Review of New Release- "Struggle for Courage: In the Days of Jezebel" by Marilyn T. Parker

A weak king. A ruthless queen. A man who must make an impossible choice to protect the woman he loves.

Obadiah, the governor of King Ahab’s palace, has been secretly sheltering dozens of Israel’s prophets from Jezebel, who has already slaughtered hundreds in her murderous wrath. With his friends and the love of his life, Anna, Obadiah has risked his life to bring food and water to the cave where the prophets evade the queen’s fury.

Obadiah has planned to marry Anna since he fell in love with the precocious little girl feeding him mudpies, but as Jezebel’s bloodlust grows, Obadiah’s fears for Anna’s safety intensify. When he’s forced to make an impossible decision, the consequences are more devastating than he could have imagined.

When an unthinkable tragedy strikes Anna’s family, she is bereft, feeling abandoned by the one person she thought she could trust—Obadiah. Now, with her life in greater peril than ever, Anna faces a choice of her own, one that will test her strength and courage like never before.

PURCHASE

MY REVIEW

This is a beautiful love story about sacrifice, trust in God, and a chance at love in God's timing. This is the first novel of Marilyn's that I have read, but I definitely have found a gem.

The story was exciting and gripping tale that had captured my attention in the first chapter. The characters were well-developed with many layers. I enjoyed reading about their faith and courage despite the perilous times they were living in. It is filled with Biblical truths.

I felt a warmth towards the end knowing God had worked everything out for good. There were times when I was on the brink of tears, other times had me laughing. The author's descriptions brought the story to life. Highly recommended.

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

Review of Julia's Joy by Susan G. Mathis

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: Julia’s Joy

Author: Susan G Mathis

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 29, 2024

She came to claim her inheritance, but the mysterious lighthouse keeper makes her question all her plans.

When Julia Collins reluctantly sets foot on Sister Island, compelled by her grandmother’s will, she is intent on claiming her inheritance and moving on. But when she experiences the peaceful, faith-filled island life and connects with the handsome lightkeeper, William, Julia finds herself confronting her open wounds from her parents’ deaths.

William Dodge, lightkeeper of Sister Island, harbors a heart hardened by a past betrayal. Between that and his chronic pleurisy, he wants nothing to do with love. But when Julia arrives on the island bursting with vitality and unconventional notions, William’s world is turned upside down. As she chips away at the walls William has built for himself, he finds his reluctance waning.

But just as love begins to blossom between them, Julia is faced with a tempting proposal from a prominent Brockville family. Will she succumb to societal expectations or choose the richness of her island life and the love of the steadfast lightkeeper?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

The story is filled with learning, unfamiliar places, surprises, and some twists you won't see coming. I loved how Julia grew as a Christian with the help of Aunt Dee and William. Her life was enriched more than she could hope for. I enjoyed the lighthouse setting.

The ending wrapped everything nicely and the whole story came together in an inspirational and heartwarming way. The characters are relatable and had lots of layers to them. Highly recommended.

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

 

About the Author

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has thirteen in her fiction line including, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, Katelyn’s Choice, Devyn’s Dilemma, Sara’s Surprise, Reagan’s Reward, Colleen’s Confession, Peyton’s Promise, Rachel’s Reunion, Mary’s Moment, A Summer at Thousand Island House, and Libby’s Lighthouse. Julia’s Joy is the second in a three-book lighthouse series coming out in 2024. Her book awards include three Illumination Book Awards, four American Fiction Awards, three Indie Excellence Book Awards, five Literary Titan Book Awards, a Golden Scroll Award, and a Selah Award.

Before Susan jumped into the fiction world, she served as the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of twelve Focus on the Family publications. Her first two published books were nonfiction. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage with an Indonesian and Spanish version, and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, have helped thousands of couples prepare for marriage. Susan is also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Moreover, she is published in various book compilations including five Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Ready to Wed, Supporting Families Through Meaningful Ministry, The Christian Leadership Experience, and Spiritual Mentoring of Teens. Susan has also written several hundred published magazine and newsletter articles.

Susan is president of American Christian Fiction Writers-CS (ACFW), former vice president of Christian Authors Network (CAN), a member of Christian Independent Publishing Association (CIPA), and a regular writer’s contest judge. For over twenty years, Susan has been a speaker at writers’ conferences, teachers’ conventions, writing groups, and other organizational gatherings. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling around the world but returns each summer to the islands she loves.

More from Susan

Why Sister Island in the Thousand Islands in the Gilded Age?

What inspired you to write Julia’s Joy?

I have cruised past Sister Island Lighthouse a dozen times or more, and it’s a beautiful lighthouse. But it’s smack dab in the middle of nowhere in an isolated section the St. Lawrence River. Though it’s along the main shipping channel, I’ve always wondered how someone could live on such an island. So, I started imagining what it would be like for a young woman to be stuck there in the prime of her youth, and Julia’s story was born!

Why do you write about the Thousand Islands?

I grew up just twenty minutes from the Thousand Islands—the setting for all my stories—in upstate New York. Actually, half of the 1,864 islands are in NY and the other half in Ontario, Canada. So, I spent every summer and more exploring the beautiful region. I’ve stayed on several of the islands and camped and rented cottages there. So, after I wrote my debut novel about the largest island, Wolfe Island, I was hooked. There are so many fascinating stories to tell.

Now, I take an annual Thousand Islands Book Tour to the islands where I meet with fans, friends, and family. I’ve stayed in Singer Castle, Casa Blanca, and other places that are the settings of my book. I’ve talked with the owners of the islands, local historians, and researched in the Thousand Islands archives.

All my novels are based on a specific place in the Thousand Islands and are the true stories of the owners of that island. So, my plot is generally true. Then I overlay the storyline of the fictional servants to create the story. This makes my stories a bit more challenging, but I love a good challenge.

Why do you write about the Gilded Age?

The American Gilded Age was a time of rapid technical advances, industrialization, and thousands of new inventions from about 1870-1910. Mark Twain coined the term in his 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today that satirized the era of social problems that were masked by a layer of thin, gold gilding. It’s a fascinating time in history, especially in the Thousand Islands.

All of my books are set during the Thousand Islands Gilded Age, when the wealthy came and scooped up the islands and built lavish summer homes, mansions, and castles. It was an era of economic growth. Since wages were higher than Europe, massive immigration drew about twenty million to the U.S. shores.

Unfortunately, it was also a time of unequal distribution of wealth where the rich got richer and the poor working class suffered. Many young women worked as servants until they married, and that’s what my stories are about—those nameless, faithful women who cooked and cleaned and served tables for the rich and famous. These “downstairs” women had fascinating stories to tell, and I plan to tell many of them.

During the Gilded Age, America led the world in innovation. A half-million patents were issued for new inventions including hundreds by Thomas Edison, Westinghouse, and others. Thanks to inventions such as delivery of electric power, the world became lighter, safer, more convenient and comfortable, and all around better.

So, this is why I write Thousand Islands Gilded Age stories. To share the rich heritage this era gave us and better understand what it was like.

               Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 5

Texas Book-aholic, November 6

lakesidelivingsite, November 7

Pens Pages & Pulses, November 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 9

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 10

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 11 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Allyson Jamison, November 11

Devoted To Hope, November 12

For Him and My Family, November 13

Holly’s Book Corner, November 14

Mary Hake, November 14

Bizwings Book Blog, November 15

Pause for Tales, November 16

Lights in a Dark World, November 17

                    Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift 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/00adcf5486/

Review of Serenity's Secret by Lisa Jones Baker

 

About the Book

Author: Lisa Jones Baker

Genre: Amish/Christian Fiction

Release date: October, 2024

Serenity Holds Her Secrets Close

Full of faith, hope, and romance, this series takes you into the Heart of Amish country.

Serenity Miller has much to love about life as the owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois, and enjoys trying natural remedies and exploring garage sales. Then comes the day her neighbor, Stephen Lantz, saves her from trespassers on her property and their friendship deepens into an attraction Serenity knows can never lead to marriage. She holds secrets she can never divulge, despite Stephen’s way of wooing her. But how can Serenity return to her life of contentment after a taste of love? And when danger returns, will it steal her last hope for a bright future?

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Serenity's Secret has mystery, suspense, and a wholesome clean romance. Serenity Miller is saved from an attack in her barn by Stephen Lantz. Being friends for a long time, their lives are about to change.

The Amish life in the story is well-written and the everyday life of their dedication to God and hard work is inspirational. I liked the way the characters strengths and flaws are both laid out for the reader. Lots of surprises in the story that kept me turning the pages. Everything wrapped up nicely in the end.

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

 

About the Author

Lisa Jones Baker writes Amish Inspirational fiction. She grew up near Arthur, Illinois, and became acquainted with the Plain Faith at an early age when they custom-made and installed her family’s kitchen cabinets. 

On weekends, she and her parents frequented the quaint Amish town, often the setting of her stories, where they purchased meat, cheese, and home-made baking spices. 

Now, decades later, she still loves visiting; the town and the people yet intrigue her, and she so appreciates the talent of quilt-making almost as much as she loves horse and buggy rides. But there is much more to this perplexing group than meets the eye; they are extremely disciplined, hard-working, and honest…and they don’t all think alike. For these reasons, writing about them is her passion.

Lisa was fortunate to have been raised in a loving, Christian home by two wonderful parents: a reading specialist mother who plays the piano, and a retired Junior High Principal father who’s also an avid fox hunter. She has a B.A. in French Education and is a former school teacher who loves gardening, cooking, reading, positive thinkers, and every dog she meets. Although a homebody, travel has played a large part of her life. Over three decades of working with the airline industry has landed her on five out of seven continents.

More from Lisa

Do you know a secret? Serenity Miller harbors something she can never reveal, not even to her two dearest friends. Her private knowledge has never interfered with her calm, steady life as owner of The Pink Petal in Arthur, Illinois until the day it impedes her from having what she truly yearns for, Stephen Lantz.

Serenity’s Secret is my utmost favorite of the books I’ve penned. I write to entertain myself, and as I created the very complex life of a simple, Gott-loving Amish woman, I wasn’t sure how I would eventually resolve the tough issues Serenity faces:  falling victim to a crime and completely unaware of why her assailant chose her, at the same time yearning for a future with true love Stephen Lantz, when their destiny together is blocked by a secret.

Stephen’s late aendi Margaret used to say that there’s nothing that love can’t overcome. But will the denouement concur with Margaret’s strong belief? Enjoy the twists and the turns that will eventually reveal Serenity’s Secret!

                    Blog Stops

Batya’s Bits, November 1

Vicky Sluiter, November 2

Texas Book-aholic, November 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 4

The Avid Reader, November 5

Lighthouse Academy Blog, November 6 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 7

lakesidelivingsite, November 8

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 8

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 9

For Him and My Family, November 10

Devoted To Hope, November 10

Cover Lover Book Review, November 11

Stories By Gina, November 12 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, November 12

Holly’s Book Corner, November 13

Bizwings Book Blog, November 14

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Lisa is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon eGift card and a print copy of the book!!

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/00adcf5484

Review of New Release- The Paris Portrait: A Fabiola Bennett Mystery

 

Fabiola stumbles upon a clue that indicates a royal portrait went missing almost two hundred years ago. Is this true, or is there substance to the rumor?

Paris, France, 1973.
After an enjoyable but dusty road trip, Fabiola and her friends, Pippa and Cary, arrive in a small village on the outskirts of Paris to spend a few days with Fabiola’s brother Eivind and his family.

On their first evening there, Eivind shows Fabiola an ancient recipe book he bought at an auction. The book is filled with old writing, and he asks Fabiola to decipher the pages. After the others have gone to bed, she spends hours reading and is gripped by the last pages that have nothing to do with recipes for baked goods and stews. Certain the author was a famous portrait artist at the time of the French Revolution, Fabiola and her friends set out on a treacherous investigation, dodging murderers and thieves to learn the truth.

Versailles, France, 1789.
Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun— portraitist and close friend of the extravagant queen of France, Marie Antoinette—has already painted thirty portraits of the queen. Her contemporaries compare her to the old Dutch masters, calling her one of the greatest portrait painters of her time.

But outside on the streets, Paris is becoming more perilous with every day that passes. Madame Le Brun would be a fool to think the rumors of a revolution will pass, and aristocratic life will continue as before.

Amid the turmoil, she paints one final portrait of Marie Antoinette, knowing well her association with the queen could cause her to be arrested or executed. As chaos and riots in Paris turn to violence, Madame Le Brun flees with her young daughter, hoping her royal friend and the portrait will be safe.

This is Heidi Eljarbo’s third dual timeline novel about Norwegian art historian Fabiola Bennett—a captivating spin-off from her much-loved Soli Hansen Mysteries.
Perfect for fans of Kathleen McGurl, Rhys Bowen, Deborah Swift, Jacqueline Winspear, and Louise Penny.

Praise for Fabiola Bennett novels:
“Any book that features an art mystery by Heidi Eljarbo is a must read for me!”
-Vickie Watts

“With her usual optimistic outlook and lack of caution, Fabiola is a charming lead.”
-Yvette, Bookworlder

To Order

About the Author

HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope, mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of past centuries.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren, and has a passion for art and history.

Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.

Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.


If you would like to know more, please visit:

Official Author Website:
https://www.heidieljarbo.com/

https://www.facebook.com/authorheidie...

https://no.pinterest.com/heidieljarbo/

My Review

This installment in the Fabiola Bennett Mysteries had me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. The characters were interesting, had many layers, and are an asset to creating this amazing story. The descriptions of the countryside pulled me in from the start.

The ending surprised me and wrapped everything up nicely. The Paris Portrait is another great mystery filled with intrigue, a dual-timeline that is seamless, and adventure that is non-stop. It can be read as a standalone but is even better when you start from the beginning of the series. Highly recommended.

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

Review of A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado by Kathleen Denly

 

 

About the Book

 

Book: A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado

Author: Kathleen Denly

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: October 8, 2024

When death visits Coronado, will secrets of the past keep them from uncovering the truth?

Her entire life, Eleanore Wainright has been molded to fit the ideal society wife in the glittering world of New York’s elite. Her father’s aspirations for her are clear: marry a man of wealth and status, and secure their family’s future. But when she arrives at the Hotel del Coronado with intentions to do just that, Eleanore’s carefully laid plans are thrown into disarray when she comes face to face with Thomas Harding, the man who shattered her heart and disappeared without a trace.

Working as a bellboy at California’s newest and most prestigious resort, Thomas never imagined crossing paths with Eleanore again, let alone amidst the backdrop of a suspicious death.

As the investigation continues and tensions rise, Eleanore and Thomas are forced to confront not only the ghosts of their past but also the secrets that threaten to destroy their future and the futures of those they hold dear. With the eyes of New York’s elite upon them, they must choose between the responsibilities they’re expected to fulfill and the love they’ve always yearned for, risking everything in the process.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

It is a wonderful Christmas story filled with historical details, a second-chance romance, and a mystery. The background setting of the Hotel del Coronado is perfect for this tale. Eleanor Wainwright, along with her Aunt Gladys, accompanies her father to the hotel. Little does she know that she will find someone from her past.

There is a family mystery, a murder, and lies that come out to keep you guessing. This book has everything you could ask for in a fast-paced historical romance. It will have you engrossed from the beginning.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

 

About the Author

Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, two dogs, and ten cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.

 

 

 

More from Kathleen

A Christmas at Hotel del Coronado was inspired first by the true events surrounding the tragic death of a mysterious woman that occurred at Coronado’s world famous hotel in November of 1892, and second by the fun antics of Miss Scarlet in the Masterpiece television show, Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Although Miss Scarlet is a professional sleuth, I chose to make my heroine, Eleanore Wainright, an amateur sleuth who typically puts her keen observation skills to use when secretly writing her own mystery novels. That is, until an unexpected death compels her to use those skills to uncover the truth. Of course my hero, Thomas Harding, gets wrapped into helping her despite the tension of past heartbreak lying between them.

One of the most fun parts of writing this story was seeing Eleanore’s spunky Aunt Gladys support and encourage her niece. Aunt Gladys has an energy and sassiness that belies her years. And today, her curiosity has got the better of her. You see, Eleanore is being stubborn and won’t reveal the title of her current work in progress, so Aunt Glady is snooping through her niece’s room for clues.

To learn more about the true history behind this story, look for the author’s note at the back of the book!

                   Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, October 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 29

Texas Book-aholic, October 30

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, October 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, November 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 2

Devoted To Hope, November 3

Pause for Tales, November 3

Connie’s History Classroom, November 4

She Lives To Read, November 5

Simple Harvest Reads, November 6 (Guest Review from Donna)

Life on Chickadee Lane, November 7

Stories By Gina, November 8 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, November 8

Hannahbandanarama, November 9

Cover Lover Book Review, November 10

Blossoms and Blessings, November 11

Bizwings Book Blog, November 11

                   Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize of an enamel mug, scented candle, A6 journal notebook, ballpoint pen with black ink, and a $50 Amazon gift 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/00adcf5481

New Release- Buster and The Christmas Parade by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 

It's Christmastime and Buster's going to be in the big parade! NASCAR legend and New York Times bestselling author Dale Earnhardt Jr. introduces Buster and the Christmas Parade, the third book in the popular Buster the Race Car series.

It may be chilly out, but rival race car Scuff's mean comments make Buster's oil run hotter than ever! When Coach Hog invites Scuff, who was alone at the holidays, to join Punchy Motorsports in the Christmas parade, Buster must navigate the difficult course of finding the true spirit of Christmas and traveling the festive parade route with his main competition.

This jacketed picture book

• is ideal for kids, ages 4 to 8;
• shows kids the importance of kindness and forgiveness, an especially important message during the Christmas season; and
• is a perfect gift for Christmas and Advent.

Ride along with Buster and enjoy this heartwarming story that is a perfect read for children who love race cars and Christmas adventures.

Check out the other books in the Buster the Race Car series:

• Buster's Trip to Victory Lane
• Buster Gets Back on Track

To Order

About Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is an American professional stock car racing driver, champion team owner, businessman, television analyst for NBC Sports Group, and inductee into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. 

He won a record 15-straight NASCAR Most Popular Driver awards from 2003 to 2017, consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championships in 1998 and 1999, and the prestigious Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014. 

He is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, including his 2018 book Racing to the Finish. Dale lives in Mooresville, North Carolina, with his wife, Amy, and their two daughters, Isla and Nicole.

My Review

Buster and The Christmas Parade is about being part of a team that works together. Buster shows the Christmas spirit by embracing a car that isn't part of the team. The book teaches and important message for young children about forgiveness.

The writing style fits the age group the book is written for, and the bright and colorful illustrations are exceptional and filled with emotion. The beautiful illustrations are fun to look at and well done fitting the book perfectly. The cover will catch the eye of young children and adults as well. A wonderful book to add to your child's library.

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

Review of New Release- Peril in Dry Springs by Kristina Hall

 

Dry Springs hasn’t seen the last of trouble.

Ira Burke is surviving—just barely thanks to an injury that about stole his ability to hold down a job. The fact that the new saloon owner finds him a threat further complicates matters, as does the town matchmaker’s attempts to marry him off to the woman who helped him during the war.

Patience Ashbee arrives in Dry Springs to care for the younger sister she hasn’t spoken to in six years. What she doesn’t expect to find is an acquaintance from the war—or the dangers that follow her all too closely.

Because peril has once again come to Dry Springs.

From Kristina Hall, author of women's Christian fiction, comes a historical novel featuring high stakes, faith, humor, and a hint of romance.

To Order

My Review

Peril in Dry Springs is a wonderful story set in 1867. My favorite character is Ira Burke, a colonel in the war who had quite a reputation. The rest of the characters are well-developed, making the story come to life.

The town of Dry Springs had its share of trouble since Thurlow came to town. There are some twists and, times of suspense, even some budding romance to balance things out. The story is well-written, the characters appear real, and the town descriptions made me feel like I was there.

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