Review: Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

 

About:

They're both too busy for love . . . but love is not too busy for them

Selah Hopewell seems to be the only woman in Virginia Colony who has no wish to wed. True, there are too many men and far too few women in James Towne. But Selah already has her hands full assisting her father in the family's shop. And now she is in charge of an incoming ship of tobacco brides who must be looked after as they sort through their many suitors.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement. His lands are vast, his crops are prized, and his position as a mediator between the colonists and the powerful Powhatan nation surrounding them makes him indispensable. But Xander is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

My Thoughts:

Another author Frantz read that is rich in historical detail, concerning Jamestown in 1634. At this time the men outnumber the women and England has been sending over what has been dubbed as tobacco brides. Kind of like modern day speed dating, but where these women have especially been sent over to marry. 

Selah Hopewell is probably the only single woman that is allowed to stay single, and she keeps herself fairly busy. The man that she secretly loves appears to be keeping to himself and he is very busy as well.

Xander Renick has been married before and lost his wife. He really didn't seem to be too much in a hurry to wed again. These two were so perfect for each other and their slow burn romance burned hotter and brighter every time they saw each other or spoke to one another. I could not wait until these two finally figured out how perfect they were for each other.

I watched the first season of a show about Jamestown and the brides that came and it ended up more or less being a soap opera. This story, I think really captured the ambience of the time and place, the dangers of attack from the Native Americans, or the attacks some unscrupulous men may have been plotting on the Native Americans. These were perilous times as life and land were at stake and these women willingly ventured to the New World to begin new lives with strangers. This was a very good historical with a few surprises of the life and times and the danger that the Jamestown folks face.

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:

Laura Frantz is a Christy Award winner and the ECPA bestselling author of eleven novels, including An Uncommon Woman, The Frontiersman's Daughter, Courting Morrow Little, The Colonel's Lady, The Lacemaker, and A Bound Heart. She is a proud mom to an American soldier and a career firefighter. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State. Learn more at www.laurafrantz.net.

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Vanished in the Mountains by Tanya Stowe

 

About the Book

Book:  Vanished in the Mountains

Author: Tanya Stowe

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: February 3, 2021

A search for missing women leads to a deadly pursuit.

When domestic violence counselor Dulcie Parker uncovers evidence of a human trafficking ring in the Four Corners area, she’s determined to stop it or die trying. With corruption all around her and killers on her trail, Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner’s the only one she can trust. But can they work together to expose the crime ring before she becomes the next victim?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

I was quickly drawn into this story about a domestic violence counselor gaining unwanted attention and threats as she gets a little to close to the truth and makes some powerful people squirm.

Dulcie Parker is a woman on a mission to help other women and especially children to escape out of violent homes and have a better life. Dulcie knows all about escaping a violent home. She is working on a case of a young Native American girl who was found murdered. Even though they have arrested the girl's step-father for the crime, something doesn't sit right with Dulcie. Why are so many Native American women and girls going missing and nobody is taking this seriously?

Well as soon as Dulcie begins asking questions, she begins getting threats. Now understandably, Dulcie has a hard time trusting people. But she does turn to Deputy Sheriff Austin Turner for help. Reluctantly and a bit gruffly he agrees to help her, until he is told to back off. Why? What is really going on and what is trying to be covered up? Now that sets the stage for this story of a race against time to find out how far up this apparent trafficking of women and girls goes.

This eerily sounds like a story that could be happening today. And I so wanted to see these two take down this very real evil threat. But two against the powerful and the scared is quite a job. The suspense thread was very strong and I had a hard time putting this one down. Partly because it mirrors real life and I really wanted to see justice done. A good reminder to be aware of our surroundings at all times.

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

Tanya Stowe is a Christian Fiction author with an unexpected edge. She is married to the love of her life, her high school sweetheart. They have four children and twenty-one grandchildren, a true adventure. She fills her books with the unusual…mysteries and exotic travel, even a murder or two. No matter where Tanya takes you…on a trip to foreign lands or a suspenseful journey packed with danger…be prepared for the extraordinary.

 

More from Tanya

When my children were very young, my husband and I took a trip to Colorado for a family reunion. After the reunion we traveled through Colorado to see the sights. We stopped in Silverton and my sister and I took my young son and daughter down the narrow-gauge railroad to Durango. Riding the swaying train down slopes covered in pine trees with the rushing white water of the Animas River below, I knew I’d write about the area someday. Many years later my husband and I took our first “kid-less” vacation in our motorhome. We stayed in a campground on the Navajo Nation next to Canyon de Chelly. We had no running water or electricity and that night, a storm blew in from the west. We watched the sky change to hues of purple and pink and then sat mesmerized as lightning strikes crossed the magnificent valley. Once again, I planted the scenes in my mind, determined to write about them one day. Little did I know both vacations would combine into one story. I hope you find my memories of the Four Corners area as unforgettable as I did! Blessings!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 8

Through the fire Blogs, February 8

Lighthouse Academy, February 9

Among the Reads, February 9

Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 10

Betti Mace, February 10

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, February 11 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 11

KarenSueHadley, February 12

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 12

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 13

deb’s Book Review, February 13

Because I Said So – and Other Adventures in Parenting, February 14

Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 14

Hallie Reads, February 14

Older & Smarter?, February 15

Texas Book-aholic, February 15

Artistic Nobody, February 16 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Blogging With Carol, February 16

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 16

Inklings and notions, February 17

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Genesis 5020, February 18

Bigreadersite, February 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 19

Labor Not in Vain, February 19

Simple Harvest Reads, February 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

HookMeInABook, February 20

Daysong Reflections, February 20

For Him and My Family, February 21

Fiction Book Lover, February 21 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

 

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/10712/vanished-in-the-mountains-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

 

About the Book

Book:  The Moonlight School

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release Date: February 2, 2021

 

Haunted by her sister’s mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn’t expected: love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a very interesting look at how illiteracy can hold people back and even keep them confined to their homes and outdated beliefs even passing it on to the next generations.

Starting off with a bit of a tragedy, Lucy Wilson is a woman who tends to keep to herself and follow her father's leading. Her second cousin Cora Wilson has asked for Lucy's help in the hills of Kentucky. Cora is the superintendent of schools and she is trying her best to set up reform.

At first Lucy is reluctant to go and help. Her cousin gets her to come for a period of six months under some shady prospects. But as Lucy, a city girl, comes to these hill folk, she realizes a whole different culture exists. At first she is shocked and appalled by the poverty she sees but then she begins to see them as her cousin does. These people with their own way of life cut off from the rest of the world, are a treasure of their own.

I found the history quite fascinating. At the beginning the author talks about their speech and how and why they speak the way they do and what many would deem improper English. I actually enjoyed reading their speaking throughout the book and I must admit I was chuckling at Lucy as she was learning and growing accustomed to their speech and mannerisms.

This story was quite eye opening on how much illiteracy can affect a person and a whole people group. I was also surprised at a few of the twists this story took as well. Overall this was an enjoyable read as we the reader walked the trails with Lucy and had our eyes opened as well.

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

Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California.

 

 

More from Suzanne

I’m Suzanne Woods Fisher, the author of The Moonlight School. This historical fiction will release on February 2, 2021, and is based on a true story featuring Cora Wilson Stewart, a Kentucky educator way ahead of her times. In 1911, Cora had a crazy idea—to open rural one-room schoolhouses in her county on moonlit nights to teach illiterate adults how to read and write.

So what happened next? Well, it’s so astonishing that you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Instead, I hope you’ll read the book and find out for yourself.

In the meantime, this infographic provides a fascinating look at illiteracy THEN…and NOW. Makes you want to thank your teachers, doesn’t it?

 

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, January 30

Batya’s Bits, January 30

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 30

CarpeDiem, January 31

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 31

A Novel Pursuit, January 31

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, January 31

The Avid Reader, February 1

Bliss Books & Jewels, February 1

lakesidelivngsite, February 1

Connie’s History Classroom, February 1

She Lives To Read, February 2

For the Love of Literature, February 2

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 2

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 3

Through the Fire Blogs, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Inspiration Clothesline, February 3

Fiction Book Lover, February 4 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 4

Blogging With Carol, February 4

Lis Loves Reading, February 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, February 5

Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

HookMeInABook, February 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 6

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 6

Artistic Nobody, February 6 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

For Him and My Family, February 7

EmpowerMoms, February 7

The Write Escape , February 7

Mary Hake, February 7

Older & Smarter?, February 8

deb’s Book Review, February 8

Splashes of Joy, February 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 9

Stephanie’s Life of Determination, February 9

Beauty in the Binding, February 9

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Remembrancy, February 10

Bigreadersite, February 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 10

By The Book, February 11

Wishful Endings, February 11

Vicky Sluiter, February 11

Pause for Tales, February 11

Spoken from the Heart, February 12

Hallie Reads, February 12

To Everything There Is A Season, February 12

Southern Gal Loves to Read, February 12

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1068d/the-moonlight-school-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Maryann's Hope by Molly Jebber

 

About the Book

Book: Maryann’s Hope

Author: Molly Jebber

Genre: Amish Historical Romance

Release Date: January 26, 2021

 

The pleasing warmth of fresh-baked maple cookies…the sweet, buttery flakiness of a raspberry jam pastry. In 1913 Ohio, the Amish Charm Bakery is beloved by locals and visiting Englischer alike. And its understanding community always provides help, healing–and new chances for love…even for a widow faced with an impossible choice between her head and her heart.

Secrets devastated Maryanne Harding’s marriage to an Englischer–and took away her untrustworthy husband. Now the young Amish widow has found contentment cooking up treats at the bakery, raising her little girl, and comforting her ailing mother. And when Andrew Wittmer asks her to marry him, Maryanne is over the moon with happiness that she and the kind furniture maker will put down roots in her hometown…

Until Andrew’s uncle becomes ill, and Andrew must permanently take over his store in a town hours away. Though she would go anywhere to be Andrew’s fraa, Maryanne can’t abandon her mother–or the family that depends on her so much. And when she discovers Andrew harbors secrets of his own, Maryanne’s hard-won trust is shaken. Now, can she risk difficult choices and take a leap of faith into the loving, joyful future she longs for most?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Maryann is still reeling from the heartbreak of her husband's murder and his lies that are suspect in his murder. She decides to leave the Englisher world and return home, back to her roots, with her little girl in tow. She is not only dealing with the fall out of her marriage, but also with the mental illness of her mother, who is quite suffocating towards her. Her own father and brother want her to stick around as well due to the nature of her mother. Needless to say Maryann has a lot she is dealing with, so hope of true love and happiness in Andrew Wittmer makes her both happy and wary.

Andrew really likes Maryann and wants to maker her his wife. She is open and honest and he already loves her young daughter and hopes to have many more children of his own as well. But even though Maryann has been very open with him, Andrew has not told her everything. In fact he has kept some pretty big things a secret. And now that she is back home, she really doesn't want to leave again even though Andrew must.

These two have a lot to conquer and overcome as many distressing things come to light. Do they just quit and say it is not worth it, or with forgiveness and love and understanding do they move on? The Amish lifestyle almost seems timeless as this book is set in 1913 right at the brink of the Great War.  Their lifestyles never seem to change no matter what the outside world is doing.

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

Molly Jebber is a best-selling & award-winning Amish Historical Romance author whose books have made the Publisher’s Weekly Best Ten List, media worldwide, and in USA Today. She’s a national speaker for Women’s Christian Connection, and keynote and guest lecturer for many groups on writing, publishing, & marketing. She loves God, family, friends she is grateful for her readers.

 

More from Molly

Hi Readers!

You are the reason I write. Your inspiration and encouragement on social media posts brighten my mood and on those hard days of writing, keeps me going. Thank you!

I’ve been fortunate to have a close family. I hear so often, you can choose your friends but not your family. Maryann in MARYANN’S HOPE loves her mother, but finds her a challenge with her unpredictable moods. When she meets Andrew, they both must make difficult decisions throughout their courtship relating to family and seeking God’s will for their lives. Maryann’s toddler, Betsy, will make you laugh, as well as other children of her friends in the story. The bakery desserts will make your mouth water, and you’ll imagine the aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and warm bread.

The Amish Charm Bakery is where friends come to enjoy a break, share secrets, solve problems, and laugh and cry.

On a personal note, this year has been an exciting one for our family in spite of COVID-19. My daughter, Misty, is getting married, and we love our future son-in-law, Kevin. They are having a small wedding due to the virus, but it hasn’t dampened any of our enthusiasm for this special day. God has blessed all of us with making all the plans go smoothly, and they’ve enjoyed their marriage counseling with Pastor Roger.

Pastor Roger asked them to put their first name in the verses in Corinthians Chapter 13 of the Bible, as an example of how they should feel about each other. Such as Misty is patient, and Misty is kind. I thought about that in my marriage to Ed. He is all those wonderful things to me. But I need to be more patient! So I’m learning along with Misty and Kevin! LOL

I pray that MARYANN’S HOPE will bring you a fun escape into the small Amish town of Charm, Ohio during the period of 1913-1914!

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 28

The Avid Reader, January 28

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, January 28

Bigreadersite, January 29

lalkesidelivingsite, January 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 30

Jeanette’s Thoughts, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

EmpowerMoms, January 31

Lighthouse Academy, February 1 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Artistic Nobody, February 1 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Inklings and notions, February 2

Reviewingbooksplusmore, February 2

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 3

Sara Jane Jacobs, February 3

Older & Smarter?, February 4

For Him and My Family, February 4

deb’s Book Review, February 5

Britt Reads Fiction, February 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 6

Batya’s Bits, February 6

She Lives To Read, February 7

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Ashley’s Bookshelf, February 7

Connie’s History Classroom, February 8

Simple Harvest Reads, February 8 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Splashes of Joy, February 10

Vicky Sluiter, February 10

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Molly is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and an Amish doll!!

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/1068a/maryann-s-hope-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Beauty Among Ruins by J'Nell Ciesielski

 

About the Book

Book:  Beauty Among Ruins

Author: J’Nell Ciesielski

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: January 12, 2021

 

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This story takes place during the time of the Great War which I haven't read a whole lot of during that time era. And bonus, this one took place in Scotland, which I will happily visit anytime. This had a Beauty and the Beast vibe going and reminded me a great deal of some of what Downton Abbey covered. Yet it was a unique story on it's own.

Lily Durham is an American heiress who was sent to her British relatives to stay out of trouble. Little did anyone know that a war was on the horizon. Now Lily helps out at the makeshift hospital located at Kinclavoch Castle. However, she is still getting in trouble with her superiors but Lily does set out to help the wounded soldiers, the lord of the castle's sister, and even quite possibly the lord of the castle himself.

Alec MacGregor comes off as a very brusque and a bit of a cranky person. As we get to know him we understand that he is a wounded man who is trying to keep his familial lands and properties in the hands of the family and those that work his land. He is a good man with opening his home to the soldiers who need it for recovery, even if he is a bit gruff.

He and Lily butt heads from the beginning, but she is able to bring out a softer, humorous side of him. Alec does not know what to think or do with this American woman, but he does want to keep her around. Along with their developing romance, there is the war going on, the recovering soldiers and their issues, other nurses romantically after Alec, a very militant head nurse, along with family drama, and an intriguing mystery you have yourself a chock full story to lose yourself 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

 

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the INSPY and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle. Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com.

 

More from J’Nell

Inspiration for Beauty Among Ruins

Once again, blame it on Downton Abbey. This time on Lady Rose. She was impulsive, spoiled, a free spirit, yet with a good heart. I knew I wanted to take on the challenge of writing a heroine like her. A character who starts off one way and by the end of the book has completely charmed you over. So I started writing and everything was going great until … it wasn’t. The plot just stopped on me. No matter how hard I tried the story refused to reveal itself to me which is incredibly frustrating for someone who doesn’t like to give up once they’ve started something. But I had to. In the end, I had to put the story, affectionately titled Love on the Limp, away for several months while I wrote The Socialite. Then one day the story clicked. It was meant to be a WWI telling on the classic Beauty and the Beast story. Everything fell into place and the story and characters burst onto the page in glorious technicolor.

Lily and Alec took me by surprised with how much I fell in love with them. Bubbly Lily and brooding Alec. Never had two more opposites been so perfect for one another (at least in my writing experience). They had so many obstacles to overcome, many of them self-imposed, that I often found myself in tears over their heartaches, but golly gumdrops when they came together, boy o boy were there fireworks!

You may have also noticed that the story is set in Scotland because I happen to believe that every good story is set there. I had the privilege of staring at pictures of this breathtaking landscape for months so I could imagine the characters strolling among the heather  and watching the river twist through the green moors. To me, nothing rivals the awe inspiring beauty of a certain place, and hopefully readers will feel that through these pages.

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, January 27

Fiction Aficionado, January 27

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 27

Wishful Endings, January 28

Genesis 5020, January 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 29

lakesidelivingsite, January 29

Reflections From my Bookshelves, January 29

Connect in Fiction, January 30

Connie’s History Classroom, January 30

CarpeDiem, January 30

Artistic Nobody, January 31 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 31

Where Faith and Books Meet, February 1

Rebecca Tews, February 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 1

Texas Book-aholic, February 2

As He Leads is Joy, February 2

Robin’s Nest, February 2

Older & Smarter?, February 3

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, February 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 4

Remembrancy, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 4

Mia Reads, February 5

Joanne Markey, February 5

Splashes of Joy, February 5

Mary Hake, February 5

Betti Mace, February 6

The Christian Fiction Girl, February 6

For Him and My Family, February 6

She Lives to Read, February 7

deb’s Book Review, February 7

The Write Escape, February 7

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

Novels Corner, February 8

To Everything There Is A Season, February 8

Blossoms and Blessings, February 9

Pause for Tales, February 9

Lis Loves Reading, February 9

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, J’Nell is giving away the grand prize of a paperback copy of the book and an audiobook copy of The Socialite!!

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/10688/beauty-among-ruins-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review, Guest Post, and Giveaway: Endless Mercy by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

 

About the Book

Book:  Endless Mercy

Author: Tracie Peterson, Kimberly Woodhouse

Genre: Christian historical romance

Madysen Powell has always been a forgiving person, but when her supposedly dead father shows up in Nome, Alaska, her gift for forgiveness is tested. With the recent loss of her mother, she searches for answers, leaning on Granny Beaufort, a neighbor in town, who listens with a kind heart. Still, Madysen is restless and dreams of performing her music around the world. The arrival of a traveling show could prove just the chance she needs, and the manager promises more than she ever dreamed.

Daniel Beaufort arrives in Nome, searching for his own answers after the gold rush leaves him with only empty pockets. Still angry about the death of his loved ones, he longs to start fresh but doesn’t have high hopes until he ends up helping at the Powell dairy making cheese. Drawn to the beautiful redhead with big dreams, will deceptions from the past tear apart any hope for the future?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

The Powell sisters have certainly had their fair share of sadness and drama in their lives with the death of their mother, the sickness of their Grandfather, and now the return of their long thought dead father. As the family secrets come to light, and they are doozies, there is much pain and cause for bitterness to take root. Can they forgive their father and grandfather in all the pain that they were a part of?

Madysen the youngest sister at 21 wants to be treated like an adult. She is also one who adored her father and he left when she was so young. When she becomes fascinated by the promises of the manager of  a traveling entertainment show she finds herself in a dangerous situation. Her dreams of performing seem on the verge of coming true. Yet not everything is as it seems and she is much too headstrong to see the trouble she is headed for. 

Daniel Beaufort is a young man with a past and bit angry at God for the loss of mother and his grandfather. However, he is quite taken with Madysen if only he could get her attentions away from the manager and on him. They have a unique friendship as they care for the sheep at the Powell dairy.

This was a really messed up family. That these sisters have come out as strong as they have is a testament to the love and faith of their late mother. The main theme of this story was forgiveness and it was a hard one for these girls to push through.

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 Authors

Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana.

 

 

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

 

 

More from Kim

It’s so exciting for book two in our Treasures of Nome series, Endless Mercy, to be heading out into the world! Tracie and I are so thrilled to bring you another story set in Nome, Alaska. And isn’t that cover gorgeous? Bethany House does such an amazing job with our books, it is an absolute joy to get to work with them.

In book one, Forever Hidden, we are introduced to three sisters and their family (and farm) in Nome. Forever Hidden is Havyn’s story. And did I mention there are chickens? Check out my blog for some interesting pictures and stories about how these chicken stories came to be…

Book two, Endless Mercy, is Madysen’s story. Madysen is the youngest sibling, and in our story, she’s a talented cello player. Oh, and there are some sheep, who just might help get her into mischief. (Are you seeing a pattern here?)

Book three will release January 2022 and will finish out the Powell girls’ stories with the eldest, Whitney.

This series is very near and dear to us because the Powell sisters in the books are actually named after three beautiful girls we adore. They were music students of mine in Colorado and when Tracie and I had a book signing for In the Shadow of Denali, the red-headed, musical sisters all came. Tracie made the comment that someone should write a book about them…so of course…we did!

I wish you could hear the girls play and sing in real life. They are such talented musicians, and I love them dearly. Huge thanks go to Monica and Merle Powell for allowing us to take their three girls and make fictional characters out of them.

Here’s a picture of Monica with me and Tracie at a book signing years ago. And then of course, I had to put in a picture of the real Powell girls.

We’d love for you to join us for The Treasures of Nome. Enjoy the blog tour!

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, January 25

Connie’s History Classroom, January 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26

Breny and Books, January 26

Christian Bookaholic, January 27

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 28

Splashes of Joy, January 28

Batya’s Bits, January 28

She Lives to Read, January 29

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 29

Remembrancy, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 31

deb’s Book Review, January 31

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 1

For Him and My Family, February 1

Bigreadersite, February 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 2

Inspiration Clothesline, February 2

Artistic Nobody, February 3 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Empowermoms, February 3

Texas Book-aholic, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 4

Vicky Sluiter, February 4

Inklings and notions, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

The Avid Reader, February 6

Hallie Reads, February 6

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 7

Pause for Tales, February 7

Bizwings Blog, February 7

 

Giveaway

To celebrate their tour, Kimberley and Tracie are giving away the grand prize package of Forever Hidden, Endless Mercy, and this candle!! (https://etsy.me/2JvrO0a)

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/10686/endless-mercy-celebration-tour-giveaway

Review and Giveaway: Roots of Wood and Stone by Amanda Wen

 

About:

This historic home holds the keys to their destiny . . . and their hearts

Abandoned at birth, her family roots a mystery, historical museum curator Sloane Kelley has dedicated her life to making sure others know theirs. When a donor drops off a dusty old satchel, she doesn't expect much from the common artifact . . .until she finds real treasure inside: a nineteenth-century diary. Now she's on the hunt to find out more.

Garrett Anderson just wanted to clean out his grandmother's historic but tumbledown farmhouse before selling it to fund her medical care. With her advancing Alzheimer's, he can't afford to be sentimental about the family home. But his carefully ordered plan runs up against two formidable obstacles: Sloane, who's fallen in love with both the diaries and the house, and his own heart, which is irresistibly drawn to Sloane.

A century and a half earlier, motherless Annabelle Collins embarks with her aunt and uncle on the adventure of a lifetime: settling the prairies of Sedgwick County, Kansas. The diaries she left behind paint a portrait of life, loss, and love--and a God who faithfully carries her through it all. Paging through the diaries together takes Sloane and Garrett on a journey they never could have planned, which will change them in ways they never imagined.

This warm, beautifully written split-time novel will resonate with readers looking for stories that reveal the beauty of God's plan for our lives, and how our actions ripple for generations.

My Thoughts:

Roots of Wood and Stone is a time split novel that takes the reader into the past along a rocky road of loss and love as people carved out homes in the Kansas area. In the here and now we have Sloane Kelley who was adopted due to being abandoned at birth. She is the curator of the historical museum, which helps her in helping others and essentially the town find out about their pasts. Sloane continues to look for clues to her birth family.

Garrett Anderson and his sister are dealing with their Grandmother whom they love very much but suffers with Alzheimer's  disease and it is only getting worse. In cleaning out her home, Garrett comes across an old satchel, but the real treasure is the diary hidden inside. Sloane is pulled in and meets Garrett because Garrett wanted to make some extra money in selling some of his Grandmother's old things.

The first diary, and the subsequent others they find throughout the house, tell the story of a woman by the name of Annabelle Collins and her life. Starting at the age of nine we meet her and see the strong woman she becomes, even in spite of the meanness that life throws at her. Her faith in God is shown strong in the midst of all of life's upheaval.

Wow. I enjoyed this story very much and am having trouble sharing my thoughts just because it fascinated me so much. It is a story of family, love, and generations past that still affect the now. That the people who did not make it into the history books, are just as important with the lives they lived and the impact they had on their families. Family loyalty and two beautiful love stories are told in the pages of this book. This was a really good and I look forward to more of author Wen's stories.

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:

Amanda Wen is an award-winning writer of inspirational romance and split-time women’s fiction. She has placed first in multiple writing contests, including the 2017 Indiana Golden Opportunity, the 2017 Phoenix Rattler, and the 2016 ACFW First Impressions contests. She was also a 2018 ACFW Genesis Contest finalist.
 
Wen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and regularly contributes author interviews for their Fiction Finder feature. She also frequently interviews authors for her blog and is a contributor to the God Is Love blog. Her debut novel, Roots of Wood and Stone, releases from Kregel Publications on February 2, 2021.
 
In addition to her writing, Wen is an accomplished professional cellist and pianist who frequently performs with orchestras, chamber groups, and her church’s worship team. She serves as a choral accompanist as well. A lifelong denizen of the flatlands, Wen lives in Kansas with her patient, loving, and hilarious husband, their three adorable Wenlets, and a snuggly Siamese cat.
 
To find Amanda Wen’s blog and short stories, visit www.amandawen.com. Readers can also follower her on Facebook (@AuthorAmandaWen), Twitter (@AuthorAmandaWen), and Instagram (@authoramandawen).

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway