Blog & Review Tour of Green Pastures by Patricia Johns

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Green Pastures by Patricia Johns, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Green Pastures
Series: The Amish of Shepherd's Hill #1
Author: Patricia Johns
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Amish Romance

Tabitha Schrock's return to Lancaster County shakes the foundations of her family and community. After her departure during rumspringa and a recent divorce, Tabitha faces the challenge of reintegrating into Amish society while pursuing her dream of working as a veterinarian. Meanwhile, her sister Amanda, whose own prospects were dimmed by Tabitha's leaving Shepherd's Hill, decides to seize her chance at love by pursuing a man with a shadowed past. And their youngest sister, Rose, despite her beauty and romantic hopes, faces the harsh realities of matrimony, grappling with the weight of vows made before Gott and her community. 

As the sisters navigate the intricacies of love, faith, and tradition, they are bound by their commitment to uphold their Amish way of life. But as they strive to keep their promises, how much are they willing to sacrifice to remain true to themselves and their community?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

Green Pastures is a very exciting Amish story. The plot unfolds with Tabitha returning to Shepherd's Hill to the family farm. Divorced from an Englisher, she hopes to fit back into the Amish community while working as a licensed Veterinarian in Sheperd's Hill Amish country.

The novel has well-developed characters with many layers. The characters deal with everyday issues but in the Amish way. The descriptions of Amish life were somewhat different because of Tabitha's occupation, but each order had its own rules to follow. I was drawn to Tabitha's courage and determination to fit in. The whole family dealt with heartbreak, forgiveness, and second chances.

There were biblical references, which gave the story more substance but did create some tension. I enjoyed the budding romance. Overall, a very enjoyable story. I hated to see it end.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

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About the Author

Patricia Johns is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 50 books. She writes Amish fiction with tight communities, outspoken heroines, and the handsome, rugged men who fall in love with them. She lives in Alberta, Canada, with her husband and son.

Connect with Patricia by visiting patriciajohns.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a print copy of Green Pastures!

(1) additional winner will receive a print copy of Green Pastures!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 18, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 25, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Stranger at the Door Blog Tour by Henry O. Arnold

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Stranger at the Door by Henry O. Arnold, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Stranger at the Door
Series: The Urban Chronicles #2
Author: Henry O. Arnold
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Genre: Christian Thriller

When a beat-up van screeches to a stop in front of The Mercy Seat church late one night and a young woman leaps out in an effort to escape her captors, Maxwell Crane and his family jump to her rescue. But is this desperate girl the innocent victim she appears to be? 

The family’s act of kindness leads to dire consequences. When the young woman and the Crane sisters are abducted by members of a ruthless cartel out for revenge, Maxwell is yanked into yet another harsh reality of life in Hell’s Canyon. 

There are no good options. All strategies for rescue could exact a terrible price. Still haunted by the tragedy he caused the last time he took justice into his own hands, Maxwell can only cast his broken soul upon the mercy of God. He would rush into the gates of hell to save his daughters, but will he get there in time?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

My Review

This is book 2 of the Urban Chronicles series. It begins six months after the end of the first book. I read it in one sitting, as I couldn't put it down. It was that good!

The author is a talented writer who puts his heart and soul into them, creating books that keep you on the edge of your seat and give you insight into the world he is depicting. His world of human trafficking was created, which made me feel compassion for the victims, which appeared very real. The characters had lots of depth and layers filled with emotion, which carried through each page. The main family was courageous, compassionate, forgiving, and strong through God.

The spiritual content was woven throughout the story so that, as a reader, you could understand their struggles. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. It is a thought-provoking read that will have you thinking about it long after you finish the last page.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

More In This Series

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About the Author

Mr. Arnold's career as an actor/author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the Urban Chronicles suspense series and the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled The Song of Prophets and Kings (available in all formats wherever books are sold). When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world. He and his lovely wife Kay have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.

Connect with Mr. Arnold by visiting henryoarnold.com to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Stranger at the Door & $20 Amazon Gift Card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 17, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Miss Wylde in the White City Blog Tour by Grace Hitchcock

About the Book

Book: Miss Wylde in the White City (The Heiresses of Adventure Book Two)

Author: Grace Hitchcock

Genre: Historical Romance True Crime

Release date: November 11, 2023

While attending the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Winnifred Wylde believes she witnessed a woman being kidnapped. She tries to convince her father, an inspector with the Chicago police, to look into reports of mysterious disappearances around the White City. Inspector Wylde tries to dismiss her claims as exaggeration of an overactive imagination, but he eventually concedes to letting her go undercover as secretary to the man in question—if she takes her pistol for protection and Jude Thorpe, a policeman, for bodyguard.

Will she be able to expose H. H. Holmes’s illicit activity, or will Winnifred become his next victim?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple his­torical novels and novellas, including the American Royalty, Best Laid Plans, and Aprons & Veils series. She holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans, with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter in a cottage that is always filled with the sounds of sweet little footsteps running at full speed. When not writing, or chasing babies, she’s baking something delightful and can usually be found with a book clutched in her fist.­­­­

 

 

More from Grace

Q&A with Grace Hitchcock:

Q: Your historical novel Miss Wylde in the White City is a historical romance set against the true crime events at the Chicago World’s Fair. How difficult was it to create a “romance” novel that includes such horrific historical details?

Grace: It was challenging, but I wrote Winnifred’s story with the thought in mind of how I would have wanted to experience it as a reader. Many of the books I’ve read about Holmes are quite dark and rightly so; however, I decided that I didn’t want my story to show the gory details and chose to focus on the romance to offer the reader a much-needed break in the dark story matter.

Q: What research did you have to do to get the details right?

Grace: I read and listened to non-fiction works on H. H. Holmes, read countless articles online, researched the different newspaper articles of the time, mostly The Chicago Tribune,

and found the newspapers’ sketches of Holmes’ “Murder Castle” along with their statements. I also read non-fiction works on the Chicago world’s fair with many, many pictures and took walk-through tours of the fair online, which gave me a unique perspective of what the white city was like.

Q: Tell us about the characters you injected into the historical events. What about them made you want to tell their story?

Grace: I’ve always loved Jane Austen’s heroine from her satire of Gothic novels, Northanger Abbey, and with Catherine Morland in mind, I created Winnifred Wylde. My heroine’s love of books often gets her into trouble, but being the daughter of a police inspector, Winnie also has picked up a few things in listening to her father’s adventures and her natural sense of curiosity was just what I needed in a heroine to uncover Holmes’ sordid crimes.

I wanted Jude Thorpe to be a protector with a heart for justice, so the role of detective fit right into the story.

Percival Valentine was one of the characters who surprised me. Originally, I just had Percy as her favorite author, but then I thought, why not let her meet him and see what happens? He is one of my favorite characters and I hope to one day give him a story of his own.

Q: Fact vs Fiction – what (if any) historical details did you have to fiddle with to make the story work? 

Grace: Oddly enough, the newspapers at the time did not get the same layouts of the “Murder Castle” in their sketches, so I based the layout of Holmes’ castle mostly from The Chicago Tribune and got a little creative. The layout is mostly correct, but I took the liberty of adding a second trap door at a convenient location for the burning trunk scene. While Holmes did bring trunks up and down from attic to the basement, he never burned a trunk on the third floor because it would have left behind far too much evidence for a man who, up to this point, was experienced in covering his tracks.

Q: How does your faith impact how you approach writing fiction?

Grace: My heroines generally learn what I am learning at the time of writing the story. If I am holding on to a verse for something I am going through personally, I give it to my heroine and we walk through it together even in different situations (because obviously I’m not trapped in a burning building haha but the principle applies).

I see writing Christian fiction as an opportunity to show God’s light even in dark, difficult situations. No matter how subtle my theme or short the verses, my stories will always point the reader to the Lord.

Thank you for joining the fun for the Celebrate Lit tour! If you are a part of a book club, I have discussion questions here! Happy Reading, friends!

My Review

Miss Wylde in the White City has such a captivating storyline and enriched characters with many layers that I finished it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.

The historical aspects of the story added lots of interesting details to this page-turner, mysterious, and romantic read. I was hooked from the first page and admired Winnifred's courage and trust in God. Detective Thorpe was also full of experience, knowledge, and courage. He shared Winnifred's sense of adventure but was very protective. They were both out to catch a suspected murderer.

After I finished it, I was still thinking about the story. It was that good. It was an amazing, at times, edge-of-your-seat read. I highly recommend it.

                    Blog Stops

Melissa’s Bookshelf, March 13

Pens Pages & Pulses, March 13

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 14

Allyson Jamison, March 14

Texas Book-aholic, March 15

lakesidelivingsite, March 16

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 17

Devoted To Hope, March 18

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 18

Betti Mace, March 19

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 19

Bizwings Book Blog, March 20

Blogging With Carol, March 20

Lily’s Corner, March 21

Connie’s History Classroom, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 22

Mary Hake, March 22

Inspired by fiction, March 23

Holly’s Book Corner, March 23

Pause for Tales, March 24

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, March 24

Leslie’s Library Escape, March 25

Cover Lover Book Review, March 25

Jodie Wolfe , March 26

Lights in a Dark World, March 26

                    Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Grace is giving away the grand prize of a $20 gift card with FREE SHIPPING to Grace’s Autographed Bookshop!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54172

Book Opportunity- Shooting Stars Above by Patricia Leavy

 

Patricia Leavy is giving away copies of SHOOTING STARS ABOVE, her upcoming romance from She Writes Press. How to get yours? It's easy... just complete the Rafflecopter below and you'll receive one from the author!

So, what's the book about? Here's the info:

For fans of Colleen Hoover comes an emotionally charged contemporary romance about a internationally best-selling novelist and a federal agent fighting to heal past wounds.

Tess Lee is a world-famous novelist. Her inspirational books explore people’s innermost struggles and the human need to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel—but despite her extraordinary success, she’s been unable to find personal happiness. Jack Miller is a federal agent working in counterterrorism. After spending decades immersed in a violent world, a residue remains. He’s dedicated everything to his job, leaving nothing for himself.

The night Tess and Jack meet, their connection is palpable. She examines the scars on his body and says, “I’ve never seen anyone whose outsides match my insides.” The two embark on an epic love story, but old traumas soon rise to the surface as Jack struggles with the death of a loved one and Tess is forced to confront her childhood abuse. Can unconditional love help heal their invisible wounds? Together, will they be able to move from darkness to light?

Praise for the book

Featured on Ms. Career Girl “A Book for Every Type of Reader to Kick off 2025.”

Featured on She Knows “22 Incredible New Books That You’ll Want to Get Your Hands on in 2025.”

“Patricia Leavy crafts a riveting narrative that shows the healing power of love and how it helps wounded souls become whole once again.”—Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review

“For readers seeking a story that restores faith in humanity and shines a light on the beauty of connection, this novel is a must-read.”—Literary Titan

“For so many of us, perhaps all of us, life is challenging as we learn to live through and with trauma, grief, and loss. Shooting Stars Above shows us how to thrive through unconditional love. Read this book—it will crack your heart wide open.” —Laurel Richardson, author of Lone Twin

“Leavy has done what she does best: write a story that you won’t be able to put down until you finish the final sentence. Shooting Stars Above is a love story about friendship and real romance, but most importantly, it is a story about learning to love ourselves, the most difficult love of all.” —Sandra L. Faulkner, author of Poetic Inquiry: Craft, Method, and Practice

* I have not read or reviewed this book. 

Julie


For a free copy of the book, please fill out the Rafflecopter below(this giveaway is limited to US residents only and to the first 10,000 copies)

Takeover + Review Blitz of Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill

 

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Written in Secret by Crystal Caudill hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: Written in Secret 

Series: The Art of Love and Danger #1 

Author: Crystal Caudill 

Publisher: Kregel Publications 

Release Date: March 11, 2025 

Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance 

What happens when fiction becomes reality? In the corruption-infested Queen City, danger lurks in every shadow, but Lydia Pelton refuses to stay silent. She writes under a pseudonym, E. A. Dupin, crafting crime novels to exact justice and right the wrongs she sees in society. When a serial killer decides to be the sword to her pen, Lydia is confronted with the consequences of her words. Four men are dead, and the city blames her. 

With murders on the rise, Officer Abraham Hall's only lead is Lydia's fiction, and he is thrust into an investigation with the "Killer Queen of Romance." Despite his misgivings about the woman, he realizes that even with his reputation for catching elusive criminals, he needs her help. But his unexpected attraction to Lydia proves as difficult to manage as the woman herself. 

As the mystery unfolds, Abraham and Lydia race to rewrite the ending, not only for Cincinnati's citizens, but for their own hearts too.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Kregel Publications | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

My Review

Written in Secret is one of the most enjoyable historical/romance/mystery stories I've read in a long time. It piqued my interest right away as I read about Lydia, a dime novel author in the 1800s. And how a secret she's hiding from even her family comes back to cause her immense problems. Even with her writing skills and imagination, she never imagined her fate.

The historical details brought the plot to life, and I felt I was there with the characters. The characters were quite a variety, but each added so much to the plot and fast-paced action. There were many twists, and my attempt to figure out the real villain escaped me. It was quite a surprise.

The story's spiritual and biblical aspects were well woven into it, and I enjoyed following the transformation that occurred. I was glued to the pages and couldn't put it down. I loved the witty banter between the main characters, and the slow-building romance was sweet. This is a Must-Read! Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the author through Net Galley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Also Available

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About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the Christy Award–winning author of “dangerously good romance,” including the Hidden Hearts of the Gilded Age series. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalcaudill.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Written in Secrets and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 12, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 19, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Review of New Release- Heart of Courage (Hearts of the West) by Penny Zeller

 A new life awaits her...if she can find the courage.

In the spring of 1885, LilyBeth Engel makes the courageous decision to run from everything she's known. She boards a train and goes as far as her meager funds will take her with her young son in tow. With nothing but the clothes on her back, the baby in her arms, her Bible, and a skill for sewing beautiful dresses, LilyBeth determines to succeed with the Lord's help and dogged determination.

Barrett MacCallum owns one of the largest ranches in Hilltop in the Montana Territory. He also owns several of the businesses on the main street. When a woman asks to rent one of his businesses for her new dress shop, he's amenable, even if it means charging the woman less rent because she's obviously destitute.

When Barrett begins to fall in love with LilyBeth, will she have the courage to allow herself to love again with so much at stake?

Please note: Heart of Courage is a faith-filled Christian historical romance.

To Purchase

My Review

The story of Heart of Courage touched my heart. There were times when I teared up and others when I laughed. I kept turning the pages, wondering what Lilybeth and her son, Otis, would have to encounter next. Their trip from Ohio to Montana by train and then by stagecoach was a trying one, but one she felt led by God to take, relying on her faith. She knew no one and was responsible for raising her son alone.

She had endured heartbreak, and the memories from the past still haunted her. I enjoyed following along on her journey to put her past behind her with the help of a few loving people in the community. I was amazed by her courage and determination.

The story is uplifting, with a slow romance that was a joy to read about. Lilybeth and Barret truly leaned toward God for understanding. The ending wrapped up everything nicely and was inspirational.

I received a complimentary ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Blog Tour for Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Watch Your Back by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Watch Your Back
Series: Crossroads Suspense #3
Author: Kristen Hogrefe Parnell
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

You can’t watch your own back. 

Private Investigator Avery Reynolds leads the charge to expose Tampa's supposedly “extinct” mob. The crime boss responsible for her foster brother’s death is within her grasp—until she hits a wall in the form of Ethan Bridger, a Coast Guard veteran who unknowingly derails her sting operation. When the elusive “Big Eddie” comes out of hiding, he targets their mutual friends about to tie the knot. 

Avery sets aside her angst toward Ethan to focus on ending the crime boss’s reign of terror. But working together exposes her trust issues and his PTSD stemming from a comrade's tragedy. When Avery goes solo into a prisoner exchange operation, she discovers her vulnerability too late—and must lean on Ethan and the God she thought had abandoned her. But will that help reach her in time?  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

MY REVIEW

Watch Your Back is a fast-paced, tension-filled suspense that will hold your breath. One action scene after another will take you on a wild ride, not knowing what will happen next.

The characters are interesting, with many layers and a secret past, making them both flawed. Despite that, they have courage and determination. Theirs is a story of redemption and spiritual growth. The slow-building romance between Avery and Ethan is a sweet one.

I loved the ending, which filled me with inspiration. Be sure to have lots of time to read before you start, as you won't be able to put it down. It's a must-read!

I received an arc from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

More In This Series

 

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About the Author

Kristen Hogrefe Parnell writes suspenseful fiction from a faith perspective for women and young adults. A former English teacher, she now designs curriculum for a Christian academy and spends most of her time at her favorite assignment to date: being a mom to her toddler. Her books have won the Selah Award and the Grace Award, among others. She lives in the Tampa, Florida area with her husband and son.

Connect with Kristen by visiting kristenhogrefeparnell.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Watch Your Back & a $25 Amazon e-gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 5, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 12, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Social + Review Blitz for Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl (My Review)

 

Tagline: When she finally finds peace, she must confront her tragic past to stop a serial killer.
Series: The Erin Delaney Mysteries #1
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance

Grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident that altered her life, ex-police officer and bestselling mystery author Erin Delaney finds solace in the tranquility of a cabin nestled deep in the Smoky Mountains. But her restful stay is shattered when cries pierce the night, hinting at a lurking presence haunting the woods. When local police chief Adrian Nightengale seeks her help with a carefully arranged murder scene, she is thrust back into the world of crime solving. As they delve into the investigation, Erin’s intuition reveals chilling truths about the killer’s motives and strategically perfected methods.

Joined by the enigmatic Kaely Quinn-Hunter, a former FBI behavioral analyst, Erin not only embarks on a quest to stop the merciless serial killer, but also confronts the revived ghosts of her past. In a race against time, Erin must defeat her own demons while outmaneuvering a cunning killer or risk becoming the next victim in this deadly game of cat and mouse.

 To Order

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/shattered-sanctuary/420450

https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Sanctuary-Erin-Delaney-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DH5CCV5W

MY REVIEW

I was quickly taken in by the main characters, Erin and Kaely. They each brought interesting professional backgrounds that reinforced the story. I liked how profiling skills were woven into the storyline, taking some of the focus off the serial killer.

Lots of tension and action kept me on the edge of my seat. The descriptions of the victims were handled well without all the excessive gore. Underlying Christian beliefs were woven throughout the story without being preachy. I enjoyed following the growth of both main characters. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

Blog Tour- Tides of Healing by Sandra Merville Hart

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Tides of Healing

Author: Sandra Merville Hart

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: February 11, 2025

A Southern belle fights to reclaim her home, but will her spying destroy the Union officer she never meant to love? 

Savannah Adair has endured the unimaginable, hiding in a cave while her beloved Vicksburg was under siege. With the city now occupied by Union soldiers, Savannah cannot stand by and do nothing. So when one of the gaunt, half-starved Confederate prisoners asks her to spy for the South, she can’t refuse the chance to take back her home.

First Lieutenant Travis Lawson takes pride in the Union army’s hard-fought victory, but he quickly realizes that the challenges of rebuilding and reconciliation are just beginning . . . and not everyone is appreciative of changes he’s making. Namely, the fiery and alluring Savannah Adair. Despite their differing loyalties and the societal divide between them, Travis cannot deny the growing feelings he has for her. When he is tasked with finding Southern spies in Vicksburg and he captures a female spy, Travis is forced to consider that the woman he’s beginning to love may be the enemy.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Sandra Merville Hart, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author of inspirational historical romances, loves to discover little-known yet fascinating facts from American history to include in her stories. Her desire is to transport her readers back in time. She is also a blogger, speaker, and conference teacher.

 

 

 

 

More from Sandra

As I typed away on this final book in my Spies of the Civil War Series, it felt as if I’d written the entire series to tell this story.

Previously, I had felt a similar importance of an as yet unpublished two-book contemporary series, but the sense that the whole series climaxed with the final book was as surprising as it was welcome.

Because it seemed as if everything that happened in all the earlier books culminated in Book 6 for me as an author. Its significance reverberated in my soul while still researching the events…and weeks before I sat to pen the first page, the first paragraph, the first sentence.

That sense of importance made this book difficult to begin. The early chapters took far longer to write than normal.

I believe that those who only read Tides of Healing will have a satisfying, complete story. Those who read the entire series in order—or at least Books 4-6 set in Vicksburg—will experience a deeper impact as the characters’ stories build on one another.

There is a song in Tides of Healing. As an author, the impact of the lyrics within the story preceded it, meaning that I knew a certain song would play a significant role while still in the research phase.

Let me explain.

When I’m researching a story, I read a variety of nonfiction resources including diaries, journals, and newspaper accounts. My research for Vicksburg during the Civil War led me to song lyrics written by the enslaved.

African American Spirituals, also called Negro Spirituals, were sung before and after the Civil War. These Christian songs served a variety of purposes beyond bolstering hope and faith during dark days. They told stories about Biblical characters like Moses. Some comforted the sorrowful and some rejoiced with the joyful. They were sung in churches, in camp meetings, and in the fields.

They often contained secret messages. “Home” in a song can refer to Heaven, but the secret meaning was a free country. Author Frederick Douglas had been a former slave. He wrote that the lyrics to “O Canaan, Sweet Canaan” signified more than a hope of Heaven. Repeated singing of the lyrics “I am bound for the land of Canaan” announced an intention to go North, their Canaan.

The Underground Railroad is a theme in Tides of Healing. In 1828, Reverend John Rankin built his home on a hill overlooking the Ohio River in Ripley, Ohio. As a station on the Underground Railroad, this home was easily seen from the opposite side of the river in the slave state of Kentucky. Runaways waited for a boat to take them across the river.

It surprised me to learn that the lyrics of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” are about this station. “I looked over Jordan and what did I see?” refers to the Ohio River. The band of angels are people who rowed them across the wide river to the free state of Ohio.

Neither of these songs is referenced in Tides of Healing. The tune that is in my story was a popular spiritual leading up to the war. I listened to it many times. The message took root in my heart long before it affected my characters.

My research trip to Vicksburg’s battlefield and museums inspired the writing of Streams of Courage, Book 4, River of Peril, Book 5, and Tides of Healing, Book 6.

Avenue of Betrayal, Book 1, is set in the Union capital of Washington City (Washington DC) in 1861, where a surprising number of Confederate sympathizers and spies lived. Boulevard of Confusion and Byway to Danger are set in Richmond, the Confederate capital in 1862. Actual historical spies touch the lives of our fictional family. The heroines in Books 1 – 3 are two sisters and their cousins. Another set of characters begin with Book 4, and three friends are the heroines in Books 4 -6.

Through both real and fictional characters, this series highlights activities spies were involved in and some of the motives behind their decisions.

I invite you to read the whole Spies of the Civil War Series!

REVIEW

The story occurs in Vicksburg, MI, when the Civil War ends. Savannah, a young woman whose fiancé died in the war, takes care of her mother after her dad leaves to find work in another town. Describing the war-torn city and Savannah's destroyed southern mansion brings the story to life.

Left to carry on alone after their slaves are set free, Savannah experiences new responsibilities. Continuing with the privilege of family money, Savannah and her mother do their best. That is until a Union Officer comes into their life. Everything changes.

Torn between her land and obligations to the South, but now ruled by the Union, matters worsen. There is a lot of suspense, intrigue, mystery, and spying to keep the readers interested.

It is a very well-researched book that made me feel everything the characters went through as I turned the pages. A surprising ending made it perfect. I highly recommend it.

I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

                 Blog Stops

Bizwings Book Blog, February 26

Holly’s Book Corner, February 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 28

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 1

Pause for Tales, March 2

Texas Book-aholic, March 2

Devoted To Hope, March 3

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 4

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, March 5

Betti Mace, March 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, March 6

Cover Lover Book Review, March 7

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 8

Connie’s History Classroom, March 9

For HIm and My Family, March 10

Stories By Gina, March 11 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, March 11

                    Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sandra is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54163

Review of New Release- Spring's Pact by Dora Hiers

 

Will Spring finally discover the God who heals and see Beckett as a faithful man who's loved her through it all?

Fifteen years ago, Beckett Danver made a pact with his best friend on the back steps of their group home. Now nearing his thirtieth birthday, he's ready to follow through on that promise. He'd fallen in love with the spunky girl who insisted on playing every sport as well as the boys, and he loves her even more now, a beautiful woman inside and out, the sass and spice covering up the pain that still lurks in the shadows of her fragile heart. He's just been waiting for her to "catch" up with him.

Spring Season needs a plan to derail any misguided ideas Beckett might have about proposing. Sure, they'd made a pact, but sheesh, they were just kids. She'd just found out that he was getting adopted and leaving the group home, and he'd found her sobbing on the back porch. Her childhood crush had slid a homemade leather ring over her finger and vowed never to forget her and to marry her once he turned thirty. But even back then she knew she'd never follow through with it. After being dumped into the group home with her three sisters, Spring plans to steer clear of love and marriage and definitely children. No, thank you. Spring is perfectly content to stay happily single for the rest of her life, pact or not.

But is she happy? Truly? With her stomach always a tight knot of nerves and fear, the only reprieve she ever gets is on the softball field. And she's seen how Beckett's faith changed him, how the chip he used to carry on his shoulder as a boy had slipped off, replaced with kindness and compassion and a heart for kids. She wants that for herself, for all the broken places in her to be healed and whole, but she's damaged for life. The police officer deserves someone better than one of those poor little Season sisters. Now if she can only convince her heart of that…

Will Spring finally discover the God who heals and see Beckett as a faithful man who's loved her through it all? Through the ugly and the painful, through the bitter and the broken, he longs to be with her in the beautiful forever. Or will she keep looking through the lens of the past and not see what a glorious future they could have together? A future that embraces love and healing and the family that she's always secretly craved…

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DORA HIERS believes that a person should love what they do or choose to do something else. She’s doing exactly what makes her heart sing and considers every day a gift. Besides writing, Dora adores long walks, lazy afternoons in her hammock with a great book, and evening binges of Hallmark movies. Life’s too short to be stuck in traffic, to drink bad coffee, or to read books with a sad ending. Dora and her real-life hero, a retired fire chief, call North Carolina home, but with a world full of amazing places to explore, that’s only a landing point.

Join Dora's newsletter family for regular updates of her newest releases, awesome book deals, and happy sigh excerpts of sweet, clean and/or Christian romances. https://BookHip.com/QHDTAV

Connect with Dora on her website at www.dorahiers.com

MY REVIEW

Spring's Pact is a wonderfully written sweet romance that will capture your heart from the beginning of the first few pages. The main characters, Spring Season and Beckett Danver, are well-developed and have many layers. The storyline has a few tender subjects but is handled well, and I felt compassion for the Season family.

Spring comes to feel God's love through faith, forgiveness, and God's healing. There are tense moments, but then there are lots of sweet ones. I think this is one of the author's best yet. Highly recommended. The uplifting ending wrapped up everything nicely.

I received and ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.