My Thoughts and More on In This Moment by Gabrielle Meyer

 

About:

Maggie inherited a gift from her time-crossing parents that allows her to live three separate lives in 1861, 1941, and 2001. Each night, she goes to sleep in one time period and wakes up in another. Until she turns twenty-one, when she will have to forfeit two of those lives--and everyone she knows in them--forever.

In 1861, Maggie is the daughter of a senator at the outbreak of the Civil War, navigating a capital full of Southern spies and wounded soldiers. In 1941, she is a navy nurse, grappling with her knowledge of the future when she joins a hospital ship going to Pearl Harbor. And in 2001, she's a brilliant young medical student, fulfilling her dream of becoming a surgeon.

While Maggie has sworn off romance until she makes her final choice, an intriguing man tugs at her heart in each era, only complicating the impossible decision she must make, which looms ever closer. With so much on the line, how can Maggie choose just one life to keep and the rest to lose?

My Thoughts:

Wow. The first book in this series was a wonderfully different reading experience and this one topped that one. Where the first in the series dealt with just two timelines, two lives simultaneously lived, this one with Maggie the daughter, deals with three. Three lives simultaneously lived. This poor girl, I would have been exhausted but I was mesmerized with her stories.

Her stories take place in 1861, 1941, and 2001. All three times that have major implications on our nation's history. Not only that, but like her mother before her she must choose what life she wants to live permanently with by the time she is twenty-one. Does she choose to stay with her time traveling/crossing family in 1941, or with her papa in 1861, or her modern life with unknown history in 2001? And what about the three men that have come into her life in each time period, a situation she tried very hard to prevent but circumstances said otherwise.

This story was a reading adventure and even though it is a good size novel, I was flipping through the pages rather quickly. There was a lot going on as each life Maggie lived was full and precious. I was on pins and needles wondering at which one she would choose. I also wondered how all this was going to work, the mechanics of the time crossing, and author Myer lays it out in a believable way. I am personally thankful that this is not true. Right? Anyway, if you are looking for an out of the box story that you can lose yourself in, here it is. You really don't want to miss out on this one.

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:

Gabrielle Meyer (www.gabriellemeyer.com) has worked for state and local historical societies and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides along the banks of the Mississippi River in central Minnesota with her husband and four children. By day, she's a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and nonfiction filled with hope.

Giveaway:

In This Moment Review Tour (kingsumo.com)

My Thoughts and More on A Season at the Grand by Sherri Wilson Johnson

 

About the Book

Book: A Season at the Grand

Author: Sherri Wilson Johnson

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: May 9, 2023

Can the perfect picture reveal the truth before it’s too late?

Photographer Amelia Harris has had enough of her aunts’ meddling matchmaking. So when The Photographic Times commissions her to spend the summer on Mobile Bay taking portraits of the elite and capturing nature for penny postcards, Amelia happily accepts. But this job is not as simple as it appears, and Amelia must defend against naysayers if she’s to ever gain respect in a man’s world. And that doesn’t leave any room for romance.

Point Clear Resort General Manager Titus Overton never wanted the position he inherited when his cousin passed away. If it were up to him, he would be traveling with the Audubon Society to far-off places, enjoying the solitude of nature instead of providing relaxation for his guests. And now he has to deal with the big-city photographer stomping her way through sand dunes that house the migratory birds nesting there. But when she reveals an admiration for his feathered friends, it reawakens a longing in his heart he’d buried after the death of his fiancé.

When threats arise against Amelia and the other resort guests, Titus knows he must step in to help. But she insists they trust God for deliverance. How can he turn to a God who took away his first beloved?

As the danger closes in, he must find the courage to overcome his past before someone gets hurt—especially the woman he’s come to love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Going on vacation should never be as exciting or potentially dangerous as Amelia Harris's was when she escapes to Mobile Bay. Just wanting to get away from her aunts' and their constant matchmaking, Amelia just wants to photograph and establish herself as an important photographer. Even though many men will still look down upon her.

Titus Overton is the manager at the resort Amelia has chosen. He is a good manager, but his heart is not in that work. He is a bird man and would much rather be with the Audubon Society but due to familial obligations he must work at the resort. When Titus meets Amelia, he cannot get her out of his mind. And that is a problem as he has decided to close up his heart since his fiancé died. But his heart and soul sings for joy whenever she is around.

Titus and Amelia have a little bit of a bumpy ride on their way to happily ever after. There is unexpected mystery and danger that will throw these two in an adventure they never saw coming. This was a nice read about a vacation resort back in the day.

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

Sherri Wilson Johnson is an Inspirational Romance novelist, graphic designer and lover of all things book related. She’s always been a sucker for a good love story—whether it’s real life or fiction (both historical and contemporary). Completing her first novel at the age of eighteen, and later burning the only copy in the fireplace, she continued learning the craft of writing and now writes Contemporary Romantic Suspense and Historical Romance with a splash of suspense and/or mystery. When not writing, she’s usually assisting other publishing professionals or helping authors realize their dreams of becoming published. Sherri and her husband are empty-nesters and live in Georgia with their two dogs. She loves spending time with family, vacationing at the beach, curling up with a good book or working on her current work-in-progress. She dreams of a second home on some beach somewhere some day, where she can plot and write romantically suspenseful novels.

 

More from Sherri

A Season at the Grand is set in Point Clear, Alabama on Mobile Bay, because it is one of my favorite vacation spots. I adore sitting on the dock and watching dolphins while birds of all types fly overhead. I am always inspired by the ocean, and many stories have come out of my time in the Mobile Bay area.

Point Clear is also the setting of my novella, Bayside Betrayal, which also involves the Grand Hotel but under a fictitious name. Bayside Betrayal is the launching story of my Jeopardized Reunions series, which is a series filled with contemporary reunion romantic suspense stories. Why am I telling you about this series? Well, book five, which I am writing now, holds a special attachment to A Season at the Grand because one of the characters is a descendent of the couple in the story. I’m so attached to this setting that I think I may have to keep writing stories set there for years to come. I hope you’ll check out A Season at the Grand and my other books too.

I’d love it if you’d follow me on social media and join my subscriber list. I’m always excited to hear from readers!

Blog Stops

Pause for Tales, May 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 13

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 14

An Author’s Take, May 15

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 15

Connie’s History Classroom, May 16

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 17

She Lives To Read, May 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

For Him and My Family, May 20

Texas Book-aholic, May 21

Blossoms and Blessings, May 22

Cover Lover Book Review, May 23

Holly’s Book Corner, May 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 25 (Author Interview)

Sheila’s Reading Corner, May 25

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sherri is giving away the grand prize package 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/25f5b/a-season-at-the-grand-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Love in the Headlines by Penny Zeller

 

About the Book

Book: Love in the Headlines

Author: Penny Zeller

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 9, 2023

Can paper and paw prints draw these two nemeses together?

All Carleigh Adams wants is a relaxing evening. But Sullivan Theodore IV, her wayward Shih Tzu, has other plans. After escaping from home, Sullivan Theodore unlawfully enters what Carleigh assumes is a stranger’s house via a doggy door. Much to Carleigh’s horror, it is actually the home of her coworker and nemesis, Trey “The Irritating” Montgomery.

Trey Montgomery has had to work with “Quirky Carleigh,” his top competitor for the best articles at The Oakville Daily, for the past two years. It’s safe to say that she and her criminally-minded pet are his adversaries. Trey’s attempts to keep his distance from her are demolished when their boss thrusts them together as The Oakville Daily Duo, forcing them to work as a team on every. Single. Article.

Petty crimes and crazy shenanigans in Oakville soon draw Carleigh and Trey into doubling as detectives. When dogs, including their own pets, begin to mysteriously disappear, Carleigh and Trey join forces to uncover the culprit. As they work to report the daily news and solve the crimes in Oakville, can these two stubborn reporters find love in the headlines?

Faith, plentiful humor, and tender romance round out the latest Christian contemporary romance novel by Author Penny Zeller.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

What a cute and oftentimes funny story about two enemies that find themselves having to work together at their jobs and somehow running into one another outside of the jobs. The small town they live in doesn't help them keep their distance, nor does their lovable and mischievous pups, Jaxx the German Shepherd, and Sullivan Theodore IV a shih tzu full of boundless energy.

Carleigh and Trey not only live near each other, but they both work for their small-town newspaper, always competing with one another for the stories and the better coverage. Until one day their boss decides to make them into a team. A dynamic duo so to speak. Neither one of them is excited as neither can stand the other. However, feelings change, as they often do, and these two may just realize what a good team they make.

This story is filled with humorous moments, true love, secret admirers, and other mysteries. This was a fun enemy to lovers read.

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, bicycling/cycling, reading, running, gardening, and playing volleyball.

She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and loves to hear from her readers at her website,  blog, and on Facebook.

Subscribe to Penny’s newsletter for writing updates, news about freebies and giveaways, and other fun morsels.

 

More from Penny

The Inspiration Behind Love in the Headlines

When the idea for Love in the Headlines popped into my head, I knew I wouldn’t have to go far to find the inspiration for Sullivan Theodore IV, the spunky and mischievous Shih Tzu in the story.

For, once upon a time, a little white puppy needed a home.

From the second my niece and nephews walked through the door with him, Sulley Jaxx became more than just a pet. He became a member of the family.

It’s definitely not uncommon for dogs to become members of families. However, Sulley’s adoption became even more special because of his new family.

Years ago, my mom suffered a serious accident and she subsequently became wheelchair-bound. Unable to live the active life she once did, she and my dad were blessed to be able to move into the “mother-in-law apartment” of my sister and brother-in-law’s house.

My niece, Ally, has been diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder, POTS, which can, at times, seriously interfere with her daily activities.

Enter Sulley.

My mom and Ally have what could only be considered as a “joint custody” arrangement. While Sulley’s favorite person is Ally, he is also quite partial to snuggling with my mom in her chair, and truly, my mom spoils him and lets Sulley get away with everything.

Sulley begs treats off a big softie known as my dad, aka Poppy, to his grandchildren, and Sulley runs like the wind with my nephew, Kolten. He recently gained a new admirer when my nephew, Seth, and his wife, Autumn, had their baby daughter.

And the inspiration behind the newspaper reporters? Back when video cameras were big, clunky, and oversized, my sister, cousin, friends, and I pretended to be reporters. We’d report and record the news, including some fun and very fabricated stories. Sometime I’ll have to do an archeological dig and locate those old VHS tapes.

I also wrote “articles” with friends and co-workers from my after-school job as the main characters of those articles. I wanted to be a reporter, and was blessed to be a photojournalist when my daughters were little. That launched my career as an author, my dream since I was in second grade.

Love in the Headlines takes readers on an enjoyable journey into a small, close-knit, American town where everyone knows everyone else. A town where faith and church are important. A slow-paced town where the newspaper’s main goal is to provide a family-friendly news outlet and everyone is excited when their photos or stories are featured. As Howard, the owner, says, “We should have an entire cache of great photos and well-written articles that will cause parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and everyone twice removed to purchase copies of The Oakville Daily.”

Love in the Headlines is a Christian contemporary romance with an enemies-to-lovers trope as the main theme. And, while most things in Oakville move at a relaxed pace, when a stranger begins committing crimes, including dognapping, Howard puts Carleigh and Trey, aka, The Oakville Daily Duo on the story. Will they realize their feelings for each other in the process?

With tender romance, faith, and abundant humor, I can’t wait for readers to meet Carleigh, Trey, Sullivan Theodore IV, Jaxx, and the rest of the gang.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 11

Pause for Tales, May 12

She Lives to Read, May 13

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, May 14 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 14

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 16

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Bizwings Book Blog, May 22

Holly’s Book Corner, May 22

Splashes of Joy, May 23

Karen Baney Reviews, May 24

 

Giveaway

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

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/25f5a/love-in-the-headlines-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on When Tomorrow Came by Hannah Linder

 

About the Book

Book: When Tomorrow Came

Author: Hannah Linder

Genre:Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance

Release date: April, 2023

They Waited Their Whole Lives for Their Papa to Return

Nan and Heath Duncan, siblings abandoned by their papa and abused by their guardian, have no choice but to survive on the London streets. When a kind gentleman rescues Nan from such a life, the siblings are separated and raised in two vastly different social worlds. Just when both are beginning to flourish and years have healed some of their wounds, their long-awaited papa returns and reunites them—bringing demands with him. Nan is expected to marry a rich suitor she’s never liked, and Heath is expected to forsake his gentle spirit and become the hardened man his father always was.

Dangers unfold, secret love develops, fights ensue, and murder upsets the worlds Heath and Nan have built for themselves.

They’ve waited their whole lives for their papa to return, for tomorrow to come—but now that it has, will they be able to see through to the truth and end this whirlwind of a nightmare before it costs one of their lives?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a very interesting story, a little Dickensian, as this story starts out with a very poor brother and sister. They are so poor that the sister, Nan Duncan, is starving, and both she and Heath, the brother, are living in a crate on the streets. They are waiting for their father to return from the sea, and the place where he left them was no good. So they ran away. Then Nan is injured and is taken away by a Mr. Stanhope, and Heath watches as he sees his sister going to a better life. Their parallel stories are told as they grow up in different environments.

The Stanhopes have two children of their own, Gilbert and Charlotte, who grow up with Nan who is now living in their home. The passage of time comes and goes, and then like the title states, tomorrow comes. Now Nan has her long-lost family back, but not without conditions. What is she to do when she is so torn by her long lost dream and her heart?

This story was very good and had themes of love and loyalty, family and treachery, and two romances. I know how I wanted the story to end, I was not disappointed, and it was quite a tale to get there.

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

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and International bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, and ukulele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

 

More from Hannah

Love interests me. Not just in the romantic sense, but in every sense, because love is the driving emotion behind so much of what we do. It’s the heartbeat of everything. What do we have but love? Yet isn’t it the very essence of our greatest pain?

Sometimes it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes love has no reason. Like a tumultuous wind or a wet branch that sways in different directions, love is often petulant and aimless and powerful. But sometimes it’s soft, like a flower lifting dewy petals to the sunshine. The epitome of everything good, sweet, and true.

What makes love change? What makes two friends who have always been fraternal one day confess romantic affection? How much wrong, how much affliction, does it take for sweet love to sizzle into hatred? Even then, is it really hatred? Or merely the charred crust of the adoration still throbbing beneath? And how strong are the cords of new love? Will they break at every pull and tug, or are they more unfaltering than anyone might think? 

Maybe those are silly questions. Maybe, like snowflakes, every heart knows a different answer. But if I explored anything in When Tomorrow Came, it was this. I glided through the story and felt love shift from brotherly to intimate, from hopeful to disappointed, from untested to proven, from safe to betrayed.

Just as love is the heartbeat of life, it is also the heartbeat of this story. I hope you will find yourself falling in love with the characters and their journey as much as I did.

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, April 28

To Everything There Is A Season, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 29

Connie’s History Classroom, April 30

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, April 30

Lily’s Book Reviews, May 1

Genesis 5020, May 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 2

Betti Mace, May 3

Book Looks by Lisa, May 3

Labor Not in Vain, May 4

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, May 4

Cover Lover Book Review, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 6

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 7

Where Faith and Books Meet, May 8

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, May 8

Holly’s Book Corner, May 9

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 10

Splashes of Joy, May 10

Pause for Tales, May 11

Books I’ve Read, May 11

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Hannah is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/25adf/when-tomorrow-came-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on The Bark of Zorro by Kahtleen Y'Barbo

 

About the Book

Book: The Bark of Zorro

Author: Kathleen Y’Barbo

Genre: Christian/Cozy Mystery/Romance Fiction

Release date: April, 2023

Who Is Spray Painting the Dogs in Brenham, Texas?

Strange happenings are afoot in Brenham, Texas, as dogs start showing up at the Lone Star Veterinary Clinic with a Z spray painted on them. The cops blame pranksters, while pet owners are blaming each other. Receptionist Cassidy Carter uses her social media expertise to try to get the culprit caught on camera, but Texas game warden, Jason Cameron, thinks online media attention is the last thing this case needs. When Cassidy’s post goes viral, more dogs are found painted and the clinic gets marked with a big Z too. How could her good intentions have backfired so badly?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This series is not only cute but keeps getting better and better. I am always happy to visit with this group of animal lovers and their family, friends, and loves. This is Cassidy's story; she is best friends to Mari from the first book.

On Valentine's Day, Cassidy volunteers to step in for Parker and Mari while they have a romantic date. She is on call for any animal rescue emergencies, and she gets one. On a dark and stormy night, literally that is when she had to go out. Her cute Scooby Doo references made the scene all the more comical even when she was sort of breaking the law and running away, with the dog, from the creeper. The next day things seem to be looking up for Cassidy. Her home search looks like it has ended in a dream come true and she has met the most gorgeous game warden, Jason who asks her out, after giving her a couple of warnings per his job as a police officer.

Everything is looking up even though she has got this mystery on her hands. Who sprayed painted a white letter 'Z' on her rescue pup Spot and why? As more mysterious cases come in of spray-painted dogs, Cassidy becomes a bit of a hometown celebrity. What crazier things can happen? This was a fun cozy mystery with a touch of romance, friendship, and furry friends to get lost in.

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

Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Novelists Inc., and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

When she’s not spinning modern day tales about her wacky Southern relatives, Kathleen inserts an ancestor or two into her historical and mystery novels as well. Recent book releases include bestselling The Pirate Bride set in 1700s New Orleans and Galveston, its sequel The Alamo Bride set in 1836 Texas, which feature a few well-placed folks from history and a family tale of adventure on the high seas and on the coast of Texas. She also writes (mostly) relative-free cozy mystery novels for Guideposts Books.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas and are the parents and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and one very adorable Londoner.

 

More from Kathleen

MEET BAXTER: LIFE THROUGH THE EYES OF A SCHNAUZER

Recently I’ve been working on a series of cozy mystery novels set in a veterinary clinic in Brenham, Texas. I love Brenham. It’s one of my favorite cities and I’m thankful that it’s very near to me. Without Brenham, there would be no Blue Bell ice cream.

But I digress.

While preparing for the release of the fourth book in the series, The Bark of Zorro, I thought about what drew me to writing this series, other than ice cream, of course. It didn’t take me long to realize it was the dogs. During the course of the series there are fancy pets and sassy strays, but they all have one thing in common: they steal our hearts.

Let me tell you about a pup that stole my heart.

Meet Baxter.

Baxter has very little stress beyond whether his water bowl stays full, his food bowl is consistently replenished, and his trips outside are not withheld. In short–which he is–Baxter is a low maintenance guy, er dog.

He makes our house a home and gives us ears to scratch and a built-in vacuum cleaner to handle any kitchen messes that reach the floor.

Unfortunately, this fellow has one rather annoying habit. He likes to walk a half-step ahead of me while looking back to be sure I am following. Not the best way to make progress of any kind. In fact, life would be much less complicated if Baxter would just let me do the leading while he does the following.

I said this recently. Aloud. Yes, to a Miniature Schnauzer. And as the words left my mouth, I was struck with the thought that maybe I am guilty of the same thing.

How many times have I gotten ahead of God only to realize He wasn’t having any of it? How many more times did I think I knew exactly where God was going–or what He was going to do–only to realize I was nowhere near close in my guess? Just as Baxter –who has appointed himself guardian of our home– sometimes barks when there’s nothing there, I too, let nothing (in the form of fear, worry, angst, or just plain imagination) grab my attention and hold it.

Here’s something else about Baxter: he’s small. Eleven pounds soaking wet small, to be precise. So small, my husband has to be careful where he steps lest he accidentally squash the poor pup with his size 13 shoes.

Though we’re physical much larger than my Baxter, I cam certainly relate to that feeling of being easily overlooked. Have you ever felt small? Really, really small? The kind of small where someone could walk right past and not even notice you?

Maybe it’s the people in your world who just don’t seem to know you’re there. Or it’s a goal you’ve long since given up accomplishing because it seems there are so many others doing it already.

Life can be that way. It’s all enough to make a person want to fade into the wallpaper or hide behind a potted plant. To make us feel as though we’re not at home, even when we are home.

I know that feeling. As a writer of Christian fiction for twenty years, I have been blessed to have sold more than two million copies of my more than one hundred novels, novellas, and nonfiction books. That’s anything but small. And yet when I look at all the amazing things that others have done, compare myself to others, well…small is exactly how I sometimes feel.

There’s just one remedy for that. Stop comparing! I’m a work in progress on this issue, but Baxter has this skill mastered. There are no comparisons in the Miniature Schnauzer world—something I could definitely learn.

Baxter has another side to him, a loyal and faithful side that I adore. Where I am, Baxter wants to be. My return from a brief trip away sends him into a crazy dance of joy that requires several rooms of the house to adequately perform. My presence is his source of joy and comfort.

So, the thought struck me: what if I looked at my relationship with God like that? What if I found contentment and joy merely in resting in his presence? What if I followed Him rather than leading?  What if my home was filled with the evidence that God was not just welcome here but adored. What if…

I learned something years ago about this journey called the Christian life. The more I learn about the Lord, the more I realize how much I do not know and how very far away from any sort of perfection I am. That knowledge is sobering. Humbling.

And yet it is encouraging.

I wish you could all meet Baxter. But since you can’t check out The Bark of Zorro and the other books in the Gone to the Dogs series to meet our cast of fancy pets and sassy strays. I think you’ll like them and their humans. But then what’s not to like about a handsome game warden, a red-haired office manager with a penchant for her word-of-the-day calendar and the rest of the Lone Star Vet Clinic crew? Check them out and you’ll see!

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky’s Book Impressions, April 26

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, April 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 27

Cover Lover Book Review, April 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 28

Vicky Sluiter, April 29

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 1

Texas Book-aholic, May 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 3

The Book Club Network, May 3

Remembrancy, May 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 5

Blogging With Carol, May 6

Debs book review, May 6

For Him and My Family, May 7

Mary Hake, May 7

Holly’s Book Corner, May 8

Splashes of Joy, May 8

Pause for Tales, May 9

Labor Not in Vain, May 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a print 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/25add/the-bark-of-zorro-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on A Brighter Dawn by Leslie Gould

 

About the Book

Book: A Brighter Dawn

Author: Leslie Gould

Genre: Amish Romance

Release date: March 28, 2023

Ivy Zimmerman is successfully navigating her life as a young Mennonite woman, one generation removed from her parents’ Old Order Amish upbringing. But when her parents are killed in a tragic accident, Ivy’s way of life is upended. As she deals with her grief, her younger sisters’ needs, the relationship with her boyfriend, and her Dawdi and Mammi’s strict rules, Ivy finds solace in both an upcoming trip to Germany for an international Mennonite youth gathering and in her great-great-aunt’s story about Clare Simons, another young woman who visited Germany in the late 1930s.

As Ivy grows suspicious that her parents’ deaths weren’t, in fact, an accident, she gains courage from what she learns of Clare’s time in pre-World War II Germany. With the encouragement and inspiration of the women who have gone before her, Ivy seeks justice for her parents, her sisters, and herself.

 

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My Thoughts:

This was an interesting and at times tragic story that has a lot packed into it. This is a dual timeline of present times and the turmoil of 1937 Germany. There was a lot of history concerning the Anabaptists, which included the Mennonites and the Amish. I appreciated the differences the author showed in how they lived. The different ideologies that were happening in Germany and the USA, then and now, and even how family members thought and reacted. 

Not only was this interesting on the historical side and the dangers that were ever present in history, but in the present times there was also danger. The present story also dealt with a tragedy that affected Ivy and her sisters and the rest of her family. Her parents were killed in a car accident and some clues have been uncovered that point to it not just being an accident. But why and who would do such a thing?

Ivy, the main character is going through some growth in her maturity and her current selfish view of life. She has a lot on her plate and a lot of family drama, past and present to learn from and deal with. I am interested in the rest of this series.

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

Leslie Gould (www.lesliegould.com) is a Christy Award-winning and #1 bestselling author of over 35 novels, including four Lancaster County Amish series. She holds an MFA in creative writing and enjoys studying church history, research trips, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest. She and her husband live in Portland, Oregon, and are the parents of four adult children.

 

More from Leslie

The historical thread of my dual-time novel A Brighter Dawn is set in Nazi Germany from 1937 to 1939. During that period of time, Germany incorporated Austria, mandatory registration of all Jewish property began, and concentration camps opened. Then came the Night of Broken Glass—the anti-Jewish pogrom in Germany, Austria, and the Sudetenland. Soon following was the German occupation of Czechoslovakia before the Nazis invaded Poland in September 1939.

My main character, Clare Simons, is a Mennonite young woman from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who is staying with her uncle and cousins in Frankfurt, Germany. She doesn’t follow current events much and struggles to balance the Nazi propaganda her uncle and oldest cousin believe with the events unfolding around her. Slowly, she begins to see the truth behind the Nazi lies.

One thing that broke up the narrative of the heavy events I researched and wrote about? The food.

When I traveled in Germany with my husband (who had lived there during his Army service years ago), I marveled over the scenery, became engrossed in the history, and definitely enjoyed the food. My background is Swiss, so it wasn’t that the food was unfamiliar. It was just at a level I hadn’t experienced before!

As I researched what Clare would fix for meals, I pored through cookbooks. For added inspiration, hubby and I ate at German restaurants. Jägerschnitzel (seared pork with gravy). Rinderbraten (paprika and caraway spiced beef roasted in red wine gravy). Wienerschnitzel (breaded and fried pork loin with warm potato salad and a vegetable remoulade.)

I noted food in research books, documentaries, and films. The entrees became focal points in the stories, including rabbit stew, a Christmas goose, and Sauerbraten with Spätzle and red cabbage. So did the desserts, including trifle and Black Forest cake.

When I visited Germany with my hubby, one of the things I really loved was stopping in a café for Apfelkuchen (apple cake) and coffee in the afternoon. In one scene in A Brighter Dawn, when Clare and her cousin Lena stop for coffee, they order apple cake too. Then, in another scene, Clare bakes an apple cake for the family of the nearby Jewish grocer who will soon lose their property.

Below is a recipe for a simple and dense German apple cake (which may have originated in Poland and been influenced by a Jewish apple cake recipe).

The food in A Brighter Dawn doesn’t take away from the narrative, but it is a reminder that a nurturing soul, such as my character Clare, can stand against the lies of an evil regime.

 

German Apple Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup salted butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ to 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 5 cups apples—peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (to soften apple slices before baking, place in a microwavable dish with a lid and microwave them with a Tablespoon of water for 3–4 minutes)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9×13 cake pan.
2. Beat butter and eggs with an electric mixer until creamy. Add sugar and vanilla; beat well.
3. Stir together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Slowly add flour mixture to egg mixture; mix until combined. The batter will be very thick. Fold in apples and walnuts by hand using a wooden spoon. Spread batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake in preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 45–50 minutes. After 30 minutes, put a sheet of foil over the top of the cake to keep it from burning. Cool cake on a wire rack.

Possible Toppings

Before baking:

Crumble: ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ cup flour, 4–6 Tablespoons softened butter. Combine ingredients and evenly spread over the top of cake.

Butterscotch: Sprinkle a package of butterscotch chips over the top of the cake.

Almonds: Sprinkle almond slivers over the top of the cake.

After baking:

Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Drizzle with caramel sauce.

Sprinkle with white sparkling sugar.

            Top with whipped cream.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 23

Lakesidelivingsite, April 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 24

Cover Lover Book Review, April 25

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 26

Lighthouse Academy Blog, April 27 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Connie’s History Classroom, April 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 28

Vicky Sluiter, April 28

She Lives To Read, April 29

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 30 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, April 30

Texas Book-aholic, May 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 2

Mornings at Character Cafe, May 2

Bigreadersite, May 3

Bliss, Books & Jewels, May 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 4

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 5

Splashes of Joy, May 6

Pause for Tales, May 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Leslie is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of A Brighter Dawn and one $15 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/258b9/a-brighter-dawn-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Thoughts and More on Fields of Bounty by Lauraine Snelling

 

About the Book

Book: Fields of Bounty

Author: Lauraine Snelling

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: March 21, 2023

They must set aside their own plans and rely on their faith to bring their true destiny to light.

Lilac Nielsen’s dream has come true: handsome young Reverend Ethan Pritchard has finally noticed her. Yet she must balance this new courtship with the pursuit of another dream–the publication of her artwork in a New York paper. She has secretly been submitting a series of drawings under a pen name, and if anyone traces the drawings back to her and finds out where Lilac and her sisters settled, the entire Nielsen family could be in danger.

As their family farm expands and Lilac’s relationship with the reverend grows, it’s a time of new beginnings. But when a family crisis back in Ohio shakes the Nielsen sisters, can they continue to build the new life they’ve begun in Nebraska? And will Lilac be prepared for what God has in store for her future?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This series, Leah's Garden, is a series about family, mostly surrounding four sisters in Nebraska. I have not read the first two books, so I do not have all the background information, but this family is close in their love for one another and the way they support each other. This family also knows the meaning of hard work, yet they are very thankful for it and all of its bounty.

We have a couple of romances in this story. Younger sister Lilac has a couple of her dreams coming to fruition. One, her art has been accepted by a publisher, though under her late father's name. And two, the town's pastor, Ethan has finally taken notice of her. All seems to be working out until trouble comes knocking. 

This story ended not quite the way I thought it would. Not sure what I think about that. When decisions are made though, Lilac and her sisters seem content with them. That is a lesson in and of itself.

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

Lauraine Snelling (www.laurainesnelling.com) is the award-winning author of more than 100 books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies. She and her husband make their home in Tehachapi, California.

 

More from Lauraine

One of the things I love about writing novels is that the characters often surprise me as I write. I usually jot notes, then have to hunt for them because I have the bad habit of scribbling on whatever paper happens to be handy. But as I play with the characters who’ve already taken up residence in my head, they seem to develop a mind of their own. Once I have the opening line, the adventure flies off in directions I never expected.

 

Lilac’s story, Fields of Bounty, is book three of Leah’s Garden. The series follows the adventures of four sisters, all named after their mother’s favorite flowers. Lilac is the youngest sister. She’s a dreamer, as I’d already learned in two of her sisters’ stories. She loves playing the fiddle with her sisters, who are each proficient on a different instrument. As she lives the frontier life, she sketches everything around her, their farm animals, her growing extended family, and their new life in Nebraska. Her story unwinds in ways you might not expect.

 

It’s interesting how flowers show up in so many of my books. I love to talk about flowers. I  choose and plant them so I can pick flowers, arrange them, and enjoy the fragrances. I take photos and paint watercolors of my flowers as well. Our acreage is hedged in lilac bushes. In the spring when my lilacs are blooming and a breeze is spreading the perfume, I can take my laptop out to the deck, inhale deeply, and write.

 

Since we wish we could keep the scent of lilacs around all year, I found a great recipe for making lilac potpourri from The Experimental Homesteader. Check out her website for instructions. I think our Nebraska Lilac would approve.

Blog Stops

Bigreadersite, April 21

lakesidelivingsite, April 21

Jeanette’s Thoughts, April 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 23

Texas Book-aholic, April 24

Lily’s Book Reviews, April 25

Cover Lover Book Review, April 25

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 26

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 27

Connie’s History Classroom, April 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 30

For Him and My Family, May 1

Holly’s Book Corner, May 2

Splashes of Joy, May 3

Mary Hake, May 3

Pause for Tales, May 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lauraine is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback set of the books in LEAH’S GARDEN series: The Seeds of Change, A Time to Bloom, and Fields of Bounty!!

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/258b1/fields-of-bounty-celebration-tour-giveaway