Friday, February 24, 2023

Book Blast for Family Gatherings at Promise Lodge by Charlotte Hubbard

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Charlotte Hubbard will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 

In the year since he lost his wife in a tragic accident, Lester Lehman has found healing and purpose—helping construct Dale Kraybill’s new bulk store, enjoying the Kuhn sisters’ hearty meals, and settling in a tiny, built-for-one lakeside house. Falling in love again is surely not on Lester’s mind. Yet despite his firm “no,” two available ladies have set their kapps on the handsome widower—in a boisterous rivalry that weaves mayhem among Gloria’s wedding festivities.

A welcome escape comes from a fresh-faced newcomer. Marlene Fisher disarms Lester with her witty quips on his romantic predicament, while her sparkling eyes inspire surprising thoughts of a shared future. But the heartbreak that brought Marlene to Promise Lodge runs deep, and the pretty maidel believes she’s not meant to marry. In a season of vows to love and honor, scripture holds the key to building their happiness together: love is kind, and above all patient.

Read an Excerpt

Out-of-town families would start arriving today to attend his niece Gloria’s wedding on Wednesday as well as Laura Hershberger’s wedding on Thursday when they married the Helmuth brothers, Cyrus and Jonathan—but for now, Lester could revel in the hush of a solitary sunny afternoon. Living alone in his tidy house all winter had taught him a sense of self-reliance that had cleared his soul—had given him an unencumbered sense of freedom he’d never expected. His bobbing dock rocked him like a cradle. He felt far, far removed from the grief and despair that had followed the loss of his wife, his son, and his brother last spring, and as Lester eased into a state of semi-sleep, he knew the true meaning of inner peace.

At long last, all was well with his life. With the help of his family and friends here at Promise Lodge, he was moving forward . . . floating on the fluffy clouds of a nap . . .

“Yoo-hoo! Lester, honey! Thanks to Delores, I’ve found you!”

Lester jerked awake. Whose voice was that? and why had she implied that his dear, deceased wife had led her here?

When he opened one eye, he saw a pudgy little woman starting across the expanse of grass that surrounded Rainbow Lake. Her brown cape dress fluttered around her thick legs as she hurried toward him. Clutching her kapp with one hand to keep it from flying off her head, Lester’s uninvited guest appeared so excited—and in such a state of overexertion—that he feared she might be bringing on a heart attack. He remained absolutely still, hoping she’d believe he was asleep.

“My stars, here you are at long last!” she blurted out, huffing between phrases. “I’ve ridden all the way from Sugarcreek—for Gloria’s wedding—because with my Harvey gone—Delores has been telling me—for quite some time now—that she wants me to take care of you, Lester! So here I am! Because I know better than to—to ignore heavenly guidance.”

Lester sighed. Agnes Plank, his wife’s best friend, had never known the meaning of silence. She barely drew a breath at the end of one sentence before she shot headlong into her next burst of words. There would be no ignoring her now that she’d almost reached his dock, so Lester reluctantly raised the back of his chaise. All hope for a nap was gone. He felt a headache prickling around his temples.


My Review

Promise Lodge, an Amish Community, with the addition of new residents, has become a loving, helpful community of peace of quiet. That is until Lester, a widower is visited by two women from his past and an agenda he isn't ready for.

The story has a lot of twists to it and many humorous instances. But then it has it's sorrowful and upsetting circumstances as well. This is one of the best Amish stories I've read. The author's descriptions of the setting transported me to where the characters appeared real and I felt the warmth of community coming together.

The characters are well-developed with many layers. A sweet romance evolved as the two people learned about trust, forgiveness, and the ability to love again. Highly recommended.

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

About the Author:





In 1983, Charlotte Hubbard sold her first story to True Story. She wrote around 70 of those confession stories, and she’s sold more than 50 books to traditional or online publishers. A longtime resident of Missouri, she’s currently writing Amish romances set in imaginary Missouri towns for Kensington. She now lives in Omaha, NE with her husband and their Border collie, Vera.

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Thursday, February 16, 2023

Blog Tour Alaskan Avalanche Escape by Darlene L. Turner

 

Alaskan Avalanche Escape JustRead Blog Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Alaskan Avalanche Escape by Darlene L. Turner, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Alaskan Avalanche Escape Title: Alaskan Avalanche Escape 
Author: Darlene L. Turner 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: February 21, 2023 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Sabotage in the mountains…

Can this K-9 sniff out the truth? 

After surviving a sudden avalanche, mountain survival expert Jayla Hoyt and her search-and-rescue K-9 discover that it was no accident—someone deliberately triggered the mountain explosion. To uncover the culprit, she’ll have to partner with Alaska park ranger Bryson Clarke, a man she doesn’t trust. But when the investigators become targets, can they capture the criminal mastermind…before they’re buried alive? 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 



MY REVIEW

Jayla and her K-9 Rescue Dog, Hercules, lead search and rescue units from the Yukon on into Alaska. Searching for avalanche victims, she finds Bryon Clake is part of her team. They have an unpleasant past.

The storyline is fraught with tension, danger, intrigue, multiple rescue attempts, and renewed faith. There are lots of twists to the story as Jayla and Bryson hunt for an unknown assailant. The story is non-stop action and I was hooked from the beginning trying to figure out who was behind everything.
The ending was a surprise but wrapped everything up nicely. Highly recommended.

I received an early ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Also Available

Border Breach Abducted in Alaska Explosive Christmas Showdown


About the Author

Darlene L. Turner

Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message.

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

Tour Giveaway

(4) winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Alaskan Avalanche Escape JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 13, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 20, 2023. 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.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Detecting Secrets Blog & Review Tour by Sami A. Abrams

 

Detecting Secrets JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Detecting Secrets by Sami A. Abrams, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Detecting Secrets Title: Detecting Secrets 
Series: Deputies of Anderson County #3 
Author: Sami A. Abrams 
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense 
Release Date: February 21, 2023 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Tracking the scents of the missing

might be the only way to save them. 

Partnered with her air-scent dog and Sheriff Dennis Monroe, marriage and family therapist Charlotte Bradley is desperate to put an end to a black-market baby smuggling ring in Anderson County. Who is kidnapping the pregnant girls she counsels and taking their babies? As Charlotte searches for answers, she and Dennis must dodge gunfire and deadly attacks. But the sinister agenda they uncover just might include her. 

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith. 





MY REVIEW

Detecting Secrets has a wonderful storyline full of suspense, drama, playful banter, intrigue, and a touch of romance. Everything a good book needs to make it great.

Charlotte and her "air scent" dog, Theo, look for missing pregnant teenagers. A body is found and it sets up the story which evolved much bigger than I expected. Charlotte's past comes back to haunt her. Lots of twists to the plot, non-stop action, and a stream of suspects that kept growing.

The ending was surprising. A hard to put down read. Highly recommended.

I received an early ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Julie


Other Books In Series

Buried Cold Case Secrets Twin Murder Mix-Up



About the Author

Sami A. Abrams

Award-winning, bestselling author Sami Abrams grew up hating to read. It wasn’t until her 30’s that she found authors that captured her attention. Now, most evenings, you can find her engrossed in a Romantic Suspense. In her opinion, a crime and a little romance is the recipe for a great story.

She lives in Northern California, but she will always be a Kansas girl at heart. She has a love of sports, family, and travel. However, a cabin at Lake Tahoe writing her next story is definitely at the top of her list. Connect with Sami by visiting samiaabrams.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will receive a copy of Detecting Secrets (print US only, ebook international) and a $10 Amazon gift card!

Detecting Secrets JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 21, 2023. 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 print. Ebook international. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Thursday, February 9, 2023

New Release- The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin





Description

When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden.

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream. While printing resistance newspapers, she hears stories of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--and wonders if the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse has something to hide.

When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence. Bestselling author of more than a dozen WWII novels, Sarah Sundin offers pens another story of ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with faith, fortitude, and hope for a brighter future.

To Purchase


My Review

 The Sound of Light was an exciting but heart-wrenching read. The storyline set in Denmark in 1940 covers Germany's occupation and the rounding up of Jewish people.


Herick Ahlefedt plays a crucial part in the resistance and has an alias to cover his actions. His growth throughout the story amazed me. Sacrifices, courage and the unknown take him to places he could not have imagined. Elsa Jenson, a physicist working in the Physics lab in Copenhagen, fights to hold her job as a woman and gets wrapped up in the resistance.

I loved the historical aspects of the story and simply couldn't put it down. There is a lot of gut-wrenching edge-of-your-seat moments as well as moments of tenderness and love. The characters were well-developed with many layers and I enjoyed all of them. I highly recommend this engaging and inspirational story where faith in God shines through.

I received an ARC from the publisher and voluntarily choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

New Release- My Review of Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard

 



Book 1 in the Missing in Alaska Series

Description

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job when an unexpected wave of violent crime sweeps through her small Alaskan town. Does Grier Brenner, a relative newcomer to town, actually have her back? Or is she all alone as the body count rises?

To Purchase


My Review

I feel that Cold Light of Day is one of the author's best. I was engaged in the story from the beginning. The intrigue, adventure, the chase, and slow-burn romance kept me on the edge of my seat.

The main characters sucked me in right away, as I rooted for them as they tried to keep alive while trying to solve the small-town murders. There were so many twists and turns in the story which kept me guessing what would happen next.

This book is a Christian suspense of epic storytelling and I couldn't put it down. Elizabeth Goddard delivered big time! Highly recommended.

I received an ARC from the publisher and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

The Confession Musical by Blue Gate Musicals





Based on the New York Times Best-selling books by Beverly Lewis featuring Emmy-nominated comedian/actress Chonda Pierce and famed multi-talented actor, singer, and Broadway performer John Schneider.

The Confession Musical tells the story of an Amish Family in turmoil when their daughter is told the love of her life has died. Katie then discovers her parents have kept a secret from her - she is adopted, and her birth mother is urgently attempting to contact her. Katie’s birth mother is dying of cancer and only wants to be reunited with the daughter she gave up. Katie disobeys her parents and embarks on a journey filled with twists and turns, deceit and imposters as she seeks the mother she never knew.

Mystery, intrigue, and romance are woven together with Broadway-caliber music under the direction of award-winning producer Dan Posthuma and film director Steve Yake. Wally Nason’s songs are dramatic, and Emmy-nominated scribe Martha Bolton sprinkles in comedy as the screen is filled with over 20 actors and dancers, supported by spectacular visuals.




My Review of the Musical

I have read the book by Beverly Lewis and watched the movie, but this was an extra special treat for me. Nothing like a musical adaptation with great actors/actresses, a great script, and wonderful music. I loved it!

The actors/actresses sang with so much emotion and played their parts well. I watched with mixed emotions; sometimes laughing and other times in tears.

There are some very powerful moments in this musical that will touch your heart in a profound way. The redemption theme is strong as well as the love of Christ.  I highly recommend going to the theatre to view this wonderful Amish love story.

 Order your tickets now to see The Confession Musical Movie with John Schneider and Chonda Pierce. You will Sing, Dance, Laugh, and Gasp in this new film from Blue Gate Musicals! ONLY IN MOVIE THEATERS ON FEBRUARY 20.











Monday, February 6, 2023

My Review of Becoming His Masterpiece: Reflect and Pray Editon by Sharon Collins




Becoming His Masterpiece: Reflect and Pray Edition is a feast for the eyes and food for the soul. This unique devotional book pairs stunning abstract art with Christian devotionals providing readers with encouragement and spiritual sustenance along the lifelong discipleship journey. 

Author/artist, Sharon Collins shares the profound spiritual lessons God is teaching her as a painter and writer. She thinks of her devotionals as conversations with her readers, confiding the joys and blessings as well as failures and struggles along the path to becoming God's masterpiece. Sharon writes with energy and refreshing candor. Her vivid paintings reflect the beauty, love, and grace that a relationship with Jesus Christ brings to believers. 

This Reflect and Pray Edition includes not only new arrangements of the same fifty-two devotional/painting pairings from Sharon's original devotional book, Becoming His Masterpiece but also the opportunity for readers to dig deeper into each devotional with thought-provoking questions and space for journaling.

To Purchase


Giveaway

                            About the Author


Sharon Collins’ life is proof of the adage, “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” She never envisioned herself as an author or artist. After a career using her brain’s left side, she retired with plans of enjoying new grandchildren and providing leadership for women’s Bible study at her church. But God had plans for her brain’s right side.

In March 2018, five months after her first painting class, Sharon felt the Lord’s call to create a website to post devotionals paired with her paintings. Although totally unequipped for all these tasks, God faithfully provided for her needs. When not painting and writing, Sharon and her husband, Ron, love to travel.

The current count is 45+ countries and all seven continents. Sharon also loves to spoil her four grandkids who know that their “Nonni” will give them ice cream for breakfast.

Learn more about Sharon at her website: www.becominghismasterpiece.com


My Review

Becoming His Masterpiece is a 52-week devotional paired with beautifully designed abstract paintings by the author for each week of the year. The Christian accompanying messages are a partly personal accounting of God's messages to her to pass along to encourage others as well as encouraging Biblical Scriptures on lessons to reflect on. At the end of the devotional is a specific call to prayer.

Throughout the devotional are blank pages to write your thoughts as God lays them on your heart. The devotional is a large-sized book with plenty of blank pages for your notes.

This a very well-thought-out devotional with encouraging and uplifting messages to lead you on your walk with the Lord.  I received a complimentary copy from the author and willingly choose to review it. All opinions are my own.

Thanks for reading my review. God bless.

Julie



Thursday, February 2, 2023

Review of Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

 


Description:

Winner of the 2022 Christy Award for Historical Romance


"With meticulous historical research and an eye for both mystery and romance, Sundin rises to the top of World War II fiction in this latest novel."--Library Journal starred review

***

As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.

Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.

Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.


TO PURCHASE


MY REVIEW

The storyline set in Paris just before the occupation of the Germans was described well by the author. Lucille Girard is a ballet dancer with Paris Opera Ballet. With the onset of Jewish persecution, Lucille quits the ballet and buys Green Leaf Books owned by a Jewish couple. Paul Aubrey owns the Aubrey Automobile plant in Paris and is a widower with a three-year-old daughter. With the start of the resistance, they both find themselves involved in a dangerous situation.

I found myself rooting for the main characters as daily situations changed. The characters of Lucille and Paul had many layers and I admired their bravery, courage, selfless desire to help others, and their ability to hold onto their faith. Paul's daughter, Josie, was a wonder. Her creativity and ability to be courageous beyond her years were amazing.

Keep the tissues on hand as you follow them on their journey. I laughed and cried as I was swept up in the storyline. What a joy to read this well-written story. One of the author's best. Highly recommended.
Julie





About the Author

Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the bestselling and Christy Award-winning author of The Sound of Light (coming February 2023), Until Leaves Fall in Paris (2022), When Twilight Breaks (2021), and several World War II series.

Sarah's novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist. Until Leaves Fall in Paris received the 2022 Christy Award, When Twilight Breaks and The Land Beneath Us were finalists for the Christy Award, and The Sky Above Us won the 2020 Carol Award.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in Southern California and enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups. Sarah serves as Co-Director for the West Coast Christian Writers Conference. Please visit Sarah at www.sarahsundin.com, on Facebook at SarahSundinAuthor, on Twitter at @sarahsundin, and on Instagram at @sarahsundinauthor.