching 5th Grade at Gibraltar School for 22 years, Judy followed the calling that tugged at her all her life to write. Blood Moon Redemption is her 6^th or 8 published books and she is the recipient of numerous awards. She also writes for Guideposts Magazine. If you visit Door County, you may find her hiking in the woods, jet skiing on the bay, worshipping at her church, teaching a Bible study, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, playing with her amazing grandson, or sitting outside enjoying the beauty around her.

 

More from Judy

My brother, a lawyer, is a voracious reader and likes to write reviews. When he wrote of Blood Moon Redemption, he stated: ‘Most novels have pacing that gives you natural places to stop for the night but this one runs right through the stop signs.’  Current, Historical, and Prophetic, Blood Moon Redemption is a riveting novel following the suspenseful and gripping journeys the characters must travel to find their true destinies. My hope is that you are intrigued enough by all the prophecies, history, and stories here-in, that you will further explore the amazing truths that Tassie, her friends and family discovered.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 23

CarpeDiem, June 23

Texas Book-aholic, June 24

Inklings and notions, June 25

cats in the cradle blog, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 27

Blogging with Carol, June 27

deb’s Book Review, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29

Aryn The Libraryan 📚, June 30

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 30

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

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, July 2

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, July 3

Mary Hake, July 3

Rebecca Tews, July 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 5

Pause for Tales, July 6

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10e01/blood-moon-redemption-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Love Blooms by Jennifer Faye

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Love Blooms

(Bluestar Island #1)

By Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 284 Pages

April 13, 2021

“With the bloom of springtime flowers…
comes the opportunity for new beginnings.”

He's an injured firefighter. She bakes the most delightful treats. When their worlds collide will the baker help heal the firefighter with a mix of blueberry muffins and her caring way?

The elegant baker, Hannah Bell, has always lived on Bluestar Island with her family. While still grieving for her father, who died in a fire, she focuses all of her energy on making her dream come true--opening her very own bakery. But when a broken water pipe washes away her carefully laid plans, she's on the verge of losing everything.

New York firefighter Ethan Walker's life is in a tailspin after he's injured on-the-job. When an urgent call detours him to Bluestar Island, he agrees to help his lovable but meddlesome great-aunt. But organizing the island's Spring Fling proves a lot harder than he originally imagined. He needs help...and fast.

Under the magic of Bluestar Island's sea breeze and warm sunshine, Hannah and Ethan must not only face their immediate obstacles but also their own turning points in life. Will they have to do that alone? With a leap of faith and a dash of romance, they might just find the perfect mix to make their dreams come true.

Includes a delicious recipe for The Elegant Baker's Blueberry Crumble Muffin!

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | BookBub | Print | B&N | Apple Books | Kobo | Google Play

My Thoughts:

Love Blooms is a really good beach read, especially since it does take place on an island. We have two people who are scarred from their pasts, both figuratively and emotionally, who meet in less then idea circumstances. However, as the story progresses, you could say their meeting was a blessing in disguise- not quite a meet cute but one that would have life altering changes for both of them.

I liked both characters, Hannah and Ethan. They shared similar characteristics in that neither liked to ask or accept help if they didn't have too. Hannah wanted to prove that she was just as capable as her siblings and Ethan was a tough, chance taking firefighter who really shouldn't be experiencing his nightmares no matter what had happened to him. But together, these two will make a deal that will be more of a give and take that they both can live with.

I liked my visit to the Bluestar Island and I look forward to more of the characters getting their happily ever afters. Especially since there are a few more residents that have piqued my interest.

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

Other Books in the Series

Harvest Dance

Coming October 2021

Pre-order from Amazon (affiliate link included)

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube | BookBub | Newsletter

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card (open internationally)

Ends July 7, 2021

ENTER HERE

Review: Along a Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

 

About:

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

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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