Saturday, July 12, 2025

Review of Flight of Fate Blog Tour by Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

 



About the Book



Book: Flight of Fate (The Clockwork Chronicles Book Two)

Authors: Tricia Goyer & Nathan Goyer

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction with a Steampunk Twist

Release Date: June 10, 2025

When destined for destruction, fate must be challenged.

Curator Dante Ramono must remove the priceless Farnese Cup from its hidden vault in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli to protect it from Allied bombing. A swift betrayal places the cup in Nazi hands, but not before it reveals its mystical powers. To recover the cup, Dante must join forces with cunning Theodora. Can he trust her, or will he be deceived once more?

In Prague, Kateřina Dubová works to care for the Jews she’s hidden. In her hour of greatest need, her trusted friend, Josef, has seemingly vanished. Danger closes in, yet an unseen protector steps in again and again. Could it be Josef, hidden in the shadows?

The clock is ticking. Is the future set in stone, or can courage and faith change history? Together, these four unlikely guardians must defy the odds to stop the Germans’ dark ambitions or risk their very souls.

Betrayal, sacrifice, and destiny collide as unlikely heroes race to save a world at war from the power of a mystical relic.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review
Flight of Fate is an adventurous, historical fantasy with a steampunk flair. The descriptions of WWII and steampunk details throughout the book made it a fantasy beyond my imagination. It's a world where evil battles and things aren't always what they seem.

The characters are well-developed. There is deception, betrayal, a sense of budding romance, and the ability to try to stand up for the defenseless, at a time when trust is a precious commodity.

The storyline takes you on a roller-coaster ride that seamlessly weaves past historical details and steampunk. Parts of the story about the suffering of the Jews brought tears to my eyes, and there were times when I laughed due to playful banter. This is such a well-written book, and the historical details seemed well-researched.

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

 

About the Authors

Tricia Goyer is a celebrated writer, speaker, and co-host of the Daily Bible Podcast. Author of 80 books, Tricia has won four Golden Scrolls, two Carols, and a Christian Book Award. In addition to Christy and Gold Medallion nominations, her book sales exceed 4 million copies. Tricia is a highly sought-after conference speaker, sharing on writing, parenting, and purposeful living. Tricia’s most recent work, The Clockwork Chronicles, is a historical steampunk fantasy trilogy co-authored with her son, Nathan Goyer.



Nathan Goyer is an upstart designer and science fiction author who has been writing since he was young. He has written the novel Bask: City of Shadows and solo-developed the mobile RPG game Heedless, which has surpassed 30,000 downloads. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, he is now pushing forward with new endeavors, starting with his latest series, The Clockwork Chronicles, co-authored with his mother, Tricia Goyer.

More from Tricia and Nathan

Mafia in World War II? This One Fact Changed the Plot of Our Book

By Tricia Goyer and Nathan Goyer

Some discoveries in research are expected. You dig, and you find what you’re looking for. Others? Well, they blindside you. Sort of like a speeding Vespa on a crowded Italian street.

That’s what happened when Nathan and I were deep in research for Flight of Fate. I was already thrilled about weaving real history into our novel—especially the story of the Naples Museum during World War II and the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. (Yes, the very volcano that buried Pompeii in AD 79.) Turns out, this volcano wasn’t done causing trouble.) But what I didn’t expect was how one innocent question would change our entire book.

The Question That Changed Everything

I had been gathering all sorts of juicy details from my online friend Raffael Romano. Raffaele is an expert on Naples history, and he runs his own tour company. (If you ever want to explore Italy without leaving your couch, check out Naples Grand Tour—you won’t regret it!)

After an information-packed interview, I asked, “So, is there anything we didn’t ask about that we should?”

Raffaele paused. Then, as casually as if he were offering me an extra scoop of gelato, he said:

“You haven’t asked about the mafia.”

Excuse me, what?!

Yes, the Mafia Had a Secret Role in WWII

Up until that moment, I had been focused on mystical artifacts, Nazi theft, stolen artwork, and volcanic chaos. But suddenly, my brain was spinning in a whole new direction.

Because, yes—while American and British forces were battling the Axis in Italy, there was another power at play in the shadows.

The Sicilian Mafia (known as Cosa Nostra) had been suppressed under Mussolini’s fascist rule in the 1920s and ’30s. However, when Allied forces invaded Sicily in 1943, something surprising happened: the Mafia made a comeback. And not just any comeback—a strategic, calculated one.

The U.S. military, scrambling for allies on the ground, reportedly turned to some rather unusual sources for help. Enter Mafia boss Charles “Lucky” Luciano—yes, the American Mafia kingpin, who was conveniently in a New York prison at the time. In exchange for some leniency, he allegedly used his underworld connections to help Allied intelligence secure Sicily.

Meanwhile, in Naples—where part of our story takes place—the Mafia was alive and well. And they weren’t just smuggling black-market goods or running gambling rings—they were also influencing who had control of their country. (Hint: the Germans may got the boot outta the Boot!)

And Just Like That, A Different Story Emerged!

With this new information, our fictional world suddenly cracked wide open. How could we tie the Mafia into the world of ancient legends and steampunk warfare? Are they good? Evil? Somewhere in-between? We could twist those scenarios into tales of sacrifice and duty we had already explored in Breath of Bones. There were lots of directions we could go, and boy did we go!

This is Why We Love History

This is what we love about writing historical fiction. It’s like stepping into a time machine and realizing that real history is so much bigger than we imagined. Stories we think we know—like the Allied liberation of Italy—have so many hidden layers. Layers of ordinary people making impossible choices. Layers of forgotten heroes … and unexpected villains.

And, sometimes, layers of the Mafia.

So, the next time you watch a WWII movie and wonder, could the Mafia really have played a role in this?—the answer might just be yes. (And don’t worry. We’re not giving away too much of the plot by sharing this!)

Now, I’m curious—have you ever learned a historical fact that completely surprised you? Drop a comment, and let’s chat! And if you love history as much as I do, be sure to check out Naples Grand Tour for a deep dive into Italy’s incredible past! Tell Raffelo that Nathan and I send you and said, “Chao!” Also, be sure to check out Book One, Breath of Bones!

              Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 30

Simple Harvest Reads, July 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Texas Book-aholic, July 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 4 (Spotlight)

For Him and My Family, July 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 6

The Lofty Pages, July 7

Blossoms and Blessings, July 8

Book Looks by Lisa, July 9

Artistic Nobody, July 10 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, July 10

Lily’s Corner, July 11

Bizwings Book Blog, July 12

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 13


                  Giveaway



To celebrate their tour, Nathan and Tricia are giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a hardcover copy of Breath of Bones and Flight of Fate!!

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/00adcf54251 

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Takeover Blitz for Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink

 

Fire Mountain JustRead Takeover Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for Fire Mountain by Dana Mentink hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Fire Mountain 
Title: Fire Mountain 
Series: Elements of Danger #1 
Author: Dana Mentink 
Publisher: Revell 
Release Date: July 1, 2025 
Genre: Mystery & Romantic Suspense

Fire rains from above as they fight to discover the truth and stay alive.

In the shadow of a threatening volcano, long-haul trucker Kit Garrido wakes up in her crashed big rig, unable to recall what happened or why she's suddenly in possession of someone's baby. Fiercely independent, she has to admit that perhaps this time she could use a little help. 

 As the threat of eruption grows, former cop Cullen Landry refuses to leave his cabin in the evacuation area, which is why he's the only one left who can help Kit escape the crumpled cab of her truck. He doesn't want to get tangled up in the mystery of the beautiful woman with an abandoned infant, but when he sees the bullet hole in the windshield and the bloody handprint on the interior, he realizes that he's in this thing, like it or not. 

When two armed men with ill intent approach, the race is on to stay alive, discover the truth, and find the baby's missing mother--all while a deadly mountain rains fire from above.

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

Excerpt

He was still scanning the horizon, lost in thought. His gaze wandered back over the contents

of her cab, the wrecked steering wheel, the imploded glass. Eyes narrowing, he suddenly went

still for a long moment before he let out a low whistle. “We’ve got more problems than a math

textbook.”

She felt like laughing. “Besides the fact that I was in a crash and now we’re stranded

somewhere in an evacuation area near a volcano that’s about to erupt?”

He scrubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Yeah, besides that.”

She tried for a calming breath, but it hurt coming in and going out. “Like what?”

He pointed. “Take a look for yourself.”

At first she could not understand the significance of the little round hole punched in the driver’s

side window or the second one two inches below it. “Are those . . .”

“Bullet holes. Yes, ma’am.”

She gaped. “Someone . . . shot at me?”

“Appears that way. Could explain why you crashed.” “Who would do that?”

“Great question. Carrying precious cargo?” “I don’t—”

He cut her off with a sigh. “Remember. Right.”

A shooter had tried to kill her? Steal her cargo? And was possibly still out there? Cullen stood

motionless, watch- ing her. He was a stranger . . . with no vehicle visible that she could see.

He indicated something else with a jut of his chin. She looked. A splotch of red caught her

attention, and she gasped. The small print on the passenger window was a bloody, partial

outline of a hand. Cold inched along her nerves.


His brows drew together, lines bracketing his fore- head. “Not your blood. You were still

strapped in when I arrived.”

“And not yours?”

He held up his calloused palms as if she were attempt- ing to rob him. “No blood, and that’s

a tiny print. I got big hands.”

Someone had pushed their way out of her truck. Some- one bleeding. “I was alone. I never

travel with anyone else.”

“Until today maybe.”

“No. I was alone.”

“Ms. Kit, we can talk about that after we’re clear of this location. Gotta get out. Take us

‘bout a half hour to reach my truck. Let’s stick to the trees in case whoever it is hasn’t

left.”

Dana Mentink, Fire Mountain

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2025. Used by permission


About the Author

Dana Mentink

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author. She's written more than 50 mystery and suspense novels for Love Inspired Suspense, Harvest House, and Poisoned Pen Press. Winner of two ACFW Carol Awards, a Holt Medallion Award, and a Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, Dana lives in Northern California with her husband.

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


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a copy of Fire Mountain and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Fire Mountain JustRead Takeover Blitz Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 9, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on July 16, 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Review of Secrets of the Revolution Blog Tour by Megan Soja

 

 


About the Book



Book: Secrets of the Revolution

Author: Megan Soja

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: June 10, 2025

The cause of liberty brought them together. Will it also tear them apart?

Hannah Pierce is determined to keep her father‘s apothecary shop running, despite his failing health, the heavy burden of her mother’s recent death, and the mysterious disappearance of her brother. She’ll do whatever it takes to preserve her family’s legacy, including joining a dangerous ring of patriot spies…and falling for a revolutionary printer with a brave heart.

William Abbott always keeps his promises. He vowed long ago to never abandon those in need like his father did. So when new British acts of Parliament threaten Boston and endanger his family, he throws himself into serving the Patriot cause, using his position at the printing office to gather and spread intelligence. But when his clandestine role in the newly formed spy ring causes him to cross paths with the apothecary’s beautiful daughter, he may find himself fighting for more than the cause.

As tensions in Boston reach a breaking point, Will and Hannah find their bond deepening even as the noose tightens around the spy ring. When promises and determination are not enough to protect the ones they love, they’ll need to trust God if they are to survive what is to come.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

This is the first book by this author that I have read. I am now a fan. She has woven a believable tale about Will and Hannah and how their love blooms despite the impending Revolutionary War.

The author's ability to weave actual events from history along with fictional aspects is amazing. It made me feel like I was there experiencing it. The storyline contains times of grief, intrigue, mystery, love of family, and a very present sense of faith in God.

I admired Will and Hannah's strength, courage, and faith. The story kept me engaged within the pages, and I couldn't put it down. It's a page-turner as well.

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

 

About the Author



Megan Soja is a multi-award-winning author who writes stories with strong faith, rich history, and sweet romance. She lives in western NY with her husband and two daughters and loves having adventures, both big and small, with her family. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, and playing French Horn.

 

 

 

 

More from Megan

In Secrets of the Revolution, my hero and heroine, Will and Hannah, are both drawn into participating in a Patriot spy ring in Boston. As I was planning their story, I drew inspiration from a group of famous real-life spies that operated in New York City during the American Revolution – the Culper Ring.

The Culper Ring was established in 1778 and successfully ran for five years without a single spy being discovered. Even today, we do not know the identity of all the members. They used a variety of methods to communicate, including ciphers, codes, and invisible ink, all of which served as inspiration for details in my story. I even used some of the numerical codes from the actual Culper Code Book to encrypt a letter that Will receives.

While researching the Culper Ring, I came across an especially interesting woman – Anna Smith Strong – and I knew she would be the perfect model for the part that Hannah plays in Secrets of the Revolution.

Anna’s role in the spy ring was to relay signals when information had been left at a specific location. Her family farm on Seaton’s Neck in Long Island provided prime location for her work, and she communicated through a brilliantly simple manner that went undetected throughout its operation. When a message was ready to be picked up amongst the coves of Long Island, Anna would hang a black petticoat on her clothesline, followed by a number of white handkerchiefs to indicate which location to use. Her clothing signal was easily spotted by fellow spy Caleb Brewster, who would periodically row out into the Sound, or Abraham Woodhull, whose nearby farm provided a clear view. The Culper Ring accomplished more than any other spy network during the war, thanks in part to Anna’s work.

As you discover Hannah’s role in Secrets of the Revolution, I hope that knowing Anna’s real history makes my story come to life all the more!

                    Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, June 26

Pens Pages & Pulses, June 26

Devoted Steps, June 27

Books You Can Feel Good About, June 28

Texas Book-aholic, June 29

To Everything There Is A Season, June 29

Inkwell Inspirations, June 30

Simple Harvest Reads, June 30 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 1

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 2

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 3

Blossoms and Blessings, July 3

Babbling Becky L’ Book Impressions, July 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 5

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 6

Pause for Tales, July 6

Cover Lover Book Review, July 7

For Him and My Family, July 8

Bizwings Book Blog, July 9

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, July 9


                  Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Megan 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/00adcf54248

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Review of To Love a Beast Blog Tour by Karen Witemeyer

 

 


About the Book



Book: To Love a Beast (One Upon a Time in Texas Book One)

Author: Karen Witemeyer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: June 10, 2025

Beauty & the Beast in 1800’s Texas.

Once known among New York’s elite as the American Adonis, Everett Griffin now lives as a recluse in the wilds of Texas. The treachery of a former admirer left his face and his spirit riddled with scars, so he hides himself away, his only companions a trio of trusted servants and an oversized dog. Locals whisper of the beastly man who lives in the gloomy manor outside of town and his tendency to attack anyone who dares approach. Everett relishes his fearsome reputation and uses it as a shield to guard his privacy. Until a young woman as stubborn as she is beautiful infiltrates his sanctum and lays siege to his defenses.

When an injury to her father jeopardizes the family’s book binding business, Callista Rosenfeld determines to fulfill the contract herself, and no insufferable client or woman-eating dog will deter her. Finding unlikely allies among Mr. Griffin’s staff, Callista secures her position and sets to work transforming the manor’s remarkable library. Her employer transforms as well, his ill-tempered growls subsiding to reveal a considerate, intellectual nature. Affection blooms as Callista and Everett discover hidden depths in each other, but the evil schemes of a vengeful hunter threaten to leave their love and their lives in tatters.

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

To Love a Beast is a Beauty and the Beast story with an unexpected twist. It is a story you won't forget anytime soon. The characters will come across as very real, with strengths and weaknesses, and in the end, an amazing amount of faith. I enjoyed this story so much. It is filled with depth, compassion, faith, redemption, danger, and love.

The characters are well-developed, and the layers come off slowly as I turned the pages. Once handsome and through a past out of his control, Everett Griffin has changed more ways than he realizes, especially when a female bookbinder, Calista Rosenfield, comes calling to work on his library. Working under her father at their shop in Texas, she is sent in his place due to her father's injury. She finds more than she ever imagined.

I read the story in one sitting; I couldn't put it down. There was so much going on to hold my attention until the very end, which wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

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

 

About the Author



Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband. Learn more about Karen and her books at her website.

 

 

 

More from Karen

Having Fun with Character Names

I was a college student when the Disney animated adaptation of Beauty and the Beast released, and it instantly became my favorite fairy tale of all time. As a bookish young woman myself, I found Belle so relatable, and the rest of the cast delighted me as well. Throughout my Texas Ever After series and continuing with this new Once Upon a Time in Texas series, I’ve enjoyed paying homage to the Disney characters who inspired my western retellings. To Love a Beast is no different.



Let’s start with our beastly hero, Everett Griffin. The name Everett means “wild boar” and a griffin is a mythological beast with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. Quite fitting for our Beast. Next is the lovely Callista Rosenfeld, a book binder and novel lover. Callista means “most beautiful,” perfect for our Beauty. Rosenfeld references the enchanted rose that plays such a key role in the fairy tale plot.

Next, we have our supporting cast. Mrs. Potter is our motherly housekeeper who invites Callista to tea on a regular basis. Our stuffy butler playing the role of Cogsworth is Mr. Timens. Notice the TIME in his name that pays homage to the clock-faced Disney character. Everett’s valet and best friend is Ray Lightfoot, who’s name plays with the candlestick image with both his first and last name.

I love having fun with my character names and giving them additional story meaning. You’ll find more Beauty and the Beast Easter eggs in my story as well. Those elements make the story so fun to write, and I hope you will find it incredibly fun to read as well.

Happy Reading!

~Karen

                     Blog Stops

Maureen’s Musings, June 27

Melissa’s Bookshelf, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

The Important Things in Life: God, Books, & Chocolate , June 28

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 29

Inspired by Fiction, June 29

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions , June 30

Where Faith and Books Meet, June 30

Devoted Steps, July 1

Sylvan Reads, July 1

She Lives To Read, July 1

Texas Book-aholic, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 2

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 3

Blogging With Carol, July 3

Stories By Gina, July 4 (Author Interview)

Labor Not in Vain, July 4

For Him and My Family, July 5

Holly’s Book Corner , July 5

Jeanette’s Thoughts, July 6

Jodie Wolfe, July 6

The Lit Lady, July 7

Wishful Endings, July 7

Bizwings Book Blog, July 8

Life on Chickadee Lane, July 8

Books You Can Feel Good About, July 9

Mary Hake, July 9

To Everything There Is A Season, July 10

Life Love Writing, July 10

Min Reads and Reviews, July 10

                     Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of an eBook copy of the book and Beauty & the Beast themed goodies!!

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/00adcf54249

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

THE AFTERMATH: Ladies of Oberlin Book 3 by Tamara Lynn Kraft Blog Tour

 


 

About the Book



Book: THE AFTERMATH: Ladies of Oberlin Book 3

Author: Tamera Lynn Kraft

Genre: Historical

Release Date: February 1, 2025

Betsy loves her husband, Nate, but losing his leg in the Civil War has changed him. He never touched alcohol before the war, but now he’s turning into a drunk. She doesn’t know how to help him, but to save their marriage, she’s going to do everything she can. If only she can figure out how.

Tormented by the loss of his leg, Nate feels worthless. His drinking only makes things worse, but he can’t stop. It’s only a matter of time before he drives Betsy away. Why did God allow this to happen? What does he owe God now, after this betrayal?

Nate’s anger and bitterness are building a wall that neither he nor Betsy can break down of climb over. Only God can help them, but Nate is no longer on speaking terms with the Lord. Is there any hope for them?

 

Click here to get your copy!

My Review
The Aftermath is an interesting story with characters that have many layers. Nate's problems have affected him deeply and he turned to the wrong thing for comfort. He does learn some very important lessons along the way.

His wife, Betsy, is loving, but struggles with the reality that Nate could make such a drastic change. She doubts he can stay with it. I loved the Christian content in the story which weaved throughout seamlessly.

The Aftermath is a story about friends helping one another, second chances, redemption, and forgiveness. Loved the ending.

I was given a complimentary ARC by the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

About the Author



In her spare time, Tamera Lynn Kraft loves to watch classic movies, drink quality teas, and ride on roller coasters, but not while drinking tea. She does drink tea while writing and working as managing editor for Mt Zion Ridge Press, a traditional Christian publishing company. She has always loved adventures and loves to write historical fiction set in the United States because there are so many stories in American history. Forks in the Road, The Aftermath, Lost in the Storm, Red Sky Over America, Anna’s Christmas Promise, Alice’s Notions, and Resurrection of Hope are among her published works, some of which have won awards.

Tamera has been married for a very long time to the love of her life, Rick, and has two married adult children and the most adorable and smartest grandchildren in the world. She was a children’s pastor for over 20 years. She is now the leader of a ministry called Revival Fire for Kids where she mentors and coaches children’s leaders, teaches workshops, and is a children’s ministry consultant and children’s evangelist. She has written children’s church curriculum including Building Foundations and is a recipient of the 2007 National Children’s Leaders Association Shepherd’s Cup for lifetime achievement in children’s ministry.

More from Tamera

Oberlin College: Ahead of It’s Time

 All three of my Ladies of Oberlin books feature women who graduated from Oberlin College shortly before the Civil War. Oberlin College, founded in 1833 in Northern Ohio, was a college ahead of its time in many ways. In 1835, it became the first college in the United States to regularly admit African Americans. It’s also the oldest co-educational college in the US. In 1837, it admitted four women, three of whom graduated and earned a college degree. Mary Jane Patterson, another Oberlin graduate, became the first African American woman in 1862 to earn a Bachelor of Arts college degree.

One of Oberlin’s founders once bragged that “Oberlin is peculiar in that which is good”. Oberlin was peculiar in many ways in advancing the causes of the time. Charles Finney, the second president of the college, helped it earn its controversial reputation. He was the founder of the Second Great Awakening, a Christian revivalist movement in the early and mid 1800s.

Oberlin College was the hotbed of abolitionist activity and a stop for the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. It was once called “the town that started the Civil War” because of its participation in the Oberlin Wellington Rescue in 1858. Slave catchers came to Oberlin to capture an escaped slave and return him to Kentucky. Most of the town came to the slave’s aid and rescued him. For their trouble, over twenty were arrested and put on trial for violating the Fugitive Slave Act. During the raid on Harper’s Ferry by John Brown, three men from Oberlin participated.

Oberlin graduates have been involved in all of the movements of the late 1800s including abolition, women’s suffrage, the suffrage movement, and education as well as many charities and helped shape the nation for the twentieth century.

Oberlin was also very well known in the missionary movement of the late 1800s. Between 1860 and 1900, 90% of missionaries sent overseas by the American Missionary Society were graduates of Oberlin College. Between 1899 and 1901, thirteen missionaries from Oberlin were martyred during the Boxer Rebellion of China. An arch in Tappan Square at the center of Oberlin pays honor to their sacrifices.

                   Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 21

Simple Harvest Reads, June 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 23

Holly’s Book Corner, June 24

Artistic Nobody, June 25 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, June 25

Guild Master, June 26 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 27

Fiction Book Lover, June 28 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, June 28

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, June 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, July 1

Bizwings Book Blog, July 2

Cover Lover Book Review, July 3

                     Giveaway


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

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

Enter Giveaway

Monday, June 30, 2025

Review of New Release- Framed in Amish County by Mary Alford


To prove her innocence she’ll have to expose a lethal conspiracy.


A frantic call from her best friend sends district attorney Paige Grayson running right into a trap—and now she’s being framed for her friend’s murder. With the police after her and evidence against her stacking up, she seeks refuge in Amish country—and the help of her first love, Elijah King, to clear her name. To expose the drug dealer setting Paige up, they must work together while evading a ruthless criminal and the police. With threats closing in and time running out, one wrong move could be their last.

From Love Inspired Courage. Danger. Faith.

https://www.amazon.com/Framed-Amish-Country-Mary-Alford-ebook/dp/B0DFQDR5HG


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the un-expected, whether it be in a rugged mountain setting or a peaceful Amish community.


Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher’s Weekly Bestselling List, and have been finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.


Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Face-book and Twitter or any social platforms listed at www.maryalford.net.


My Review

Another great read. I was so engrossed in the story that I couldn't put it down. I read it in one sitting. The action was non-stop with lots of danger. Paige and Elijah, her Amish ex-boyfriend, run for their lives. Murders, corruption, drug dealing, and a second chance romance will have you flipping the pages quickly.

The main characters are excellent, well-fleshed out with many layers, and I found myself rooting for them. The Ghost and his associates were relentless in the hunt. The story had many twists that left me holding my breath, wondering what would happen next.

The ending had a couple of surprises but wrapped everything up nicely. I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.